Chapeau! Reviews

My husband and I had dinner here on Wednesday. The service was excellent, and the ambience was lovely. We had a nice corner table in the back and had the area all to ourselves for most of our meal. We split the Porcinini crusted Veal Sweetbreads that were excellent, and the beef filet that was delicious, although just slightly overcooked. I really like my steak rare, and it was closer to medium rare, but was still delicious. I highly recommend this place if you are in the mood for a little taste of France!

Delicious 3 course dinner accompanied by a great french red wine . We had family reunion dinner with family visiting from Pennsylvania and it was enjoyable all the way . You may choose 3 or 4 course dinner at the fixed price and add wine to it . The food prepared by chef who was trained in France . Highly recommended .

Awesome French restaurant - surprisingly reasonably priced Met at the front door by the owner Phillipe... the 3 $55 (or 4) course prix fixe is the best deal - includes ANY appetizer, entree & dessert. The excellent red wine was priced less than double the retail price - unusual since many restaurants do a 2 to 4 times upcharge! The foie gras was so rich, the duck was perfectly prepared w a unique carrot purée, quinoa & avocados ... the desserts are amazing - each of the 4 of us got a different one & shared - couldn’t decide which was the best. Make a reservation well in advance & GO enjoy a leisurely sumptuous meal!

Family of 6 and a baby ,welcomed by staff and owner, enjoyed an early dinner. Many choices from special bone in rib eye for 2 to veg. Risotto, cod and cassoulet all arrived together; all very good. Stars of the dinners were risotto and rib eye; surprisingly cassoulet was good not great. Large wine list short in by the glass choices but it works well with entrees. Service very good, attentive and professional. Good choice for traditional French preparations The rib eye came with delicious au gratin potatoe and marrow.

We love this place. Our daughter discovered it several years ago when walking by. She knows my husband and I, who live in Massachusetts, love French food so we tried it on our annual visit and have gone there every year since when we visit her. We always get the high table by the window next to the bar. The charming owner/chef always stops by and chats. it's not cheap but we think it's worth every penny. You'll need a reservation.

The Restaurant was not that big, just right size. the ambiance and the presentation of the food is excellent,waiters is awesome really attentive.The taste of the french food is really good, Its delicious kudos to the chef😋We really enjoyed the Dinner.

Visiting family in the area and we were their guests at Chapeau! The duck breast and beet salad were wonderful. The filet and mussels were perfect. Wine was exceptional and every one enjoyed their dessert selection. The place did seem a bit understaffed, but the service did not really suffer. Very rich food but "worth every calorie."

My friend brought me here a few years ago....I've been back many times ever since! I love it here! Expect to spend at Least 3 hours for your dining experience! Staff gives excellent service, the owner meets and greets. They are always on top of things. Food is always consistent and will entertain your taste buds. Will be back again soon!

We shop Chinese groceries in the Clement area. This past Saturday we were looking for something not Asian and came upon Chapeau. We walked in to request a reservation and was able to snatch a table for three with a time to be about an hour later. It was nice that they were able to squeeze us in at 6 PM. We decided to try the three course dinner. The service was excellent throughout the meal. The chef came out to greet the guests. He was also at the door to bid us good-bye. This is a cozy restaurant with great food. We tried the chestnut soup - good, Trio of Salmon - good, and the Froi Gras ($10 extra) - smooth and rich. Entrees - bouillabaisse - excellent sauce and the highlight is the huge tender scallop; Cassoulet de Toulouse - just like cassoulets in France - huge portion; Filet Mignon - large size filet with excellent flavor. Dessert - Basil Napoleon was OK; Nuage de Noix- wow, I couldn't stop scooping it up from my companion's plate; Warm Valrhona chocolate cake - this is not your ordinary lava cake - rich and flavorful without being heavy. I look forward to trying out some of the other items. We had to doggie bag two of the entrees, so be prepared for good size portions. Specialty drink of the day was a French martini for $15. It was sweet enough to be the perfect drink for me.

Great French food. The chef greets you as you enter. You have a choice of fixed price or a la carte. Excellent onion soup. Small dining room so make a res.

We have returned again and again to Chapeau! because it has consistently high quality food, served by a knowledgeable and competent staff, with a visible, friendly chef and a pleasant bistro-like venue. My husband and I with 3 other "foodie" couples all enjoyed our varied dinners, all of which were the 3-course, create-your-own prix fixe. My favorite entree is the Cassoulet which 3 of us enjoyed, and the others enjoyed Diver Scallops, and Duck. The appetizers and salads are delicious--particularly the crab & avacado mousseline and the duck & frisee salads. Though I was disappointed that my favorite, Tarte Tatain, was not available, the other desserts were wonderful, particularly the Nuage de Noix, Profiteroles and Creme Brulee. Worth a trip to the Richmond District of SF any time you crave authentic French food.

This was a nice little place. It is a little small but the food and service were good. The salad and soups were a great start. Filet was served with a half cut bone with marrow exposed. Dessert was the best of all. All in all a good experience.

Had dinner last night at Chapeau for the first time. My first impression was pretty negative. When you’re spending 200 bucks for a dinner for two people, especially the French restaurant, I kind of expected to see some white table cloths and some decent surroundings but the place is kind of a hole. Ripped seats, cheap tables and freezing inside. I have to admit that the food was excellent, although there wasn’t enough of anything and even after three courses I was hungry in a couple hours. The service was great and the owner paid attention to every table. I only wish he had paid that much attention to my environment.

Superb dining fare- excellent if not expansive options- prepared to perfection and presented beautifully. Reasonable prices- including wonderful French wines (ask the proprietor for a recommendation)- a la carte or in 3- and 4- course combinations. The room is a bit crowded and loud, but this adds to a genuinely friendly, neighborhood atmosphere.

We arrive early and had the early dinner. The early bird menu had lots of choice and value for money. All the food were excellent, especially the duck breast was so juicy and tender. The service was excellent and made you feel like dinning in a friend's home. The owner even open the taxi door for us when we left for the airport! I will definitely return if I travel to SF again.

Chapeau! is an authentic French Bistro located in a non-descript building on Clement Street. Reservations are difficult to secure, particularly since we are from out of town and do not visit the city very often. However, my wife and I finally dined there celebrating our Fifty-second Wedding Anniversary after viewing an exhibit at the Palace of the Legion of Honor on Friday afternoon. We were warmly greeted by the owner as we entered. The room is small with a low-key modern décor, and was soon packed with diners. We enjoyed the onion soup, duck and scallops. Of course, we ordered the crème brulee for dessert. Upon exiting the bistro, my wife was kissed by the owner who thanks us for patronizing his restaurant and asked us to return. We will when we can secure another reservation.

Initially had to peek through heavy curtain so as to noticed and then seated. Very welcoming staff. The chef welcomes you personally and serves the Amuse-Bouche. Very tasty goat cheese tartlet with onion jam. Dishes and specials were well described and explained. The chef also brings dishes out from the kitchen providing a personal touch and also sang Happy Birthday to my daughter and took photos. Duck, filet Mignon, Prok, and Fish were all cooked and seasoned perfectly. Highly recommended.

Easy, convenient, timely order-for-pickup service made for a good start. Filet mignon was cooked to perfection and potato au gratin was rich, delicious. However appealing other dessert options, I know the creme brûlée will be outstanding. Chapeau did not have my wine selection, so they voluntarily "upgraded" the vintage to Chateau Meyney 2015 (bordeaux), which is now my new favorite. Philippe and Ellen are unrivaled in his effort to ensure guest satisfaction and

We celebrated a birthday recently at Chapeau, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. It's a tight space and very popular, so we could only be seated early. We took advantage of the prix fixe menu, and I chose the cassoulet - delicious to the very last bite. Service was very good, attentive but not intrusive nor too buddy-buddy. I would definitely return for more of that cassoulet.

At the entrance, my French friend and I were welcomed by the owner/chef. We immediately got talking. It is clear that he has a great connection with many of his diners. The food was great and it was the most beautiful salade Landaise I’ve seen and such amazing flavours in that dish. After the meal Mr Gardelle came over for a chat. He is also a keen photographer and gave us great tips for our upcoming Yosemite park trip. Je vous remercie, Mr Gardelle, pour cette expérience magnifique à San Francisco. Je reviendrai, chapeau!

