Reviews

Sept 14 We had dinner here with my wife's sister and husband. We've eaten in some of the best restos in the SFBA, and this resto experience ranks as one the best. It is located in a residential area but parking is nevertheless still difficult. The place reeks French with a kissing, colorful owner Jacques. The noise level makes conversation a strain. Servers and patrons make this resto busy like commuter traffic. Everything we ordered was excellent and a bit unusual. We had the beef cheeks, not often on menus and, if so, sells out very fast. The curry moules is like the dish we had in Dijon, France last year. And then we capped it off with a chocolate lava cake dessert. This place is highly recommended but I suggest that you make reservations

This is at the top of my list of favorite restaurants in San Francisco. It is just a small restaurant with excellent food and true French atmosphere. I had the endive salad and a filet. The flavors blended perfectly and the presentation was beautiful. Excellence is in the details. Service was personal and everyone had a comforting French accent which made dinner all the better. The wine list had many selections by the glass and even a few half bottles which was perfect for sharing. Dessert had it's own menu and I wanted one of everything, but we ended up sharing a "chocolate volcano". I believe reservations are needed but they do have seats around a long bar which would be perfect for drop-ins. They also use open table which I love.

Great French restaurant with authentic dishes and ambience, including the small tables right next to each other (you can take this as a positive or negative, up to you). Any restaurant that brings warm crunchy bread to the table has my attention. The escargot were delicious, though a little too much pesto sauce. The frisee with lardons was fresh and light, the bouillabaisse was very tasty, though I wish it had more seafood (mussels, clams) and smaller chunks of fish. And the cassoulet was a good combination of flavors, especially the duck sausage. Finished the meal with crème brule, perfectly burnt sugar on top, smooth and creamy. Having the owner make the rounds and check on the tables is always a plus.

Visitors to San Francisco, you will not be disappointed by Bistro Central Parc. Their menu items and specials transcend run-of-the-mill bistro fare. The beef cheeks with beet puree are phenomenal. A special when we visited recently was a "pork porterhouse." This dish was the best pork I have had since a meal in Nafplio in Greece, but that is a story for another review. Simply amazing food and, for the price, a bargain in these parts. The staff is engaging and knowledgeable about the cuisine. Make a reservation ahead of time for dinner; it gets busy!

The neighborhood really supports this wonderful french restaurant. My husband and I live within walking distance to the bistro. Jacques and his family are so friendly and make everyone feel right at home even if you are a first timer. The menu changes daily with creative entrees and always very fresh ingredients. Wines are predominately french but they have some bold but balanced reds from Argentina - try the Malbec, it's wonderful.

This place is fantastic. Great food and quaint and warm environment. The service was good and friendly. Charming French owner. Overall a great place to drop by once in a while or on special occasions since it is a little on the pricey side.

I chose this place because it was on my route on a day trip to SF. It was located on my way from the DeYoung museum to the Legion of Honor. It did not disappoint. It was a friendly place with really good food and service. I'd go back again and again.

it's like a quick trip to France. The food is very good, the prices are reasonable, the service is good, Good sized portions. My second visit and I will return

Carefully made, yumminess. Tartelette forrestière au fromage de chêvre (Mushroom and goat cheese tart)-- sooo good! Risotto ed altre things were delicious and graciously served. Even the dog got some special water from the server... real nice. Would totally go again. yum!

Best French bistro is San Francisco, it's tops, the special are the best to choose from, I would recommend this spot to anyone who loves classic French cusine.. The chef is amazing

Tiny restaurant in the neighborhood with big city French food. Every dish was delicious, particularly our salad which was little gem lettuce with blue cheese and carmelized bacon. The lettuse was really 2 small baby romaines. We were able to share it with not problem. I had cassolet, date had bass. Both were perfectly prepared. The staff is alo very friendly and informative. Would go back any time. Parking can be challenging thought. Citybev

We found this restaurant through a review on Trip Advisor. It is a little out of the way but worth the trip. I recommend it, if you want a nice place off the beaten path. We were in town for the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon and after racing and being still somewhat on east coast time, we were tired and thinking of not going. I am glad we made the effort to head out. The restaurant is on the corner, so a lot of light and a nice breeze. It is not very large, so it can be a place for a nice quiet dinner for two. We both had the specials of the night. I had the filet with foie gras and my partner had lamb tenderloin in a cherry sauce. The food was spectacular and the sauces for both entrees were very good. The wine list is small – mostly French wines, but all very affordable. We splurged as we were celebrating success at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, so we went for the Margaux.

