Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Absinthe – San Francisco
Absinthe - San Francisco
Photo from Absinthe
Absinthe at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 113 of the guests
#1020 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#16 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
637
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- French cuisine
- Expert drinks
- Charming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Premium pricing
- Service variability
- Elevated noise
The restaurant Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, a French Restaurant in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood, invites you to experience its renowned great dessert. You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that is both upscale and cozy, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy gathering.
This spot offers a delightful culinary journey, ensuring a memorable dining experience for you.
Overview: Introducting Absinthe
Absinthe offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings often stand out. Guests frequently praise the heavenly food, noting its French-inspired preparations and delicious cocktails.
The restaurant’s romantic ambiance, with its classic French touches and comfortable setting, also contributes positively to the overall visit. However, some experiences at Absinthe are tempered by concerns over cost, with many finding it pricey .
While service is often attentive , there are instances where guests report issues, and the atmosphere can sometimes be perceived as loud or dated.
Good
7.6
out of 10
637
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
120
negative
27
neutral
490
positive
Absinthe generally delivers a good experience, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.9%. These figures suggest that most patrons leave content.
The culinary aspect truly shines, with Food scoring an excellent (8.2), frequently described as delicious and well-prepared. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial number of comments, with 490 positive remarks against 120 negative ones out of 637 total customer observations.
The Ambience also contributes positively, earning a good (7.8) for its appealing aesthetic and comfortable setting. Service is generally good (6.9), though some guests have noted inconsistencies.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value , which registers an average (4.3). While some find prices reasonable for lunch, many feel the overall cost can be quite high, especially considering additional charges.
What people like
- Delicious French food
- Crafted cocktails
- Romantic ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Loud atmosphere
Absinthe is a solid choice if you prioritize quality French-inspired cuisine and a distinct, romantic setting. With a Recommendation Score of 8, it suggests a generally positive experience for many.
It’s a place where the culinary offerings and the atmosphere often leave a lasting impression, making it suitable for special occasions or a refined meal. However, be prepared for a potentially pricey bill, and understand that service can occasionally be a mixed bag.
If you’re seeking a consistently quiet dining experience or are on a strict budget, you might want to consider other options. For those who value excellent food and a charming environment, Absinthe is worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Absinthe
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and leaving a whopping 85.4% of customers satisfied! With 305 positive comments out of 357 total, guests rave about classics like the French Onion Soup, delicious duck breast, and the ever-popular truffle burger and Steak Frites. It seems they truly master the art of flavorful French cuisine, offering many tasty treats and comfort food options.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 35 negative comments noting some food was on the salty side or bland. Concerns about small portions and underdone items also popped up. Plus, if you have food allergies or celiac, some experiences suggest extra caution is needed due to potential cross-contamination.
Food
357
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
35
negative
17
neutral
305
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Excellent menu
- Gluten-free friendly
What people don't like
- Salty dishes
- Small portions
- Allergy concerns
Often praised
- foodI had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant. I bring all my out-of-town guests here because I simply love the food and the service is impeccable 👌. This was a dine-in dinner, and the price per person was between $50–100.
- French onion soupIt's a favorite for many years due to its close proximity to SFS and SFO, attracting a hip clientele. I particularly enjoyed the truly excellent French onion soup and fries that surpass McD's in every way. The inclusion of Acme bread, known as the best in this part of the world, was also a plus.
- cocktailsThe cocktails were delicious and expertly crafted
- FoodFood:5
- oystersThey should consider serving dover sole rather than petrale. The oysters are superb. The pot de chocolat is really wonderful.
- drinksThe food and the drinks definitely were
- menuImpressive and well thought out menu.
- onion souptried the onion soup which were both pretty good
- Steak FritesSteak Frites was a recommended dish
- burgerWe got a cozy table for two, and our waitress was exceptionally polite and friendly, making us feel very welcome. For our meal, we ordered the duck confit and the burger, both of which were absolutely delicious and generously portioned. The highlight, however, was the chilled mussels we had as a starter—they were incredibly fresh and sweet, an unexpected delight.
