Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Aquitaine – San Francisco
Aquitaine - San Francisco
Photo from Aquitaine
Aquitaine at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- đ„ French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41â$50
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#721 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
452
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Welcoming service
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Outdated decor
The restaurant, a charming French Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle, invites you to discover its culinary delights. You’ll find yourself drawn to the cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner or a casual catch-up.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in their truly great dessert selection, a highlight that consistently earns rave reviews. Aquitaine promises an authentic experience, whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or a full evening meal.
Overview: Introducting Aquitaine
Aquitaine generally offers a delightful dining experience, with many guests praising the attentive service and the quality of the culinary offerings, making for memorable visits. The atmosphere is often described as warm and inviting, contributing to a comfortable dining environment.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in the pace of service, with reports of longer waiting time. A few comments also point to aspects that could use a refresh, particularly regarding the decor.
Good
7.9
out of 10
452
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
60
negative
17
neutral
375
positive
Aquitaine presents a generally positive picture with a solid restaurant score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 83%. This indicates that most diners leave pleased with their experience.
The culinary aspect stands out, with Food scoring well (8.4), reflecting many positive remarks about the dishes. The Ambience also contributes significantly to the appeal (8.3), creating a welcoming setting.
While Service is generally good (7), some experiences highlight slower moments. The Value (5.8) is more of a mixed bag, with some finding it reasonable and others noting it can be on the pricier side.
These insights are drawn from 452 customer remarks, including 375 positive and 60 negative observations.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Warm, welcoming service
- Pleasant dining ambiance
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Perceived high prices
- Outdated decor
Aquitaine offers a compelling dining experience, particularly for those who appreciate well-prepared dishes and a comfortable setting. With a recommendation score of 8, it’s a place worth considering for a pleasant meal, especially if you value a friendly atmosphere.
However, be mindful that service can occasionally be unhurried, and some aspects of the pricing might feel a bit steep. If you’re seeking a relaxed meal where the food and environment shine, Aquitaine generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Aquitaine
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a high 87.2%, the culinary experience is rated as good. Out of 234 comments, a whopping 204 rave about the delicious food and drink, excellent wine selection, and French classics, often highlighting how easy it is to customize for allergies.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups. A smaller number of 18 comments mentioned issues like food being bland, overcooked, or lacking flavor. While these instances are few, they suggest that consistency might occasionally be a concern, but overall, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives.
Food
234
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
18
negative
12
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Excellent wine selection
- Allergy customization
What people don't like
- Food bland
- Food overcooked
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an under-appreciated brunch spot that offers a cozy and delicious atmosphere. While other places in the neighborhood had huge lines, this gem was both welcoming and satisfying.
- wineThis is one of my favorite neighborhood spots. The staff is always super friendly and happy to answer all of your questions about the wine, even letting you taste before you decide. The food is solid.
- wine selectionThe food was excellent, with the Duck Magret being a particular highlight. The wine selection was also impressive. The ambience is very relaxed, and it was nice to see artifacts from their previous location.
- deviled eggsThe deviled eggs, house popcorn, and CRISPY COD were among some of our favorite items.
- musselsThe mussels were very well prepared
- cheese plateFor a main course, I enjoyed the Garbure--a wonderful smoked duck stew--with a house-suggested paired wine. The artisan cheese plate, again with a suggested paired dessert wine, capped off a fantastic evening. I absolutely plan to return the next time I am in San Francisco.
- dessertapps, dinner, dessert and wine were all amazing
- polenta friesThe food was great, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the happy hour offerings, including the deviled eggs, crab stuffed mushrooms, polenta fries, and regular fries, all served in a cute wooden shoe. The service was also wonderful.
- winesIt's a cute, colorful bistro offering a broad selection of French classics as well as French/American dishes, like Duck & Waffles. They also have a good selection of wines. The owner/chef Andrew and his associate Alex, who have experience at well-known local restaurants, have created a great environment for enjoying a casual meal or for an event.
- Brussels sproutsBrussels sprouts (a must-have)
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food here is sub par
- Pastrami Hashour Pastrami Hash (pictured) lacked flavor
- burgerit was unseasoned and had a hair embedded in it
- cheese plateone of us ordered a cheese plate along his wine and did not get it
- coffee machineTheir coffee machine was broken
- food mediocreand mediocre, at best
- food overcookedThe food was overcooked
- french onion soupWe were there for the first time, as it was located around the corner from our evening show. While the duck confit was good, the french onion soup was too light. Fortunately, the manager was very accommodating and generously fixed the soup, even taking it off the bill.
- friertheir frier was broken
- house wineI loved the vibe of the spot and would go here all the time if their average price for a glass of wine wasnât $15. The house wine was cheaper but tasted a bit like dish soap.
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious French-inspired food and an impressive wine list, this spot is definitely worth trying. While there are occasional reports of blandness, the vast majority of diners leave satisfied, especially if you appreciate customizable options and classic dishes.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 70.4% across 98 opinions, guests often rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially the owner, and the overall excellent hospitality, including great recommendations. However, it's not always smooth sailing.