This was is an unassuming neighborhood restaurant in NOPA. The food is divine, a great value and the service is attentive. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We made reservations a few hours ahead, but on a quiet weekday evening you might not have to.

We rented a flat near this restaurant and went initially because it was close. However, we did notice that they served two of our favorite dishes: ris de veau and moules. We were surpirsed about how this unpretentious restaurant measured up to other better known eateries in San Francisco. The atmosphere is anything but elegant, the service was quite good, and the quality of the food and the preparations were outstanding. It was so good that we canceled our reservation at another very well known restaurant 4 days later and made another reservation at Bistro Central Parc.

Great Food, Fresh and Great Service, as someone who spends and eats a lot in France, the good was genuine French and was excellent, especially the moules Mariniere.

I've been here a few times now since it's in the neighborhood. It's gotten quite popular and they have even added some outdoor seating. I've tried the beef bourguignon, scallops risotto, and a few of the fish specials - all were spectacular. My only complaint has been the house wine selections...but hopefully that will improve.

A friend of mine who lives in the surrounding neighborhood tipped me off to this place and I'm so glad she did. Near the Panhandle, it's a hidden jewel, mostly frequented by those who live in the neighborhood. It's classic french bistro -- small, withe a beer/wine bar, lovely menu with most entrees under $25. Food is great, staff is wonderful, atmosphere is lovely. Twinkling lights outside with tables when weather permits. My friend will be so upset when she finds out I posted it, but it's too good to keep secret!

This is exactly the kind of place that foodies are always seeking: a neighborhood gem that is under the radar; excellent food, charming staff; great ambience and reasonable prices (most entrees under $20). Besides all this, Bistro Central Parc offers outside dining on a relatively quiet neighborhood street near the Golden Gate Park panhandle. The Staff (charming) and the menu are decidedly French. Menu items include traditional onion soup, escargot bourguignon, Risotto aux Coquilles St. Jacques, Magret de Canard (Duck’s breast), ratatouille, galette de Pomme de Terre with warm brie, etc. And it was all delicious. Desserts were also great, especially the molten lava cake – really oozy inside.

Good placed to enjoy a quiet weekend brunch or dinner. Owner, Jacques is quite entertaining and warm. Food on the average and price on the high side. Great place to people watch!

Small, neighborhood restaurant with excellent service, wine, food, and coffee. We ate light (he scallops, she sea bass), happily leaving room for Poire Belle Helene and volcano cake. Coffee was yummy and hot. Bought a gift certificate so we can share the experience with family. Next time I'll order mussels and wine.

Place with really marvelous cousine! We visited it even for 2 evening and both times wern't disappointed. Each dish is served good, taste perfect and service is very nice. Highly recommended!

We visited on a Saturday night so it was busy but we were seated shortly. Food was well worth the short wait -- Onion soup, fillet or lamb and desert. Terrific flavors, service and relaxed atmosphere.

Nice atmosphere good food and customer service the owner or who ever was encharge took his time to shake hads and thank us and said goobye. Wow this days not ot many people do that i really aprecited. great food and section fo wine and beer love the place,nice music and great weiters .

This is exactly the kind of place that foodies are always seeking: a neighborhood gem that is under the radar; excellent food, charming staff; great ambience and reasonable prices (most entrees under $20). Besides all this, Bistro Central Parc offers outside dining on a relatively quiet neighborhood street near the Golden Gate Park panhandle. The Staff (charming) and the menu are decidedly French. Menu items include traditional onion soup, escargot bourguignon, Risotto aux Coquilles St. Jacques, Magret de Canard (Duck’s breast), ratatouille, galette de Pomme de Terre with warm brie, etc. And it was all delicious. Desserts were also great, especially the molten lava cake – really oozy inside.

