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Best French Restaurants in Berkeley

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18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1624)
Price: Expensive
• French • Berkeley
Booked 8 times today
Julia's Restaurant in Berkeley stands as a beacon of French cuisine, offering a delightful array of dishes that transport diners straight to France with every bite. Nestled in the historic Berkeley City Club, the restaurant's ambiance complements its cuisine, providing an elegant backdrop reminiscent of a French château. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "fabulous lamb," "exceptional risotto," and escargot that are "fab!!" served with garlic, parsley butter. The innovative approach to traditional French favorites, like the onion soup with a "fab soup base" topped with melted Compté or Gruyère, showcases Julia's commitment to culinary excellence. As one diner perfectly sums it up, "So glad to experience an excellent French restaurant — a rarity these days."
A photo of Perle Wine Bar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(154)
Price: Expensive
• French • Oakland
Booked 7 times today
Perle is a neighborhood wine bar, specializing in french-California focused cuisine. We strive to casually exceed our customer's expectations with interesting food options and a wine list that is varied and affordable. Two San Francisco restaurant personalities, Chef Rob Lam from Butterfly & Sommelier Marcus Garcia from Fleur de Lys decided to open a hip and comfortable wine lounge and restaurant loaded with great wines, spirits, craft cocktails and beer... In the small, quaint, Montclair village in the hills of Oakland. House specialties include caviar, oysters, mussels and other gems of the sea... classic fromage and charcuterie... to a burger considered one of Oakland's best! Currently in San Francisco Chronicle's Top French Restaurants!!!
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(67)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 55 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of Left Bank - Jack London Square restaurant
4.5
Awesome(528)
Price: Moderate
• French • Oakland
Booked 20 times today
Left Bank Brasserie in Jack London Square, Oakland, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary French/American cuisine. Nestled by the Oakland waterfront, it offers a culinary journey into the heart of Paris with a menu that features authentic French dishes like beef bourguignon and escargot, crafted with local and organic ingredients. Patrons rave about its "incredible ambiance" and "AMAZING food," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity shines through its extensive cocktail menu and expertly-curated wine selection, complementing the vibrant, social atmosphere that captures the joie de vivre of a true Parisian brasserie. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Left Bank promises a memorable experience with every visit.
A photo of O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(457)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 13 times today
O' by Claude Le Tohic, located in the vibrant heart of Downtown/Union Square San Francisco, offers an exceptional dining experience that epitomizes the best of Contemporary French cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant, under the expert helm of Chef Claude Le Tohic, presents a culinary journey with its meticulously crafted tasting menus. Guests rave about the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with dishes described as "works of art." Notably, the restaurant's service is consistently lauded as "impeccable" and "attentive," enhancing the luxurious yet welcoming ambiance. Whether it's the delicate arrangement of a five-course meal or the grandeur of the nine-course feast, each bite at O' is a celebration of modern French gastronomy at its finest. As one diner put it, "The best meal of my life - worth every penny!!", O' by Claude Le Tohic stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in San Francisco.
A photo of Reve restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2536)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Lafayette
Booked 13 times today
Rêve, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Lafayette, is a delightful escape to a classic French bistro right in the heart of the suburbs. Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Paul Magu-Lecugy, Rêve has been consistently recognized for its superb culinary offerings, including accolades like the Michelin recognition in 2021 & 2022, and being an Open Table guest favorite from 2017-2023. The restaurant's authentic French cuisine, such as the perfectly cooked scallops and the sumptuous lamb stew, has been lauded by diners for its authenticity and excellence. With glowing reviews like "the most delicious food in a 50-mile radius" and "every single table... thoroughly enjoying themselves," it's clear that Rêve is a standout for those seeking a genuine taste of Contemporary French cuisine. The combination of a warm, inviting atmosphere, impeccable service, and dishes that transport you straight to Paris make Rêve a must-visit culinary destination.
A photo of Bombay Brasserie restaurant
3.9
Excellent(33)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 12 times today
Welcome to Bombay Brasserie, where the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine meets the elegance of French culinary artistry in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. Enjoy a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, meticulously crafted with a French twist to elevate traditional dishes. Dive into an evening that’s as bold as it is creative and experience a harmonious blend of two world-renowned cuisines, where every bite is a symphony of heritage and sophistication.
