L'ardoise Bistro Reviews

Perfect service and excellent, developed traditional country French flavors make this a spectacular under-the-radar antidote to restaurant hype in SF. A corner bistro that slays all others. Complete with a real French accent in many cases, the service is affable but not intrusive.

Unfortunately the French Bistro is in decline. Where there were once bistros on every Paris corner, now there are few. There is still a good bistro on a corner in the Castro- L'ardoise. It covers the French classics and does it well. Happily, for San Francisco, the prices are quite reasonable. The service was friendly, the food good and the place quite lively. The noise level is a bit high.

This place is a little gem, close to the Castro. We started with snails (good) and goats cheese salad, also good. However the stars were the mains. Confit Duck and the Monkfish in Saffron sauce. Both were very very good, authentic and delicious. The atmosphere is friendly, professional but not stuffy. It is reasonably priced and well worth a detour. Great find

Wonderful neighborhood bistro perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a friends night out. It’s a small place so make reservations! Our server was fantastic! Definitely recommend the Brussels sprout salad and the coq au vin.

Beautiful little restaurant with a really nice romantic atmosphere. Food was good, but not exceptional. For starter we shared the charcuterie board - the pates were really tasty and it was presented nicely too. For main I had the confit duck leg which was okay, but far too oily for my taste, especially the potatoes. Presentation also wasn’t great. My boyfriend had the halibut which was much tastier, the sauce was delightful. We shared a chocolate fondant for desert which was nice. Probably not big enough to share really so I would advise getting your own - my fault. Overall I’d say the food was a little underwhelming, I think the previous reviews hype the place up a bit too much so we were expecting more. The prices are also probably too high for the quality of food, but that could be the area (we only ate in the Castro district once so couldn’t comment).

Our first experience eating at a true French reataurant. This place is legit. Great food, service as well as setting. Duck confit is delicious as well as the floating island for dessert.

We live in the neighborhood and this is always a special treat. Steak with Frites or Roasted Chicken on a cold foggy night.

Very good bistro in a charming neighborhood. The food was great, the staff is efficient and attentive, and the prices of food and wine are reasonable. The île flottante was a very enjoyable way to conclude the dinner.

We loved eating at this little neighborhood gem! My husband had the escargot and wanted to lick the sauce off the place. I had the steak - perfectly cooked and delicious. Service was great. We couldn't ask for a better dining experience!

A nice experience for a late dinner on Saturday night. It is pricey though probably in line with similar restaurants in the area. While the steak was not necessarily of a very noble cut, the lobster ravioli were to die for.

Whether you're looking for a cozy romantic date night or a relaxing classy time solo This is the place. Great food,Great servers, Great ambiance

Where do I begin? A couple of blocks off the F-line in Noe Valley is an amazing petite Parisienne- Style bistro that is a must go- the restaurant seats around 35 guests and 6 at the bar. It's elegantly simply adorned and drenched in candlelight. I would say it is authentic a place in San Francisco as anyone desiring a delicious French meal with a traditional flare. The menu hosts some standard favorites - cow au vin, seafood cassoulet and my personal favorite, duck confit. A buttery favorite is the foie gras with jam and toast points - incredibly rich. There is a nice selection of wines to compliment the menu...and the desserts - as tasty as they are beautiful and my personal favorite, the floating island. The service is incredible - friendly, attentive and correct. For a neighborhood bistro it's a must go and I highly recommend it - the Chef Owner was not at thevr stay rant tonight but the Sous Chef (obviously talented) and the brigade did not let him down.

We just spent the evening celebrating our anniversary at L’ardoise Bistro and had a lovely experience. It is a small neighborhood restaurant and a hidden gem that we have experience many times in the past and the service was just as impeccable as ever and the food of the highest quality. I cant recommend this restaurant highly enough.

This place is a great! Very tasty, excellent service! Great atmosphere! We came to celebrate our twins 25 birthday, and this is the place to celebrate! Relatively small bistro, on a quiet street, full of French vibes, and outstanding food! Everything we ordered wS just excellent. It was our first time , but certainly not the last!

Let me say we love French cuisine! This little place is charming and the service is very professional....the waiters are on spot! Never had to ask for anything....foie gras was buttery and sent from the food gods! Escargot has a a special twist but also delicious. The rack of lamb was one. of the best I have ever had. The only negative...if I have to nit pick was that it was a bit warm in the restaurant. I would definitely recommend and go back.

A gem of a restaurant in one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods. It's on a quiet and beautiful street that is only a few minutes walk from several train and bus lines. It reminded me of bistros I've visited in Paris. The food is superb and the staff are attentive and extremely helpful. This is an excellent restaurant for special occasions or romantic dates. If you are dining solo, there are several seats at the bar.

This place is a hidden gem in the neighborhood. For just a few bucks more than other restaurants you get an authentic French dining experience. The food is fantastic, as is the atmosphere. The restaurant itself is nestled in a quiet neighborhood on Noe street which is lined by trees....this place is a great date spot!

I liked everything about my visit. The patés were very lovely. I didn't finish them, because I was dining alone. I didn't want to risk being too full for the entrée. The waiter asked if something was wrong. Nothing at all! The hanger steak was perfectly cooked. I hope to visit again soon with some company. I recommend that diners make reservations.

We lucked out and managed to get a last minute booking at L'ardoise. We ( my wife and I) wanted a good restaurant to go to for our last night in SF. Staying with my son and his wife in Castro we wanted somewhere close and memorable. The food, service, atmosphere, everything was great. The waiter ( a young French boy studying in SF) was very helpful and caring in our food and wine selection and remained very attentive all evening. All our meals were excellent, flavousome and not too large. A great French Bistro which I would highly recommend. A tip- make a booking so as not to be disappointed at not being able to get in as it is very popular.

You will think you walked into a Paris Bistro. Popular with the locals and very authentic. Can be very warm inside on a hot day.

We chose this place based on OpenTable recommendations. We loved everything about it: kind service and helpful staff, lovely atmosphere, excellent wine list (French/Local) and recommendations from the staff. It's pricey if you want to drink good wine but well worth it for a romantic dinner. Definitely a good choice for a couple! Food is very good, your typical French bistro menu with a lot of meat. I am vegetarian and I still managed to find something.

L'Ardoise is a neighborhood gem. We were so excited to find such a wonderful french restaurant. The service is extraordinary. Our waitress explained all the specials in such an enthusiastic way, we wanted to try all of them. The shaved brussel sprouts salad was marvelous, and our halibut was well prepared. It is a small restaurant with a big following so make sure to have a reservation.

The food and the service is excellent and we try and eat at this restaurant maybe once a month. Terrific at all levels.

It was 2009, in May I decided to pay a visit to my friend Laure who just moved a few months before to San Francisco. After a week of Mexican cuisine in mission (Where I had my first molle experience) and a few American alternative kitchens in Haight, she decided to take me to "L'ardoise". She introduced me to Cl€ment who just opened this restaurant one year before. Although I am French, I am very curious to eat like locals, but I have to admit that this French stop was an amazing experience. After few days I receiving a few black coffees when I was expecting a cocktail (Americano) I was quite happy to be in a place where I could order things peacefully without crosschecking on google translator. The charcuterie was what you would expect in France and the Confit de canard was authentic. I highly recommend it. Also the wine list is very impressive, you for sure will find at least one of your favourite in there.

Totally recommend to people visiting the city. A very comfortable place -- the staff are very approachable and make you feel welcome. The food is top quality and priced fairly. Nice wine list and good choices in the $30-$35 range. Make sure to reserve in advance. There are no more than 40 seats in the place.

