Top 5 French Restaurant in California

861 E Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States

“There are high ceilings and elegant framing highlighting a full bar, coffeeshop and bakery. Here, the beignets are hot and tasty. I recommend the chips, grits and Nashville chicken. The theme is Louisiana style, new American cuisine.”

3408 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, United States

“My husband and I went to The Smoking Goat on a quick anniversary trip to San Diego. Upon arrival, the entire staff was immediately hospitable and prompt. The interior decor was warm and rustic, and a nice contrast to the brisk December air. We both decided to skip the appetizers in order to save room for dessert, which I’m so happy we did! I ordered the duck, and my husband ordered the steak frites. The food arrived quickly, as it was a Sunday evening. My duck was probably the best I’ve ever had, and the sauce was acidic enough to cut through the richness of the bird. It was very well executed, and served at the perfect temperature. My husband’s steak was decadently tender, and they definitely don’t skimp on the crispy fries. At the end of our meal, we shared the goat cheese cheesecake. It was rich and tangy, but fluffy in a way not typical to traditional cheesecake. A very intriguing approach to the dessert. All in all, the attention to detail, and quality of both service and gastronomy was top tier. Thank you for making our celebratory dinner both special and memorable!”

151 Noe St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

“Such a wonderful bistro. We went for a birthday celebration and everyone enjoyed all that was ordered. The atmosphere was cozy and service, attentive, though I will say we did feel a bit rushed toward the end of our meal so the table could be turned over. Still, that minor element wouldn't deter me from returning or recommending.”

960 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

“We stopped in for lunch the day before Thanksgiving and the food and service were outstanding even though they were also dealing with large takeout orders. The crepe florentine (we ordered without meat) was delicious with a lemony hollandaise. The burger, while a simple choice, was juicy and very tasty. Then we got way too many goods to take back from the bakery and a few baguettes. We’ve only sampled a few so far but top notch! Gluten Free - the macaron, carrot cake, crème brûlée, and spring basket are all Gluten Free (as of now, check when you go)!”

3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

“This has been our best Michelin 3 Star experience and we have been to a few around the world. Presentation, taste and portions were just perfect! Wine pairing worked very well with the vegetarian food that we had. All in all, this was an amazing start of 2024.”

6725 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599, United States

“We had an excellent dinning experience! Truffle Fries were mind blowing good. For sure a 10/10! For entree, I recommend to try their pasta. Perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned. Also a 10/10. We had chocolate chips cookies for dessert. These cookies are so far the best I had. An amazing dish to end this wonderful night!”

200 Railroad Ave, Winters, CA 95694, United States

“The food here at Preserve was excellent! I had the BLT and it was so juicy! The bacon was superb. Coffee was very tasty and the fries were cooked to perfection! Highly recommend!”

72423 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

“Incredibly delightful and charming authentic French cuisine! Service impeccable! Atmosphere soothing! Superb lunch experience with delicious soup & bread with homemade strawberry jam! Magnifique!!♡”

20 Cosmo Pl, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

“It had been so long since my last visit, maybe 20 years ago. I forgot that the restaurant is still here and how fantastic it is ! Highly recommend! There was a table behind us speaking French - that is an endorsement right ! Highly recommend: vietnamese crepe, crab imperial roll. Shaken beef, pork skewer , clay pot salmon, sea bass in banana leaves !”

18 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

“Our second visit and we decided to do the tasting menu, which includes 8 or 9 dishes to share over 4 courses. Service was attentive and helpful even though the restaurant was full. The food was delicious and reasonable. Highlights included the marrow toast, Brussels peanut slaw, albacore crudo, and braised shortribs.”

1360 El Camino Real, Belmont, CA 94002, United States

“Came here to celebrate an anniversary and the staff were so kind. The food was great! The decor and ambiance left a lot to be desired.”

10 Del Fino Pl, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, United States

“Cafe Rustica in Carmel Valley is a delightful experience! 🌟 The service is exceptional, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food not only tantalizes the taste buds but is also presented beautifully, adding an artistic touch to the dining experience. Highly recommend for a memorable culinary journey! 👌”

585 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States

“Two sleek, modern rooms that share a menu. One has a big bar, which seems to specialize in cocktails. The food was an interesting blend of innovative and traditional, and uniformly tasty. We liked 3 of the 4 wines we tasted (the St Emilion was the outlier). Service was friendly and competent, although the drinks took a little while to arrive. $150/person for appetizer, main, 2 glass of wine, and a shared dessert, after tax and tip. We've added it to our list of places to go back to.”

