Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Chez Maman – San Francisco
Chez Maman - San Francisco
Photo from Chez Maman
Chez Maman at a glance
San Francisco Potrero Terrace
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 119 of the guests
#682 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
618
Reviews
79.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- French cuisine
- Bistro atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Noisy interior
- Long waits
The restaurant Chez Maman is a charming French restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Potrero Terrace neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a delightful meal.
Known for its great dessert, this spot invites you to indulge in a truly authentic culinary experience. Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner or a trendy brunch, you’ll find a welcoming ambiance here.
Overview: Introducting Chez Maman
Chez Maman offers a generally positive dining experience, often praised for its delightful atmosphere and attentive staff. Many guests appreciate the genuine French bistro vibes and the warm welcome from the friendly staff, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some experiences highlight inconsistencies, particularly with service during busy periods, and occasional issues with the overall waiting time. While the setting is often lauded, a few diners have noted that the interior can be quite loud, impacting the dining comfort.
Good
7.9
out of 10
618
Reviews
79.6%
Satisfaction
89
negative
37
neutral
492
positive
Chez Maman earns a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.9, placing it firmly in the ‘good’ category. This aligns well with a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 79.6%, indicating that most diners leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 618 customer opinions, with 492 positive remarks outweighing 89 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (8.1), reflecting many positive comments on its quality.
The Ambience (8.0) also receives high marks for its charming character, while Service (7.8) is generally well-regarded for its attentiveness. However, Value (5.6) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that some guests find the pricing to be a point of contention.
What people like
- Delicious French cuisine
- Charming bistro atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Loud indoor environment
- Potential long waits
If you’re seeking a charming French bistro experience with well-regarded food and a pleasant atmosphere, Chez Maman is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 8 suggests a high likelihood of a satisfying visit, especially if you prioritize authentic flavors and a lively setting.
However, be mindful of potential waits and the possibility of a bustling, noisy environment, particularly during peak hours. While the food and service generally impress, those sensitive to price might find the value proposition less compelling.
Plan accordingly for a delightful, albeit potentially energetic, meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chez Maman
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here is generally a hit, scoring a solid 8.1 and leaving 81.8% of diners satisfied. With 302 positive remarks out of 369, guests rave about the authentic flavor, especially praising the duck confit, French onion soup, and perfectly cooked moules frites. It seems like a delicious journey for your taste buds!
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 42 critical comments. Some found items like the veal tough and chewy, or dishes dry and bland. There were also mentions of food being overly salty and subpar fries, suggesting a few areas for improvement.
Food
369
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
42
negative
25
neutral
302
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic French cuisine
- Delicious duck confit
- Excellent French onion soup
What people don't like
- Overly salty dishes
- Dry, bland food
- Subpar fries
Often praised
- foodThis is our go-to restaurant for celebrations. We experienced wonderful service and amazing food, complemented by a great view of downtown. Please note that they do not accept reservations.
- French onion soupFrench onion soup, and it may have been the best I've had
- musselsThe escargot, the veal, the duck, the mussels, the sandwiches. All delicious.
- FoodFood:5
- escargotThe escargot, the veal, the duck, the mussels, the sandwiches. All delicious.
- burgerThe burger was everything everyone had told me. The burger was cooked correctly, juicy, and tender.
- crème brûléeThe crème brûlée for dessert was perfectly creamy.
- duckThe escargot, the veal, the duck, the mussels, the sandwiches. All delicious.
- dishesAll the dishes are perfectly classic and delicious
- duck confitThe food is mouthwatering and perfect. We typically order the French baguette, fries with aioli, duck confit, and mushroom pasta, accompanied by a couple of glasses of wine. We enjoy sitting outside to soak in the night atmosphere; it's quite well-sheltered even in rain or wind.
Frequently criticized
- crepeWe got a nice table for four people in the outdoor area and ordered crepes and burgers. My crepe with fresh cheese and salmon was pretty bland and dry, but my friends were happy with their choices and enjoyed the food. Service was fast and our server was knowledgeable.