My daughter, her friend and I went here using a groupon and we had the most incredible meal!! The other two had been there once before and were anxious to return but it was my first visit. Not my last though! Can't wait to go back! The meal was wonderful and the atmosphere was very warm and friendly. It was a Suturday night and the place was packed so you may want to make a reservation - we were glad we had.

The atmosphere of this neighborhood bistro was charming and I loved the way it was decorated with real French influences. The food was delicious! Our family of 5 ordered the boeuf bourguignon, d'agneau and my little ones ordered the pasta of the day. All wonderfully good. The only thing I would suggest is larger portions. If we are in San Francisco again this would definitely be a restaurant worth revisiting!

Really great food and attentive service. Try the Salmon Benedict! The OJ was super-fresh-squeezed. The location is a quiet street near Alamo Square, and they have outdoor seating.

My daughter recommended this place since my wife likes French food. I got to say she made a really good choice. This is off in a quiet area of the city. We were greeted at the door by the owner (trip advisor decal was in the window). Parking was difficult. Nice table near the window. Dinner started with a glass of Cabernet and a pinot noir. My wife jumped for the sweet breads (reported as excellent) and a ratatouille (mmmm). The bavette was good, and the report of the short ribs (special) and beef filet was that they were flavorful. Service was excellent, and the server had some really good suggestions.

I just want to say a massive thank you to Jacques and the team at Bistro Central Parc - I had a group of very distinguished guests that I wanted to take out to dinner, and chose this from its TripAdvisor rating. Then we added a couple more people to the group... then we changed our time of arrival, and they STILL fitted us in... That's all before we got the food! This restaurant should have at least one Michelin star - the meals we had were all exquisite, so beautifully presented, and with utterly gracious service. I had sweetbreads to start - delicious - followed by braised beef cheeks with fondant potato and a beetroot puree, all of which melted in the mouth with amazing depth of flavour! The Strawberries poached in balsamic sauce with vanilla ice cream for dessert was a revelation... I would highly recommend this place, especially if you want to impress your guests! And the bill, inc tip, worked out at just $65 each. Fantastic VFM.

Found this restaurant whilst looking for somewhere to eat in San Francisco - it was listed as #34 in Tripadvisor's top-rated restaurants, but I think it deserves to be bumped up the list as the food is AMAZING! I had a filet mignon with potato gratin & my fiancé had the rack of lamb with ratatouille, and both dishes were unbelievably tasty. Neither of us have big appetites, but we decided to have desserts as well for once (créme brûlée & chocolate volcano) and these were also beautiful. Definitely the best meal of our 2-week USA trip - this is a MUST if you're going to San Francisco.

Recently some friends joined my wife and I for dinner at Bistro Central Parc. It was our first night in the City and we were looking for agency restaurant near Alamo Square. Recent reviews on TA accurately describe this restaurant as a neighborhood french restaurant with reasonably priced food and great service. These reviews were spot on. Our party of four enjoyed great wine, appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Highlights included the warm Brie, duck breast, beef cheeks and creme brûlée. And, the food and wine were actually reasonably priced which is not the norm when it comes to french food. It was nice to be able to walk to this restaurant from our B and B. I highly recommend this restaurant . Thanks TA for making me aware of this establishment!

We had dinner here to celebrate my husband birthday and we reserved a table for 9 people. Everything was perfect. Delicious food, great service and not pricy. At the end my husband received a small candle in his desert and a gift (a mug!)! We just loved it!

This restaurant is superb on all it's points. I had a wonderful meal on a wonderful day. Everything was perfect. The visual, the texture the flavor and the location. This is my first time here and it won't be my last. It is definitely worth the drive from Monterey, Ca.

I had never been to this restaurant before, but it was the site of a private party for a college graduation I attended last week. We didn't order of the menu, but both the salmon and chicken dishes were delicious. For dessert, they had a lemon tart that was outstanding. I loved the atmosphere, the servers, and everything about it. I am eager to try it again during normal business hours.

