Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Galinette – San Francisco
Galinette - San Francisco
Photo from Galinette
Galinette at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 72 of the guests
#546 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
523
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious French food
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent dishes
- Harsh lighting
- High prices
The restaurant Galinette is a delightful French Restaurant located in San Francisco’s lively Sunset District. You’ll find an authentic culinary experience here, notably for its great coffee, perfect for any time of day.
This cozy, casual, and trendy spot invites you to relax and enjoy. Whether you’re planning a delightful brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an intimate dinner, Galinette offers comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Galinette
Galinette offers a taste of French dining, often praised for its culinary offerings and inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the well-prepared dishes, from flavorful mussels to perfectly cooked salmon, alongside a generally warm and welcoming setting.
The food and atmosphere frequently receive positive remarks. However, some experiences at Galinette highlight areas for improvement.
While the service is largely friendly, there are occasional reports of slow delivery or perceived unwelcoming attitudes. Concerns about value and inconsistent dish quality, such as bland Bourride or disappointing Bone Marrow, also surface.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
523
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
66
negative
23
neutral
434
positive
Galinette achieves a solid overall score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 83%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 523 customer opinions, with 434 positive and 66 negative remarks contributing to the sentiment. The restaurant’s strengths lie in its Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.1), which are consistently well-regarded.
The Service (7.7) also performs commendably, with many noting the staff’s warmth. However, Value (6.6) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while some find the prices reasonable, others feel they are on the higher side.
What people like
- Delicious French food
- Inviting atmosphere
- Warm, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Harsh interior lighting
- Perceived high prices
Galinette generally delivers a pleasant French dining experience, particularly if you appreciate well-executed dishes and a charming setting. Its strengths in culinary execution and inviting atmosphere make it a worthwhile consideration for a relaxed meal.
With a recommendation score of 8.3, it’s a place worth trying. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in certain dishes and the pricing, which some find a bit steep.
It’s a good option for those seeking a French bistro feel.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Galinette
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 86.3%, its clear most diners are loving whats on their plate. Out of 300 comments, a whopping 259 rave about dishes like the "chicken sandwich, " "steak frites, " and the decadent "chocolate pot de crème, " often described as delicious and perfectly cooked.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 26 comments point out some misses, including issues with "raw dough" in croissants, a "bland Bourride" with "skimpy seafood, " and unfortunately, some "raw burgers. " While these are noted, they dont overshadow the overall positive experience.
Food
300
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
26
negative
15
neutral
259
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful dishes
- Wide menu selection
- Perfectly cooked items
What people don't like
- Raw/undercooked items
- Lack of flavor
- Skimpy portions
Often praised
- foodThe way they've utilized the space is remarkable. I was also shocked by how good the food and service were. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received a 5.
- musselsThe bites to share were absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be back for the fish of the day and the mussels, paired with some wine!
- French onion soupWe ordered two French onion soups, steak and frites, mussels, pasta, and a sorbet for three people. The French onion soup was very sweet and flavorful. The mussels in the white wine sauce were awesome, and the steak was cooked very nicely – very soft and tender.
- salmonperfectly cooked salmon crispy on the outside and soft inside
- wine selectionMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was pretty good, and I was impressed with the great wine selection. However, the lighting was a significant issue.
- Bourridetartare, chicken liver, and the Bourride as the highlights
- FoodFood:5
- French foodGalinette captures the spirit of French food and culture
- brandadeThe brandade and anchoïade are to die for!!
- steak fritesI had the steak frites and it was absolutely delicious.
Frequently criticized
- foodit's food, staff, atmosphere, and efficiency can be outdone tenfold
- Bone Marrowthe Bone Marrow super disappointing 😞
- BourricheThe Bourriche was plain awful
- BourrideBourride had lack of flavor, bland
- FoodFood:2
- French frieshad to pay extra for French fries
- Moules MariniereMoules Mariniere have some weird parsley when it's supposed to be just butter
- Mussel marinièreThe mussel was not authentic
- Rouilleterrible Rouille
- anchovy tapanadethe anchovy tapanade which was the worst thing on the menu
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, offering many delicious French-inspired options that hit the mark. While there are occasional missteps, especially with some specific dishes, you'll likely find plenty to enjoy and leave satisfied.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Based on 81 positive remarks, the service here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.3%. Guests frequently praise the attentive staff, friendly owner, and overall kind and welcoming service. Many enjoyed efficient and friendly interactions, highlighting the genuine hospitality.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 23 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns included issues with waiting time and the waiting list, along with instances of an uninterested waitress or a challenging waiter’s demeanor. A few felt the service was lacking, suggesting occasional attitude problems.