- foodThe food was dry and lacked seasoning
- prosciuttoprosciutto did not go well in the crepe, it was more chewy
- Acme breadWhile the Onion Soup and Endive salad were good, the fries were luke warm and not crisp. The mussels lacked sufficient sauce, the Acme bread was tough and not fresh, and the sole fish was bland and uninspiring. We might consider giving it another try, but for now, we are disappointed.
- Camembert cheese appetizerCamembert cheese appetizer was prepared in microwave instead of oven.
- French friesFrench fries were subpar, they didn't taste fresh
- French onion soupThe French onion soup, while comforting, was a bit too salty
- New York steakcharged $55 for a New York steak
- crepesIt was incredibly dry and bland and cold.
- crepes with Spanish sausageordered crepes with sausage Spanish - not my things feels gamey
If you're craving classic French comfort food, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their standout dishes. Just be mindful that a few items might not live up to the overall high standard, so choose wisely!
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.3%. Based on 87 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the friendly service and attentive wait staff, often highlighting individual waiters and the overall staff for being welcoming, efficient, and providing a fantastic experience from start to finish. However, its not always perfect, with 23 negative comments indicating some room for improvement.
A few patrons felt unwelcomed or that staff were rushing us, while others encountered frustrating wait times or even described the service as bad' in specific instances. Staff attitude and long waits during busy periods were also noted.
Service
114
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Outstanding service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming staff attitude
- Feeling rushed
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy favorite drink was a sugary sangria. The total price tag was reasonable, and the service was good. The atmosphere was lovely, but despite these positives, I would not return because the food itself fell short by a long shot.
- staffNext time, I'd pass on the burger and explore other entrees. The service was exceptional; all the staff was very attentive. Be aware that it's a small venue, so you might have to wait, and the entire party needs to be present to be seated.
- ServiceMy crepe with fresh cheese and salmon was pretty bland and dry, but my friends were happy with their choices and enjoyed the food. Service was fast and our server was knowledgeable. I was not too impressed by this place, so I will probably continue exploring other brunch options on Portrero.
- friendly staffThe atmosphere, food and friendly staff are still the same
- teamGreat service and team as well.
- wait staffThe wait staff was also friendly and courteous.
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- French serverFrench server was super nice
- French waiterswith French wine and French waiters
- OlivierOlivier was adorable
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was very bad
- waiting timeWe waited for 30 mins and got there around 8pm on a Wed
- bartenderBeware bartender helped himself to $120 tip to $80 bill
- busy timeThe duck confit reduction was immaculate, and the french onion soup was delicious and aromatic. I would go again, but at a less busy time.
- conversationtook our orders with zero conversation or warmth
- dog bowlgave us a big dog bowl filled with dusty water
- long lineBe prepared for a wait—there’s often a long line
- ordering dessertinformed that I shouldn't bother coming if I was only ordering dessert
- ownerThe owner called me back to return the difference and confirmed the guy added whatever he wanted.
- reservationsNo reservations accepted
Overall, the service here is a strong point, with most guests enjoying a friendly and efficient experience. If you value attentive staff and a welcoming atmosphere, you'll likely be pleased, but be mindful of potential waits during peak hours.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.6%, guests frequently rave about the delightful atmosphere and romantic view of the city. Many appreciate the French bistro vibes and neighborhood charm, making it a perfect setting for various occasions, as seen in 92 positive comments out of 110 total.
However, not everyone finds the experience perfect. A smaller number of 13 opinions point to some areas for improvement, particularly regarding the noise level which can be loud inside. Some guests also mentioned an uncomfortable experience due to issues with heating and ventilation, and occasionally uncomfortable tables and chairs.