Out of 27 negative comments, some diners experienced significant waiting times and slow service, occasionally encountering rude staff or managers. There were also mentions of the restaurant being understaffed, leading to delays.
Service
98
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive service
- Owner's hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Occasional rude staff
Often praised
- serviceFrom the service to the food to the wine. ALL of it was excellent.
- staffThe food was excellent and beyond the ordinary. I also appreciated the great wine selection and the super nice and helpful staff. I highly recommend this place!
- ServiceI particularly enjoyed the excellent French wine selection from the South West of France. A special thank you to André for the wonderful service. We will definitely be back.
- ownerIt looked lovely online. Not only did the owner and our server win over our hearts, but the way they treated everyone else in the restaurant, you would think we had all come over to their home for a beautifully hosted dinner. It was wild; we were treated like family.
- LeoLeo for great service
- hostI was on solo business travel, and just left another restaurant due to lack of service. The host at Aquitaine greeted me very warmly, and sat me at the bar. He, the bartender, and another server kept a pretty constant conversation with me throughout the course of my meal, and I felt very welcome and at home.
- serverThe host at Aquitaine greeted me very warmly, and sat me at the bar. He, the bartender, and another server kept a pretty constant conversation with me throughout the course of my meal, and I felt very welcome and at home. Adding to the warm ambiance, the dining experience was very enjoyable.
- ask for helpif you are not sure on what to pick pair with your food, ask for help
- bartenderThe host at Aquitaine greeted me very warmly, and sat me at the bar. He, the bartender, and another server kept a pretty constant conversation with me throughout the course of my meal, and I felt very welcome and at home. Adding to the warm ambiance, the dining experience was very enjoyable.
- busboy attentionthe busboy was the only one paying attention to us
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was ssslllooowww.
- orderthe order didnât come until after 2:20
- waiting timeit took 45 minutes to get my burger
- chefthe chef came out and was very abrupt and rude
- communicationno communication was offered to update us or offer apologies for delays
- food arrivalIt's a great place to have a relaxed brunch. However, the service was slow, and the food took over an hour to arrive. They might have been understaffed that day.
- front of house guyI went today and it took 45 minutes to get my burger, despite the fact that there was one other person in the restaurant and no one was coming in for takeout. The front of house guy was super hostile and was shouting and swearing at the lone cook. I could see through the curtain that he was throwing things at the cook.
- happy hour menuhad to proactively ask for the HH menu
- long waitWe waited for ever
- man with the hatI came here to have dinner with my girlfriend. While everything was going very well, I asked the man with the hat for a pen and he told me that this was not a stationery store and that I should get out of here. The service is really bad.
If you value a warm welcome and expert guidance, you'll likely enjoy the attentive service here. Just be prepared that on busier days, you might encounter some longer waits or less consistent attention.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.8%. With 91 positive comments out of 97, guests consistently praise the cozy ambiance, cool atmosphere, and vibrant painted walls. Many appreciate the quiet spots, making it a perfect setting for relaxed gatherings or intimate evenings.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 4 negative remarks. Some found the main floor to be loud and crowded, while a few felt the decor and furniture could use a refresh, describing it as outdated. There was also a mention of the location being closed, though this seems to be a temporary relocation.
Ambience
97
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, quiet ambiance
- Vibrant decor
- Private rooms
What people don't like
- Loud main floor
- Outdated decor
- Location issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It has an awesome local feel & atmosphere. The wine was great, and the bites were glorious.
- ambianceHe, the bartender, and another server kept a pretty constant conversation with me throughout the course of my meal, and I felt very welcome and at home. Adding to the warm ambiance, the dining experience was very enjoyable. The food was magnificent.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- couchesFew couches to sit and hang out
- musicthe music makes the atmosphere magnificent
- noise levelIt's usually pretty quiet
- placetype of place you could go to eat alone or with company
- private roomprivate room downstairs and it was lovely
- seatingMy experience at this cute new wine bar near The Galleria was marked by a shocking amount of seating, including outdoor options, a lively and loud, crowded main floor, and a surprisingly quiet lounge downstairs. The menu, in true French fashion, perfectly complements their amazing wine selection.
- vibereally liked the vibe of this old school french restaurant
Frequently criticized
- bistroThis occurred in a place that was not busy with many open tables. If you want to be scolded and experience a bistro full of attitudes while eating brunch at 2: 45 in the afternoon, this is the place!
- decor and furnitureCould use a bit of a decor and furniture refresh. Feels outdated.
- locationMy experience was that the location is closed. I spoke with a construction worker who informed me that the restaurant is moving to a new spot on Church St.
- main floora loud, crowded main floor
If you're seeking a charming, comfortable spot with a great vibe for a relaxed evening or a quiet catch-up, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that the main dining area can get lively, so if you prefer absolute quiet, aim for the lounge or outdoor seating.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at 47.8%. Many guests appreciate the affordable prices, especially around happy hour, with mentions of great deals on wines and easy-on-your-wallet options. Based on 11 positive comments out of 23 total, the generous happy hour prices seem to be a real draw.