Overall we had a very good experience at this restaurant. We had been several years ago and it was good so decided to make another visit for dinner as it's not too far from our house. There were 3 in our party and we had made reservations earlier in the day (about 2 weeks ago). They had a nice specialty cocktails menu with nice twists with their martini selection. My daughter ordered the duck entree (non-prefix) and shared deserts from my wife and I. My wife started out with the corn soup, filet mignon entree with the fruit tart for desert. I ordered the heirloom tomato salad, Bouillabaisse entree and fruit sorbet for desert. Everything tasted really good and we had a good meal. I feel that 5 stars was not quite deserving as our waiter served quite a few tables and was not as attentive as we would have liked. Also, the prefix menu was a little confusing until it was explained to us. The prefix menu is basically on a sliding scale depending on the items selected from the menu. If you pick the more expensive items on the menu for your 3 courses there is added charges. Lastly the menu for the 3 of us was $260. It was really good, but just seemed a little on the high side for a neighborhood restaurant on Clement Street. The owner / chef still works there and comes out of the kitchen for a visit to each table which is very nice. Overall the meal was enjoyable and very good.

I LOVE French food so when I saw this place I knew I had to try it. We made reservations but came a little early and the host was able to seat us anyway. Our waiter was super nice and attentive. First I had the escargot. The garlic butter sauce was awesome and the snails tasted fresh. Then I had the cassoulet which was so rich and delicious. Then I finished with the creme brûlée which was perfect. I’ve eaten French food from Paris to Siem Reap and this place is certainly authentic.

Had a nice meal at Chapeau. They had pre fixe menus and choices are either 3 or 4 course meal. I had the fois gras for appetizer(excellent ) , the scallops for my entree (really good) and the profiteroles for dessert. The profiteroles were ok. The boyfriend ordered the French toast and I highly recommend that. They also gave a complimentary trio of salmon which we all enjoyed. Since it's a French restaurant , expect to be there for more than two hours - it's like having a meal in Europe . Bill is delivered to your table in a hat .

The escargot on the menu got me there. The amazing item was the lafge filet mignon fixed like a tall bone in steak. It melted in my mouth. I asked the owner who stopped by often how did he get such a thick steak so evenly cooked and tender? His answer: "That's why I am still in business!" Second visit without a reservation I ate at the bar. Was same great service. Owner put his hand on my shoulder and welcomed me back! Blew my mind he remembered. Make a resevation they fill up fast.

We went here toward the end of February and had a delicious meal that included a nice table side visit from the chef as well as a chat outside after dinner with him. He did a very good job. A nice prix fixe menu was available as well as a la carte. We opted for prix fixe and shared 4 appetizers. 2 different foie gras preparations (one seared and one pate), Dungeness salad and a trio of salmon that includes a tasty tartare. All were very nicely presented. The staff was attentive but honored our conversation and didn't hurry our 3 hour dinner stretch. We started the meal with cocktails of course, very good vodka martinis with a local brand of vodka we had never tried and it boasted a subtle herb flavor. I need to look it up! We sipped a well chosen sauternes with the foie gras which was a nice touch. The sea bass, the cassoulet, the duck 2 ways and the lamb special for dinner were on point. We capped the evening with a decadent dark Valrohna chocolate cake, the French toast (which is hard to explain but so good), trio of sorbet and the baked Alaska (it's been a long time since we've had that). We had the wine person choose ports to accompany each dessert. A very enjoyable evening and worth the visit.

good service. bread and salad were excellent but the main plates (sea bass & scallops) were just average.

Our meals were very good. I had a filet the was cooked nicely. My wife had a tasty lamb dish. There is a good wine list. The tables are close together, andI would have liked a little more personal space.

Chapeau is a cozy French restaurant in the inner Richmond district. The meals are consistently good and the portion is generous, especially for French food. I have tried seafood, chicken, filet, duck etc and love them all. The dessert is huge and yummy. Each meal is a delight. The only improvement is that they seem to be unstaffed. Also should call out that the executive chef greets the clients multiple times over dinner too!

The food is fantastic, the space beautiful, and the service amazing. Chef Phillipe is truly hospitable and made the evening a night to remember.

Went to Chapeau for our anniversary. The Check Please! proved out to be right on. Guillem is a first-rate service person and helped us fine tune our selections. My with had Halibut with Fennel Sauce and I had Duck 2 Ways. Everything was flavorful, service was spot on , and ambiance was sublime.

Based on TA reviews we booked here as our grand finale dinner on our last night in SF. We arrived a bit early for our reservation and Phillipe greeted us in a warm, welcoming and gracious way, seating us at a high top table with water and a fine wine list while we waited for our third party to arrive. The place was full, vibrant with well choreographed attentive and efficient service. The ambience, attention to detail and cordial response and suggestions to our questions was a delight. Then there was the food...omg. Amazing flavor combinations from sweet to savory to delicate... All masterfully combined and presented beautifully. Pascal was very knowledgeable suggesting wines and cordials to pair along the way. For firsts we had trio of salmon, the pear tart, the escargot.... All great. For entrees we had the cassoulet, the boullibase and the skate also excellent. Desserts included special of the day lemon tarte, the Napoleon which was delicate and decadent at the same time, and the trio of sorbets. When I couldn't decide between the Napoleon and the French toast Phillipe suggested the Napoleon... Then later brought out the french toast! Fabulous all around. We were there from 7:30-11PM, felt genuinely, graciously and affectionately attended to from beginning to end.Clearly Phillipe and his staff love what they do and it shows! We will be back!

it's snug in there, but if you go early it's lovely. Inventive bar and pleasing wine list. And guaranteed you will get a visit from the chef-owner. Classic French cuisine, nothing experimental. Truly entertaining desserts.

We had a great evening, the food was excellent and the service perfect. I was truly impressed with this restaurant. Thank you so much!

Greeted with a hug from Chef Philippe and wonderfully creative cocktails was a great start to the evening. The French Onion soup was a top 5 ever and the special pate in pastry was divine. Cassoulet, duck and fish were all good as well. Creme brûlée was also a top 5. They have corkage so bring your good Rhones and have an authentic dinner.

I eat here on occasion, and it is almost always a wonderful cuisine experience. I recommend it to all my French Food Enthusiast friends when they come visit. Their duck is to die for. And they recommend some pairings of their quality French wines. Occasionally the wait staff has some issues, but it quite forgivable with the atmosphere.

Food was great, ended up with three appetizers and three entrees for two of us. Wine selection great and reasonable priced. Loved atmosphere, service good, nice friendly chef. Loved it, we ate for three hours 😜. Recommend it .

I was on my own in SF for an interview and fancied some french cuisine, after hitting up trip advisor I made my way to Chapeau! The staff were great and the food even better. I had a foie gras special for starter followed by duck in Maple sauce and a Chocolate cake for dessert.

The only thing French about this restaurant is it’s name. The place was empty and I can see why. The staff were leaving at 9.30pm one of them walked his scooter out through the dining area! I can’t begin to tell you how bad the food was. The restaurant itself had the ambience of a doctors’ waiting room. The staff, whilst attentive, all seemed to be pretending to be French…for any Brits reading this…think of a Fawlty Towers type sketch. If you are considering taking your partner here for a romantic meal…take my advice, stay home. Buy her a croissant, call her ‘Madame’ and say “Bon appetite” It will amount to the same experience but you will save yourself a lot of wasted time and money.

Very fine and very well presented. French wines of very good quality.Personnel attentive and amiable.This establishment represents the French refinement.

Excellent food nice wine list and excellent and friendly service in the Richmond neighborhood! I have been there twice in the last year when visiting family in the city. Chapeau is a cozy family place with a nice atmosphere. The food is authentic bistro French with wonderful flavors. Most recently I had the bouillabaisse which was fabulous w/ a heavenly broth. The place was packed, but the owner not only checked on us at our table, but also followed us out the front door at the end to make sure we enjoyed ourselves and to thank us for coming!

We chose Chapeau, made a reservation, and could only be accommodated early. No problem, we thought. Then, when we checked out the menu before we went, we found out there is an early bird prix fixe (not on the weekend, I think) which was super reasonable. I had already had my heart set on e bouillabaisse, which was delicious, but my husband went for the prix fixe, and loved his choices. The atmosphere, service was all so French, waiters must have been trained in France, is all I can think! We'll be back!