I was really hoping for the quintessential French dining experience but unfortunately, it fell short at L'ardoise. This neighborhood establishment has very tasty food within it's crowded interior. The noise level is rather high so friendly conversations for a party of four were not easily heard without asking for repeats and therefore, I would not recommend this restaurant if you are catching up with old friends you haven't seen in many years. On the other hand, you are there to eat and with that in mind.....you will not be disappointed. I have had better duck confit but the Coq au vin was reported to be superb. The starters and desserts were excellent but the overall experience just didn't reach the level I was hoping to experience. I would certainly go back. It's never fair to make total judgement on just one visit! The service by our French waitress far exceeded expectations.

My parents and I enjoyed dinner here following a busy day in the City. We planned late and a table wasn’t available in our timeframe, but the restaurant arranged bar seating for us. The restaurant is small, busy, cozy, and the Euro feel starts with the draft-abating curtains you encounter as you enter. Staff were helpful, friendly, and on-point. Food was served promptly and was delicious. For me it’s fun when people seem to care that you enjoy their food and smile when do. Between us we enjoyed Coq Au Vin, a flank steak, duck confit, and a side of sautéed mushrooms. Each were wonderful. Nicely cooked, well seasoned, and the accompanying sauces were delightful. Side greens were fresh and nicely dressed. Side of potatoes landaise was fabulous in a wonderfully simple way. I have no idea if they are traditional, but the thin sliced potatoes with bacon and garlic complimented my duck perfectly. We didn’t go for dessert, but the options read well and my neighbors seemed to revel in the beautiful tarte tatin they shared. Tonight was very nice here. All three of us were eager to dine here again when back in town.

Made a reservation the day of for a Saturday night, only seating left for a party of 2 was at the bar, which was fine because many times I prefer to eat at the bar as I like to sit side-long with my husband. At this place, the bar is literally a working space as the waiters get their glasses, water, and food from behind the bar from the pass through window. Enjoyed watching kitchen staff reading tickets and working the line. Food was well prepared, attractive, tasty. The menu incorporates italian influences (risotto). I appreciated that they keep their menu selection paired down so as to offer fresh choices. I ordered the coq au vin and it was tender and flavorful, served with mash potatoes no doubt with lots of decadent butter as it was delicious. This place is bustling with all sorts of folks:younger, older, couples, groups. Great people watching while having an enjoyable meal.

The menu offered very good selections. The dinner was wonderful and the service was very very good. Intimate atmosphere of a Bistro is the charm for this restaurant.

The extremely welcoming and efficient staff is very French. Excellent but limited menu will meet most diners expectations and then some. Shrimp ravioli and duck confit are perennial best sellers for good reason. Over five years street parking has always been available within two blocks. This Bistro is well worth seeking out.

L'Ardoise (chalkboard in French) is on a quiet street, a few blocks away from the heart of the castro. The food is classic French food- cooked classically without any gimmicks or twists. Coq au Vin, Cassoulet, Onion soup -all are cooked perfectly. The service was also wonderful. The waiters are quite knowledgeable and are very on the spot without being intrusive. If you're looking for top-notch CLASSIC French food, this is the place for you. If you're looking for modern twists or the latest fafd, this is not the place. EVERYTHING is cooked and prepared according to classic French cooking. I highly recommend this restaurant to everybody.

The restaurant itself isn't very big, BUT the service, food and ambiance makes up for it in every sense of the phrase . My wife & I had one of our best times in a restaurant setting. If you are in the neighborhood or not, make an effort and swing by. You'll thank me later.

had been meaning to try this place out and finally achieved that. just a shame that I did not make it there sooner. nice buzzy atmosphere, efficient if somewhat aloof service, and really interesting flavours in the food. Wines by the glass perfectly acceptable and good value. from now, my go-to for French everyday dining.

New Years night they were able to get me and my other half a sitting with one of their prefixed menus. It was perfectly done and needed nothing.

I recalled having my very first night out in San Francisco in the Castro District near a very noisy video game place and quiet neighborhood. The restaurant was initially bustling, then gotten quiet as the evening progressed. The selection was quite overwhelming with side options catching the eye. The aroma from the lingering meats and grilling / pan-seared entrees will make you second-guess your initial decisions. Their pommes landaise, c'est un régal! It was close to going to Paris for a meal. Although like most places with such specialties, it might set you back a bit. But overall, good.

I loved it. Very, very comfortable ambiance, excellent service and fantastic food. Very good wine list.

very good, little bistro, hidden in noe st. this place is just like eating in Paris, only the service and the waiters are nicer. excellent food, accompanied with good wine list. if you want a good meal and atmosphere - go eat there.

We had a very good New Year's Eve dinner here. Amazing food wonderful service pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Can recommend this gem to all the so appreciate really good French food in a cozy French environment that.

Overall, I’d highly recommend for several reasons - intimate, good food and outstanding service. Staff - couldn’t do more for us. Literally didn’t have to even raise my eyes and they were available to assist. Great recommendations for both food and wine. Food - the steak and frites was good. The steak was tender, superbly cooked and tasted great. The chips (fries) tasted a little overdone for our taste and that’s the only reason we gave 4* instead of 5. The wine was superb (we had the house). Location - about 5min walk if that from the Main Street. Atmosphere - intimidate, warm and very French. Perfect.

I highly recommend this restaurant for dinner. There were found of us and we all ordered something different along with three appetizers and dessert. There were no complaints about anything. It was all delicious. Looking forward to returning the next time we’re in San Francisco.

We had an early dinner here on a Thursday night before going to the opera. I had petrel sole and my husband had duck confit (and some nice red wine). We shared a tarte tartan for dessert. Everything was wonderful and the service excellent. I loved the cozy feel of the restaurant. Like being in France!

What a find! Romantic spot with the best French food in the city. Prawn ravioli is delectable as is the goat cheese salad. Coq au vin was spot on with a nice rich flavor served with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed greens. The duck confit was outstanding served with the crispiest, most delicious potatos I’ve ever had...Fried in duck fat for sure! Save room for dessert and take your servers recommendations. Fab service and ambiance. You won’t be disappointed.

Happiness is finding a good French restaurant close to home. We had a lovely dinner in this cozy and inviting bistro. The food was excellent and the service very good. We shared the shrimp raviolis and they were terrific. Then we had the mushroom risotto and the seafood cassoulet. Both delicious. The floating island was quite good but was no match for a fabulous one I had in Paris several years ago. We will return to L'ardoise.

I really read reviews of restaurants in United States. We live in the San Francisco Bay area and I almost never read reviews from restaurants here. I love this restaurant. I like the buzz food was excellent wait staff was on point. There’s nothing not to like. I have the shrimp raviolis as a starter. My wife had the escargot. Both fairly unusual and perfectly executed. Honestly, outstanding. I have the coq au vin which was fine. I’m not sure I would get it again. My wife had the lamb which was over the top. She is a lamb connoisseur and thought it was one of the best preparation she’s had in many years. The potatoes were over the top too. Next time we’re going to split that dish. There will be a next time. I highly recommend this restaurant.

During our trip to USA this was our best experience. It started with a very welcoming meeting at the entrance even if we had not made any reservation. The day's recommendation was a starter made on lobster and it was amazing. As main course we ate a delicious halibut. We finally rounded up with a creme brulee and a chocolate fondant. The atmosphere in the restaurant was also very nice. All in all a perfect evening.