Service
109
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Kind, welcoming owners
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Uninterested staff
- Poor customer treatment
Often praised
- serviceA few days later, we returned for dinner and had the spaghetti, which was soo good, paired with a glass of Bordeaux that was also very good. The food was great and the service excellent. A major highlight is their daily hours from 9: 30 am to 9: 30 pm, which is incredibly convenient for finding a good place to eat out west in the city after 9 pm, as we usually have to drive elsewhere.
- staffIt's exciting to have such a unique restaurant in our neighborhood. The staff are incredibly warm and friendly, making a point to greet everyone. The pastries were deliciously flaky, and both lunch and dinner offerings were so tasty.
- ServiceFriendly charming Service
- ownerJulie the owner is as welcoming as they come
- ownersThe owners are super cool
- owners and staffThe owners and staff treat you like you're their best friends.
- serverThe bone marrow was also not impressive. While our server was attentive, the food took a pretty long time to come out. Overall, we were disappointed by the entire experience and are unlikely to return.
- waitThe staff is wonderful, and the atmosphere is casual, friendly, and has an electric energy. It is well worth the wait!
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- French manThe French man who works there might be the best server I’ve ever met.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe food and service were kind of lacking
- ownerhe said I’m welcome to go to the restaurant across the street
- staffit's food, staff, atmosphere, and efficiency can be outdone tenfold
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was ridiculous. We were asked to write down our name and phone number and wait for 30 minutes. After waiting without any call, we decided to leave, only to see others who arrived after us being seated.
- attitudeGood luck running your business with that kind of attitude
- customerthink we are not good enough to be their customer
- customer treatmentThis is not how you should treat your customers
- efficiencyit's food, staff, atmosphere, and efficiency can be outdone tenfold
- foodtook pretty long time for the foods to come out
- managerthe manager was pissed AT US
Overall, the service here generally impresses, making for a pleasant dining experience. While most guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff, be aware that occasional issues with wait times or staff demeanor have been noted. If you value warm hospitality, it's definitely worth a visit, but prepare for potential minor hiccups.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The ambience here really shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.7%. Guests frequently praise the warm, welcoming vibe, often describing it as a charming neighborhood bistro with an unpretentious atmosphere. Many appreciate the colorful decor, natural light, and the overall inviting feel, based on 84 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. A few of the 13 negative comments point out issues like harsh or fluorescent lighting, which some found off-putting. There were also mentions of the space being noisy and cold, and even a note about sticky tables, suggesting some areas could use a touch-up.
Ambience
98
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Bright, colorful decor
- Communal table vibe
What people don't like
- Harsh lighting
- Noisy and cold
- Sticky tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received a 5. It's described as very kid-friendly with a casual atmosphere, and they have high chairs available.
- communal tabledinner with friends and neighbors at the communal table
- spaceI loved that we never felt rushed, capturing the heart of French dining. The space is beautiful with open seating, walls of wine, the French flag outside, and unique mural art. Galinette truly captures the spirit of French food and culture.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceambience, and hospitality were all perfect
- neighborhood bistroSoak up whatever is left with an extra order of bread. So grateful to have a neighborhood bistro like this and will be back for more. Merci!
- placedid a great job with the place
- vibeI liked the vibe of this restaurant
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! I loved the incredible vibes and the gorgeous sunny space. The colorful decor and cute artwork created a truly inviting atmosphere.
- Beach Bistro vibesnice mix of SF, Beach Bistro and French vibes
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit's food, staff, atmosphere, and efficiency can be outdone tenfold
- lightinglighting around the coffee/register/wine station is very bright and harsh
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ambiancehurting the ambiance of the dining area
- breezeThe spaghetti was just okay, but the bread pudding was great to share. We sat inside, and although the door was open, the breeze was a bit too cold. Overall, the prices are a good value.
- feelingSure, we didn’t order wine and add $100 to our meal, and maybe that’s disappointing to them. However, this reveal of how they expect drinks to be ordered, the entitlement to say it out loud, and to make it clear they were displeased is not a welcoming feeling for anyone coming to eat in their space. The waiter’s demeanor changed for the rest of the night, and quite frankly, we felt uncomfortable and had an awkward $200 dinner.
- fluorescent lightingharsh bright white fluorescent lighting (like a hospital)
- noisy & coldfound the place noisy & cold
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- pot de crème ramekinspot de crème ramekins make it very difficult to get the bowl clean
If you're looking for a warm, inviting spot with a lively, unpretentious vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have noted issues with lighting or occasional noise, so manage your expectations for a perfectly serene setting.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
Lets talk value! Based on 16 observations, with 10 leaning positive, many diners find the experience to be a mixed bag, reflected in a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 62.5%. Guests often highlight the reasonable prices and good value for the quality received, praising the price point and feeling the price was good for their meal.