The 126 Clement Street has always been a French restaurant––for 30 + years under various names, owners, etc. dark times, bright times. For the last seven or so years it's been very bright time, with Le Chapeau. A beautiful classic––yet relaxed––classic French restaurant. The design, the owner, the wait staff, all agree on one thing––a great dining experience, and date experience––proper lighting, not too loud, thoughtful in every detail. Formal––but not too, San Francisco elegance, and of course, outstanding food, and thoughtful value priced wine list. Enjoy.

We returned to our favorite city for a few days but we were disappointed by 2 of the highly rated restaurants in the downtown area. Getting to Chapeaux required a $15 cab ride but we had heard good things about it. It was crowded but we were greeted as if we were old friends. Service was excellent, patrons were friendly, food fabulous, prices reasonable, more than offsetting the expense of the trip. Expect a Parisian upscale cafe atmosphere and you will feel at home. Nothing disappointed, and the owner even came out to wish us an au revoire when we left. We will return

I have been to Chapeau about 4 times now and it used to be one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco! My husband and I had our first date at this restaurant and it was so romantic. The tables are set properly and they make sure that you are taken care of. The food we had here (prior to merging with Clementine) was excellent! Starting from amuse bouche to the dinner everything was simply delicious. Some of my favorites are Trio of Salmon, Salade Landaise and Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. The balance of flavors in the food is very well done by the chef. Also, not to forget the desserts! Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake just superb!! Must try each time you go there :) They even gave us extra desserts cause they found out that it was our first date. The servers were very friendly and the chef personally greeted each table. Chapeau! is now merged with Clementine so I feel like a few things have been compromised. The space is not big enough for all the reservations they have accepted, the place is overcrowded! The service seems to be a bit chaotic as well, not as top notch as it used to be where the chef would come speak to each table individually and ask how the food is. I wish they work on their shortcomings and make it as lovely as it used to be.

Great dinner, The food was amazing Staff and service were very kind The chef Philippe is a very gentle person. Very nice and friendly. I recommend this place!

It’s been awhile since we’ve been to Chapeau but Philippe and Ellen immediately made us feel like we are still very much family. Christmas Eve dinner was amazing from the first nibble to the last bite. Even the tried and true plates on the menu were far better ( and that’s difficult to do) than we remembered. From the salmon trio to the special of the even scallop entree nestled in a mushroom foam, every bite was an “mmmmm amazing”... Service continues to be exceptional as is presentation, ambiance, and comfort. This is a true upscale French Bistro without any attitude...

Philippe and Ellen have the best of all worlds and they share that "best" with us: Philippe with his exquisite and precise passion for food: its preparation, its presentation, and it's taste. Perfection; Ellen with her welcoming open arms into their home. Chapeau feels like family. No matter how long you have been away, you are embraced with love. As I requested a certain wine, I was honestly put a bit aback by the sullen behavior of our waiter, who assured me condescendingly that he needed to ask no one about anything because he knew his job! I apologized for my apparent offense of his abilities. But service was never quite the same. Needless to say, he did not ruin the evening. The food was sensationally well done from sweet corn soup to pleasingly succulent duck to a salad with toots still in the garden, to salted Carmel ice cream et al. And then in came Philippe, moving like a dancer between the tables to embrace his friends. So personal, so engaging. A rare and personal fine in the City that very leaves service at the curb. Something I can get away with saying as a true San Franciscan.

This restaurant serves classic French food at a very reasonable price. I love cassoulet and their version was fantastic. Service is friendly and efficient. Nice, reasonably priced wine list.

A short cab ride from the CBD, this gem is worth the taxi fare! The menu items encompasses very well executed French cuisine. Wonderful flavours ... I thoroughly enjoyed my Salade Landaise. As far as hospitality Chef Phillipe seemingly appears out of nowhere to welcome you and to ensure you are enjoying your experience. In our case, he picked up very quickly that we are French speaking which resulted in several visits to our table during which Phillipe recited his own poetry. The evening was most enjoyable, the food was great and left us feeling like we hit the jackpot when choosing Chapeau. Chapeau Mr Phillipe!

As superb as always. We were delighted that the skate is again available. Ambrosia! And those profiteroles!😊👌. Phillipe and his team never fail to please. A must for locals and visitors alike. You will love it and you will return.

Fantastic! Everything was super delicious and the service was great! Indefinitely recommend reservations. I was surprised at how full it was by 6:30 on a Sat night.

Still great after all these years! Awesome neighborhood standby. Went in yesterday without a reservation and was seated immediately and in time for the early bird. Great meal and great service! Awesome value even without the early bird special. Go and enjoy a great meal!

Chapeau completes a French culture trifecta at the intersection of Arguello and Clement Street. The Arsicault Bakery on Arguello, the custom leather goods April in Paris and Chapeau on Clement. Although we usually stop by Chapeau during the week, this year we started our New Years celebration at the early sitting. Philippe crafted a balanced five course special menu with outstanding matched wine flight. Whether you are just looking for a quick mid week steak frites or something more celebratory, give it a try. Dinners only Wednesday through Sunday.

One of my favorite places to eat in the US. Come in as a stranger, leave as a friend. Unbelievably good French Food. Phillipe is a fantastic restauranteur. Highly recommended!!!! The Salmon Trio paired with a Rose wine is exquisite! The food is exceptional!

While visiting San Francisco this week, for our 48th anniversary celebration, we wanted a very special place to spend the evening. Chapeau exceeded all our expectations! From the friendly greeting by the door by Philippe (the owner) to the time we left, everything was perfect. Food was excellent; from the special of the evening (lamb) to my sea scallops with risotto, all were delicious. A special shout-out to Ellen, the person who coordinated our meal (Philippe’s wife) and who made the evening fly by. DO NOT pass up the desserts; we had three of them.....all wonderful. When we’re back in this wonderful city, and we’ve been here many times since our honeymoon, we will go visit our friends at Chapeau!

Always a wonderful moment in time to dine here amidst the neighborhood crowd and those who drive here from all over the Bay Area. Great food, good prices, and exceptional wine. And service is over the top!

Ever since returning from Carcassonne have been thinking about Cassoulet. So on a cold, foggy summer night in San Francisco we drove in from the East Bay to Chapeau! We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation and had a drink at the bar. The service at the bar and once seated was excellent. The chef personally came out to speak with us. The escargot was perfect. The Cassoulet was wonderful, but a bit salty for my taste. Excellent wine selection as well.

Just a terrific, outstanding dinner experience at this French restaurant. Greeter/wait staff engaging, kind and informative, and an immediate visit from the chef was fun and informative. Nice menu with a great variety of choices. Scallop, escargot, onion soup and asparagus appetizers each delicious. Our group had tenderloin, duck, bouliabaise (sp) and vegetarian entrees, each of which was also delicious and beautifully presented. Dessert - profiteroles, baked Alaska, chocolate cake and French toast delightful and gorgeous in their own way. All portions were generous without being over the top. Wine list nice and fair prices. We will be back on our next trip to San Francisco!

We visited off the back of the TA reviews and were blown away. From the moment we walked in the chef was out laughing and joking with us and the other customers, the service was excellent throughout and the food was phenomenal The whole menu is included in the 3 courses for 60 dollars or 4 for 70 with a supplement for fillet. Well worth the extra! We had french onion soup & tomato soup to start, fillet each then creme brûlée and choc banana cake - all amazing! Particularly the onion soup The wine was on the pricey side - the minimum price is around 60 dollars upwards so the bill quickly racks up! Only slight niggle is that the square tables on the right of the restaurant are squashed in so you feel like you are eating with next table and can hear everything they say - if you book as for the round tables at the back - more space and less on top of each other Would definitely recommend to anyone

This was our first visit (we are from New York City a location with quite a few French restaurants) and we were overwhelmed by the service and the food. The maitre is a real character, but has complete control over the staff resulting in a superb experience (very authentic). Don’t miss it.

This is our 4th dinner at Chapeau! Phillipe treats everyone like a regular and like family - he is part of the experience. The service is solid (the kitchen was a tad slow in between courses), and every dish was prepared perfectly. We ate everything from soup to nuts. I look forward to coming back to Chapeau next time I'm in San Francisco.

This restaurant is like a trip to Paris. Nothing but authentic French food, well priced, and beautifully presented. We have nothing about nouvelle cuisine but it’s all you can get in so many French restaurants . Sometimes you just want the tried and true dishes you can’t reliably get elsewhere in SF unless you cook them yourself.

