Bon Appétit: The Haute 5 French Restaurants in San Francisco

The city of Paris, France, is arguably one of the most enchanting and quixotic destinations in the world. The sights, the sounds, and the smells of Paris are unparalleled, but it’s the cuisine that truly sets the city apart. Sacred and special, filled with butter, a meal (or even a simple croissant) in Paris is worth a thousand words. If you have ever woken up in Paris then you know of what I write; crisp, light crepes crammed with savory morsels, patisserie windows filled with sensational sweets, juicy, roast chicken that rivals grandmas.  I say, if you can’t join em’, eat like em’. Save the airfare and let today’s San Francisco’s Haute 5 French Restaurants guide you to gastronomic bliss right in your own backyard.

Fleur De Lys

Renowned French chef, Hubert Keller, has been at the helm of San Francisco’s most well-known French restaurant, Fleur De Lys, for over 40 years.  Symphonic vegetable ragout with poached egg and truffles or melodic roasted sea scallops with hazelnut crust with truffle gnocchi and mushroom jus are options that will impress.  And what French meal is complete without a classic Grand Marnier soufflé with orange cardamom ice cream. The décor’s extravagant opulence and the food’s impossibly perfected presentation make Fleur De Lys the romantic destination restaurant in San Francisco. With that said, don’t be surprised if you hear one (or even two) marriage proposals while dining. Not the most creative way to ask, but certainly the most delicious.

Fleur De Lys is located at 777 Sutter St., (415) 673-7779

La Folie

With the ideology that food should be fun and delicious, owner and chef Roland Passot’s La Folie (translated to mean The Madness) is a whimsical, tasty party for you and your mouth.  Frog legs with cannelloni, wild mushrooms and parsley coulis or butter poached lobster with butternut squash ravioli, toasted almonds, celery root and truffled poultry jus delight and tantalize the senses and the palate while a chocolate and passion fruit Bombe with hazelnut dacquoise and black pepper gelato will tickle your tongue to the end. Though the menu changes constantly based on seasonality, you are assured a magical meal full of fanciful French fodder any day of the week.

La Folie is located at 2316 Polk St., (415) 776-5577

Chez Spencer

Opened in 2002 and named after owner and executive chef Laurent Katgely’s son, Spencer, Chez Spencer is a perfect French option for when you’ve had it with your own Le Crueset and Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking and just want it all done for you. Lobster and truffle cappuccino royal, smoked duck breast a la Lyonnaise with poached egg and lardons or Bourgogne escargot with black beluga lentils are pure and elegant comfort foods. The cozy and intimate interior, or the heated patio (perfect for dining al fresco) makes you feel right at home – just leave your shoes on.

Chez Spencer is located at 82 14th St., (415) 864-2191

Jardinere

Pat Kuleto understands what it takes to make a restaurant Haute. Along with co-owner Traci Des Jardins, they have created the unique and ultimate French restaurant in Jardinere.  The warm opulence of the space creates a very welcome departure from the cold modern breeze that blows through many city restaurants. The ambiance combined with menu options like Tai snapper with salsify, artichokes, pancetta and sauce Grandmère or bacon wrapped Wolfe Ranch quail with Tokyo turnips and farro make for unrivaled elegance and dining perfection. Medjool date crepes with honey crème, candied almonds and brandy gastrique for dessert seal the delicious deal. Stop in Monday night for the Prixe Fixe Dinner ($45-$65) if you want pure perfection without the hefty price-tag.

Jardinere is located at 300 Grove St., (415) 861-5555

Masa’s

Masa’s takes pride in reimagining French cuisine into nightly changing five or nine course tasting menus that take diners on a culinary trip to gourmand gratification. With courses like smoked herring salad accompanied by fingerling potatoes, hard poached egg and remoulade, or even chilled terrine of artisan foie gras, it is highly unlikely that there will anything but satiated smiles at your table.  But, if there is a frown somehow, simply order the Vahlrona chocolate mousse with Bailey’s crème. Who can complain with a mouth full of heaven?

Masa’s is located at 648 Bush St., (415) 989-7154