My husband & I thoroughly enjoyed our delicious dinner at L'ardoise and it is within walking distance from where we are staying. We sat at the bar as there were no tables available. Turns out we were happy to be so close to "all the action". All the staff were friendly and the ambience was just like a charming bistro in Paris. The food was absolutely delicious and we plan to eat there again before we leave town. We would be eating there tonight if they were open. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant if you want a perfectly prepared meal and excellent service in a cozy atmosphere.

Cozy French bistro with authentic bistro menu. Coq a vin, Sweet breads, FoiGra, escargot were a few of the items on the menu. Atmosphere is casual. Many of the Tables are very close together If your on a diet or trying to avoid butter and cream this is not the place for you. All dishes were well prepared and used good quality ingredients. Service is very brisk and professional. Prices are reasonable,

Last saturday we had a wonderful and delicious dinner at this excelent Bistro. We highly recommend it.

Cozy atmosphere with casual and friendly service. Food cooked to perfection - we had the Duck (could be bit bigger meat portion), Cock au Vin and Cod; all great. Dessert strawberry floating island a must. Feel real San Francisco.

The food was fabulous and cooked to perfection. Nothing particularly fancy just delightful french food. My chicken breast was tasty moist and tender. My date's fish was likewise cooked perfectly. Interior is a little shabby but after dark things turn into shabby chic. If you are on a date suggest you wait until the sun goes down - because after dark, it is tres romantique! Before then? Meh. Still the food and service make this a very good place to eat.

I have eaten at a great number of "French" restaurants, but few come close to the exquisite cuisine and top notch service experienced at L'Ardoise Bistro. Yes, it is small and crowded, but the crowds underscore just how good the cuisine and service are. On my first visit (I dine here at every opportunity), I ordered some pate and when it was served I noticed it contained mushrooms (I am highly allergic and read the menu carefully, usually asking specifically about mushrooms; however the pate did not list mushrooms as an ingredient, and I forgot to ask.). I told my server about my allergy, and the chef came out, apologized, and then made me some specific plates to enjoy before my delightfully succulent lamb chops which were prepared to perfection. The wine list offers a plethora of choices by the bottle, and the wines offered by the glass are also superb. If you have the time and budget and can obtain a reservation, L'ardoise is not to be missed. But remember the restaurant is small and usually crowded, so understand you are dining in close proximity to all the others who are sharing the enjoyment of great food and a very convivial atmosphere.

Wonderful fresh ingredients of the highest quality, prepared with simple, classical french technique, served in a charming setting, will transport you to a Paris bistro in the heart of San Francisco. Simply wonderful.

We have been eating here for years. The best authentic French Bistro in the Bay Area. Alex is the host and he will take good care of you. The best Duck Confit I have had anywhere! Located in a neighborhood, it reminds us of France every time we go. We just went with a couple that was their first time and they really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. One person was gluten free and she had no problem finding things to enjoy.

I was treated to the most amazing dinner here. Everything was fabulous; food, drinks, service, dessert - amazing! I will definitely come back here again and again. I think it's my new favorite!

L'Ardoise is an absolutely charming French bistro in a residential area, an easy block or so walk from the Market-Sanchez muni/bus stop. The food was simply wonderful from start to finish. Appetizers: tiger prawn ravioles and escargot in crispy potato cups. Entrees: coq au vin and duck leg confit. Desserts: Valrhona chocolate fondant and floating island (meringue) in caramel sauce with creme anglaise. Lovely wine selection to go along with anything you choose. Our server, Raoul was truly kind, helpful, and attentive without being over-solicitous. You really should make reservations, but if you're in the area, stop in and give it a shot--they also do takeaway, if you can't get a seat.

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

L'Ardoise is a little French neighborhood restaurant and the food is wonderful! Not your restaurant if you are looking for upscale french food but very tasty, down to earth food. I wish we lived closer so we could go more often!

I just had a very nice dinner with friends both French and American at L´Ardoise and really enjoyed the food and wine. I lived in France for 20+ years and can confirm that the duck confit and the deserts are execellent, on oar with good french cooking in France. I also had the artichoke special for appetizers and it was also very good. Lastly I took a red givry premier cru well priced and very good as well. Overall very good cuisine. I will be back again!

Loved this very quaint French restaurant which is off the beaten path. Absolutely full with people --- so highly recommend making reservations. We had outstanding service from Oriane and enjoyed everything we ordered.

Excellent, cozy, romantic restaurant! Will recommend this restaurant but reservations is a must. My second time dining here and I really love the ambiance of this place. Very detailed menu and good wine.

Tried to make reservations x dinner while visiting SFO and all we could get were seats @ bar. We were not disappointed, especially that we ended up with the best seats in the house as we watched the Chef & Sous Chef perform a perfectly synchronized dance in the tiny kitchen! We ordered a bottle of the Sancerre & started off with a Foie Gras that melted in your mouth, my Halibut entree was delicious as was the seafood dish my bf ordered & the crème brûlée we had x dessert. It's a small, romantic place with impeccable, yet friendly service!

Corner storefront. Agreeable soft lighting. Furnishings and fixtures are older and ordinary. Somewhat noisy with unnecessary background music. On a cold winter night the heating was inadequate; we dined in our overcoats. Service was pleasant and attentive. The food and wine were good but nothing special. For the prices, there are nicer places to eat.

We were delighted to rediscover this intimate French restaurant. Wife and I made reservations through Open Table for a week night and were promptly seated. The menu was not extensive but well chosen, real French fare including escargot, coq au vin, duck confit, etc. No full bar, but a good wine list including excellent kier royale. We were served with excellent French bread and butter without having to order it separately, which is the usual practice nowadays. Wife and I ordered their butter lettuce salad, which was very fresh, with excellent olive oil dressing with anchovies. The escargot in potato cups and delicious green sauce was innovative and flavorful. The coup de grace were the main courses – wife ordered the Chilean sea bass special, which was outstandingly flavorful and cooked just right, as was the rack of lamb I ordered, rare as I wanted, with an outstanding flavorful wine sauce. The accompanying vegetables and potatoes were also tasty and we cleaned our rather sumptuous plates. For dessert, we ordered the floating island, which we love but have not found on the menu in any other French restaurant so far. The islands puff pastries floated in wonderful creamy sauce before vanishing into our appreciative mouths. The service was attentive, friendly, and professional. Overall, a wonderful authentic French bistro, which we intend to frequent.

We have been going to L'ardoise for at least 9 years. It is one of our favorite bistros in the city. Brings you right back to France.

This tiny bistro on Noe St. just north of Market is reminiscent of the multitude of corner bistros found all over Paris -- even the waitstaff are French. We had the Coq au Vin which came with the signature rich, dark sauce, and which did not disappoint. I found the staff attentive, caring and polite; the menu somewhat limited, but that is typical of French bistros;the ambiance dark and woody; the atmosphere definitely continental. All in all, a wonderful dining experience.

I enjoyed dinner there in January 2019. The bistro is on a quiet street in a lovely neighborhood. The room is not too large, the noise level is moderate - easy to talk and be heard. The food was very good - well prepared and presented. The wine list was quite good with great value by the glass. The service was exceptional and very professional. The owner met us as we left to thank us for visiting. Having spent a couple of weeks in France this past summer it was a real pleasure to find such an authentic experience so close to home. I highly recommend L'ardoise Bistro.

