Routier is a casual French place in Pacific Heights that makes an iconic chicken liver mousse. It’s a destination restaurant in disguise.

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is a French place in Hayes Valley that’s good for everything from quiet dates to big group dinners.

La Fromagerie is a quick stop for sandwiches and a wide variety of cheese in the Financial District.

Cafe Boho is a French restaurant in the Marina that’s a good place to come for a quiet meal in the neighborhood.

Verjus is a wine bar and bottle shop in the Financial District perfect for an after-work date and drinks before dinner.

Cocotte is a small French place in Russian Hill where you should go for a midweek date.

Chez Maman in Potrero Hill is the neighborhood French spot you’ll wish was near where you live.

Chapeau! is your best bet for classic French food in the Richmond.

Prepare to pay a lot of money for some delicious raw things - like oysters and beef tartare - at Petit Marlowe in SoMa.

Berkeley’s Chez Panisse is famous for starting the whole "farm-to-table" movement, and it's still doing an incredible prix fixe menu.

Petit Crenn in Hayes Valley involves not-stuffy French food that's simple and well-executed, both for a casual brunch or a tasting menu at dinner.

The Brazen Head is an old-school San Francisco classic in Cow Hollow.

Atelier Crenn in Cow Hollow is the most special of special occasion restaurants.

For cozy, classic French, it doesn't get much better than L'Ardoise in the Castro.

Zazie is a Cole Valley institution at brunch, but don’t sleep on dinner here either.

Le Marais, in the Marina, serves the best French pastries in the city.