Love the neighborhood vibe. Chef came to our table to greet us. Food was very good. Excellent wines too. Range of meat, vegetarian and seafood choices.

What a fabulous experience! We went with friends with smaller children, and they took just as good care of the children as they did of the adults. Phillipe greeted us warmly at the door, and that set the tone. The service was wonderful and the food even more wonderful. Everything was great. A lovely warm restaurant, although it was full it was not noisy and we were able to speak. The duck was extraordinary as was the salmon appetizer. Desserts were wonderful also. A truly lovely experience.

Chapeau! is the hidden gem of San Francisco -- prix fixe menus that range from 3 - 4 courses and feature truly out of this world cuisine. Every server is steeped in wine knowledge and can recommend full or half glasses to pair with each course. Not to be missed!

Chapeau has been here in the decidedly ethnic neighborhood of Clement for some years. Chapeau is French, with distinct overtones of French-Vietnamese. We had been regulars when they first opened but somehow got out of the habit. We thought of them for after a matinee at the opera last weekend and went there for an early dinner. The place is still very crowded (as it was years ago; a good sign), so reservations are absolutely required unless you get lucky. The food is still excellent, and, to our surprise, inexpensive for San Francisco. If you get there before 6:00, the early bird special for $40 is a bargain. It includes three courses, all very well done. I started with a salad with a superb dressing, followed by a main dish they called duck two ways. I expected a little dab of this, a little dab of that, but instead there was a generous serving of pan roasted breast and a whole leg and thigh, with sides. It was all very well done, but I couldn't finish it, and about half went home. Be warned; the servings are very large, particularly for a French restaurant of this quality. I would have taken the third course, dessert, home too, but I had ordered profiteroles, involving ice cream, so I had to make the sacrifice and ate them. Yum. The wine list will look on the expensive side for such a small restaurant, but never mind; the owner is very knowledgeable and will recommend something reasonable. I was considering a beaujolais to go with the duck (and with the pork my wife ordered), but he said I can do better than that and produced a bottle of this year's beaujolais nouveau, and it was just right. The friendly owner is a delight, as are the wait staff. Chapeau is back on our A list. By the way, the name for the place becomes clear when the bill is presented in a hat. Very clever.

From the minute you walk in the smells tell you something good is happening in the kitchen. Seating is tight but you get past it quickly, service is friendly and thoughtful and having the owner welcome you is a nice touch. Worth the trip from Downtown. It can get loud so if you have anything important to say you should save it for a break in the noise. Definitely go—it’s delicious!

A very good and genuine French restaurant in San Francisco. The diner room is tiny and we had to ask for a table change as we were not offered a proper table for 3. Foie gras, salmon and cheese tart as a starter, followed by cote de boeuf and filet. Profiteroles and sorbet completed the menu. A proper St Emilion 2012 was fine too. We found it quite pricey, very pricey for the cote de boeuf (140$) to be honest. We had fun though.

We used to come many years ago when we lived in the city. Nowadays, we just visit a few times a year. We were overjoyed to find the food delicious, artistic, and flavorful, just as we remember it. The service was friendly and helpful, and the owner chef makes the rounds nightly to greet every one of his customers. Fantastic experience.

Excellent risotto and seafood. A special recommendation for the muscles and the cheese cake. Extraordinary service by Matteo. Our daughter really enjoyed it!

As a francophile - at least of the food - I was very pleased to find this restaurant. It's quite authentic, down to the proprietor welcoming me and inquiring about my experience afterwards. I even got to trade some bon mots en Français. Good stuff: - Menu has a lot of good choices. Wine list ditto. - Escargot and branzino with wine accompaniment were excellent. - Wait staff is attentive - Loved getting Sauternes as my dessert wine - They even had Calvados and Armagnac - Online reservations Nits to pick: - Wine pours could have been more generous - Crème brûlée was not up to the standards of the rest of the food. No visible vanilla bean seeds, rather too custard-y. I would add that the place is rather loud, at least at 19:30 on a Sunday, thanks to large groups in close proximity (but fortunately no loud music). Some families with children also. I didn't mind the lively atmosphere but it may disappoint some people hoping for a quiet evening. I'm still giving it five stars.

On April 21st my dining partner and I had dinner at Chapeau for the first time to celebrate his birthday. What an absolutely fantastic experience. Chapeau is VERY French in every way. You enter the restaurant and you immediately are transported into a world of French customs and treatment. Waiters cannot do enough to accommodate your dining pleasures. The menu has an excellent variety to please most every palate. "This ain't no McDonalds honey so relax and enjoy." I had the filet mignon with bone marrow that was superb while my partner in this culinary crime enjoyed the Cunard L'Orange (Duck ala Orange for you first timers). We each tasted the others and I must say the duck was done to perfection. Another very pleasant surprise was the portions, very generous. Duck lovers, 1/2 a duck is this offering. Excellent wine list well balanced with domestic and imported. Prices moderate but you have choices of flare reared for 3 course meal, 4 course or even 5 course meals starting in the mid $50 BUT well worth it. Call ahead because availability is tough. Plan ahead and you won't be disappointed. This gem is a real keeper to take close friends for a memorable San Francisco dining experience.

Third time at this restaurant and I live in New York! And originally from France. The owners are amazingly friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food out of this world! I wish they had a sister restaurant in New York City !

When we arrived there were only 4 people in the restaurant, but the hostess seated us right next to two gentlemen. With no background conversation from other tables, we could hear everything they said and they could hear everything we said. Why not seat us elsewhere? The food was good: seared foie gras excellent; skate wing very good. The french toast desert sinfully delicious; baked alaska a close second. The chef/owner came out and shook hands with each patron: a nice touch. I'm glad we arrive early. We were able to find a parking spot on the street (the restaurant offers no parking) and as the place filled up, the conversational din was remarkable.

There were no white table. clothes on our table. We were against a wall with 2 tops pushed together. If you like casual, this is the place for you. The food was outstanding. My husband and I shared escargot, salad and the cassoulet. All were delicious. Oyster lovers in our party loved the oysters.

We have come to Chapeau many times over the years, both this location and the old one. We have sampled about 2/3 of their menu so far. Simply put, they consistently have both the best food and the best service in the city, and at an affordable price to boot. (The early bird set meal is a phenomenal deal!) I've never tried a dish here that was anything less than delicious. And of course, the owner is quite a character -- like Lumière from Beauty & the Beast. If you want to experience a non-touristy example of great cooking, check it out!

We had an average dinner at Chapeau. The food was variable and expensive. The manager and server were charming and professional. We brought our own wine. The table next to us was very loud. We had a problem getting back to our hotel. Uber and Lyft wouldn't come because the restaurant is too far west. We had difficulty getting a taxi. In the end the manager got us a taxi.

We were a bit disappointed. Other times it has been better. Starter of salmon “three ways” needed a bit more acid. The foie gras was delicious. The coq au vin was terrible. I know it has to be cooked earlier, but this was dried out and tasteless. The cod was decent, but not exceptional—just lacking a “spark.” The pork tenderloin was very good and exceptionally rich. The rack of lamb was pricey and a lacking flavor.

Excellent experience for dinner @SF. Onion Soup, Lamb rack and chocolate gateau!! Service&Quality, what else can we ask for?

When you walk into a restaurant your body has a first impression, good or bad, that is usually born out by the experience. My sister-in-law chose this restaurant based on a previous positive impression. All four of us were disappointed with this visit from the execution of the dishes we ordered and especially with the haste and abruptness of our waiter. Food was so-so, wine list was uninspired and the only good thing about our evening was the company. With so many great restaurants in SF I would skip this one.

I cannot speak to their food. We made reservation for June 17 2 months prior to that for a special occasion and were only in town for the weekend. They notified us 2 days before the day that an employee had tested positive for covid so in an over abundance of caution they cancelled our dinner. I commend their honesty and how they handled the situation. I will probably never get a chance to visit SF again but if I did, I would love to try them!!

We ordered the three-course menu, starting with the trio of salmon. This was the best course of any meal we had during our five day stay in San Francisco. The salmon was surrounded by chopped hard boiled egg and caviar. Scooping some of the salmon along with the caviar and egg caused an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Superb. We followed that with the braised lamb shank which was very good and extremely tender. I had the profiteroles for my final course and what I really loved was that the chocolate was not too rich. My husband had the baked Alaska which he also enjoyed. We would definitely return.