Frequently criticized
- foodAfter 50 years of dining in San Francisco, I can confidently say this was the worst experience. My order of grilled octopus, priced at $26, consisted of a mere 3 bites of food. To make matters worse, my girlfriend's pasta dish had only 4 noodles.
- burgerThe burger mentioned in the other reviews being a prime example
- Eggs Benedict florentineEggs Benedict florentine was pretty terrible
- IPABartenders couldn’t tell me which IPA they had replaced on tap other than ‘hazy.’
- Nicoise saladordered a Nicoise salad and was so disappointed
- bottle of champagnethe champagne wasn't cold
- celiacshighly recommend skipping this restaurant if you have a food allergy or celiacs
- creme bruleemissing creme brulee from the desert menu
- crispy potatoescrispy potatoes were underdone
- cross-contaminationI requested to speak with a manager, who assured me all sole is gluten-free and individually pan-fried with rice flour (though my server had mentioned almond flour). I observed butter and fried potatoes on my plate, which I suspect could have been cross-contaminated, especially if the potatoes were fried in a shared fryer. My subsequent adverse physical reaction confirms my suspicion of cross-contamination.
If you're looking for a delicious French meal with plenty of classics and some creative twists, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful of potential portion sizes and communicate any food allergies clearly to ensure a smooth experience.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Many guests have raved about the service, with 92 positive remarks out of 143 total experiences. The staff often receives praise for being attentive, offering friendly service, and providing excellent service overall. While the service score sits at a good 6.9, customer satisfaction is a mixed 64.3%, suggesting some variability in experiences.
However, 47 negative comments point to areas needing improvement. Some diners reported slow service, feeling ignored by staff, or even encountering rude behavior. Issues like long waiting times for food or drinks, and instances of staff being dismissive or poorly managed, occasionally detracted from the dining experience.
Service
143
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
47
negative
4
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent service quality
- Knowledgeable suggestions
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Staff ignored guests
- Occasional rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe food, the service, the atmosphere were all superb!
- ServiceService:5
- staffI have a wheat flour allergy, but I was happy to find that their quinoa, corn, oat, and rye options were great. Their wonderfully helpful and communicative staff did an impressive job of explaining the tasty options.
- serverOur server was friendly, knowledgeable, and so attentive
- waiterOur waiter was observant of when to "interrupt" conversation
- excellent serviceMy experience at this restaurant featured elegant French cuisine and excellent service. The wine choices were also good.
- serversThe servers were very attentive and friendly
- ChrisThe other bartender Chris was a nice guy and came over to help us
- Ethan S.Ethan S., our server, was the best
- Excellent serviceService is excellent
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was below average
- serverHowever, when my meal arrived, I noticed it was served alongside two other sole plates. My server's initial confirmation was hesitant, and when I pressed for details about how they ensured it was celiac-safe, my main server became dismissive and raised his voice, stating, "This is gluten-free. Enjoy.
- waiterThe waiter ignored us for the longest time
- customer serviceNOBODY asked us if anything was ok or if we needed anything the entire time
- staffPre-pandemic, this place was a gem with excellent food and outstanding service. Since they've reopened post-COVID, I've visited 4-5 times, and every single time the staff were extremely rude. Two times we waited at the entrance for about 10 minutes, and no one greeted us.
- apps without drinkssat there during apps without drinks
- bar backthe bar back and the floor manager were too busy drinking drinks
- bartenderThe servers walking by simply ignored us and told us to just wait. Last weekend, I went for drinks, and the bartender (Dylan K) literally threw the checkbook in front of me on the counter when he ran my card. Now, looking at my credit card account, I see that he also charged me for a tip I did not leave.
- customer experiencedon't care as much about the customer experience
- entrancewaited at the entarnce for about 10 mins and no one greeted us
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many enjoy attentive and friendly staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies or longer waits. If you value excellent service above all else, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 7.8 score and a solid 84% customer satisfaction, based on 84 positive remarks out of 100 total. Guests frequently praise the atmosphere, chic French bistro vibes, and warm and intoxicating lighting, creating a classy but relaxed environment perfect for various occasions. However, not everyone is completely charmed.
