Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Bon Délire – San Francisco
Bon Délire - San Francisco
Photo from Bon Délire
Bon Délire at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#887 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
576
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Great Service
- Chic Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Loud Environment
- Slow Service
The restaurant Bon Délire, a charming French Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover an authentic taste of France, celebrated especially for its great dessert selection.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a cozy gathering, this spot offers a truly memorable dining experience. You can expect a warm atmosphere and impeccable service, making it a perfect choice for your next meal.
Overview: Introducting Bon Délire
Bon Délire offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the quality of the food and the attentive service . The atmosphere is often described as chic and lively, contributing positively to the visit.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value for money, particularly with portion sizes, and occasional issues with service speed or noise levels.
Good
7.7
out of 10
576
Reviews
74.1%
Satisfaction
111
negative
38
neutral
427
positive
Bon Délire earns a solid 7.7 out of 10 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. Customer satisfaction stands at 74.1%, indicating that most guests leave content with their experience.
This assessment is drawn from 576 customer opinions, with 427 positive remarks outweighing 111 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.1) and Ambience (8) topics stand out as particular strengths, consistently receiving high marks.
While Service (7.1) is also rated well, it occasionally falls short of the top-tier experience. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.4), which significantly trails the other aspects, suggesting that pricing and portion sizes are a notable concern for many.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Attentive, Friendly Service
- Chic, Lively Ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor Value Proposition
- Loud Dining Environment
- Slow Service Instances
Bon Délire presents itself as a compelling option for those prioritizing a vibrant setting and well-prepared dishes. With a recommendation score of 7.9, it suggests a generally positive experience, especially if you appreciate a lively atmosphere and don’t mind a higher price point.
However, be mindful of the potential for slower service during busy periods and consider if the portion sizes align with your expectations for the cost. If you’re seeking a chic spot with good food and don’t mind the occasional splurge, Bon Délire is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bon Délire
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot is definitely hitting the mark! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.5%, diners are largely pleased. Out of 302 total remarks, a whopping 240 are positive, praising delicious classics like salmon, Steak Frites, and the amazing bread, along with great cocktails and fresh Madeleines.
However, it's not all perfect, as 36 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the croque madame and fries to be underwhelming, while others noted issues with steak doneness and surprisingly small portion sizes for the price.
Food
302
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
36
negative
26
neutral
240
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French classics
- Excellent Steak Frites
- Fresh Madeleines
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent steak doneness
- Disappointing fries
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. We were seated in a very cute corner, and the food was great. Our server was excellent; she carefully explained the wait time for certain dishes, like the chicken, and advised on making appetizers proportionally for our group of three.
- drinksdrinks are creative + a little too easy to drink
- burgerthe eggs and the burger were the standouts
- Caesar saladCaesar salad... were all outstanding
- FoodThe Food was superb!
- croque madameIt's a super cute and cozy spot with an elegant French cafe vibe. The food was amazing, and we enjoyed dishes like the burger, tartar, and croque madame. They also served great cocktails.
- oystersbriny and impossibly fresh, tasting as if they had just been pulled from the ocean.
- truffle friestruffle fries... were all outstanding
- MadeleinesThe fries have actual truffle shavings, not just truffle oil like most places. Special mention to the Madeleines; they are freshly made, and I almost died having the first bite. You will not regret getting them.
- chocolate mousseWe enjoyed Oysters, Chablis, salmon, and Pommes Frites. And did I mention the decadent chocolate mousse? We will definitely be back… maybe even tomorrow!
Frequently criticized
- burgerIt was lovely. My burger was more the size of a slider than a hamburger. It also had little flavor.
- portionsWe had to sit outside because we didn't make a reservation, so make sure to try and get one if you want to sit indoors. The portions are extremely small, but maybe expected for a French restaurant lol. We ended up ordering basically everything on the menu LOL.
- foodThe food was alright at best.
- friesUnfortunately I had already had two bites (which was half the burger) so that was disappointing. The fries that came with the burger (which was not advertised on the menu) were mostly "little bits". Perhaps this is intentional but why don't restaurants give you a serving of normal-sized fries?