Serving some of the best French bistro food in The City, L'Ardoise is a neighborhood favorite. Upon entering, diners are instantly transported to Paris. Low lighting and the din of pleasant conversation make a cozy atmosphere. However, tables are closely spaced, so you won't be discussing your idea for a new start-up, lest the couple next to you overhear and steal your plan. With updated takes on bistro classics, the menu has something for everyone. Smothered in a delicious sauce vierge, the tiger prawn ravioli ($11) were silky smooth and tender. Redolent of truffles, the three grain mushroom risotto ($17) was cooked to perfection, creamy and rich. Hearty, but not overwhelming, the coq au vin ($19) was not as tender as it could have been, but the flavor was excellent. Service was pleasant and efficient. Water, wine, and bread were refilled promptly. Used plates were swiftly cleared, and the pacing of courses was perfect. Short of a quick trip to Paris, L'Ardoise is your best bet for fulfilling your craving for French bistro fare.

excellent French dinner, I went with my spouse to celebrate his birthday. Was our first time so we did not really knew what to expect and the food was great, prices are affordable and desserts were really good! not pretentious at all..

The food is very good as is the service. I had the seafood casserole and my friend had the flank steak. This is my fifth or sixth time here and always a pleasure to dine here.

Standard French bistro food --- quite good. Probably not worth a special trip, but if you're in the Castro neighborhood this is a good choice.

Thought I'd give a review of something I love closer to home. This little gem is but a few blocks from Market Street in the Castro, and one of my favorite go-to's when I want to eat out. You usually need a reservation but they have a small bar you can sidle up to for a bite, if you'd like to just walk in. Great little bistro like you'd find in the Marais, with a an all-French staff that all have seem to been there a long while. If I walk by after they close, I can see them all hanging out after work maybe eating, having a glass of wine and chatting. It's cozy, not pretentious. Nice wine selection, ad the food is well-prepared and served in generous portions. I recommend the Coq au Vin and the Duck Confit. Their fish dishes usually are served in a delicious lobster sauce. The lamb is amazing, too.

Great neighborhood French bistro. Not many tables so make reservations as the restaurant is usually full. Many wonderful food and wine selections. There were four of us and we chose different entrees—filet, hanger steak, lamb, and scallions. All were wonderful. Pleasant and attentive staff. Will certainly return.

A great bistro and fantastic staff The food is amazing and the service is implacable Everything you wish for French food and more Very romantic spot for couples and love birds

The food was wonderful, French, and the wait staff was very good and helpful. The ambience was so French and comfortable. Wouldn't hesitate to go there.

When the night grows dark you will think you are in a cozy Parisian Bistro. That pretty much sums up L'Ardoise. It’s extremely popular so very difficult to get into and for good reason. Prices are reasonable, the portions generous (though not easily shareable), and the quality extremely high. The cuisine is classic French with some inevitable Californian influences. While the menu stays fairly constant for a season, there are appetizer and main specials that frequently change. My meal consisted of that night’s specials so it’s difficult to recommend any particular dish. That said, the Foie Gras Terrine was very good but not as excellent as I have had; but forgivable for the price, $19. The smoked pork loin was superb and had all the right elements ($25). I ended with the classic Apple tarte Tatin which was as good as a tarte tatin can get ($8). The best seats are by the windows or all the way back. Be aware that on cold nights front tables on the right hand side of the door (facing from the outside) can be annoyingly drafty. The noise level is reasonable at peripheral tables but can be quite high in the middle of the restaurant. The well priced wine list has a good selection of wines by the glass. Service is excellent but can seem somewhat abrupt when the place fills up; the staff seems to know when that happens and try to make up for it. While not a destination spot, L'Ardoise feels like it should be; so you’ll likely be delighted.

Everything is really French and absolutely perfect. The food, the wines, the ambiance, the music. Open the curtain and behind you are in Paris. Very reasonable prices for this gem. We loved it and come again.

Excellent meal for a reasonable price...considering it is in San Francisco. It is rare that a restaurant gets everything right from the complimentary bread to the dessert & coffee but L'ardoise Bistro "touched all the bases" on the night of our visit. We ate in more expensive restaurants in the Napa Valley while visiting the SF area but none exceeded the quality of our meal at this small bistro.

I just ate my second meal (in about as many years) at L'ardoise. I will have to say that my first visit was magical but it was less so (although still pretty darned good) on my second visit. I also noticed that the restaurant was bursting to the gills and difficult to get reservations back then, but had an open table or two on the weekend night on my second visit. This is a true French bistro style restaurant in a quiet(-er) neighborhood but just a few blocks off Market street so access by MUNI is convenient. The menu has many French bistro staples such as steak and frites and coq au vin. I had the pork tenderloin while my dining partner had the crispy chicken. Both were excellent. For the second visit, the service was very professional. It seemed all of the staff spoke with a French accent. If you go whole hog (appetizer, entree, dessert and bottle of wine), it can get quite expensive. There are some entrees that start in the high teens so with a little self control you can have a fine meal at a reasonable cost.

Just incredible. The food is exquisite. I can’t wait to go back. Love the atmosphere too. Very comfortable. Lovely decor. Very French. Just go. You won’t be sorry.

L’ardoise, a French style bistro, is clearly a very popular place and deservedly so, since the food is very good. However, popularity means crowds in what is quite a small dining space, so our three course meal was finished within 30 minutes of ordering. The room size and closeness of the tables also makes for a rather noisy experience. But the food is very good - excellent starter salads and salmon tartar, while a main of Pacific halibut on risotto was also very good. The coq au vin had a very authentic French flavour, but mashed potatoes sitting in the dish were a mistake, as was the spinach draped over the side. The creme brûlée was great, though the strawberries on top rather over-ripe. The tarte tatin was disappointing, seemingly caramel sauce on top, rather than caramelised apples, pie-like pastry and tinned whipped cream. There is a reasonable wine list with some good French choices.

In a magical neighbourhood in San Francisco, this bistro is a unique experience of tastes, smells, and the looks of Paris.

We found this restaurant via TripAdvisor search, as I was craving Coq au Vin (nothing beats wonderful French cuisine) and it looked to be very quaint. We took a taxi from the Fairmont and since there was a game, the driver took us through some 'colorful' neighborhoods in circumventing Market St. and to be honest, we were thinking "what have we gotten ourselves into???" when all of a sudden, we were in this cute area and being dropped off at L'ardoise. The moment we walked through the door, we knew we'd hit the proverbial jackpot! We were warmly greeted by our waiter, who wasn't the least bit put off by our being 15 minutes late for our reservation. We ordered a bottle of wine and settled into what was a divine, authentic, French meal. The Warm Goat Cheese Salad was a perfect starter and then it was on to Coq au Vin and Roasted Rack of Lamb. And of course, we couldn't leave without first enjoying the Apple tarte! Chef Clement definitely knows his way around the kitchen and I can't wait to return!

There are many excellent restaurants in SF with a large number of them being French bistros. The best in the city is L'Ardoise. It is on a lovely quiet street a block from Market Street but as it you were transported to Paris or Brussels. Small in size, intimate in nature, excellent i quality of the food and personal in the treatment you receive from a staff that is mostly French. They even close for two weeks in summer as do many European restaurants. It is a place you will never find unless you seek it out but once you find it you will become a regular. We certainly have.

We visited while in San Francisco. Atmosphere is very nice. Very cozy little restaurant. Tables are close together. Only serve beer and wine. We had champagne before our meal and then switched to wine. Server suggested a merlot that was delicious. Food was very good - had escargot and the pesto sauce was delicious. Had the coq au vin and it was delicious. My mother got the steak and she said it was delicious but we were very surprised to see it served with French fries. The deserts - summer berries and the crème brulee was amazing. Service was exceptional.

We were lucky enough to find this lovely cosy French bistro and ate here twice during our 3 night visit to San Francisco. Everything was perfect. Great atmosphere and impeccable service on both occasions. Food was delicious and came out quickly. Excellent wine list with a very good Cote du Rhone on the first night. Very reasonably priced too. Easily one of the very best restaurants we have visited and highly deserving of its high TripAdvisor rating. A real gem. Highly recommended.