Mere words could not reasonably describe the wonderful experience we had recently at Bistro Central Parc during a recent visit to San Francisco. To say the food was delicious and attractively presented would be an understatement. Escargots, tartare de saumon, magret de canard, braised beef cheeks and the desserts were prepared and served with great care and expertise by a genuinely friendly group of people. The owner is not only the friendliest of the bunch, he really knows fine food and good wine. We are already making plans for a return trip to San Francisco in the near future, just so we can dine at Bistro Central Parc.

Every time I come with my girlfriend, we always feel transported back to our vacation to Paris. I usually have brunch, but this time we decided to try it for dinner. The steak was cooked very well and the pomme fries were delicious. Super service. Top!

We had dined here twice in May, 2013, while visiting San Francisco. This time, we took our family (8 of us), and everyone - including 2 children aged 8 and 11 - loved it. One of our sons tried ris-de-veau for the first time, and really enjoyed it. It was cooked perfectly. The moules in curry were excellent. Everyone enjoyed their desserts. Service was good, but due to apparent under-staffing, we had to ask to have our water glasses refilled. However, we shall return the next time we are in S.F.

We had been here for lunch a few months ago and finally got back on our last visit for dinner. Unlike many restaurants, they even take reservations and we were seated after only a ten minute wait. My wife had the filet and I had the rack of lamb and both were reasonably priced and delicious. The other thing I noticed was that the owner was there all night and was the one that seated us...always a good sign when the boss is on site on a busy Friday night. This place is a winner.

This is an incredible experience. Wonderful staff, very welcoming, casual, food is out of this world. So glad I found this place. Plus I dined with four vivacious women who created the fun. Great neighborhood dining experience.

loved this place Alex was a great server, really cool Food was incredible, can't go wrong here we shared the onion soup and wild mushroom risotto Had the duck and tenderloin, all amazing

In my business, I travel, and dine, all over the world. When I'm home in San Francisco, Bistro Central Park is our first choice of restaurants. Jacques (owner) with his family and staff create a warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere to prepare some of the best French food in SF. Fresh, inventive and wonderful. Not be missed.

Another shout out to Yelpers for this tip. My wife and I checked this place out for dinner this past weekend. I made a reservation through Open Table and had to circle the area for about 10-15 minutes before finding a space about 1 block away on Masonic. We ordered Onion Soup, Frisee Salad with egg and lardons and a beet salad for starters and trout and steak frites. We were prety full so skipped desert. Very good food although a little pricy. We enjoyed our evening and the service was part of the reason why- good waitstaff and friendly owner.

We went here for a birthday dinner last fall. We liked it so much we went back for another birthday meal in March this year. From salads to desserts and all entrees in between (beef, pork, seafood, risotto), all food was delicious and of a very high quality. And the service was so incredible. You feel like you are a guest in a French country home. We will be back very soon.

This restaurant provided the absolute best meal and value during a recent business trip to San Franciso. For five evenings, we ate at one of Trip Advisors restaurants including the #1 Kokkari Estiatorio. Bistro Central Parc was the best. We chose from their daily menu which included tomato caprese, halibut and a mixed meat cassoulet. I have attached pictures which really do not do the flavors justice. This restaurant is well worth the bus ride from downtown Powel St where we stayed. This true French bistro was a perfect ending to our day at Golden Gate park.

This place is the real deal. The servers are attentive and friendly, and the food is beautifully presented, and even more delicious! We one of the best bottles of champagne I've ever had, so that helped, too.

Charming spot to re-live my time in Paris. Food is excellent and very well prepared. The wine is paired very well. One thing that made my experience not top notch was the service. Unfortunately the waiter was having a bad day and was rude in a couple of instances. this really downgranded our experience. The place has a lot of potential and will try it again soon.