- truffle friestruffle fries were sad
- Prime ongletI tried Fourme d’ambert cheese for the first time; although I didn't find it as tangy as other blue cheeses, it's strong and goes amazingly with the candied walnuts. I also had a Prime onglet with poivre sauce, and this is why my low rating for the food: they could never meet the asked doneness. I gave back the first steak because it was medium-rare, and I asked for medium-well.
- Prosciutto charcuterieit’s like $15 for prosciutto, pickles, and mustard
- beet saladThe beet salad was not a “salad” but rather 6-8 tiny slices
- burger flavorMy burger was more the size of a slider than a hamburger. It also had little flavor. I asked for salt which the server eventually brought.
- cocktail menuwine AND cocktail menu were short
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious French classics and excellent drinks, this restaurant is a solid choice. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with steak preparation and smaller portion sizes, which might not suit every appetite.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot often hits the mark! Many guests rave about the friendly staff, exceptional service, and attentive bartenders, with specific shout-outs to individuals like Danielle and Lulu. This contributes to a good score of 7.1, reflecting the positive experiences from 88 out of 133 comments.
However, it's not always a perfect experience. Some diners encountered slow service, an unwelcoming hostess, or moments of rudeness and disorganization. With customer satisfaction at a mixed 66.2%, these issues suggest that consistency, especially with wait times and initial greetings, could use some fine-tuning.
Service
133
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
42
negative
3
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional service
- Knowledgeable team
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming hostess
- Disorganized management
Often praised
- service💗 We thoroughly enjoyed our bartender, Danielle. Despite her being busy making fancy cocktails for the entire restaurant and bar, she made us feel SO well taken care of and made my daughter's birthday a VERY memorable one, for the books 💖 It was a wonderful experience, and we can't wait to visit again, soon!
- staffwere just SO pleasant, professional & willing to interact with me
- ServiceKais has recognized and acknowledged me each time
- bartenderThe bartender was amazing—attentive, friendly
- serveramazing server— Courtney— who was knowledgable, attentive, and super helpful!!
- LuluLiz, the receptionist, Michelle and Lulu, mixologists were just SO pleasant
- managerThe service was generally friendly, though the bartenders lacked wine knowledge. Thankfully, the manager was very knowledgeable. The atmosphere was rated a 5, suggesting a pleasant environment.
- AshAsh for keeping me well hydrated. He was very attentive
- DJnice DJ
- Irvin and DanielleIrvin took very good care of us as well as Danielle
Frequently criticized
- hostesshire a hostess that can't smile and be welcoming
- serviceHer poor customer service sense was evident in multiple encounters. The service was also really slow, even though our waiter was nice. We won't be coming back.
- staffStaff was at different points a tad impatient
- waiting timeWaited 30 min on a Sunday afternoon
- bartendersThe bartenders didn’t know much about wine
- bookedrudely told us they were booked
- checkThey were good. The server plopped the check on the table before we had finished desert and without asking if we would like an aperitif or coffee. This was a little off-putting.
- customer serviceShe was super icy during check-in and sharply informed us they don't have high chairs, despite me requesting one when I booked and mentioning it was for an early Father's Day brunch. Her poor customer service sense was evident in multiple encounters. The service was also really slow, even though our waiter was nice.
- disorganizationhow disorganized and their lack of detail
- flat affectThe waiter had the most flat affect
If youre looking for a place with a generally friendly and often attentive team, youll likely enjoy your visit. Just be aware that some guests have experienced inconsistencies with service speed or initial welcome, so manage your expectations during peak times.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience at this spot is a definite crowd-pleaser, scoring a good 8 and boasting a good customer satisfaction of 81.7%. Out of 120 comments, 98 rave about the stylish interior design, the romantic vibe, and the lively energy often enhanced by a live DJ. Many describe it as a cute French bistro with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
However, 16 comments highlight some areas for improvement. Some guests found the music too loud, making conversation difficult, and noted the overall noise level could be an issue. A few also mentioned that the tables were small or the space felt a bit cramped.