Outstanding food and service. The seafood stew and tarte tatin were especially good. I would come here again in a heartbeat, especially if I didn't live 6,000 miles away.

Dinner on a Friday night was easy and delicious. Service was top notch. The passion fruit tiramisu was unexpected but amazing. L'Ardoise Bistro is still a neighborhood gem. Don't tell anyone!

We were planning on going to Paris for our 20th Anniversary, but couldn't make it happen, so I found this adorable place on an Eater list of hidden gems in SF, so I made a res to start our holiday off with a taste of France. Perfect choice - the neighborhood could be around the. Eiffell tower, and so could L'ardois. Sits on a corner, it's just like Paris. Simple French inspired menu with local ingredients, everything was delicious - my Petrale sole was perfectly cooked, as was my husbands steak. Sauces were done perfectly, nice wine list, excellent service even though we were clearly not local, as it appeared many others were ( many seemed familiar with the staff as well as other patrons.) very reasonable prices for SF, and they were quite nice and ordered us a taxi to take us back to the hotel, as that could be a problem given the the location, something to keep in mind. Very glad we found this place, will recommend to friends in the city, and go back on another visit.

My partner and I live up the hill from this restaurant. I took my partner here for her 50th Birthday. We loved it! The vibe was happy, the food was delicious, and the service was excellent! It is a small cozy space! Make reservations in advance!

We always look for smaller family run unique restaurants when we travel. We found one! L'ardoise is a small neighborhood restaurant that is as close to a local Paris bistro as we have found in the US. The atmosphere was all Paris bistro. The wait staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful. The food was excellent. My wife's coq au vin was wonderful. My filet was cooked to perfection - better than most of the steakhouse restaurants we have eaten at. The wine list is good and well priced. The owner came by to be sure we had a good meal and had enjoyed ourselves. Be sure to make a reservation - the locals fill the restaurant (which is a good sign). We were staying near the convention center. The restaurant is a block and a half from the F-line trolley stop at Noe and 15th. My wife, who doesn't enjoy public transport as much as I, did enjoy riding back to the hotel in a vintage Italian trolley - so lots of European ambiance available.

This is a great French bistro in the lovely Duboce Park/ Castro neighborhood. A real gem. The duck confit was superb. The beef bourgenon ravioli appetizer was delicious. The wine list interesting with a nice price range. A nice respite after walking around all day.

This is our 2 time dining there. It is an outstanding spot. Excellent food. Everything we ordered was a wow!! The service was excellent as well. Felt like we were dining in France! Outstanding!!!!!

Very nice place, small terrace. I could recommend chocolate mouse and their coffee. The place is very quiet and very “parisian style”

I've been hanging around The Castro in San Francisco off and on since 1982 (and lived there from 1985-1994) so I was absolutely sure I knew all there was to know, even with the changes that naturally occur over the years. Last week I reconnected with an old friend (since 1974) whom I hadn't seen in 29 years - thank heaven he knew more than I did, and he took me to this extraordinary place - still technically in The Castro, but up the hill and around the corner from all "the action" in an old Victorian building. We were greeted personally with handshakes by the manager - and the evening blossomed from there. The manager and staff are French - and clearly the chef is. The wine suggestions were spot on (and not something I would have chosen) to go with the food - and such food! We tasted a bit of everything, but I have to say that this was the best Coq au vin I've ever had - yes, even in Paris - with the tender meat melting off the bone into a complex wine sauce. And in the French tradition, though the place was PACKED the entire time we were there, we had no sense of being rushed and had literally two hours to sit and catch up on the years we've missed seeing each other. And to top it all off, the cost was extraordinarily reasonable for the food and location. If you like French food this is the place to go - take the Market Street trolley from wherever you're staying downtown, get off at the end of the line and walk a block over and up the hill - it's worth it!

Being at L'Ardoise reminds me of "manger dans un bistrot en France." (Yes, I have been to France, so the ambience of L'Ardoise is pretty spot-on). The small dining room, plus the French comfort foods and great wine list makes this such a delightful little place to dine. There are a lot of locals who go here frequently, and there is a reason for it. The foie gras (different preparations depending on the season) is always a great treat. There is always a steak/filet mignon dish and at least one fish, plus a veggie dish. It caters to every palate. The meals are carefully timed, and we never feel rushed - just like it is in France. It is always an amazing dining experience whenever we go here - locals enjoy it as a neighborhood place, but tourists will enjoy it as well, tucked away in a quiet, tree-lined district that reminds of Paris.

In SF visiting my son and his wife. We used Uber to get here from the Harbor Court Hotel on the bay and ate here for dinner and we all ordered the filet mignon. Tried the escargot and brussel sprouts as appetizers. The escargot was a tad over cooked for my liking but otherwise very tasty. The filet's were amazing. Cooked perfectly and almost fork tender. The service was incredible. Very helpful and friendly with perfect timing. It's a very small restaurant with maybe 12 to 15 tables and every table was full while we were there. The restaurant has a very French/European atmosphere. A little loud and tables are close together but somehow it just adds to the perfect ambience. I would highly recommend this restaurant!!

L'Ardoise is always a sure choice in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is cosy, the staff are professional, attentive and friendly, and the food is great. Once again we were not disappointed! We had the Brussel sprout salad, the foie gras, the rack of lamb, the flat iron steak and the tarte tatin. Everything was excellent. We chose for a bottle of Vacqueyras (Côte du Rhône) which was excellent and far less expensive than their Châteauneuf-du-Pape which you cannot get there for less than 40$...for half a bottle! I warmly recommend l'Ardoise. You will have a great time enjoying excellent French cuisine!

I thought the combination of food and service was fantastic. Not fine dinning but perfect bistro cooking. Only down was not a full bar. It was packed on a Friday night so I'd recommend reservations. We had an appetizer and entree so we didn't have dessert, but we sure wanted to. The duck confit was the best I've ever had. I'll be back.

Had dinner with my wife and 2 teenagers. We are French born so very often disappointed by French Restaurants in the Bay Area as either they are not real French food or they are too formal, expensive. We loved L'Artoise right away because of the Bistro feel, the atmosphere, the selection of the lights for the ambiance. Then the menu was great, we had to debate between various dishes as the selection was very good and authentic. We all had different dishes and they were all very good, from the appetizers, the main dishes and also the desserts. This is one of my bets experience along with Petit Laurent in SF.

My husband and I had a wonderful intimate dinner here for our anniversary during a stay in San Francisco. The staff was warm and welcoming, the room beautifully lit and cozy. The place is very small, and it's hard not to hear neighboring conversations...but that turned out to be a good thing because we had a great conversation with the couple next to us.The food was delicious as was the dessert. I would highly recommend it for a date night or special occasion.

The favourite little bistro we fell in love with 5 years ago is still there and this was our first stop back in SFO. This is a neighbourhood gem, located on a quiet street on Noe. Had another wonderful meal served by polite, professional servers. Great, romantic ambiance - great for a first date or a 25th wedding anniversary ;-)

I recently visited this restaurant based on the reviews. It was fine but I wish I ate my meal elsewhere. The restaurant has a dated atmosphere which could use some refurbishing. The menu was French but they were missing boeuf bourguignon, a great fan favourite. Prices were a little upscale but not crazy. I ordered the green salad; shrimp ravioli; and duck confit and was very excited to do so. The best dish was the salad which was average. The other dishes were just okay. The best duck confit I have had in my life so far was in Prince Edward County, Ontario at the Agrarian Bistro. It was incredible - so good that we went back the next day to order it again. The flavor was incredible. Here it was rather bland. Service was very friendly and helpful. Nevertheless I couldn’t help but think that with so many restaurants in San Fran, this was a wasted meal. It was average. I would not go back. Thanks for reading!