A photo of Le Parc Bistrobar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(62)
Price: Moderate
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 7 times today
Le Parc Bistrobar is a delightful French restaurant in Union Square, San Francisco, nestled within the Galleria Park Hotel. Led by the renowned 2-star Michelin Chef Bruno Chemel, this bistro offers a culinary escapade that perfectly complements the city's refined tastes. The menu at Le Parc Bistrobar is a tribute to classic French cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring out the rich, traditional flavors in every dish. The lounge bar provides a wide variety of wines and cocktails to enhance the gourmet experience.
A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(26)
Price: Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 14 times today
Nestled in the vibrant SOMA district of San Francisco, Saison Cellar & Wine Bar is a paradise for oenophiles and gourmands alike. Lauded for its "out-of-this-world good" wine list, Saison showcases an intricate collection that "leans heavily into France" while also honoring remarkable global and local Northern Californian producers. Patrons are treated to an enticing French wine bar fare, perfectly paired with a meticulously curated wine selection by Mark Bright and his team of sommeliers. The ambiance, described as classic "Saison blue," along with regular winemaker events, crafts a truly immersive experience. A patron praised, "the wine matches were paired and delivered beautifully," highlighting the exceptional quality and authenticity of Saison’s wine offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exemplary wine bar experience.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2108)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 32 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jeannievip
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lovely dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday. We sat out on the outdoor patio which was nice and cozy despite the chilly weather that evening. Our server Arlene was friendly and gracious, providing the right level of attentiveness and interaction. The food was delicious as well. I love a good moules frites and the mussels were nice and plump and the fries were perfectly salted. It appeared there were other parties also celebrating birthdays the same night so if you are looking to have a good meal in a nice atmosphere, Reve Bistro is a great choice.
    More info
    RevePrice: Very Expensive• French• Lafayette
    4.9
  • Lara
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    FABULOUS! We did not know what to expect from Julia’s, but we were excited to be in such an historical setting. We got to dinner early (after the Cal game), so we had drinks in their bar, which is adjacent to the restaurant. What a highlight-drinks were spectacular and old school while still being hip and cool. This is a great place for all ages in a stunning location. You really feel a part of the local history. Dinner—OUTSTANDING. All of our orders were different and really a fulfilling experience. The beauty of the building and its facilities makes this space unique, but really the team there, from the bartenders, to the host to the serving staff in the restaurant, are so professional and focused on hospitality—-something that is harder and harder to experience. We will be making this a regular part of our visits to Berkeley.
    More info
    Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
    4.8
  • Jesusavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •94 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was a great find! Brand new, only about a month old, at Pier 3. We decided to go with heavy apps. Everything was simply amazing and delicious! And our server, Rebecca, was just absolutely wonderful...attentive, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic! The rest of the staff were just as attentive and friendly! We had a great evening!
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.6
  • Davidvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •59 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    A wonderful dinner for Beaujolais Nouveau day. We started with salad verte and fried calamari followed by lobster bisque and ended with 1lb moule frites that all was in a garlic, wine & spinach sauce. We ended with a very large & delicious tart au citron with fresh raspberries. Thank you all.
    More info
    Left Bank - Jack London SquarePrice: Moderate• French• Oakland
    4.5
  • Doanvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great service and food. Creative and delicious. Overall wonderful experience
    More info
    Perle Wine BarPrice: Expensive• French• Oakland
    4.9

Discover best French restaurants in Berkeley

Discover the essence of French cuisine in Berkeley, a vibrant part of the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay. The dining scene here is a delightful blend of local charm and international flavors, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts. French restaurants in Berkeley offer a unique culinary experience, combining traditional French techniques with fresh, local ingredients. These eateries are known for their sophisticated ambiance, which perfectly complements the meticulously crafted dishes they serve. Whether you're craving a classic Coq au Vin or a contemporary take on Bouillabaisse, Berkeley's French dining options cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Each restaurant strives to deliver not only exquisite meals but also an engaging dining atmosphere, ensuring every visit is memorable. This focus on quality and authenticity makes Berkeley an ideal spot for anyone looking to indulge in the rich flavors of French cuisine.

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