My family had one night out in San Francisco and I picked a neighborhood French bistro with great reviews. Parking could be a problem but we were lucky to find a spot on the street. The restaurant is small but handled our party of 10 with ease. The atmosphere was very French as was our waiter. Service was outstanding and the food was exciting. Our dishes were prepared promptly (we compounded our poor waiter's worries by our being in a rush!) and he even expertly handled complicated requests. The bread was fresh and the onion soup was a hit. The entrees were robust and the cassoulet excellent. We will return, next time not in such a hurry! We were completely charmed by the quality of our meal.

The food is really good and wholesome. Its small and friendly. I will 100% be returning. If they have the tomato soup... order it!

This restaurant is an excellent venue. I had escargot and oysters as a started and they were excellent. The service was warm and friendly.

Chapeau is a fine dining restaurant with great charm. Its location, outside of the downtown area, is a relief from the noise and density of central San Francisco. The food is exquisite and the wine list is deep. There is a full bar if you like cocktails. Go early for reduced prices and easier parking. Highly recommended.

After local Italian and cioppino, we wanted a taste of French during our SFO visit. Chapeau certainly satisfied our desire. The ambiance is both warm and exciting. The service was spot on. The cassoulet was authentic and satisfying. The entire experience put a period at the end of our three night visit to SFO.

It was our first tome going to Chapeau but it won’t be our last! It’s to damn good to go once! I had the 3 course and my girlfriend had the 4 course. For me the 3 course was plenty. I started with the mussels and it’s not a small portion but they were one of the best! My mane was the cod which was terrific and I had the cream brûlée for desert! I was so full I couldn’t have another bon bon(life of Brian) This is a top 5 restaurants in San Francisco for me! You will love the wait staff and owner & his wife🎉Cheers!🥂

With three and four course prix fixe menu options from 50 dollars this delightful restaurant offers a really solid value for your fine dining dollar. I've had the pleasure to eat in some really fine French restaurants in Shanghai, Paris and St. Martin and Chapeau! ranks up there with the best. From the bread to the dessert to the St. Emillion Grand Cru the meal was outstanding despite the fact that we had a very late reservation on Mother's Day. The owner/chief is actively out in the front of the house making sure every one is greeted and cared for with kisses for regulars.

What a wonderful dinner. Two seating's per evening in this small French restaurant. Very attentive, helpful and charming staff. Choice of a prix fixe menu with options within each serving. or, a la cart. Unless you really know your wines, go with the staff recommendations- always a sure thing at Chapeau. The meals (over several visits) are consistently outstanding

A little overpriced for a honest dinner in a busy bistro. The beet salad with oranges was okay. The skate wing a little overcooked while the bone marrow with the beef was a little undercooked.

This is one of our favorites close to home. We eat here regularly and have never been disappointed! I would recommend to everybody.

One of our favorite restaurants in SF. Small neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and the best staff! Everything we have had been top notch, but the ribeye for two and their French martinis are must haves! We were a bit nervous to take our toddler but glad we did. They couldn’t have been more welcoming to her! (I would suggest going early if bringing children)

Had a lovely meal with my husband and parents at this San Francisco standby. Husband had a duck salad that was absolutely delicious. Dad, who is a tough restaurant critic (and frequent diner in Paris) pronounced his meal "superb". It's crowded and busy but the owner circulates frequently and make sure that everyone is attended to. He greets you with a handshake. The menu is fairly heavy untraditional French foods, and the portions are modest. The desert, a "cloud" of nuts in a white froth, was divine. Unfortunately, none of us ordered the cassoulet, which is a good test of a French bistro. I suggest you go there, get the cassoulet and duck salad, and then write your own review

Chapeau combines great food, service, in a comfortable dining setting. The warm hospitality by the Owner and Staff upon entering and departing makes one feel as if you were dining in a friend’s house. Do make an effort to try some delicious food reminiscent of past trips to France.

Great value and excellent service. Owner working the room greeting all the tables, felt like part of the family. While the food is well priced the quality and service is fine dining.

We had scrumptious dinner again last night. Had not been for ten years as we moved out of town, retiring to San Diego. Everything was as we remembered, perfect food and impeccable service. A pleasure to see Phillipe again, ever smiling and attentive. We will be back on next trip to Bay Area. Thank you for a memorable evening. Mary and Glenn Rose IMG_2116.jpg Sent from my iPhone

We love this beautiful bistro. If you don't mind dining early, Chapeau offers a three course "Early Bird" menu. With several choices for each course, you should find the perfect meal. We particularly liked the salmon trio and the roasted duck breast followed by profiteroles. A reasonably priced wine list with several by-the-glass selections. The service is always first rate.

Ate here on Sunday night at 6:15 and restaurant packed. Good outstanding and good options of fixed prix. Service excellent-friendly, professional and able to make great wine recommendation from interesting California and French list. I had veggie Napoleon; husband had bouliabaise. Both delicious. Desert options impressive. Small neighborhood restaurant.

We love this restaurant and it is a must every time we visit San Francisco. We love the salmon trio appetizer. The duck, bouillabaise, and bass were terrific. All the deserts are great, in particular the nougat with orange sauce and the basil napoleon. We've been coming here since they opened!

On our first evening in SF we dined at Chapeau mainly because they serve cassoulet. We were seated promptly by a friendly host and our order was taken by a friendly server who also made recommendations. The wine was delicious, the cassoulet and lamb were wonderful. While the atmosphere was a bit noisy and the tables are closer together we enjoyed this restaurant and would return.

After some research, my wife and I selected this restaurant while visiting town. Our dining experience was suburb to say the least. The owners and wait staff were very attentive yet not at all obtrusive. My wife and I had the three and four course dinners respectively and both of us were more than satisfied with each and every course (as well as the amuse bouch.) My wife's cassoulet main course was probably the stand-out if I had to pick one, but everything was prepared perfectly and to our satisfaction. We both enjoy French cuisine and have visited France numerous times. This restaurant made us feel like we were there. I highly recommend them.

We've been going to Chapeau! since it opened over 20 years ago, and every single time, we have had simply outstanding meals. Tonight was certainly another wonderful experience. From the complimentary amuse-bouche to dessert, every dish was exceptional. Three of us each created our own three course menu and tried each other's dishes...French onion soup and trio of salmon; filet mignon, 2 way duck, and roasted monkfish; Tahitienne vanilla bean creme brulee, Nuage de Noix, and Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake...every dish was fantastic. I agree mostly with a prior reviewer who said that Chapeau! was "possibly the best French restaurant I've been to." I would simply remove the word "possibly," and I lived in Europe and had many fine meals in various parts of France. Phillipe and Ellen greet you warmly like old friends, and the staff provides excellent but not overbearing service.

Authentic French restaurant with warm and welcoming atmosphere. Philippe has been running it for over 25 years (that’s when I visited for the first time) Place is busy and full of positive/happy energy. Our server was very friendly, accommodating and charming. Food was good and menu had plenty of options. Happy to see this lovely spot thriving.

This is a nice place to go for special occasions and for regular dining. Prices are not too high if you go with the fixed menus, currently $45 for 3 courses. Waitstaff is very helpful and charming although sometimes a little difficult to understand due to the French accent. Creamed corn soup with prawn was delicious. Food in general is very good (not as fancy as some of the more expensive French restaurants in town), but I did find the skate wings a bit salty for my taste. Good wine list.

We had the most wonderful time at Chapeau for my birthday; Bob and I were joined by my sister, Michele, and her husband, Ray. From the appetizers, Dungeness Crab & Avocado Napoleon, a lovely Cauliflower Soup and the Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops, to the entrees, everything was delicious and perfectly prepared. Bob and Michele both chose the Canard à l'Orange, I had the Scallops (more scallops is alway good!) and Ray had Filet Mignon. The waiter suggested wines to pair with our meals and we finished our night with the Tahitienne Vanilla Bean, Crème Brûlée (maybe my favorite part of the meal), Profiteroles, a Trio of Sorbet and also a special complimentary sorbet which came with a lighted candle for the birthday celebration! The service was excellent and the special greeting (and goodbye) from the chef made for a fabulous evening.