My husband and I had dinner at L'ardoise over the Labor Day weekend. The food was typical French Bistro type of food and was quite good. But with the number of incredible restaurants in San Francisco, it is hard to fathom why they are ranked in the top 25 in all of San Fran! Our waiter was a bit too present at times and must have wished us 'Bon Appetite' 55 times in the 90 minutes we were there. Would we go again? Probably but only if we were nearby and we certainly wouldn't go out of our way to get here.

I love L'ardoise! This tiny bistro is so perfectly charming, located on a tree-lined street just a few minutes off of Castro, but easier to approach from Market to avoid the steep walk. Enter the narrow glass fronted bistro through the corner door, and as you pass through the dark privacy curtains, you are greeted by an enthusiastic staff member whom you'll find knowledgeable about the specials, the regular daily features as well as what wines will pair best with your meal. Seating is very limited and it's important to make reservations here. But the small, intimate feel of this place is certainly part of the draw. I've tried everything at this restaurant. Everything is very good. I do have my favorites. The duck leg confit is one of them. Slow cooked in duck fat, it is tender and tasty, and exactly what I look for in a place like this. Something that I don't want to have to cook at home but love to eat! The halibut is also an excellent choice here, as is the roasted chicken.

Very old fashioned, what one would expect from a French bistro a couple of dozen years ago. Everything done with a high level of precision, great steak and duck confit. Cozy, tables very close together, noisy.

This is classical French bistro food at its best. The chef is creative but keeps the actual recipes for the dishes rather than modernizing them or making any changes. It is an intimate setting with great service, wines and food. We go there for romantic celebrations (anniversary) when in town. Pricey but very much worth it.

Excellent gastronomic experience in San Francisco. The service was great. All the dishes ordered were delicious and well prepared. Super recomendo.

Wife and I made reservations through Open Table and were promptly seated. They do not have a full bar – we began with kier royale which was excellent. For appetizers, wife had their special tomato salad, which was excellent; I had their soup of the day (mushroom) which was quite tasty, and the escargot, which had an interesting green sauce encased in fried potato cups – this was intriguing and delicious but I wished there were more escargots (I think there were 3 or 4). The main courses were the most outstanding- rack of lamb for wife, and the duck confit for me. They were perfectly cooked, and had wonderful flavor and sauce, though wife wished there was a bit more sauce on the lamb. We shared the floating island for dessert which was quite creamy and delicious. The service was reasonably prompt and attentive, and the glass of red wine he recommended was excellent. Of note is that this is a rather small and intimate restaurant, and the gentlemen in the next table started a conversation with us which was welcome as they had very similar tastes as us concerning gourmet restaurants. Overall a quite satisfactory dining experience.

Pulling open the door, past the drapery, one steps into a bit of France. The colors, the furnishings, the welcome. This is a true bistro and they crank food out quickly so it's possible to have a quick wonderful meal, or you can opt for a slower ride and savor the tastes, the wines, and the ambiance. Something for everyone is on the menu, and the wines are excellent. Enjoy!

We enjoyed a delicious meal in this quaint French restaurant. The filet was cooked to perfection. The accompanying potatoes were savory and crispy. The pork tenderloin entree had excellent depth of flavor. The desserts were both excellent. The service was top-notch. We have already recommended the restaurant to friends. (Side note: the tables are close together so if you are looking for a private dining experience, this may not be it.)

We were disappointed with the food here. We each had a fish entree, salmon and sea bass. They were okay, but nothing special at all.

Walk through the entrance curtain and you're transported to a Paris bistro. Wonderful menu and service. Very reasonable wine list. Make reservations early because they can be tough to get. We were a party of four and each of us ordered something different. We were all very pleased. You can't go wrong at this neighborhood gem.

This place is wonderful in so many ways. The food is classic French bistro, perfectly prepared. The dishes are traditional -- Coq au vin, steak and fries, potato galettes with duck confit. The service is just as good as the food. This is one of those small, out of the way romantic restaurants that deserves a Michelin star. Everytime I go I am really happy to be eating there.

Very cosy French atmosphere, reminds me of NY restaurants! Food is great as is the service. Very welcoming experience and well worth a visit.

If you ever want to escape to France, you don't have to get on a flight. Simply book a table at L'ardoise Bistro. This place is conveniently located on Noe St - a quiet, tree-lined street between Castro and Duboce Triangle. The staff (at least those that I encountered) were very French (speaking) and really helped transport me across the Atlantic with their wonderful accents, French words and descriptions. This is, for me, a big part of what makes the restaurant special and appealing. Then there is the food and drink. The wine selection is spectacularly extensive and there is something for every palate. The menu is also rich with flavor and definitely has a strong French influence. As a vegetarian, I found the choices limited. But, what I did find, I enjoyed very much. My carnivorous guest loved the food as well. This cozy cafe is just so inviting and the experience is unique and special and is more than worth the trip. You have to experience and taste it to appreciate it fully.

L'Ardoise is a quintessential French Bistro in the heart of San Francisco. It reminds me of the local restaurants I frequented when I lived in Paris. The food is wonderful, the service friendly and efficient. I have been coming here for several years and have never been disappointed. Thierry, the owner, is always on site and makes everyone feel comfortable. The wait staff does not turn over, which is a sign that they love their jobs. Excellent steaks always cooked perfectly, amazing french fries, rich french sauces, wonderful desserts, and on and on. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful restaurant in my neighborhood.

High quality french food in a quiet neighborhood (if only the restaurant were also quiet, like restaurants in France). French speaking staff (at least some), great service, and delicious food.

We chose l'ardoise based solely on the location- underneath our vrbo. It exceeded all expectations. Tiny little French bistro. I won't use the word cramped, but instead cozy. The staff is all French and it shows in their food. Snails baked in potato cups with pesto butter. Tiger prawn ravioli. The duck confit. I left so full and beyond satisfied. Our waiter had a great French sense of humor- dry but witty and he joked along with us throughout the night. We will definitely be back whenever we visit San Fran. I definitely reccome de reservations.

You want French food in a neighborhood place - this is it. Made reservation (kind of necessary) and were seated promptly. Glass of Champagne and then went thru the specials with the very attentive staff. Started with a brussel sprout salad - loved it. We had Coq au vin and Tri Tip special. Cog au vin was good but on the rich side and the steak was great - we matched the meal with a suggested French Syrah. All worked well together . Neighborhood atmosphere was great and we had good time with locals.

We have been coming to this restaurant for the last five years. On average twice a month for dinner. We always order the filet mignon. In general, we were happy with service and the meal. Unfortunatelly, last night (05/30/2020), we ordered two takeout filet mignons and to our surprise when we arrived home and started to enjoy our dinner, we realized that we were given two pieces of sirloin steak disguised in the shape of filet mignon medallion. After the first bite, the taste and the texture confirmed it was not what we ordered. We felt cheated and thought this action could be construed as fraud. We contacted the restaurant right away. They provided a lame excuse, blaming Coronavirus and the difficulties of getting their meat supply. What was most insulting to us was that after five years of eating their filet mignon they thought we would not recognized it. The restaurant offered to fully reimburse us but never offered an apology neither recoignized that they may have made an error along the way. I would not recommmend to order filet mignon from this place.