However, the value proposition isn't always clear-cut. An equal number of 11 negative comments highlight that some find the overall price, particularly for wine and sparkling water, to be on the expensive side. While some aspects are reasonable, others feel costly or a bit pricey, suggesting that while there are deals to be found, you might also encounter some higher-priced items.
Value
23
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable happy hour
- Reasonable pricing
- Easy on wallet
What people don't like
- Expensive wine
- Pricey overall
- Costly drinks
Often praised
- $8 wine8 dollar wine
- 55USD for two people55USD for two people and we were full
- fabulous happy hourThank you for your generous accommodation and rejuvenation on election night. Weâll be back again and again and will be remiss not to take advantage of this fabulous happy hour. Please donât miss out on the mussels, pommes frites, and deviled eggs.
- happy hourcentered around a fantastic happy hour
- happy hour pricesGood happy hour prices too
- pricea reasonable price for the area
- pricedSurprisingly pleasantly priced
- pricesAffordable prices
- pricingreally reasonable pricing
- walleteasy on your wallet
Frequently criticized
- wineswines are still like $12
- costly1.5x more costly than what I would have valued the food at
- expensive sideOn the expensive side but nice
- priceI thought it was a bit expensive (~$100 inc tax&tip for 3 glasses of wine and 3 cheeses)
- price for a glass of wineMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a very, very quaint atmosphere. I loved the vibe of the spot and would go here all the time if their average price for a glass of wine wasnât $15. The house wine was cheaper but tasted a bit like dish soap.
- price per person$58 per person for a Valentine's dinner
- pricesnothing happy about the prices
- pricey overallA bit pricey overall
- sparkling waterI had surprisely expensive sparkling water ($10)
- wineMy guest had 3 glasses of wine ($!8)
If youre looking for a good deal, definitely check out their happy hour, as thats where the best value seems to be. Otherwise, be prepared that some items, especially drinks, might lean towards the pricier side, so it's worth considering your choices carefully.
How are the prices at Aquitaine?
Youâre looking at roughly 50 per person â reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $41â$50 category. For a French Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 50, the prices actually show a nice mix. We see a good number of diners spending in the $21â$30 range, but also a strong cluster around the $41â$50 mark, and even some venturing into the $81â$90 and $101+ categories. So, there’s a bit of everything, from mid-range to more premium experiences.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a French restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank, with options for both mid-range and slightly more indulgent experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Aquitaine
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
10
Best Mac and Cheese in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! I had the best Mac and cheese in SF. The owner, Andrew, was incredibly accommodating, and the food was outstanding.
I highly recommend this place.
- Mac and cheese10
- food10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $91â$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Amazing Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of culinary delight and patient waiting. The food was truly amazing, earning a perfect score. However, the service was incredibly slow.
Despite the leisurely pace of the staff, we would return, but we'll be sure to prepare ourselves for the wait next time. The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the noise level was very quiet.
- food10
- atmosphere8
- noise level10
- service1
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Overwhelmed Staff, Broken Machine
My experience at the restaurant was challenging due to a broken coffee machine. Additionally, there was only one person handling all the diners, which left them overwhelmed.
- coffee machine2
- staff2
Price per Person
- $91â$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent French Wine and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the atmosphere was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the excellent French wine selection from the South West of France.
A special thank you to André for the wonderful service. We will definitely be back.
- food9
- atmosphere9
- French wine selection10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Wonderful Hidden Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. We stumbled upon this hidden gem and found a cozy atmosphere where we could either relax with a book and wine or enjoy an intimate dinner. The gentleman who greeted us was very helpful, offering excellent recommendations.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Bone Marrow Toast, the Mushroom Soup (which was OMG delicious), and the Escargot. The dinner special, a full Chicken with salad and pomme fries, was also delicious. Everything we tried was delicious, and we even received an unexpected treat of Dessert Shooters from the chef.
I suspect this menu has no mistakes, and we plan to return to try more.
- Bone Marrow Toast9
- Mushroom Soup10
- Escargot9
What Aquitaine offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Aquitaine?
At Aquitaine, you have a variety of service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in with outdoor seating. For dining, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service. They also offer happy hour food and drinks.
What kind of atmosphere and beverage options can you expect at Aquitaine?
You’ll find a romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Aquitaine, perfect for any occasion. Their extensive beverage menu includes hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside coffee. They also cater to various preferences with organic dishes and vegetarian options.
How does Aquitaine generally perform?
Aquitaine holds a strong overall score of **7.9** with **83%** customer satisfaction. Guests particularly appreciate the **Food** (8.4) and **Ambience** (8.3), while **Service** (7) is generally good, and **Value** (5.8) is more moderate.
What are the standout features of Aquitaine?
Diners frequently praise the quality of the food, the warm and attentive service, and the inviting atmosphere. Many also highlight the appealing happy hour offerings.
Are there any common concerns at Aquitaine?
Some customers have noted occasional slow service, and a few find the overall pricing to be on the higher side. There are also comments about the decor feeling a bit dated.