The Best French Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego is well known for its numerous Mexican restaurants, but lots of people are unaware of the spectacular French food this county has to offer. If you’re one of those people, have no fear—we broke it down and listed our absolute favorite fancy French eateries that’ll be sure to have you talking about it for days on end. Whether it be the escargot or the pommes frites, these places will be sure to knock your socks off. These are all great locations for a special date night or even a great place to impress an important client. So sit back, relax and enjoy some good food!

The first noteworthy place is The Smoking Goat, located on 30th Street in the hip ‘hood of North Park. This family-owned and operated business features farm to table cuisine from Executive Chef Fred Piehl. Each dish exhibits seasonal, local, sustainable and organic ingredients to provide guests with a "culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside." They source their ingredients from local farms and breweries such as Suzie’s Farm, Brandt Beef, Broken Arrow Ranch, Hamilton Meats, Specialty Produce, Mike Hess Brewing, Thorn Street Brewery and Aliane Wines.

The ambiance is an eclectic mix of rustic and vintage with a brick wall along the dining room and elegant touches like chandeliers. There is ample seating both inside and outside on their patio, but this venue has been known to fill up quickly on the weekends or on Wednesday nights when they host their special "Wine Wednesday," which features 50% off select bottles of wine; at these times, it’s best to call in and make a reservation. The entire brasserie is embellished with unique touches, like a bench made entirely of grass and a large chalkboard with a hand-drawn mural which welcomes guests as they walk in. 

As for the food, we recommend their Duckfat Truffle Fries or one of their pasta dishes because all their pasta is made in-house. Go celebrate your birthday and enjoy a complimentary creme brûlée to finish off your meal, or try their delicious Goat Cheese Cheesecake.  

The next fabulous French eatery on our list is Bleu Bohéme on Adams Avenue in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Kensington. Their mission is simple: for "people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness," says Ken Irvine, the owner and chef. The food is traditional and has influences from all regions of France. The decor has French touches that are reminiscent of any European bistro but are also bohemian and earthy. The dining room features antique hardwood floors with long, wooden beams topped with plenty of cushions and pillows for seats. 

The lighting is dim and accented by candles, setting a romantic and intimate mood. The bar area adds a burst of color with a lavender-colored wall which accents the black, shiny bartop and the floor to ceiling chalkboard which lists their special wines. 

As with most farm to table restaurants, their menu changes (weekly!) to highlight the freshest seasonal and local products. Yet some staples remain. If you love cheese, we recommend their Les Fromages, featuring imported French cheeses served with fig jam and honey. Or if you’re in the mood for more of a filling entree, try their Poutine Québécoise, which includes pommes frites (french fries), duck confit, white cheddar curds and topped with their housemade foie gras gravy. 

The third exquisite restaurant is Café Chloe, which is a French restaurant and wine bar located right on 9th Avenue in San Diego’s urban East Village neighborhood. The decor is elegant, classy and modern with a shiny, white bartop and dark wooden bar stools for a light and bright atmosphere. The bright setting is not only inviting, but also adds to the authentic French aesthetic. Large, freshly baked pastries and croissants sit in a glass cake stand on the bartop and will entice you to order one before or after your meal. 

Come in Tuesday or Wednesday from 3:30 to close and enjoy oysters paired with a cool, crisp glass of Muscadet. Practically everything on their menu is delectable and tasty, but our personal favorite dinner items include the duck confit served with a cauliflower puree, beluga lentils, roasted grapes and a balsamic gastrique, or their lamb sirloin-pan roasted with king trumpet mushrooms, swiss chard, spring onions and a lamb demi glace. Both entrees pair well with a bold red wine; the menu includes suggested wine pairings under each item, making it easier to choose the best drink for that dish. 

For a more cozy and intimate atmosphere, we suggest Café Bleu on West Washington Street in the historic Mission Hills community. Café Blue is a bistro and wine lounge dedicated to providing their guests with a fine dining experience featuring masterfully prepared French and American cuisine. Their wines are imported from around the world and top off the perfect dining experience. Not sure which wine to choose from? No problem. Consult with their house sommelier Deyna Libiran on what pairs perfectly with your dinner entree. 

Their head Chef Manny Vargas showcases his innovative and creative take on French bistro classics such as Coq au Vin and Steak Frites. The venue creates a rich and warm ambiance with red walls and dark hardwood floors. Stop by on Monday night from 4 pm to close and enjoy half-price bottles of wine, or check out their special priced wine flights available all night on Wednesdays! 

We recommend partaking in their three-course prix fixe menu with their wine pairing. It’ll be sure to make your belly and your wallet happy. If prix fixe menu’s aren’t your thing, then try their Boeuf Bourguignon with wine-braised boneless beef short ribs, roasted pork belly, pearl onions, carrots, mushrooms and fingerling potatoes or their Crevettes Parisienne, sautéed jumbo shrimp with garlic and herbs, gnocchi à la parisienne, sautéed spinach, pesto cream sauce and topped with pecorino cheese. Whatever you choose, be sure to finish the meal off right with their warm banana bread pudding with pistachio gelato and chocolate creme anglaise or dive into their apple vol-au-vent which is a puff pastry stuffed with brown sugar and cinnamon-coated apples and cranberries, topped with cold vanilla ice cream. 

Last but not least, Addison on Grand Del Mar Way in the fabulous city of Del Mar. This luxurious and high-end restaurant is what we imagine when anyone talks about truly incredible French eateries. This elegant European setting features a decadent marble countertop bar with a richly upholstered backdrop and an intimate terrace seating. With food prepared by Grand Chef William Bradley, you know it’s bound to be something good. 

The meals are offered as multi-course experiences and change frequently to incorporate various seasonal inspirations. We recommend the to-die-for chef’s tasting menu, which is a four course meal of three savory and one sweet dish. We also encourage you to try their tableside cheese service and wine pairings to enhance the experience. Whether you stop by for a full meal or take a visit to their Le Salon for oysters and cocktails, Addison won’t disappoint. Their dedication to absolute perfection and ultimate decadence leaves their guest feeling like royalty by the end of their meal. 

Without further ado, go take a bite of San Diego’s best French offerings!

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