Service was friendly, genuine, attentive, and always present without being intrusive. The food was varied, but each dish in its own way magnificent. Simple Coq au vin attained a level of perfection that I haven't tasted before. Scallops were tender and complemented by a delicate sauce. Brussels sprout salad was tangy and complex. This is one very special experience. It's small, so you must make a reservation.

Really nice French restaurant with lovely food. Cosy and romantic place to go. Service was great as was the food and the wine. Since it's not that big, you might want to reserve a table beforehand. It's not the cheapest restaurant, but it's worth paying for it. Plus, as a non US citizen, this was one those places where I felt happy to tip. Would go back again.

While visiting San Francisco, I had my dear friend choose her favorite restaurant to celebrate her birthday. She chose the intimate L'ardoise, (pronounced for us anglos on the business card) lard-waz. It was a total dining treat from the appetizers which we split (butter lettuce salad and tiger prawn ravioles), into the entre, (coq au vin and scallops) and ending with the dessert (with a birthday candle-yeah), the floating island. I will FOR SURE recommend this to all family and friends visiting San Francisco; however, will caution them to "save up" since it is a bit pricey for my crowd.

Duck Confit and Sole were both cooked to perfection, and the service was spot on. Brussels sprout salad with goat cheese was delicious as well. Minus one star for $30 corkage fee (especially after being told $25 a few days before... which still seems high as well).

This place is really awesome. The entire neighborhood and the restaurant were quaint and charming - perfect ambiance for a perfect date. The entire staff within the restaurant goes out of its way to maintain its reputation for excellence. The food was excellent. We had the halibut special, the pate plate, and the blueberry tart, among other things. Highly recommended.

L'ardoise is a must for adventurous foodies who want to take a step outside of the union square "central" tourist area. Located in the Castro district, this resto is easily reachable by the market street tram. Cozy place, but you must make resos. Food was so tasty and made us enjoy French food again after a long hiatus. Tried the tiger prawn ravioli appy and mushroom risotto entree and my husband sampled the endive salad and crispy chicken entree. Very attentive staff and a nice romantic date. Definitely a highlight of our culinary exploration in San Fran.

We came here with close friends based on all the great reviews. It is really that good! Charming, small neighborhood gem. We shared the charcuterie plate, butter lettuce salad, and the evening special, quail/arugula salad. All were outstanding. Two of us had the Mary’s chicken breast. Incredibly moist with a great sauce. The mashed potatoes was topped with spinach leaves and very creamy. The other two among the four of us had the special pork tenderloin over mashed potatoes. Again, the sauce was outstanding. A really good wine list with excellent wines by the glass. We would definitely run back to this restaurant and recommend it highly. Great French food at reasonable prices. Only issue is parking is difficult. Go early to have enough time to find street parking or take Uber.

We were taken here by friends. The portobello fries were fantastic! I was surprised by the house red wine: an Argentinian Malbec generous pour for $10 and soooooo tasty

Beautiful and intimate atmosphere for a night out. Had a lovely girls' night out, and splurged on wine, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Everything was delicious and pretty. Would absolutely visit this gorgeous restaurant in the middle of an adorable neighborhood again.

This was a business/social event. From start to finish, everything was outstanding. Service, with French accents adding to the ambiance, was perfect. Menu has plenty of choices. The coq au vin was terrific. Wine list is exceptional. This is a first class place in the Castro area. Highly recommended.

Great ambience and very varied menu. Quite a cosy restaurant, and obviously very popular. French atmosphere with good service. I had the duck confit which was wonderful! Would definetely recommend it!

Ok so if you're want to enjoy a fantastic meal with your other half L'ardoise is the place Stupendous service and attendant You will loved endlessly and cared for all through the meal The food is delicious and wine selection is spot on Do me a favor and go to L'ardoise And you know why I'm in love with bistro because I'm a chef and I know good food !!

What a great amazing typical french restaurant just off Market, in the Castro in San Francisco. Everything on the menu is authentic and the wine list superb. Do not miss this!

We thought this would be the perfect place for a dinner out and weren't at all disappointed! When we arrived, we though the restaurant was very cosy and traditional and the waiter was very welcoming. The food we ordered was to a very high standard and you could tell how much care had been put into each dish! We would definitely recommend the coq au vin and the duck confit! We had a lovely night and it definitely stood out to us as a favourite from our California trip!

Small and crowded but we had made a reservation months in advance so we were seated right away. Charming ambiance, excellent service, and beguiling menu. 3 of our party of four opted for Duck Confit while one had the Couq au vin. Both were excellent. Service was excellent and patient with us as we were a group of old friends who had not physically seen each other in over 15 years! This was the perfect choice for our rendez-vous and since two of the four are Francophiles it was very well received. Would recommend just wish the tables and chairs were not soo very tight.

Very Romantic place in a quiet neighbourhood. Nice french waiters who take good care of you. Huge portions of typical french dishes, perfectly executed.

Very cosy restaurant, low level of noise (I must confess that the usual level of noise which seems to be appreciated in many restaurants in the US spoils my pleasure of eating). The food is the typical food of french bistro, part of it from Sud Ouest. A great moment.

The food is really very very good, everything on the menu, I have been there many times, tried meat, fish and the wonderful salads, letting alone the pommel frites, good selection of wine at a reasonable price for San Francisco, great service, wonderful relaxed cozy atmosphere like only the French could create

This was our second visit to L'Ardoise and it was just as good as the first. The staff is very friendly and efficient. The first visit we had some time constraints and they made sure we got out on time. This second visit was more leisurely and we tried the coq au vin, which was delicious and the steak and frites, also very good. Wines are available by the glass and are well chosen by the staff. Seems like a local/neighborhood place and when we were there both times it was frequented by couples and groups of friends. Will definitely return again.

I had a great evening at the ardoise. The staff is french and the food selection was well appointed with french inspired dishes adapted to the north american taste. The service was excellent and the price acceptable. I would very much recommend this restaurant.

L'Ardoise delivers authentic French cuisine in a cozy, elegant setting. The small dining room is a romantic setting to share a meal, and the attentive service by the wait staff only enhances the overall experience. From the extensive wine list to the delicious, traditional French menu options, you can't possibly make a "wrong" choice as you order--everything that arrived at my table was absolutely exquisite. Be sure to give the evening's specials good consideration, too, as they offer the freshest seasonal ingredients.

This restaurant's food was amazing, one of the best meals we've had in a long time. It is a very small place so a little loud and the staff isn't overly friendly.

Superb meal and service. Ravioli and the goat cheese starters were simple but superb. Black cod risotto and coq ou vin were great. We booked 40 mins before dining , the service was fantastic on a busy night. Awesome

A GREAT bistro with fantastic staff. The food is exceptionally delicious & prices are very acceptable. If you are looking for traditional French food around the Silicon valley, you cannot go wrong with the Coq au Vin or even the famous escargots (snails). Where else in SF can you find a Angus Steak with French fries for only $22?

This is one of those rare finds when you are a tourist. Our Uber driver recommended this place and it surely exceeded even the wonderful expectation we were prepared for. Made the reservation thorough OpenTable and glad we did because the place is limited in seating and was packed. The Foie Gras was amazing as was the Fresh Butter Lettuce Salad With Smoked Olive Oil Vinaigrette and Marinated White Anchovies (enough to split into two plates easily). The Traditional Duck Leg Confit, Cooked 7 Hours in its Own Fat, Served With Pommes Landaises and Garlic Sauce was the best I've ever tasted and the Sefood and Shellfish Cassoulette was over the top. Service is quintessential French and perfectly attentive without being interrupting. I can't wait to go back before we leave to try other dishes on the menu. We did not have room for dessert this trip, but from looking at the other table - they also looked amazing. This is a true neighborhood gem and absolutely delightful.