As most yelpers have said you can go in looking fancy shmancy or go casually, no need for intimidation since it's a French restaurant. No judging from the staff or the other people that go there. It's fancy with a casual vibe! They have awesome prices as far as three/four course menus go. Decent price for a coursed meal that you would think would cost so much more! I had escargot for my appetizer, Cassoulet De Toulouse for main course, and their famous French toast. For my first time eating French food the experience was absolutely amazing. Did I mention I spent my 25th birthday here and my date made sure it was special ! The chef came to greet us personally, said happy birthday, and even ran out of the restaurant to say goodbye to me and give me a hug and one of those side kisses on both cheeks. I loved it! Will definitely be coming back again!

This is one of the best restaurants, with some of the most creative cooking, in San Francisco. But it's not centrally located--it's somewhat off the beaten path, in the Inner Richmond. So it's mostly known to the locals, who like to keep it a secret. Don't let their secrecy keep you from experiencing what Chapeau! has to offer. Phillipe's creative dishes--for example, rabbit's foot stuffed with foie gra and barley--are just superb. Ellen is a charming and friendly hostess. And the ambiance is such that you'll think that you're tucked away at a locals-only restaurant in the 166th Arrondissement. The only difficultly, wholly out of their control, is that it can be difficult to find parking in the Inner Richmond. Not impossible; just a bit tricky sometimes. Once you eat here, you'll become a regular.

Our visit to Chapeau was a very mixed experience. The owner/chef stopped by the table shortly after our arrival to greet us in a very genuine and friendly way. Later, at the end of the meal, he stopped to chat. However, the actual service lacked. The waitress looked to be overwhelmed. It took an extended period of time for her to take our orders. She had little time or patience when it came to explaining the somewhat complicated menu. The were four of us at the table. We were served as though we were two couples. For example, there was almost a five minute gap between the time that our guests received their first course and we received ours. The restaurant was full. But it appeared as though they were totally unprepared for the crowd. The food itself was quite good. The desserts, particularly the French Toast, were standouts. The sweetbreads were excellent. The Chestnut soup was delicious.

The food was great and the service was wonderful. We went on a Saturday night to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. It's a small restaurant and very popular, so it was quite crowded and noisy. The food and service were still first rate. We'll definitely go again when we're in San Francisco.

We were a group of 4 and we all went for the "Create your own 3 Course Menu" and tried many different appies, entrée's and desserts - they were all very good. Will definitely return the next time I'm in San Fran.

After living in the SF Bay Area for 27 years and in 2000 moving to Oregon we had not been back to the city in 18 years. Stayed at the St. Francis Hotel in Union Square because both my wife and I had worked in the city and she at Macy's on the Square. We just wanted to see the changes of the city and eat. Chapeau of one of them. About a 20 minute taxi drive outside the city and we arrive at this place that only has the logo (lady with a hat). Inside it is like a French bistro with tables close to each other. Every staff member was friendly and the owner greeted us. Now for the food. The Salade Landaise was wonderful as was the sweetbreads in Phyllo dough basket. Then came the pan seared day boat scallops and the braised lamb shank. Desert was this large crème brulee and a baked Alaska. Was a bit nosy due to one loud patron but if visiting SF it is a wonderful place.

Well N of downtown but well worth the trip. Philippe and his team maintain a fabulous standard in authentic French food, lovely service and a really cordial atmosphere. We go there at least monthly and Chapeau! is ine of our worldwide-favorite restaurants!

Chapeau! is a terrific restaurant. The French chef is superb, the wine list is reasonable and well chosen, the service is attentive and the ambience is romantic, intimate and quiet. This is a restaurant to visit many times.

Truly Superb! Off the beaten path but absolutely worth finding. We had a fantastic dinner here with friends. Everything that came to our table, from Cote de Boeuf to Black Cod was delicious and beautifully presented. Service is as good as I've seen anywhere. The wine list is top-flight as well. All in all, one of the best meals we've had in a long time.

Satisfaction level 1-5 (5=highest) -Food: 2.85 -Booking: 4 (Easy) -Atmosphere: 2 -Service: 3 -Recommended dish: Filet Mignon Pommes de Terre Landaise King Trumpet & Oyster Mushrooms Sauce à la Périgourdine -Price: 100 USD++ -Visited: 2013

Fantastic fresh French food. Met out of the Uber by the Owner / Chef himself. Made us feel like Celebrities! Wonderful menu and good French wine. Was expecting to pay a fortune, but very very reasonable. A Little gem just outside of San Francisco . Well worth the visit, but book in advance as I expect this restaurant to get very busy, because it's doing all the right things at a unique price. Great staff, if a little busy. Well done again!

Ambiance, service was excellent as was the cuisine. Both of us had French onion soup. The best ever. Wife had the duck and I had the pork loin. Both perfect. Desert of chocolate cake and profiteroles expertly done.

Charming French restaurant a little outside the city center, but not to be missed. The welcome by Philippe Gardelle, the chef, and his brother couldn't be more friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. We devoured all 3 courses leaving only empty plates. Book early to avoid disappointment. A total must when visiting SFO!

We just flew back in from visiting Cahors and Paris, France and we ended in Chapeau for my partners birthday and had a fabulous experience. There were 6 of us. The food was fabulous (great mussels, beef, pork, ratatouille, lamb). I had the skate which was too greasy and the foie gras was too soft. The foie gras was still good but the consistency was off. Otherwise everything was really very french and good. They even had a fabulous and reasonably priced Cahors Malbec from 2009 and 2011. The service was great and friendly and the environment very compact and french.

A full restaurant is always a good sign. This place was bustling, perhaps a little on the noisy side. Fabulous, witty, french waiter. Great menu and impressive wine list. Would definitely visit again.

Enjoyed our evening at Chapeau with great service, great food. While there is a e course fixed price choice we decided on multiple appetizers and sharing a main which was accommodated with grace. The executive chef visited each table to ensure that everyone was happy.

We have been here everything we have visited San Fran and it continues to be a place we will come back to time and time again because the food and service is consistently wonderful. By the way the creme brûlée is ridiculously over the top fantastic!

Wonderful Experience. Received a warm welcome upon arrival, Sebastian our server was great, we’re not rushed at all. Food was excellent. Can’t wait to go back

I generally try to avoid going to a nicer restaurant on a friday nite, but, it was a friend's birthday and got a 5:30pm. It was relatively quiet with a table of 12 and us. The restaurant was packed by 6:30pm. Menu only had a set menu with a choice of 3 or 4 courses. I inquired about ala carte menu and server said everything was available ala carte and didn't want to ask individual prices. It was duck nite for me: duck confit, good size appetizer portion; duck ala orange, very generous serving of a drum stick and a boneless fanned out breast portion in a not overly sweet syrupy sauce -- just right. The bouillabaisse was different - the seafood was stacked with a tower of scallop, shrimp, fish, sitting in the middle of a creamy based broth. Very tasty too. Ordered the warm chocolate cake and was told it would take 15-20 minutes, looking that there was no one waiting at the door, I said, no problem since we were having a leisurely dinner. This was a great way to end the meal, a little crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. A glass of wine was expensive for a 3oz pour for $12. Service was excellent with the bus boy constantly refilling the water glasses on this warm evening. The server was attentive as well. Next time, I'll try the early bird special thats not offered on Fri or Sat. Nice to see men in long sleeve shirts or jackets.

Different than the picture of the restaurant's interior, don't expect white tablecloths. Our food was quite good, but the evening experience was affected by very loud ambiance, such to make conversation a chore. Service was poor. A smile and shout with an appearance and the waiter is gone before you can reply. Just wait and wait to order desert. Or get a check. Small unkept restroom. Very friendly reception and exit. The service and the noise level were a significant distraction.

Got to visit this Clement St gem based on friends recommendations. They moved here from smaller quarters in the Richmond. The food is excellent. The French onion soup Devine. Wine list full of nice choices... expensive, but worth it.

I've been there once before over 10 years ago and it was a very mediocre experience, so I did not expect much. This time Chapeau! exceeded my expectations by a wide margin. Every dish we tried was superb - from Salade Landais to Nuage de Noix desert. Selection of vine is middle range priced, but superb.