With 13 negative opinions, some found the atmosphere dated or drafty, while others noted it could be noisy or dark. A few even felt the atmosphere is unfortunately lacking for what they expected.
Ambience
100
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chic French bistro
- Warm, inviting lighting
- Classy, relaxed vibe
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Potentially dark
- Feels a bit dated
Often praised
- atmosphereWe enjoyed drinks and dinner at their lovely old wooden bar. In addition to the atmosphere, the food was heavenly, French-inspired and done to perfection. The onion soup was to die for, and we also enjoyed the oysters, mussels, and salad niçoise.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceWalter the waiter is very knowledgeable on the entire menu. The ambiance: romantic. It is pretty pricey.
- experienceThe food was beautifully prepared and very tasty. The service was very attentive, and everyone in my group enjoyed the experience. We also appreciated that there were good choices for someone with gluten-free dietary restrictions.
- interiorNice interior in fin de siècle theme
- restaurantThis place is wonderful. The service was great, and the restaurant is beautiful and comfortable. But the best part, without a doubt, is the food.
- French feelLove the French feel of this place
- French touchesMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of delightful ambiance and a surprising food letdown. I truly loved the French touches, including the art and the copper counter at the bar. The idea of sitting outdoors with many shops to peek into was also a wonderful aspect.
- absinthe fountainabsinthe fountain was included in the experience
- aestheticvery relaxing to experience the whole aesthetic
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere is unfortunately lacking
- barthe bar was full of what looked like “working girls.”
- darkit was too dark
- datedThe food was good, and the service was impressive. The restaurant is dimly lit, which helps to mask that it's a little bit dated and drafty.
- draftya little bit drafty
- empty tablesthe other room had empty
- loudtoo dark and loud
- noiseMy experience at Absinthe has consistently featured a great menu and prep. On this particular trip, the service was a little off, and the restaurant was really noisy. Fortunately, as we were attending a performance, Absinthe is geared to getting food out on time, which they did.
- people of colorI love this place, but as a local, I've noticed that bridge and tunnel people who come here are not nice to people of color (regardless of their ability to afford dinner). The food is excellent, with a service that is attentive, and the atmosphere is unfortunately lacking.
- small tableshe give us a small table just for two
If youre seeking a charming, upscale French bistro vibe with warm lighting for a romantic dinner or lively gathering, this spot is a great choice. However, if youre sensitive to noise or prefer a more modern, brightly lit space, you might find some aspects a bit dated or dark.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found the experience to be quite positive, noting reasonable prices and feeling it was worth it for the quality. Out of 37 total remarks, 9 specifically highlighted the price point as fair or even an excellent value, making it feel reasonably-priced for a sit-down meal. The overall score for value sits at an average 4.3, but this doesn't quite capture the full picture.
On the flip side, the majority of feedback, with 25 negative remarks, tells a different story. Many found the restaurant expensive, pricey, and not worth the price they paid. Concerns frequently arose around the price tag not matching the experience, with additional SF mandated extra charge and other fees adding to a poor 24.3% customer satisfaction.
Value
37
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Excellent value
- Worth the experience
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Not worth price
- Unexpected extra charges
Often praised
- priceIt's a great place for a romantic meal or a gathering of friends. The food and drink are excellent, and the prices are not overly expensive by SF standards. The restaurant is also definitely wheelchair accessible, and while there were a couple of parties with young children, it seemed suitable for them.
- price pointthe price point was reasonable for the experience
- pricesThe highlight, however, was the chilled mussels we had as a starter—they were incredibly fresh and sweet, an unexpected delight. On top of the great food, the prices were very reasonable for lunch, making it an excellent value. I would definitely recommend this place and plan to bring my friends here next time!
- reasonable priceswhen they have more reasonable prices
- reasonably-pricedreasonably-priced sit down meal
- valueThe highlight, however, was the chilled mussels we had as a starter—they were incredibly fresh and sweet, an unexpected delight. On top of the great food, the prices were very reasonable for lunch, making it an excellent value. I would definitely recommend this place and plan to bring my friends here next time!
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe ambiance: romantic. It is pretty pricey. A very special place.
- expensiveMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was good, but it was very expensive. For example, they charged $5 for a single oyster and $32 for a burger.