We really love l'ardoise. We have been visiting this restaurant regularly for the last few years and always appreciated the friendly and efficient staff, the cosy atmosphere, the great location and the delicious food. This time however disappointed a little bit. We had the foie gras and the ravioles as starters, which were excellent. As entrees we chose the rib-eye steaks. They come at 42$ a piece which is kind of steep. So you are entitled to expect a great plate. The meat was indeed delicious and cooked to perfection. What went wrong is the presentation of the plate. It was too small with too many items packed on it. The meat was floating on red wine sauce. The pommes landaises were not as crisp as usual. The salad was withered by the contact with the hot meat and potatoes. The wine also was disappointing. We had ordered a Bordeaux 2005, from Haut-Médoc, Château Peyrabon. It had a good nose and was definitely not faulty. However it lacked body and palate. The wine simply had passed its peak and should not have been proposed that old. We will be back to l'ardoise because we like the place so much. Hopefully it will live up to the memories we have of it!

The food and service were excellent. Truffle oil a bit too rich on the filet mignon. If ordered ask for either none or a very light dribble on the steak only.

Outstanding dinner. From start to finish. This would be one of those "hidden gems" that get so easily overlooked. Reasonably priced and great portions topped only by the welcoming staff. I would go once a week if my waistline would agree. The carrot soup special was rich with american butter and hot. The entrees were solid sized and hot, well prepared and lick your plate good. A new favorite on my list of "go to's".

A quaint restaurant that you can miss on a quiet tree line street corner. What a find. Reservation are tough BUT if you are like a Frenchman and prefer to dine early or late you can get seated. Show up at 5 pm and you will get a table. Eat at the bar if you like and interact with the staff. Food is OUTSTANDING from coqui an to lamb chops, you will be pleasantly surprised. Everything made to order, no pre-made items on this menu. Staff is very welcoming and you quickly feel part of the family. Heavy dark red velvet drapes adorn the interior. A perfect Paris Bistro with French speaking staff who will pamper your every need. A real MUST try in San Francisco as part of the Castro/Noe vacinity. We are regulars unless we are traveling. ENJOY.

BBF picked dinner her for her birthday. Service was very good and professional. We had a bottle of merlot, St Clement which was OK but not my favorite. Their wine prices run in $30-$40+ range per bottle. My cauliflower soup was old, little bit bland. A bite of the tiger prawn ravioli was Ok. The foie gras was great, smooth, buttery texture. Our entries includes delicious crispy, sliced potatoes or skinny fries and my filet mignon was very tender. Hubby had the duck confit and admitted it was too dry. BFF had the ribeye steak which was huge. It was good but nothing spectacular. The rack of lamb was also good and tender. I skipped dessert but tasted theirs and thought the crepe brûlée was the best. Hubbys apple tarte tarting was too sweet and the floating island was OK. A very cozy place and gem.

Nothing special about the food. The risotto was prepared well, and the brussels sprout salad was a nice take. The one aspect to the atmosphere was that the staff all speaks French, and have a fluent grasp of English, so if one has questions on how to say something in French, the staff was more than willing to assist. Also, the service far exceeded any idea of service one will receive in Paris.

It's off the beaten path. Located in the Castro district of San Francisco, is a little space of heaven that transport you to Paris. From the time you walk through the heavy draped doorway to the first piece of baguette delivered to your table you know you have arrived in Parisian paradise. The food is quintessentially French. Each course was served to perfection. The wine list is great and the prices are reasonable. The food is straight out of France, truly authentic! This is a must if you love French food. We cannot wait to go back.

We have been coming here for years. The food is always excellent, the atmosphere welcoming, but it is a bit crowded. I would recommend it to any visitor or local.

The food was excellent and the service was even better. Neither my wine nor my water glass were ever empty and the food was perfectly cooked and flavored. From the Coq au Vin to the filet, everything was top notch. Definitely recommend to anyone traveling to San Francisco.

L’Ardoise was a terrific discovery in the Castro (SE corner of Noe and Henry). We asked for an early seating and were delighted to have a table for two near the front soon after the bistro opened. Very attentive service without being rushed or feeling neglected - bread, water, wine (superb selections by the glass), appetizers, entrees, dessert, and coffee - portions were generous, quality and flavors exceeded our expectations, relaxed atmosphere, neighborhood vibe - I would not hesitate to return to enjoy other appetizers and entrees.

We dined here do for the first time with visiting friends from SCAL. The favorite dishes were the duck confit, the salmon tartare and the crime brûlée. The butternut squash soup was tasty and the Brussels sprouts salad was good as well. The chicken dishes were just okay. We will try this restaurant again in the near future

A delightful experience in the most delightful district of San Francisco, the Castro District. What a cozy gem to start a night out. The place is small and very much like a Parisian bistro out of Montmartre. Food is executed perfectly, delicious simple menu, very knowledgeable people about wine and food, and I love how you can listen to all the people in the different tables laughing, I guess the joy comes from the food. I felt blessed.

San Francisco, it was absolutely terrific! I loved visiting it was as a child dream become reality. But I'm french and I like testing a french restaurant in each counties I go and SF at l'Ardoise Bistro was a fantastic moment, the restaurant is surrounded of Victorian house located on a calm place, cosy and warm with a taste food, it'll stay a beautiful memory.

Perfectly cooked typical French bistro fare is served. Traditional fare such as coq au vin, steak and fries, and potato galettes stuffed with duck confit are served. The meal is excellent, and so is the service. I always feel so pleased to be dining there.

Wonderful, cute French bistro, with great menu, good wine list and service that combines the best of France and the USA

Was recommended by American Express. Small restaurant in a residential neighborhood so not sure how you'd find it normally. Excellent ambience, French staff (management definitely), excellent service. We had Fois Gras and cauliflour puree soup to start, bith really good. Two Filet mignons absolutely perfectly cooked with pan-fried potatoes. Great bread and butter too, followed by three excellent deserts. Throughly recommended.

Very much like a (very small) Paris bistro. Very informal. The sauces and desserts are excellent. This time I had a duck confit, and the chef happily substituted a different sauce from what was printed on the menu. My companion had a filet mignon, which was excellent. There were a couple fish selections on the menu. The creme crème brûlée was perfection. (They also had floating islands among the dessert selections.) The duck confit was very tasty, but unfortunately, part of it was overly dry. I have eaten here many times, and this has been my only disappointment. The manger, chef, and wait staff speak french.

We had dinner here on a Friday night. We made reservations (probably really necessary). The service was as quick and efficient as I have ever seen anywhere. The (French) waitress was attentive and very affable. The food was outstanding. We especially enjoyed the duck confit. The coq au vin was also very tasty. Desserts were a meringue swimming in strawberries and a creamy caramel sauce and a chocolate tart. I recommend this place very highly.

This is a really good French restaurant that is well away from the tourist fray. Easy to get to by transit from downtown. Food is excellent, service is warm. Wine list is very well thought out and is priced very reasonably. Be sure to book ahead as it can be difficult to get in.

Duck fat. Pate. Butter. Ahh, I can feel my arteries clogging even as I reminisce about last night's dinner. Sooooo good. The foie gras pate with brioche was light and smooth. The duck comfit was so soft and the garlic jus really worked - the potatoes in duck fat were unnecessary but excellent. The desserts? Let's just say the floating island nearly did me in. Set in a quiet street, this tiny bistro is so worth going to, especially if you a a visiting foodie. Booking is a must - it is very popular with locals and visitors.