We're in San Francisco at least once per month, and usually have 2 - 4 nights of dining. We are always on the lookout for new restaurants, but came upon Chapeau! in an odd way. We caught an episode of "Mystery Diners" on TV, and became interested in the restaurant. The Chef/Owner, Philippe Gardelle showed sincere interest in solving some problems, that his restaurant was experiencing, primarily regarding general, and wine service. He impressed us, so we booked. We usually get our fix of "French" at La Folie, or Jardinière, which are a bit more formal, than Chapeau! However, the more casual Chapeau! was refreshing. The seating is well-spaced, and it appeared that many of the patrons that night were either regulars, or known by the staff - that contributed to a "neighborhood" feel. The menu is fairly diverse, and the wine list (while maybe not as "deep," as I would have hoped for), offered some excellent choices for the fare - and at fair prices. Service was very good, and the food matched, with a few dishes bordering on the excellent end of things. There were zero weaknesses, that we found. We were even able to fairly quickly get a cab back to our hotel in SOMA. I have no idea how much that TV episode helped Chef Gardelle, it appeared that everything was working perfectly. We will return.

While I don't like heading to the Richmond, it's a nice little Gem in the area. The chef is quite interactive and makes it for a memorable experience. Check it out!

I've been in San Francisco so many times now, that I hardly look around anymore. My anchor here is Chapeau! The soul food I need after enduring my way through the american food nightmare of fried, fried, fried.... Not everything has to be deep-fried to have flavour. Chapeau is proof to that, although just a touch less cream in the dishes wouldn't hurt.. I always try to have dinner here, I like the buzz of the place. It could be anywhere in France. The chef comes out to greet everyone, which is a thing of past times, but very much appreciated. All the dishes I ever had here I would have again. I'm sure San Francisco has many restaurants on offer, but take your time to come here at least once if you can. The meat served to many tables looked fantastic, but would have been too much for one. Next time dear Philippe I'll bring a guest with me so that we can tackle that piece of perfection together. You always make me feel at home at your restaurant, thank you.

This was our first time to Chapeau and we had a great time. It's one of my sil and bil's favorite restaurants. The owner and staff are friendly and service was excellent. We started with cocktails, I had a blueberry gimlet and my husband had a Manhattan. I loved the gimlet! It had a nice amount of blueberry puree and the gin was tangy but not overpowering. My husband enjoyed his drink too. The guys split a plate of oysters. They said they were sweet and the Asian sauce complimented them well. I had the Mesclen salad for a starter. It was a generous portion and the dressing was flavorful. The crusted cheese was yummy and perfectly melted. My husband had the tomato soup. He said it was a bit sweeter than he expected. I had the cassoulet for my entree. The duck was nicely cooked and had good flavor. The sauce was savory and had nice flavor. The sausage was also good. My husband had the pork tenderloin. He said it was also perfectly cooked. For dessert I had the blueberry tarte and he had profiteroles. The tarte was scrumptious with blueberries and almond along with vanilla ice cream. The profiteroles were also delicious with a nice chocolate sauce.

I 've been going to Chapeau for over 20 years. The food is simply outstanding: creative dishes beautifully presented and always delicious. Everyone on the staff is welcoming, pleasant, and helpful. When I go to "The City," Chapeau is "THE Place." One reviewer said that Chapeau has the "Best French food in US." I'd extend that praise. Chapeau has better food than most restaurants I've been to in Paris and other parts of France!

Our son lives around the corner from Chapeau, we went when it first opened, considered it very good. In town for our anniversary he took us again. Wow... Chapeau had grown in so many ways. The food top notch, presentation solid. What impressed me this trip was the wait staff. So knowledgeable about what they were serving, wine suggestion, etc they really care about the customer... We don't always see that. Chef owner Knicks out some great French dishes with a twist, but still true to what he knows. It was a lovely night. Make a reservation, the place was packed on a week night! Secrets out...

I believe this restaurant has changed hands since we first ate there several years ago. The food (french) is very good, and simple. It is a popular place, and seems crowded. The desserts were good. The service is slow. And the room is very noisy. Would return only at an off-hour, for quieter dining.

I have been to this restaurant numerous times. It has always been a favorite spot for special dinners and birthday meals. The food is more traditional French but, not of the heavy sort. The wine list is also quite good and the service is usually impeccable. Chapeau is also reasonably priced and friendly. Tip…as the restaurant is fairly small, always make a reservation. Also, parking can be tough in this neighborhood, so give yourself a little extra time to find parking or, better yet, Uber over or use public transportation.

Small bistró. Excellent bouillabaisse! Affordable prices, good food. French ambiance. Dress code: casual. You should make a reservation.

We had a delicious and authentic French meal here while visiting family in the Richmond district. The foie gras was amazing, as were the steaks and cocktails. While our waiter was only okay, the owner was tres amicale and made an extra effort to connect. Bonus: our neighbours were also friendly and added to our dining experience. We'll be back!

We've been dining at Chapeau for 30+ years and loving it - Always a enjoyable and memorable dinner at Chapeau! From cocktails and amuse-bouche through dinner, dessert and coffee, you'll feel indulged and at the same time, part of their family. The owners, Philippe and Ellen , both so charming -- There's no other restaurant in San Francisco who has this 'je ne sais quoi' quality about them. A sheer delight, authentic, and a wonderful ambiance for a special evening! Chapeau! is a 'must' for foodies and those seeking authentic French food and service. Highly recommended! Exquise!

Food, atmosphere, service...everything was great. My wife rarely gets a filet mignon while we're out to dinner, because it rarely tops what we eat at home. But, wow! ...she said it was perhaps the best ever. My bouillabaisse was amazing and deserts where wonderful. Well deserved 5 stars.

I enjoyed the atmosphere the food the presentation and the staff. It's a nice touch to pass the hat for the bill. Chapeau came recommended by a friend and we liked it enough that we will be back

We loved dinner at Chapeau! The escargot were delicious and the mussels outstanding. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the bouillabaisse. Excellent wine list and fabulous service. Well worth the short trip from downtown.

It was a great family birthday dinner for four. The restaurant has been recently updated, clean, warm welcome upon arrival and offer a very comfortable setting! If you are a hearty eater, you won't be disappointed. The portion is very generous, especially for French cuisine. We chose to go for the three course meal. The menu offers a great selection from duck confit, seafood, vegetarian to filet for the main course ( some requires a small extra fee). The dessert is just outstanding. We had the apple pie, French toast and warm dark chocolate( all served with a small scoop of ice cream). For the entree, definitely the filet was the best. The seafood fishes were very good too. We also ordered a duck, sausage and white bean dish that was just ok. The warm bread as well as the nice small teacup of cauliflower soup are nice touches. It was also great to meet and shake hands with the exec chef. We will be back!!!

Unbelievably disappointing restaurant in every respect. $40 for simple cassoulet, food cost $4.50, $22 glasses of wine and the menu is only half French, the rest is American, steak, or fish cooked Asian style. Service is horrendous, we waited half an hour between finishing the appetizer and the main course, with no one coming around the table to even check. The whole fiasco was grossly expensive and of course included the dreaded surcharge which raised the bill another nine dollars. If this is what dining at San Francisco has become now we’re going to be eating at home a lot more.

We've started coming here every couple of weeks - mostly because the wine list is so fabulous and the wine pairing recommendations from Chef Phillipe are always perfect. It's hard to find decently priced wine lists that are centered around French wine in San Francisco, and the owner has lovingly crafted a very exciting list. I also like the very attentive and Old World service. I have never once thought, "Where's our waiter?" while eating here. I stick to seafood here -- adore the Trio of Salmon appetizer with capers and egg and the mussels are very well-executed. The cheese plate is generous and delicious.

What can I say other than perfect. The food is die for. The care taken in every step if the process is extraordinary. The wait staff go out of their way to make the experience everything it can be. The owner is charming and the bar staff super friendly. Oh and did I mention the excellent wine list. I almost hate to review the place as I like not to have to fight to get in. Oh yes, bring your appetite you will want to have everything.

Got here by 9:15 pm and it was still packed. Ordered the chef recommendation set dinner. All items were good, but what really stood out as excellent were the scallops with lobster bisque sauce. If I return... i will order scallops.

I would recommend Chapeau! as a good data place. I went there with work colleagues and 3 of the 5 of us were disappointed with the meat dishes we got. The wine was excellent, the foie gras was sublime, but the pork was dry, and the quality of the ribeye was substandard for what one would expect for an $88 cut of meat.