We traveled by bus from the Financial District to go to this restaurant on our last night in San Francisco. We were looking for a good French restaurant. This was perfect. It was worth the 20 minute or so bus ride. The wait staff was very attentive and gave good advice when asked. The owner came out and made our acquaintance. We ordered a bottle of wine on recommendation from the waiter. It ended up being very good and perfect for what we ordered. The food was very good. It was cooked perfectly. We ordered an appetizer as well as our entrees and it was a perfect quantity as well. We didn't feel stuffed afterward which is a good thing. They provide water to the table in a bottle (tap) or you can order special water if you like. The place was clean and neat and small enough so it felt intimate. It's a nice place for couples or for a small group. Casual dress is fine here too- it is not a formal place although one would be comfortable with more formal attire. It made the perfect last night for our wonderful visit to San Francisco!

This was our first time at Bistro Central Parc, but not our last! The cuisine was delicious, the atmosphere very inviting and the service very attentive. Our table had a mix of daily specials and menu items, and each was wonderful. It's too bad the melon salad is seasonal because it was fantastic! Luckily the lobster risotto is a regular menu item, as it is one that I will order again. The risotto was wonderfully creamy. The melon salad has the right amount of sweetness and slight spiciness to it. My husband and I shared the fruit clafouti for dessert ... I kind of wish I'd had my own, it was so good! I highly recommend this for a casual evening out. Reservations are definitely recommended, as the restaurant fills up quickly.

I live across the street from this small local spot . Good changing menu , with hardy favs , 1st go was not my fav. But after my 3rd , it's on my Go to list for SF and French . Having my 1st brunch . Nice sunny day out side seating .

We had superb French dinner in quiet part of San Francisco. Food is excellent; try "moules et frites" (steamed mussels and fries), very French. Service is most helpful and friendly, without being invasive. Accepts reservations until at least 8:30 pm. :-) Desserts are brilliant, so keep some appetite.

This is a most charming French bistro! Typical for France, it has regulars who are greeted with kisses by management, close tables and brilliant, typical and delicious French bistro fare. Service is brisk but kind. Prices are quite decent. SF has a little gem here, best left only to those who love and miss those wonderful little French bistros 'en France'!

This seemingly unprepossessing neighborhood is not to be missed. The food, mostly traditional French with a San Francisco twist, was nothing short of superb, with absolutely beautiful presentation. My starter, salmon tartare, was wrapped in gravlax, garnished with salmon eggs, was as beautiful to see as it was delicious to taste. My entree, duck breast, was cooked to perfection, medium rare as ordered, lightly but deliciously sauces. My dessert, tarte tatin, was good...not great, not Parisienne, and not up to the standard set by my 1st 2 courses. This bistro is a hidden gem, not to be missed. I will surely return when next I in SF.

The food is very good, the service is great and the ambience is wonderful. It's also reasonably price. It's a great French bistro. Try the steak tartare and the pomme frites! This place is one of our favorites in San Franciso

My partner believe that I don't like nothing with " French "in it ... I am proving her wrong today. I pick this place and I am so happy. Walking in was "disappointing ... French guy with French logo soccer national team shirt..:((( After that we had the beginning of a great experience . Start with a fresh orange mimosa:)) 2 latte and a split French toast ( too bad I had to share it) was so light and good with some raspberry creme fraice.(?) Now waiting for egg Benedict with salmon and the steak with pomes frit..... ... I am back.. OMG to dye for, I am so happy that the chef learn to cook in italy EH EH EH. The ambience is very cozy and European. Manager "frenchie" has a great personality, he suggest to come back for dinner. He claims that is the forte' of the restaurant. We really enjoy our brunch, we ll see if we come back for dinner as well. I really recommend this hide jewel in SFO. Good job

My wife and I went to Bistro Central Parc based on the positive trip advisor reviews. It did not disappoint. It compared nicely with French bistros we visited a few years ago in France. If you enjoy quality french cuisine I would recommend it. The atmosphere is casual and low key and the food was excellent. I had the escargot appetizer which was quite good and the magret de canard. My wife had a melon salad with salami and a French "cream cheese" (Brie) and the French onion soup. The salad was excellent and the soup good, not great. Overall a nice experience - especially if you enjoy french cuisine.