However, not everyone agrees, as 4 negative comments point to concerns about the prices being too high. Some feel the restaurant is gouging the neighborhood, with one diner mentioning an awkward $200 dinner that didnt quite hit the mark, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Value
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Quality for price
What people don't like
- High prices
- Feeling gouged
Often praised
- pricesThe service is awesome, and the decorations are beautiful; it’s a gem! Additionally, the prices are reasonable. For two appetizers, three main courses, and one dessert, the bill came out to just over $100 after tax (before tip).
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the service was excellent, all at reasonable prices. The atmosphere was unpretentious, and they even have dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- price pointgreat for the price point
- price was goodthe price was good for the amount of food
- valueIt truly felt like we were back at a neighborhood restaurant in the outskirts of Paris. The incredible quality and value were evident in the delicious, fresh, well made food. This is a fantastic place for families as well, as it's one of the rare places that still provides crayons and drawing paper for kids.
Frequently criticized
- dinnerHowever, this reveal of how they expect drinks to be ordered, the entitlement to say it out loud, and to make it clear they were displeased is not a welcoming feeling for anyone coming to eat in their space. The waiter’s demeanor changed for the rest of the night, and quite frankly, we felt uncomfortable and had an awkward $200 dinner. An unfortunate experience!
- neighborhoodYou’re gouging the neighborhood
- priceFor $96 I don’t think I will return
- pricesGet a grip on your prices
If you're looking for generally good value, this spot is worth considering, as many find the prices reasonable for the quality. However, be aware that some experiences suggest the overall bill can feel a bit steep, so manage your expectations for a consistently great deal.
How are the prices at Galinette?
Alright, lets talk numbers! On average, youll be looking at around 40 per person here, based on what 72 guests have told us. That places this French Restaurant in the $31–$40 range.
For a French spot in San Francisco, thats definitely mid-range, perhaps leaning a little higher. When we peek at the full picture, prices are quite varied. While the average sits at 40$, a good chunk of diners spend between $21–$30, and another significant group goes for the $41–$50 options.
So, its not just one price point; there’s a nice spread, offering both more affordable and slightly more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 72 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a French restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco. You’re getting a good experience for your euro, with options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Galinette
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Wonderful Lunch, Extended Stay
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise. I initially stopped for lunch and was so impressed that I decided to cancel the rest of my afternoon plans to fully enjoy the experience. We split a bottle of wine from their fun selection, indulged in appetizers, entrees, and dessert, and took our time to savor every moment.
The service was great, and we never felt rushed. The team was engaging, leading to enjoyable conversations. We were so pleased that we returned the next day.
- wine selection9
- apps, entrees, and dessert9
- service10
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Raw burgers and a ruined dinner
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I ordered 5 burgers, and every single one of them was raw to the point of moo-ing. While they did refund our money, we were still left trying to figure out dinner for our family.
It was absolutely disgusting.
- refund6
- burgers1
- dinner for our family1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Wait and Manager Attitude
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating. I endured a wait of almost 4 hours just to be seated and place an order. It was disheartening to see others who arrived after us being served first.
Our food only arrived after multiple requests. I cannot comprehend the high ratings this establishment receives, as its food, staff, and efficiency are significantly outmatched by a much younger establishment. When we expressed our dissatisfaction, the manager's hostile reaction towards us ruined the remainder of our meal.
This experience is not isolated, as others I know have encountered similar issues. I strongly advise against visiting unless you enjoy prolonged waiting.
- wait1
- people come after us and get served first1
- served the food2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the service was excellent, all at reasonable prices. The atmosphere was unpretentious, and they even have dog-friendly outdoor seating.
I particularly enjoyed the Steak and Frites, which was awesome. I will definitely be back for sure!
- food9
- service9
- reasonable prices8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Flavors and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The plates were really good, with perfect flavor and a nice spirit. I will definitely come back for sure.
Congrats!
- plates9
- perfect flavor10
- nice spirit8
What Galinette offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Galinette?
Galinette offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with comfortable table service and seating. You can also enjoy delicious desserts. The atmosphere is cozy, casual, and trendy, providing a welcoming setting for your dining experience.
What service options and accessibility features does Galinette provide?
Galinette offers delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in, including outdoor seating. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating for your convenience. Plus, free street parking is available nearby.
What is the overall sentiment regarding Galinette?
Galinette enjoys a generally positive reception, with a strong overall score of 8.1 and 83% customer satisfaction, indicating a largely favorable dining experience.
What are the standout aspects of the dining experience at Galinette?
Diners frequently praise the Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.1), noting delicious dishes like mussels and salmon, and a welcoming atmosphere with a pleasant vibe.
Are there any areas where Galinette could improve?
Some feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as bland Bourride, and concerns regarding Value (6.6), with mentions of certain dishes being disappointing or prices being high.