Best French Restaurants in College Area

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3535)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 12 times today

Bleu Boheme, located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego, has mastered the art of French comfort food. The restaurant provides a blissful escape to the rustic tranquility of rural France, blending tradition and a Bohemian vibe that resonates throughout its ambiance and culinary offerings. Guests rave about the "delicious and comforting" classics like Boeuf Bourguignon, which is described as "to die for." The authentically French menu continues to impress with its "perfectly done" courses, including a beloved onion soup and escargot, praised for their exquisite balance of flavors. Regulars and newcomers alike celebrate Bleu Boheme for its "fabulous food" and "great service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch comfort food experience.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2634)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 20 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

3. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(789)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 28 times today

Wormwood in North Park, San Diego, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in a setting that balances French elegance with bohemian charm. This outstanding Cocktail Bar is celebrated for its unique cocktails with a twist on classics, guided by a passion for the storied history of Absinthe. Patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere akin to a Parisian bistro yet uniquely Californian, where the "Secret Garden" speakeasy bar offers a secretive allure with its enchanting cocktail menu. Reviews consistently praise Wormwood, noting that the mixology is "ambitious, delicious, and stunning," and the ambiance is "perfect for an intimate evening." Experience the allure of Wormwood, where every sip is a story, and every visit is a cherished memory.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

4. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2515)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 19 times today

At Et Voilà! French Bistro in North Park, San Diego, steak lovers are in for a treat. This vibrant neighborhood bistro not only captures the essence of French culinary tradition but elevates it with Chef Vincent Viale’s modern twist on classics, including the celebrated Steak Frites. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of the steak, describing it as "always outstanding" and a highlight of their dining experience. The steak's preparation, which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, ensures a freshness that can be tasted in every bite. One diner enthused, "Many of the other guests loved their flank steak and fries." It's no wonder that Et Voilà! is often recommended for those seeking not just a meal, but an authentic French culinary experience right in the heart of San Diego.

5. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8628)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 43 times today

Mister A's in downtown San Diego is an emblem of farm-to-table excellence, offering a dining experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also celebrates the local bounty. Known for its breathtaking rooftop views and sophisticated ambiance, Mister A's prides itself on selecting the finest local farm produce to craft dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Patrons rave about the freshness and flavor of the cuisine, with one guest exclaiming the food is "exceptional" and the service "exemplary." The culinary team's commitment to homemade, scratch-made selections showcases their dedication to quality and authenticity in every dish, making Mister A's a must-visit for anyone seeking a true farm-to-table experience in San Diego.

A photo of Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant

6. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(3086)

Price: Moderate

• French • Banker's Hill

Booked 36 times today

Parc Bistro-Brasserie, nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, San Diego, is a celebrated haven of French cuisine, meriting its spot on OpenTable’s “100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021.” Renowned for its seafood-focused approach, the bistro expertly balances classic French dishes with global inspirations. Patrons rave about the "outstanding jumbo shrimp cocktail & steak frites" and the brunch that has been crowned as the "Best Brunch in San Diego." The allure of Parc Bistro-Brasserie is enhanced by its "exceptional food" and ambiance that transforms a meal into a "Paris escape." With glowing reviews like "By far my favorite French restaurant in San Diego! The food is superb!", it's clear that Parc Bistro-Brasserie is a culinary gem that continuously captivates both locals and visitors alike.

A photo of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant restaurant

7. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1590)

Price: Moderate

• French • Mission Hills

Booked 27 times today

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant, a beacon of French culinary excellence nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego. Celebrated for its authentic farm-to-table approach, this quaint eatery offers a slice of French countryside with its fresh, vibrant flavors and impeccable craftsmanship. Patrons rave about the "unforgettable and flavorful dishes," such as the tender short rib entree and the sophisticated limoncello dessert, each a testament to the chef's dedication to quality. With its cozy European bistro ambiance and stellar service, Farmer's Bottega isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey through the heart of France, earning glowing reviews for creating memorable dining experiences. Don't miss the chance to indulge in their celebrated Cacio E Pepe or the exquisite salmon with lemon risotto. As one diner puts it, "You need to go."

8. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1415)

Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 57 times today

Step into Little Frenchie, located in the charming neighborhood of Coronado, and experience a slice of Paris with its chef-driven bistro offerings. Praised as "the best French cuisine place in the west," diners are enchanted by dishes such as the braised short rib, described as "made to perfection." With a rotating menu that showcases Provencal classics, an impressive selection of imported cheeses, and an extensive wine collection, authenticity shines through every detail. Patrons rave about the "authentic French cuisine" and the feeling of being "back in Paris." Enjoy the beautiful pastries and the commendable service that make Little Frenchie a must-visit for a genuine French dining experience.

9. Chez Loma

4.6

Exceptional(1766)

Price: Expensive

• French • Coronado

Booked 13 times today

Chez Loma, nestled in the historic Carez Hizar House in Coronado, offers a French culinary experience that is both authentic and delightful. Celebrated for its "exceptional flavors" and "creative entrees," this bistro sources local ingredients to craft dishes that resonate with freshness and quality. Diners rave about the "best ever" lobster ravioli and the "perfectly cooked" roast duck, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence. As one review puts it, Chez Loma is "experience dining at its best," making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of French cuisine in a charming and inviting setting.

10. La Bonne Table

4.9

Exceptional(1404)

Price: Moderate

• French • Hillcrest

Booked 3 times today

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Krista
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We came for the 3-course fixed Thanksgiving menu. The food, drinks, and service were outstanding. There was virtually no wait between courses and though it was a holiday, their menu was reasonably priced! Will definitely be coming back!
More info
Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
•
4.8
M
Maia
San Diego •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Friend and I visited for the Thanksgiving prix fixe dinner. It was absolutely fantastic. We ordered the lamb shank, beef filet, and added the sweet potatoes. Our onion soup and blackened shrimp appetizer choices were delicious. The pumpkin cake and apple pastry desserts were so good. The overall standout was definitely the lamb shank. Unbelievably delicious. The wine list is incredible and we complemented dinner with a lovely Napa Cabernet. The service was excellent and absolutely what you would expect. Bill, was a delight and even took a few photos of us for my visiting friend. Thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.9
A
Amyvip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner on the patio with our French bulldog. The turkey breast was incredibly moist. We also had duck confit, which was perfectly prepared. So grateful to be able to eat out on Thanksgiving, with our doggo. Our server, Priscilla, was an absolute delightful human being. This place is a must return to visit!
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Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
F
Fiona
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We ordered the cauliflower appetizer to share and it was delicious I wasn’t a fan of the cheese (mixed on)I believe it was a feta but not sure. Everyone else liked it. I had the duck entree and requested it cooked medium well and it was perfect! The bananas foster is killer good as is the crème brûlée!!!
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The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
•
4.8
L
Laura
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Wow the food here is absolutely delicious . We started with the oysters and the Wagyu tartare, both were incredible and I had the black cod and my husband had the pasta for dinner and it was amazing. Service from Erick was with a smile and very friendly atmosphere. It’s a bit small, with only one bathroom and was busy on a Saturday night, but we’ll definitely be back!
More info
WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7

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Best French Restaurants in College Area

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Bleu Boheme

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

3. Wormwood

4. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

5. Mister A's

6. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

7. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

8. Little Frenchie

9. Chez Loma

10. La Bonne Table

See what locals rave about

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