Bistro Central Parc is not a destination restaurant; the food is classic bistro cuisine. So what's the draw? Perfection in preparation! We visited for brunch. Reservations are NOT accepted for brunch - only dinner. However we were seated immediately. The Bellini and Kir Royale drinks appeared instantly! The Salmon Benedict had eggs poached to perfection, just the right amount of smoked salmon, and the hollandaise sauce was flavorful with ideal texture. The Croque Monsieur was another impeccable preparation with out of this world flavors, and perhaps the most impeccable bechamel sauce I've ever seen. The icing on the cake is that pricing is extremely reasonable for San Francisco. If you are in the area, come and experience Bistro cuisine at its best.

My husband and I had dinner at Bistro Central Parc today. The food was very good with occasional surprising and refreshing flavor combinations. Who knew melted brie and a potato pancake over anise dressed greens could be good? I had a great scallop and risotto dish and my husband enjoyed his rack of lamb. We can also strongly endorse their desserts. We tried the chocolate cake and a lemon tart special which were both amazing!

This place lives up to its fine ratings. Eat there. Set in a quiet residential area, this relatively small bistro served up some excellent French cuisine that topped nearly all the French food we had on a recent trip to Paris. My wife had a terrific endive salad to start. My mushroom soup was very well balanced and flavorful. Her pasta special was a fettuccine with cream and ham. Happily it was not heavy on the cream and the crispy ham was an excellent balance to the still el dente noodles. My halibut had a nice char on it and a shredded zucchini that was flavorful and still light. We shared a creme brûlée that was off the rail good. Perfect crisp on top. Their wine list is very heavy on French wine, which is normally fine but we were in Napa after all. We selected and well balance champaign to complete our French evening in SF. The service was friendly and prompt, despite the Giants being in the World Series and distracting everyone. Top marks.

Couldn't have been happier with our visit. Gerome, our waiter was absolutely superb. Excellent service along with wit and humor. Cozy restaurant, quiet enough to enjoy your conversation wtih a party of 4. The friendly owner stopped by our table multiple times to check-in with us, even gave the birthday guest a "Bistro Central Parc" mug for a gift. Specials for the night were delicious: duck confit salad, beet salad, sea bass, beef cheeks, & rack of lamb (not a large serving). Gerome chose our desserts….a to die for strawberry modena balsamic vinegar over ice cream and profiteroles. Resonable wine list, although we weren't aware and brought our own bottle. Definitely will return!

Wonderful dinner! I started with the French onion soup and my husband had the escargot. Both were winners. Proceeded to the filet mignon for me amd lamb for my husband. My filet was cooked perfectly and the potatoes gratin were delicious. The lamb was paired on the menu with a potato croquette. My husband is allergic to eggs and they graciously substituted potatoes gratin instead. We paired this with a lovely French Malbec. Service was attentive and price point was very reasonable. We will definitely be back!

This is a great, classy spot in a quiet neighborhood in San Francisco. We live down the street and will make it a regular spot. It would be a nice place for out of Town people also since it is near the park, but with a local feel.

Great french cuisine, great people and friendlyness! Jacques and his team make this place a for sure stop during your visit in town.

A wonderful neighborhood restaurant where we regulars. My husband and I have probably eaten here more than 20 times and have never had a bad meal. Some of the best regular dishes include: endive/blue cheese/walnut salad, ahi tuna/salmon torte, steak frites, mussels and fries. The pommes frites are to die for!

No wonder Bistro Central Parc is rated #15 on Trip Advisor! It deserves its rating. We had dinner there on our recent trip to San Francisco and it was a wonderful experience. Jerome, one of the owners, took care of our table and made sure we were having a great time. The menu was so inviting, it was difficult to make a choice. We wanted one of each. My husband finally settled on Salmon Tartare for the appetizer and I chose Escargots. Both were delicious. For the entrée, my husband tried “Beef Cheek” at Jerome’s recommendation and he was not disappointed. And for me, Magret de Canard with a cherry sauce was wonderful. We completed this superb dinner with two delicious desserts, “Volcan” and “Tarte Tatin”. Jerome recommended a great wine that complemented both our main dishes. Bistro Central Parc will rival any restaurant in France. The food is superb and we highly recommend it.