Best meal in San Francisco. I cannot say enough good things about this dinning experience. We were in Lyon France in October and the restaurant took us back to the gastronomic center of the universe. The food is creative and simply delicious. Scallops in a mushroom foam sauce, to die for. We normally share our food but it was hard to pass or relinquish the plate. The bouillabaisse was a cooking lesson. I have prepared this dish many times and never came near to the perfection I was served. The duck is superb. The service is wonderful and accurately described in the other positive reviews. Friendly is an understatement. Please go and enjoy the experience.

Celebrating a birthday of a foodie/wine snob and all I can say is restaurant was a perfect choice. Nothing ordered wasn’t perfect and the sommelier tolerated my dear friend’s abhorrence of French wine, steering him to an Oregon Chardonnay that he showered with compliments. As great as the food was it was no match for the impeccable service. Eat here and the noise won’t matter one smidgen. Thank you Chapeau! Staff.

As usual great quality and value. Food prepared with care. Philippe is present front and back of house and makes all welcome. Traditional French food with some twists. Early Bird menu most days, great specials. Nice wine list

I went here this weekend with college friends to celebrate a few big birthdays and was so pleased with the overall experience. First of all, they take reservations via OpenTable, so that was easy. I did have to reserve a month or so in advance for a Saturday night. But the night of, I ran by and asked if we could come in 15 minutes late and the hostess was so accommodating and nice to make the change.I also gave her my credit card then to make sure my friends would not try to pay, and she handled it all perfectly. Very professional. When we arrived, we were greeted so warmly and taken to our table. The restaurant was filled the entire time we were there, but it was never hard to hear each other. The service was excellent. Very on top of things--water always filled, for example--but we never felt hurried. The server gave us great advice on both wine and food. A man (the owner?) with a French accent came around and was so charming and warm and friendly. He even sent us all off after our meal with the double-cheek kiss after kindly taking a bunch of group pictures of us. Every dish we had was excellent. The corn soup starter, foie gras, asparagus, bouillabaisse, steak, lamb, and both desserts--profiteroles and creme brulee. They made a subtle splash for our birthday pals, which we all appreciated. And for nice French food with great service, I thought the prices were very reasonable. The restaurant was also wonderful because it was comfortable--nothing stuffy here. Other patrons were wearing clothes ranging from nice dresses to jeans and t-shirts and everyone was treated well. It was obvious to me that the people who run Chapeau enjoy their jobs. They were just so nice and warm and helpful. And the food was excellent. Highly recommended.

What a delightful find! I am so very glad we discovered Chapeau! Bistro and it's our new favorite place in San Francisco. The food is exceptional - Michelin Star level. I had the early bird dinner which was 3 courses for a pre fixe price (only $48!) but there were various dishes to choose from in each category. I had a Roasted Tomato Soup, Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and French Toast in Nutella with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. The meal started with an Amuse Bouche -elegant cold asparagus soup. The Tomato soup arrived in a huge triangle shaped bowl with little baby heirloom tomatoes sitting in the bottom. The staff pours the soup over them at the table. The Pork dish was perfect, sitting on a bed of shaved Brussel sprouts and Apple Brandy - oh my gosh so good. Of course the dessert was also exceptional. My husband chose Oysters, Bouillabaisse and Pistachio dessert. The wine list is long and excellent and the staff helped me pick a half glass of wine for each course. However they have a beautiful bar and I saw many gorgeous cocktails being delivered too. While the tables are close together, which makes it louder than you may like, the food far outweighed the noise level. And we arrived at 5:00 so it did not get loud until close to 7 as we were leaving. As many will tell you, the chef/owner likes to meet all the guests and does a double cheek kiss. We received ours as we were leaving. I intend to come back as often as possible and bring friends.

Impeccable food, reasonable prices, refined service with some dose of humor. We have been absent from this place for a while (we live in Oakland) but since we visited Legion of Honor (Monet exhibition) it was only logical to rediscover this restaurant anew and it was as good as ever, they just painted the walls in nice elegant grey color. Now I think we will fall into a new routine - late afternoon at Legion of Honor followed by dinner at Chapeau!

Chose Chapeau! based on reviews and was not disappointed. Seemed to be a popular spot for dates and/or small groups of friends. The restaurant is tight, but service was excellent and the food even better. Wine prices seemed very reasonable, and our entree, a large cote du boeuf with bone marrow for two, was incredible value to my mind. Escargot was well prepared but not the highlight, still very much worth getting if you enjoy the dish.

We were lucky to get a reservation for dinner on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We Uber to the place since parking is hard to find around there, the only way for us to recognize the place was the picture of the French lady in chapeau (hat) as seen on the restaurant website. It gave the impression that the place is cater to the locals long enough that it didn't need to have big bright sign out front for people to find right away. As we walked in, we were greeted at the door by Chef Philippe Gardelle himself, still in his apron:-) The ambiance: It is a small bistro with French atmosphere. The place has the high-table and standard tables seating. High-table is just the table is tall as a bar table with high stools. There was just a few (3-4) high-tables lined up along the window, the rest of the dining room is set in standard tables. The place was crowded but not noisy at all The food: we brought our own wine, the corkage fee is $30, very reasonable. Their bread and butter were simple but good. They started us with a Tomatoes Bisque to cleanse your palate, very good! We then ordered: Traditional Escargots, Bouillabaisse (mixed seafood) and Filet Mignon. The food is quite good and flavorful. The staff: Our waiter was very attentive and friendly. The staff is moving very quick, yet but in such an orderly manner. Overall, we had such a great night and dining experience at Chapeau! if you haven't eaten at this place yet, and if you like French food in a cozy French setting place, give this place a try.

The staff were attentive and friendly. This was a wedding anniversary meal and they even put little candles on our dessert plates for us. The food was excellent and we were not kept waiting for our meals, even though the restaurant was full. We went on a Sunday evening and were glad we booked. Classic French style cuisine. Thoroughly recommend this restaurant.

I feel a bit guilty telling you all to go because it is a small restaurant and you may have to book far ahead-- but its worth it. First, it is an indelibly French experience-- the chef, the waiters and the food- you couldn't be more authentic if you were in France. Second- it is a lovely space- although a bit crowded. We were near the back of the room literally conjoined with another table- we had to look and talk straight ahead not to be invasive ( you might ask for a table against a wall- better choice. But the chef was personable and hospitable and I believe stopped at every table. Our waiter had a lot of personality and the dishes were individually and collectively superb. The cassoulet was amazing, the fish was cooked perfectly- the scallops are a lovely dish either as an appetizer or a main dish and I loved, loved,loved my mussels. The steak was excellent too- in fact, nothing was less than excellent- although I did have the three course meal and wasn't crazy about the nut semi-froid ( it wasn't called that ). But that was a matter of taste rather than preparation. My brother had the trio of sorbets and those were lovely. I think when I return to San Francisco, I will have to return to this restaurant.

This French Bistro is a classic find. Located on Clement Street in San Francisco. You can miss it if you don't know it's there. Very understated BUT the food is superb. Call in advance for reservations as this is a well kept secret but well worth the wait. The chef owner comes out to greet the diners during your visit. Moderately priced and a well stocked wine cellar.

Still the same wonderful food prepared with love by Phillipe. Great wine list. Nice to see some new additions to the menu, especially the fish selection. The new pudding like dessert is amazing as is the French toast and profiteroles. Outside dining with social distancing is provided with great service. Dress in layers as the weather can change in a nanosecond.

Great, traditional French food served by friendly wait staff in lovely white-table cloth restaurant. Simple to order: elect 3 or 4 servings, for a set price, and then make your selections from each course listed on the menu, or just order al la carte. Also an "early arrival" special for only $40.00/person. Good and surprisingly reasonable list of French and California wines, by glass, 1/2 or full bottle, with French waiter to help you select. There was something about the staff that made our evening "just plain fun!" Located in inner-Richmond neighborhood.

A group of us (8) came for dinner on a Friday. We had a great time. The service was excellent, all staffs we interacted with were friendly, courteous, and professional. We had the 4-course dinner and it was very good. Highly recommended.

We have had many great times and meals at Chapeau. Again parking is an issue, but super neighbor spot to walk to.

We loved all the food and the people were very friendly. I definitely will go again sometime. The filet mignon was excellent and for dessert I recommend the French toast.

Small place, adequately furnished. The stars here are the service and food. We had 3 course meals and all was excellently prepared, plated, and conceived. Good wine list. An excellent meal in the Richmond. Highly recommended.