Highlights
- Great dessert
- Sports
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » CafĂ© de la Presse – San Francisco
Café de la Presse - San Francisco
Photo from Café de la Presse
Café de la Presse at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- đ„ French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31â$40
mentioned by 128 of the guests
#1839 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#28 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
699
Reviews
64.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- French cuisine
- Parisian ambiance
- Good location
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High prices
- Rude owner
The restaurant CafĂ© de la Presse, a charming French Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood, invites you to experience its delightful ambiance. You’ll discover a culinary journey where every detail is crafted for your enjoyment, especially if you appreciate a great dessert.
This spot is perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of France right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Café de la Presse
Café de la Presse offers a taste of Paris with its charming Parisian atmosphere and often delicious food . Many guests appreciate the authentic French feel and the quality of their dishes, making it a pleasant spot for a meal in the city.
However, experiences can vary significantly, particularly concerning service . While some praise attentive staff , others report considerable delays and issues, with some even finding the value proposition overpriced for the experience received.
Good
6.7
out of 10
699
Reviews
64.7%
Satisfaction
208
negative
39
neutral
452
positive
Overall, Café de la Presse earns a respectable 6.7, indicating a generally positive dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.7%. This assessment comes from nearly 700 customer remarks, with 452 positive observations balancing against 208 negative ones.
It suggests that while many find things to enjoy, there are also areas that consistently fall short for others. Digging deeper, the Food (7.3) and Ambience (7.8) are clear strengths, often praised for their quality and Parisian charm.
However, the Service (5.5) appears to be a more inconsistent aspect, sometimes falling short of expectations. The most significant area for improvement is Value (3.8), which many guests feel doesn’t quite align with the pricing.
What people like
- Authentic French cuisine
- Parisian cafe ambiance
- Prime city location
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Questionable value/pricing
- Unpleasant owner behavior
With a recommendation score of 6.8, CafĂ© de la Presse presents a mixed but generally appealing proposition. If you’re seeking authentic French flavors and a charming Parisian setting, it could be a delightful choice for your next meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider the value carefully. While the food and atmosphere often shine, some experiences suggest that patience and a flexible budget might be beneficial for a truly enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Café de la Presse
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.3 score and a solid 73.4% customer satisfaction. With 229 positive remarks out of 312 total, many diners rave about the delicious French classics like duck confit and steak frites, alongside excellent breakfast options such as eggs Benedict and quality bakery items like chocolate croissants. It seems there's plenty to savor!
However, not every dish is a triumph, with 59 negative comments indicating some areas for improvement. A few patrons found certain items bland or inconsistent in quality, noting issues with hollandaise sauce or the occasional raw bacon. Some also felt the food was overpriced for what was served, suggesting that while good, it might not always justify the cost.
Food
312
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
59
negative
24
neutral
229
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French classics
- Excellent breakfast options
- Quality baked goods
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Some dishes bland
- Perceived as overpriced
Often praised
- foodThe food was delicious with every bite.
- coffeeThe staff was incredibly attentive, efficient, and friendly. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a quick, delicious breakfast paired with excellent coffee. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Foodabsolutely loved the food!
- breakfastNice breakfast place in French style
- French onion soupItâs a classic, and if you want proper French food, CDLP is the place. The menu includes French onion soup, Steak tartare, Steak, Braised chicken, Ahi tuna, Boeuf Bourguignon, Baguette, Croissants, Wines, Attitude, Brunch, and Cocktails.
- friesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The steak & frites were cooked perfectly, and the fries were crisp. For dessert, the profiteroles and crÚme brûlée were delightful treats.
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict never disappoint!
- food qualityservice, atmosphere, food quality excellent
- burgerit was seriously one of the best burgers
- duck confitduck confit and both were very tasty
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was very expensive for what you get
- coffeeHowever, the side of Bacon was the best part of the meal, it was nice and crunchy. The Service was terrible; I had to get up and go to the counter multiple times, once for a coffee that was never brought out and again to get the ticket. It seems like they might need more waiters.
