The best French cuisine restaurants The United States Of America

This restaurant all dressed in yellow and with an original decoration is located at the west exit of Needles. It is one of the classic stops on Route 66, which merges here with the Old National Trails Highway. The building dates from 1955 but the restaurant has only been open since 1978. The dishes are of good quality and typically American (fried chicken, sandwiches, burgers, salads, etc.), with some Mexican specialities too. An address not to be neglected before going further into the desert areas surrounding Needles.

This successful little French bistro has expanded, taking on the allure of a Parisian establishment. Thanks to this new space, the wine and beer lists have been extended, and the crêpes, as good as ever, are wonderfully accompanied by these Californian and European nectars. Both sweet and savoury crepes are recommended, and for breakfast you can enjoy pastries, a good baguette, a croissant or a nice fruit salad. It's a French-style treat, but it's only open until lunchtime.

In a very Route 66 atmosphere and decor, they serve you burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches but also desserts that smell like the fifties... It is necessary to say that the place was at the same time a café and a gas station during the years 1950-1960. So you can really feel that era while tasting your meal. They also serve hearty breakfasts for a small fee. The waitresses also play the game fully and are ready to describe all the dishes without begrudging! Beware: the place is very crowded at meal times.

Rod's Steak House opened in 1946, during the heyday of Route 66. The sign in the shape of an ox clearly shows the specialty of the house. The animal is served there in all its forms or almost. You can, for example, taste liver prepared the old fashioned way or excellent beef ribs. All main courses include a soup of the day or a green salad as well as baked potatoes, French fries or green beans. The establishment was temporarily closed in 2022, with no announced reopening date.

Thomas Henkelmann studied in some of Europe's leading houses. He moved to the United States in 1989 and since then has been converting Americans to high gastronomy. His cuisine is inspired by noble products such as foie gras, truffles, caviar, lobster or Dover sole. The dishes, such as the veal medallion and sole with truffled potatoes, will transport you to the firmament of refined flavours. The prices of the lunch menu are much more affordable and can allow for an extra of very high quality.

The concept of this cosy restaurant with a French flavour: to provide the authentic experience of an old-fashioned Parisian brasserie. Here, the motto is to export French know-how to the American plate, in simplicity and respect for traditions, and with particular attention paid to the quality of the ingredients. Snails, foie gras, sole meunière, blanquette de veau, duck breast, île flottante, tarte Tatin... You won't be out of place, especially since the staff includes a few French-speaking people.

A.O.C. is the second establishment opened by chef Suzanne Goin and sommelier Caroline Styne, a talented duo. Suzanne Goin, who studied with some of the world's greatest chefs, prepares an inventive cuisine with Mediterranean influences, flavored with spices from around the world. As for her, her partner has elaborated a wine list that has won several awards and presents a hundred references. A special feature is the wood-fired oven in which the delicious black rice with squid and the brioche with prosciutto and Gruyere cheese - among others - are cooked.

Brasserie atmosphere for the oldest French restaurant in San Francisco... In Bush Street, on the right going down to Market Street, impossible to miss! A vintage red Tabac sign in the French style marks this establishment which plays on the made in France. It exists since 1974 and it is an institution. The specialities? Cassoulet, black pudding and filet mignon. Unfortunately all this is a bit overrated and rather touristy. But the room is pleasant and the location, just a step away from Union Square, is convenient.

This fine address opened its doors in 1981 in the lively Sunset Plaza district. Le Petit Four's success is due in part to its charm, which is comparable to that of a brasserie in the south of France. Its eclectic Mediterranean cuisine includes a wide variety of salads, meats, fish and pastas, as well as a few pizzas and vegetarian dishes. From Napoleon to cheesecake, from saint-honoré to tarte Tatin, the desserts are an admirable blend of French pastry expertise and American gourmandise.

The name of the establishment could not be more appropriate: here is a restaurant where you can taste the specialities of the region by the sea (closer than that, you'd have your feet in the water!). In summer, the pontoon is very pleasant but a reservation is often necessary. It must be said that the place is well known. The tables on the terrace are placed so that the guests are truly seafront. The menu is not very original, the fish specialities are next to some American classics, but the dishes are good.

This seaside pub has been delighting tourists and locals alike for nearly 30 years. You will find a wide choice of salads and sandwiches at low prices. The house also serves oysters and fish dishes. No halibut (halibut), but haddock, salmon and another "surf and turf" which offers fish and beef on the same plate. It is revisited here with a giant Cajun-style shrimp and beef kebab. The place also includes a pub.