Ambience
120
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
16
negative
6
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stylish interior design
- Lively French bistro
- Great music/DJs
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Small tables
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's clear that exceptional service is a core value here. The atmosphere was lively and sophisticated, buzzing with Financial District professionals enjoying business lunches, reminiscent of pre-pandemic dining. Bon Délire has earned a spot in my regular lunch rotation for an elevated lunch experience in a chic yet welcoming atmosphere.
- ambianceI visited in early June for brunch and found the restaurant to have a cool ambiance. It's great to have a new spot on the Embarcadero, and the food was pretty good.
- vibeloved this place/the vibe as it’s fairly small and intimate
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- interiorWe ended up ordering basically everything on the menu LOL. Very tasty food, extremely nice service, cute interior. Loved it!
- locationI'll start with the good. The restaurant boasts a beautiful interior and a great location. The staff were nice enough, and the drinks were delicious.
- musicincluding the fun music and movie projected on the wall!
- restaurantIt's a beautiful intimate restaurant
- barPerfect place for 2 people to have a drink and dinner at the bar
- decorThe service, decor and vibe was an absolute delight
Frequently criticized
- musicblasting piercingly loud music
- tablesThey also make a fantastic gin martini. The only negative is that the tables are quite small, which makes eating family style very difficult. I recommend this spot for an intimate date night, but the tables are probably too small for a group dinner.
- InsideInside looked a bit loud
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The atmosphere was extremely noisy, which detracted from the overall dining experience. However, the food was truly amazing.
- bathroomthe bathroom inside rid the restaurant, which is not very convenient
- conversationmusic was way to loud to carry on a decent conversation
- heatersthere aren't any heaters (yet
- indoor tablereserved an indoor table which turned out to be a bit too loud
- noise levelI also enjoyed the atmosphere. However, the music was very loud, making it hard to hear.
- seatingawkward seating if more than 2 people
If youre seeking a lively, stylish French bistro experience and dont mind a bustling atmosphere, this place is a great pick for a fun night out. Just be prepared for potentially loud music and cozy table arrangements.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, the feedback is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at a low 4.8%. Out of 21 comments, only one found Great value, suggesting that positive experiences regarding cost are few and far between. The overwhelming sentiment, however, points to high price and expensive items, with many feeling the portions are too TINY for the cost.
Guests frequently mentioned pricey dishes and questioned the overall price to value, often finding it not worth the trouble or a bit expensive for what it was.
Value
21
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Tiny portions
- Poor value
Often praised
- valueGreat value
Frequently criticized
- priceThe total for a shared appetizer, two mains, three cocktails and a shared desert was approximately $170. For what the meal hoped to be (a semi-fine dining experience) and the price (a tad high even by today's standards) it was a bit of a let down. The service could absolutely use some fine tuning.
- $17 glass of wineWouldn’t have bothered paying for a $17 glass of wine
- PricesPrices exuberant
- Prosciutto charcuterieProsciutto charcuterie is a rip off
- breadorder bread to go with it which was. Separate charge
- expensiveOverall a bit expensive for what it was
- food for the priceI would have given all of that 4 stars. However, the food for the price is ridiculous! I'm accustomed to spending $100 per person for a nice night out with friends, which is understandable for nicer restaurants.
- portionsWhile everything was good, nothing really stood out or was extra memorable. A significant drawback was that the portions were small for the prices. Additionally, the wait for each dish was crazy long.
- price tagsteak was unfortunately not worth its price tag
- price to valueThe small burger without fries or anything on the side was $20. In my opinion, price to value was not too great
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill that many feel doesnt match the experience. The overwhelming feedback suggests the price and portions might leave you disappointed. Its likely not the place if youre looking for an affordable meal or generous servings.
How are the prices at Bon Délire?
You’re looking at roughly 69 $ per person – reported by 67 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a French Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While some diners spend less, a significant number opt for experiences above 101 $, suggesting a mix of options from more affordable to quite premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 67 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a French Restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bon Délire
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delectable French Cuisine with a View
My experience at this small and intimate restaurant and bar was incredibly positive. The French cuisine was incredibly delectable, and everything we tried was SOOO good! The portions were perfectly sized.