- baconthe bacon was completely RAW
- hollandaiseI ordered the crab cake poached eggs, which I regularly enjoy at less expensive places in New Orleans. Here, the hollandaise was split and tasted odd, and the crab cakes seemed frozen. The home potatoes were pretty good, though.
- Bloody Marymost watered down, no flavor, non seasoned Bloody Mary ever ordered
- CrabcakeCrabcake was a little mushy and thin.
- French dishesif you want anything else French they don't seem to have it
- Niçoise saladNiçoise salad and it was the FOULEST tasting meal
- breadWhat is a salade frizzée without some bread.
- breakfastBreakfast was meh
If you're craving classic French fare or a hearty breakfast, this place is often a good bet, with many dishes earning high praise. Just be aware that some items might be inconsistent or feel a bit pricey for the quality, so choose your meal wisely.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite bright side! Many guests raved about the friendly staff and attentive service, noting how servers provided excellent care and ensured prompt delivery of food and drinks. With 94 positive remarks, itâs clear that many experienced a pleasant and efficient dining experience.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 90 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement. Some encountered slow service, rude staff, and frustratingly long waiting times, sometimes even a lack of welcome. This contributes to an overall 5.5 score and a 49.7% customer satisfaction, suggesting a somewhat inconsistent experience based on 189 total mentions.
Service
189
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
90
negative
5
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Prompt food delivery
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Slow, rude service
- Long waiting times
- Unwelcoming owner/staff
Often praised
- serviceThe food was delicious and arrived quickly. The staff were incredibly cordial and helpful; they even encouraged us to take our time after asking for the check. It offered a nice respite after hours of walking, and we really enjoyed the meal.
- staffThe restaurant is conveniently located next to the hotel Triton, identifiable by its blue sign, and sits on a corner. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, and I would definitely go there again.
- ServiceService was also rated a 4
- serverWe shared the salad with bacon, and those bacon pieces were đđ. Our server was attentive and very nice. I hope to go back soon!
- waiterIt's very atmospheric, and the service was good. There's even a waiter who speaks Russian. The chef is French, and the manager is constantly in the dining area.
- SergioSergio our waiter was amazing
- ownerMy experience at this nice French restaurant, situated at the corner right by the China Town of San Francisco, was delightful. The ambience of the entire place is exactly like ones in Paris, especially the fact that the owner himself, the grey-haired gentleman, dressed in French chic style, and greeted customers. Food-wise, it's authentic French cuisine.
- LolaLola was the best
- WalterWalter was very nice
- attentive serviceattentive service
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. We endured an excessive wait of over 45 minutes just to receive our coffee, after an initial 20-minute wait for the menu.
- staffWe really liked this place and the bartender and other staff were cool. But we stopped in for a drink, and the owner kept walking around the whole time, making us feel uncomfortable, and clearly the staff too. Read the room and trust your employees.
- ownerthe owner kept walking around the whole time and was making us feel uncomfortable
- bartenderthe bartender who is a pompous man with zero interpersonal skills
- managerThe chef is French, and the manager is constantly in the dining area. I felt he might be a bit disruptive to the waiters' work, but overall, it was a great experience.
- waitressThe waitress came once to sit me and take my order and then at the end to give the check.
- ServiceService was terrible not sure if they just need more waiters
- customer serviceI found a welcoming experience across the street at Starbucks. I would never recommend this place due to its extremely rude owner and practically non-existent customer service. They seem to just hand you your food and kick you out.
- respectIn 2025, it is unacceptable for a restaurant to treat guests differently based on race or who they love. Dining out should be about hospitality, inclusivity, and respect, yet Café de la Presse demonstrated none of these values. No one should feel pushed into the shadows because of prejudice.
