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Best French Restaurants in Oakland

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1642)
Price: Expensive
• French • Berkeley
Booked 14 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 5 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(108)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 44 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 7 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 Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7356)
Price: Expensive
• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 30 times today
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar in San Francisco's vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness neighborhood is a celebration of French cuisine, consistently lauded for its authenticity and excellence. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious food" and "excellent wait staff," creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and distinctly French. From the Sole Meunière to the Duck Confit, each dish is "beautifully prepared and delicious," making every meal a delightful culinary journey. The Salade Lyonnaise and Cassoulet are crowd favorites, often described as "outstanding" and akin to "a quick trip to France." With accolades for its "Michelin-rated quality" food and a "timeless and stunning" decor, Absinthe stands out as not just a meal, but an immersive French dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2134)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 28 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 Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(31)
Price: Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 15 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 Cote Ouest restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(737)
Price: Moderate
• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 43 times today
Côte Ouest Bistro is a contemporary French bistro led by partners Laurent Monchicourt & Martin Sarraih. In April, 2021, the pair transformed the former Baker Street Bistro into a modern 21st century neighborhood gem. Nestle into one of our bay window seats and enjoy conversation over a plate of charcuterie with the perfect glass of Bordeaux. Chef Sarraih's prepares seasonal specialties as well as favorite French classics like Steak Frites, and Duck Confit. And the custard soaked Croissant French Toast is not to be missed if you stop by for brunch on our sunny terrace.
A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3372)
Price: Expensive
• French • Castro
Booked 13 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of The Castro in San Francisco, L'Ardoise is a beacon of authentic French cuisine. With its cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a quaint Parisian bistro, this delightful spot is praised for delivering traditional and exquisite European fare. Patrons rave about the "mouthwatering escargot in parsley sauce" and the "tender, flavorful duck," often remarking that dining here is "like being in Paris." The service is consistently described as "attentive and professional," creating an inviting dining experience that keeps guests returning. Whether it's for the perfectly crisped potatoes or the praised wine list, L'Ardoise promises a true taste of Europe with every dish.
A photo of Bouche restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1916)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 13 times today
Bouche, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Francisco near Union Square, is a culinary treasure that artfully blends Californian flair with French elegance. This intimate "hole in the wall" restaurant, led by the acclaimed Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem, offers an ever-evolving seasonal menu that captivates with its authenticity and high-quality local ingredients. Diners rave about the unique dining experience, with one describing it as "nothing fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients, real people, real laughs... a love experience." Guests consistently praise the "incredible experience" and the exceptional value of the $55 seasonal 3-course Prix Fixe menu, highlighting dishes like the adventurous "The Adventurous" blind dish that challenges palates. Bouche's commitment to small producer wines from California ensures each meal is paired perfectly, enhancing the authentic Californian dining experience. A visit to Bouche is a journey through the best of Californian cuisine, served with passion and a smile.

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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 2 days 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 2 days 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 4 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 4 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
  • Eddie
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It’s a pleasure experience on a Christmas Eve dinner.
    More info
    O' by Claude Le TohicPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown / Union Square
    4.8

Discover best French restaurants in Oakland

Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of French cuisine right in the heart of Oakland, a city renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene. The East Bay's French dining establishments offer a delightful array of traditional and contemporary dishes, showcasing the depth and versatility of France's gastronomic heritage. Whether you're craving classic dishes like coq au vin and ratatouille or looking for a modern twist on French gastronomy, Oakland's French restaurants promise an authentic experience. Each venue highlights premium ingredients and the meticulous art of French cooking, all set against the backdrop of warm, inviting atmospheres that echo the charm of Parisian eateries. The dining scene in Oakland, particularly for French cuisine, not only catifies the palate but also enriches the cultural fabric of the city. For anyone seeking a genuine taste of France in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland’s French restaurants are a must-visit destination. This summary encapsulates the essence of French dining in Oakland, ensuring diners know exactly what culinary delights await them.

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