- SF mandated extra chargeThe food, the service, and the atmosphere were all superb! However, one thing that is totally inappropriate is the added SF mandated extra charge to our bill. This was a complete turn-off.
- bread and butter$3 for bread and butter complimentary at an actually high scale spot was … poor.
- burgerMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was good, but it was very expensive. For example, they charged $5 for a single oyster and $32 for a burger. It felt like a lot of money for what was served.
- credit card chargeMy experience at this restaurant was concerning due to billing issues and poor customer service. They charged my credit card more than the after tip total on the signed receipt. Initially, I thought it was an error, but they refused to address the situation when I contacted them, which seemed quite shady.
- incredibly expensiveit is incredibly expensive
- price tagThe food was good, and the service and atmosphere were also rated well. However, I wasn't blown away enough to justify the over $200 price tag.
- priceyIt's a bit pricey
- sf mandate feecharge the nonsense 5% sf mandate fee
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a mixed bag on the value front. While some found the prices reasonable for the experience, a significant number felt it was quite expensive and not always justified. Go in with clear expectations about the cost, especially regarding potential extra charges.
How are the prices at Absinthe?
You’re looking at roughly 69 per person – reported by 113 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.
While the average sits here, our data shows a pretty wide spread, with a good number of guests spending more towards the premium end, especially in the $91–$100 and $101+ ranges. So, while you can find mid-range options, there’s definitely a premium experience available too!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 113 reviews.
Comparing value for money: This restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a French restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. Its not an everyday spot, but for a special meal, it offers good value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Absinthe
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Intimate Atmosphere
I had dinner with a friend, and the experience felt surprisingly romantic. Despite being busy on a Wednesday, the setting was intimate and private, ensuring we weren't bothered. I thoroughly enjoyed the Birds of a Feather and the sole with pureed potatoes, both of which were absolutely delicious.
The service was good as well. It was a great first experience, and I hope to become a regular.
- setting9
- Birds of a Feather10
- sole with pureed potatoes10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Nearly Perfect Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very nearly a 10/10. The food and the drinks were definitely highlights. The only minor issues were that I wasn’t initially provided with a napkin, and my glass of port for dessert arrived significantly later than my companion’s dessert.
Despite these small quirks, the overall experience was excellent.
- food10
- drinks10
- napkin3
- glass of port4
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
French Onion Soup Steals the Show!
My experience at this restaurant last week was great overall. The French onion soup was the highlight and truly stole the show. I will definitely be returning.
- French onion soup10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Upscale Experience
My experience at this restaurant was decidedly ‘meh. ’ The bartenders were unable to identify which IPA had replaced another on tap, only stating it was ‘hazy. ’ Charging $3 for bread and butter, which is typically complimentary at a high-scale establishment, felt poor.
Based on the bread alone, anyone expecting an ‘upscale and French’ dining experience will likely be disappointed.
- IPA2
- bread and butter2
- upscale and French2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Unbeatable Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's my favorite spot in San Francisco. While it's not cheap, the food quality and service quality are truly unbeatable.
The atmosphere also received a perfect score.
- food quality10
- service quality10
- atmosphere10
- price4
What Absinthe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Halal food
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Absinthe Brasserie & Bar offer you?
At Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, you can expect an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere. You have various dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with table service. Don’t forget to indulge in their great dessert offerings.
What service options and accessibility features are available for you at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar?
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar provides outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout services for your convenience. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Absinthe generally perform across different aspects?
Absinthe receives an overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, indicating a good dining experience. Its Food is excellent (8.2), Ambience is good (7.8), and Service is also good (6.9). However, Value is considered average (4.3).
Is Absinthe a good value for money, especially considering the food quality?
While the Food at Absinthe is highly praised for its quality, many customers find the overall Value to be average (4.3), with opinions frequently mentioning it as pricey or expensive , particularly for certain items and due to additional charges.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Absinthe?
The Ambience at Absinthe is generally well-regarded (7.8) for its romantic and French feel . Service is typically good (6.9), with many positive comments about attentive staff, though some guests have reported instances of inconsistent or rude interactions.