- serverThe server... was rude and consistently ignored us
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter wonderfully attentive staff or face frustrating delays and unfriendliness. If you're willing to take a chance, you could have a great experience, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Let's dive into the atmosphere! This spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 82.1%. With 119 positive comments out of 145 total, many guests rave about the charming Parisian ambiance, spacious and quiet setting, and the delightful opportunities for people-watching.
It truly feels like a French bistro, offering a beautiful and atmospheric experience. However, not everything is perfect. About 19 opinions highlighted some drawbacks, particularly concerning tiny tables that feel cramped and too close together.
Some found the noise level from traffic to be an issue, and a few mentioned unclean bathrooms. While the overall vibe is positive, these aspects could detract from an otherwise lovely experience.
Ambience
145
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
119
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming Parisian ambiance
- Spacious and quiet
- Great for people-watching
What people don't like
- Cramped tiny tables
- Can be noisy
- Unclean bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is pretty nice, parisian inspired interior decor
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is like a parisian café /Bistrot
- locationI had the best Benedictines of my life. The location is also a major plus, being just a few steps from Chinatown in a privileged corner of SF. The Vanilla French Toast was a recommended dish.
- placeWhat a delightful place. It felt like we teleported to France!
- ambianceThe ambiance reminds well of Parisian cafes
- ambienceThe ambience of the entire place is exactly like ones in paris
- restaurantVery nice restaurant in a lovely street
- decorThe food was great, and I particularly enjoyed the Sandwich. The restaurant itself is spacious and relatively quiet, with a traditional, minimalist decor that creates a pleasant atmosphere. It's located in a nice part of town that's safely walkable.
- people watchingfun people watching if you sit by the window
- tablesThe tables are just like how I remember them
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe owner was extremely rude. Despite the restaurant being empty and just opening at 8 am, he forced everyone to stand outside in the cold. When I tried to sit at the bar, as I didn't need a table or reservation, he repeatedly yelled at me, effectively forcing me out of his empty establishment.
- tablesthe tables are one on top of the others
- ambiancene fournit pas l'ambiance française attendue
- bathroomThe bathroom was FILTHY
- bathroomsBathrooms were horrible
- chairschairs, counter...
- counterchairs, counter...
- inclusivityIn 2025, it is unacceptable for a restaurant to treat guests differently based on race or who they love. Dining out should be about hospitality, inclusivity, and respect, yet Café de la Presse demonstrated none of these values. No one should feel pushed into the shadows because of prejudice.
- kids friendlyit's not kids friendly
- maintenance of fixturesmaintenance of the fixtures
If you're seeking a charming, authentic Parisian-style atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal or people-watching, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially snug seating and some street noise, and perhaps check the restrooms upon arrival.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with the lunch special and great deals that made them feel it was truly worth it. There were 10 positive comments highlighting good quality/price and special offers, suggesting that if you hit the right deal, you might feel it's worth every penny. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a low score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 18.9%.
A whopping 40 comments expressed concerns about the price, frequently calling it expensive or overpriced, with some even feeling it was a waste of money due to issues like FRAUD or unexpected charges.
Value
53
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
40
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lunch specials
- Great deals
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Overpriced food
- Billing issues
Often praised
- priceReasonably priced too, considering it's proximity to Union Square.
- worth itDefinitely worth it
- great dealsboth spectacular and great deals
- lunch specialhad the lunch special
- quality/pricequality/price is really good
- special offertook advantage of the special offer for steak and wine
- wine listwine list is well-curated and reasonably priced
- worth every pennyDefinitely worth every penny!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The food quality was very good, although it was a little bit overpriced. The staff were excellent, and the atmosphere was also great.
- pricesMy experience at Cafe de la Presse was positive overall. While the prices are on the higher side, even for San Francisco, the quality of food is pretty good. The fried chicken sandwich could use a bit more flavor, but it was tasty.
- expensiveIt was expensive
- tipfirst time being pushed to not tip in A LONg time
- FRAUDbut a FRAUD from this place
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- THEFTThis is a FRAUD and THEFT.