21747 Bertram Rd, San Jose, CA 95120, United States

“Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, LaForet stood as a beacon of French culinary excellence. As a gourmet foodie and a connoisseur of fine wines, my anticipation for their New Year's menu was tinged with excitement. Known for its exquisite cuisine and elegant pairings, LaForet promised a dining experience that would linger long in memory. Upon entering, I was greeted by an ambiance that exuded both sophistication and warmth. The restaurant's decor, a blend of rustic charm and understated elegance, set the perfect stage for the evening's culinary journey. Premier Course: Salade Francaise. The first course was a Salade Francaise, a delicate ensemble of butter lettuce, marinated cucumber, and shaved radish, dressed in a mustard tarragon vinaigrette. Each bite was a revelation of freshness, the tangy vinaigrette complementing the crisp greens beautifully. Deux Course: Ahi Tuna Crudo. Next, the Ahi Tuna Crudo arrived. The dish was a symphony of flavors, with the citrus and ginger ponzu providing a zesty counterpoint to the rich, velvety tuna. It was a testament to the chef’s ability to balance bold flavors with subtlety. Trois Course: Lobster Tail. The third course featured a poached cold-water lobster tail, served with a lime beurre blanc. The lobster was cooked to perfection, its succulent flesh melting effortlessly in my mouth, while the lime beurre blanc added a bright, creamy richness that elevated the dish. Quatre Course: Quail. The roasted Canadian quail was next, accompanied by a huckleberry reduction. The quail, tender and flavorful, paired wonderfully with the sweet and tart notes of the huckleberry, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Cinq Course: Choices. Salmon poached in Chambord with a Port Wine Reduction and the Rack Of Lamb. For the fifth course, I was torn between two tempting options: the Salmon poached in Chambord with a Port Wine Reduction and the Rack of Lamb. My wife chose the lamb, which turned out to be a culinary highlight, perfectly roasted with garlic and rosemary to a succulent medium-rare, and beautifully enhanced with its natural juices and a touch of tarragon mustard. I, on the other hand, decided on the salmon. Poached to perfection in Chambord and complemented by a rich Port Wine Reduction, the salmon was tender and flavorful. However, after tasting both, I might lean slightly towards the Rack of Lamb as the standout dish of the two. Six Course: Dessert Choices. The meal culminated with a choice of desserts. I chose the Souffle Grand Marnier, a light yet indulgent end to the meal. Its airy texture and subtle orange liqueur flavor were a perfect palate cleanser. Wine Pairings. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, France NV. Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast 2022. Duckhorn Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2021. Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2022. Groth Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2019. The optional wine pairing was a journey in itself. Beginning with the Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, each wine was meticulously chosen to complement the courses. The Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc was a standout with the Ahi Tuna, its crisp acidity and citrus notes harmonizing with the dish. The Duckhorn Chardonnay and Flowers Pinot Noir were equally impressive, showcasing the depth and versatility of Californian wines. As the evening drew to a close, I reflected on the exquisite meal and the impeccable wine pairings at LaForet. Each course was a testament to the chef’s mastery of French cuisine, and the wines were a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the flavors and elevating the entire dining experience. LaForet was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of the finest in culinary artistry, a reminder of the joys of French dining, and a benchmark for gourmet experiences.”

2010 W Ave J8 #101, Lancaster, CA 93536, United States

“This is a wonderful place. The food is top notch for sure. I've eaten most of the menu and rarely been even a little disappointed. Im not even a fan of wine but their sangria is amazing.”

5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States

“Absolutely fantastic European food. The cannoli braised beef was phenomenal. The dry aged ribeye was perfect and absolutely delicious. The salads were fresh and full of flavor. The bread was homemade and also good. …”

49500 Seminole Dr Fl 27, Cabazon, CA 92230, United States

“Celebrated our 28th anniversary here on Superbowl Sunday. Love having dinner at the bar, especially when you have Matt as your bartender (exceptionally friendly and caring service....and the staff here really know their food & drink! …”

13824 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, United States

“So wanted to try new restaurants in Sherman Oaks since we now live here. This place is about a 21/2 star place in my one and only time eating their food. Would I go back, probably not, but might if friends wanted to go. Cobb salad wouldn’t have been so bad if they would not pre prepared it the morning of or maybe day before. Eating congeal, bacon, fat isn’t what I want on my salad. At 65 I could have had a heart attack if I ate that. So I heated to warm then used paper towel to blot off the oil. VERY GROSS!”

223 Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States

“It does the job!! Luckily for vegetarians, this part of the city has plenty of options, and the crew at sky cafe did a good job offering a well balanced quality/price ratio meal. Party of three, we tried different dishes with an appetizer to get the idea of what this place has to offer. It does the job. Atmosphere was good with a clean neat place, crew was friendly and customer service oriented so I have really nothing bad to say other than, go and check and give it a try. One quick tip for improvement tho, take care of presentation and make sure you update the menu on a regular basis.”

44 Belden Pl, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States

“Had dinner with a friend before the theater this week, and it was delightful! Had a lovely tempranillo and the perfect French onion soup: basically a high-end grilled cheese with beef stock. The rabbit in Dijon cream sauce was absolutely perfect and a match for the restaurants I’ve visited in Paris. 🇫🇷”