The location is awesome, situated right on the water with a cruise dock out back, making it a perfect location for photos with views of the bay bridge. Be ready to spend a pretty penny 😁.
- French cuisine10
- portions9
- location10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Dining Experience!
My dining experience was perfect! Everything we ordered was amazing, and the ambiance was sophisticated, vibey, and welcoming. I can’t believe I didn’t try this place sooner.
I will definitely be back!
- food10
- ambiance9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Atmosphere Great, Meat Disappointing
Welp, the vibe was atmospheric, with the rotating music serving as the soundtrack of my twenties. The overall vibe of the restaurant was intimate, with folks chatting, chewing, and sipping. The staff was, at different points, a tad impatient, which was challenging as we were a group of well over 60 with a process and a timeline.
The Cesar Salad was delicious, though I didn't agree to this intimate spot just for the salad. I went for the meat, but I left Bon Delire with my meat in a brown paper bag. I prefer my meat well done, but mine came with an extra side of 'moo' that was too red for me to consume.
If the chef prefers their meat a certain way, why ask a customer 'how would you like that'? I like my meat done, no matter the price.
- vibe10
- music9
- Cesar Salad8
- staff3
- meat2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Anniversary Dinner Experience
My anniversary dinner experience here was marred by several issues. We were seated at a corner counter, despite arriving early for our reservation and offering to wait for a table, while a later walk-in was seated at a table. The host stated the earliest table availability was 8: 45 PM for our 6: 15 PM reservation.
For a $180 meal, attention to detail was lacking. I almost choked on a fish bone in the cod special, and a server's dismissive reaction to this incident was unprofessional. The server who took our order never checked in.
While one runner was kind and kept our water filled, and the ambiance with its vibes and music was enjoyable, it couldn't mask the overall disorganization and lack of detail. The manager or owner, who was not in uniform, checked on other guests but not us, leaving us feeling ignored, possibly due to our seating location. This experience unfortunately ruined our anniversary meal.
- ambiance8
- seating2
- tables available2
- fish bone2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing French-Inspired Spot
My experience at this French-inspired spot on the Embarcadero was underwhelming. The food was mediocre at best, and the burger was quite pricy for what it was. I requested it be cooked medium, but it arrived much pinker than expected.
The pricing felt like American standards with French portion sizes, with truffle fries at $20, a $22 burger that was more like a slider, and a $9 mini baguette with butter. I didn't complain because our waiter was forgetful. The wait time from order to service was about 45 minutes, and we observed other diners who arrived later receiving their orders first.
To add to the frustration, the host didn't mark my reservation as complete, leading to my OpenTable account being suspended.
- food2
- burger2
- truffle fries2
What Bon Délire offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Bon Délire?
At Bon Délire, you can anticipate a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various occasions. You have dining options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both table service and private dining rooms available. Don’t forget to save room for their highly praised desserts.
Does Bon Délire cater to specific dietary needs and offer convenient service options?
Yes, Bon Délire offers a range of options to suit your preferences. You’ll find delicious vegan and vegetarian options, as well as organic dishes. For your convenience, they provide delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in services, including outdoor seating.
What is the overall verdict on Bon Délire?
Bon Délire receives a solid 7.7 overall score, with customer satisfaction at 74.1%. Its strengths lie in Food (8.1) and Ambience (8), while Service (7.1) is good, and Value (3.4) is an area for improvement.
What are Bon Délire's culinary strengths?
Diners frequently praise the quality of the food, highlighting items like fresh oysters, superb Madeleines, and creative drinks. The kitchen generally delivers well-prepared dishes that contribute positively to the dining experience.
What should I consider regarding the ambiance and value at Bon Délire?
While the ambiance is often described as chic and lively, some guests find the music too loud, making conversation difficult. Additionally, the value is a common concern, with many noting that portions can be small for the price.