- additional feesthese additional fees caught us off guard
- authorized chargethe total I authorized Cafe De La Presse to charge my card was $68.26
- billTwo Benedicts, two coffees, with tip, $72
If you're considering a visit, be strategic and look for their specific lunch specials or offers, as these seem to provide the best value. Otherwise, be prepared for prices that many customers found to be quite steep and not always justified by the experience.
How are the prices at Café de la Presse?
Youâre looking at roughly 35 per person â reported by 128 diners. That puts it in the $31â$40 category. For a French Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 35, most guests tend to spend a bit less, with the biggest group falling into the $21â$30 range. There’s also a good spread for those looking for both more budget-friendly and more premium options.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 128 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a French Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Café de la Presse
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Delicious French Brunch Experience
My experience at this restaurant for Saturday brunch before a family wedding was absolutely wonderful! I loved it. The food was delicious, and we particularly enjoyed the deviled eggs, French onion soup, and beef bourguignon, all of which were beautifully made and full of flavor.
The atmosphere felt cozy and authentically French, and the service was great.
- food10
- deviled eggs9
- French onion soup9
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Pleasant Spot for Eggs Benedict
I visited this pleasant spot right when it opened to try their Eggs Benedict. It was a very good dish. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- Eggs Benedict9
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Perfect All-in-One Spot
My experience was fantastic! The restaurant has a very cool vibe with a retro French style. It perfectly blends the feel of a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and library, making it an ideal spot for a Sunday Funday.
- vibe10
- style9
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Classic French Spot Worth Returning To
Itâs been years since I was here last, having moved to Europe. But man⊠CDLP will always be a spot I come back to over and over again. The place needs support after COVID, and I wish next time I'm here â I wish to see it as lively, busy, and bursting with energy as in the old days đ©”.
I mean, you hear me, yeah? Itâs a classic, and if you want proper French food, CDLP is the place. The menu includes French onion soup, Steak tartare, Steak, Braised chicken, Ahi tuna, Boeuf Bourguignon, Baguette, Croissants, Wines, Attitude, Brunch, and Cocktails.
- French onion soup9
- Steak tartare9
- Steak9
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
5
Okay French Bistro Experience
My experience at this restaurant was just okay. While the name suggests a French theme, the food offered was typical of many San Franciscan bistros, lacking any distinctively French elements. Regarding the practicalities: * Atmosphere: Rated 3 out of 5.
It was quiet, making conversation easy. * Service: Rated 4 out of 5. * Food: Rated 3 out of 5.
* Parking: Described as somewhat difficult to find parking, with a paid parking garage available. * Reservations: Not required. * Price: $20â30 per person.
* Vegetarian Options: Somewhat recommended, but the reviewer was unsure about the specific offerings. * Kid-friendliness: Yes. * Meal Type: Brunch.
- food5
- atmosphere7
- service8
- french food3
- parking4
What Café de la Presse offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Café de la Presse, and do you need reservations?
At Café de la Presse, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. For popular times like lunch and brunch, reservations are recommended to ensure you secure your spot.
What kind of atmosphere and beverage options can you expect at Café de la Presse?
You’ll find a romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at CafĂ© de la Presse, perfect for any occasion. The restaurant boasts a great wine list, a wide selection of coffee and tea, and offers hard liquor, beer, and cocktails, including happy hour drinks.
What is the overall dining experience like at Café de la Presse?
Café de la Presse generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 6.7. Guests particularly enjoy the Food (7.3) and Ambience (7.8), though Service (5.5) can be inconsistent and Value (3.8) is often a concern.
Does Café de la Presse offer an authentic French atmosphere?
Yes, many customers praise the restaurant’s charming Parisian atmosphere and decor, noting that it feels like being transported to France.
Are there any common complaints about Café de la Presse?
Some common complaints include inconsistent service , with reports of long waits or rude staff, and concerns about the value for money, with some finding it overpriced .