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Best French Restaurants in Berkeley

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1641)
Price: Expensive
• French • Berkeley
Booked 23 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
4.7
Exceptional(158)
Price: Expensive
• French • Oakland
Booked 9 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(107)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 74 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(468)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 2 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 Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2132)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 21 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”!!!
A photo of Reve restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2552)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Lafayette
Booked 25 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 Le Parc Bistrobar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 4 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 Mathilde French Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2447)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 11 times today
At Mathilde French Bistro, nestled in the SOMA district of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian dining comes to life, offering diners an authentic French culinary adventure. Celebrated for its "voted best in town French onion soup" and traditional delights like baked escargots and duck confit, Mathilde is a gateway to French gastronomy. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one declaring, "the service was impeccable, and the duck confit was perfection." Another review highlights, "From start to finish Mathilde is always 5⭐️'s." The cozy ambiance, complemented by a romantic, heated patio, ensures a year-round dining pleasure that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. This bistro not only serves excellent cuisine but also embodies the spirit of French dining with "a lovely bottle of Cotes de Beaune" to toast to an unforgettable experience.
A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(30)
Price: Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 21 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 Bombay Brasserie restaurant
3.9
Excellent(40)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 15 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Karen
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Julia’s is a hidden gem. The building is beautiful and the restaurant is spacious and relatively quiet. You can hear the people at your table speak and this is a major plus, given most restaurants are loud and noisy. The waitress was excellent and the man who helped us pick the wine to go with our meal was above and beyond helpful. We will be back!! I highly recommend having a meal here
    More info
    Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
    4.8
  • Wayne
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    ------ they even have an absinthe list for all the different kinds of absinthe that they sell to diners ! the one i picked had a slight licorice taste . our waiter knew that i would like a slightly less sweet riesling, so he brought a sample for me to try. super service . . .
    More info
    Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • Marcia
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It was a very special Christmas Eve dinner! I first heard about this restaurant when it was reviewed in the SF Chronicle 11/3/24. It was as good as it possibly could be. The food was absolutely delicious. My daughter & I ordered the steak & frites & I asked for my frites to be very crispy & for 2 dishes of aioli to dip them in & they easily accommodated me. The steak with peppercorn sauce was tender and a perfect medium rare.
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.6
  • Kimberly
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    A jewel box of a restaurant in Montclair. Great ambiance; service is relaxed and attentive; beautiful craft cocktails; nice wine list and fabulous food. We were there for Christmas Eve. It was warm & cozy - with a nice holiday vibe. We both had the Waygu steak - perfectly prepared with delicious potatoes Au gratin. On a prior visit, I devoured the delicious Dip hamburger. This is one of my very favorite Bay Area restaurants. Can’t wait to return.
    More info
    Perle Wine BarPrice: Expensive• French• Oakland
    4.7
  • T.G.
    Tahoe / Reno Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Dec 2024
    Reve is such a local gem. Excellent service, prompt and efficient. They nailed the moules frites and and scallop risotto. Very easy to make pretty good, it takes skill to make it sublime. A round of clicks for the chef!
    More info
    RevePrice: Very Expensive• French• Lafayette
    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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