Ambience
110
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great city views
- Charming atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud inside
- Uncomfortable seating
- Poor heating/ventilation
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. It's the best restaurant I’ve been to in San Francisco, offering amazing food, excellent service, a casual atmosphere, and a great menu selection. The French onion soup is a must-try, and the burgers are incredibly delicious, featuring a plump, fresh, and flavorful patty on a great French bun, perfect with an egg or Brie.
- AtmosphereService and atmosphere charming and pleasant
- placeOverall this place rock
- vibeThe vibe, the friendliness of the staff, the food, the atmosphere, everything is just so perfect.
- viewsviews from Potrero Hill are incredible
- locationIt has a great location
- neighborhoodMy experience at this charming neighborhood bistro was excellent. The East location is situated in a very nice neighborhood that’s quieter than Hayes Valley. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were both top-notch, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- vibesthe vibes are really great
- viewThe food is delicious, especially the roasted chicken with lemony gravy over mashed potatoes, which is heavenly. We enjoyed great wine and a beautiful view of downtown SF, capped off with a crème brûlée. It was a perfect evening.
- French bistro vibesplace has just the right amount of French bistro vibes
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was overwhelmingly negative
- heatingno heating going on
- loud insidedefinitely quite loud inside
- noise levelThe food was great, earning a solid 4 out of 5. However, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly negative, with a noise level described as 'Very loud, hard to hear, ' which I rated a 2 out of 5. The restaurant was so noisy that a table in the corner was shouting so much that even the table next to us complained.
- parkingParking can be difficult to find
- placeplace is very noisy
- restaurantphysically most comfortable dining experiences
- roommake the room warm and inviting
- steps into the restaurantHowever, parking can be difficult to find. For those with wheelchairs, navigating the steep hill and the steps into the restaurant would be challenging, requiring outdoor seating. The inside was quite loud, but the outside area was pleasant.
- tables and chairsThe tables and chairs were uncomfortable
If youre looking for a place with great views and a charming atmosphere for a date or friends catch-up, this restaurant is definitely worth trying. However, if you're sensitive to noise or specific comfort issues, you might want to consider visiting during off-peak hours or opting for outdoor seating.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at 44%. Many guests appreciate the reasonable price and value for money, often highlighting affordable wine selections and the overall feeling that dinner won't break the bank. There are 11 positive remarks among the 25 total opinions, suggesting a decent number of folks find the pricing fair.
However, not everyone agrees, with 11 negative remarks pointing to concerns about it being overpriced or requiring big spending plans. Some found the prices high, and a misleading menu was also a point of contention, leaving some feeling that certain items were not worth the cost.
Value
25
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Affordable wine
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Menu misleading
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this amazing French bistro was fantastic. The food is always of good quality and it's not overpriced. It has become our go-to restaurant for a quick date night.
- reasonable priceprovides all the classics for a reasonable price
- Beef Burgerthe Beef Burger going for just $20
- affordable wine selectionsMy experience at this casual French bistro in the Potrero neighborhood was fantastic. The authentic meals tasted great, and the affordable wine selections were a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend not skipping the gelato for dessert.
- pricesHowever, the food was good and the atmosphere was pleasant. The prices were in line with those of the city.
- reasonable pricesEverything is good but a few recommendations off the top of my head are the steak frites, mushroom crepe, fettecuine, and mussels (marinière is my fav, but they are all good!). They have a good selection of wine at reasonable prices. Perfect for a catch-up with friends or a date night.
- street parkingplenty of street parking nearby
- total price tagThe total price tag was reasonable
- value for moneyperfectly value for money
Frequently criticized
- $55charged $55 for a New York steak
- accountThis overdrawn my account and received several fees
- big spending plansbig spending plans
- differenceHe should have gave me back all of my $$ and didn't seem sorry.
- empty stomachcome with an empty stomach and big spending plans
- misleading menuSomething i really didn't like is the misleading menu
- mushrooms$3 for 4-5 (what seemed to be canned) mushrooms wasn’t worth it
- overpriceda little overpriced for the quality
- priceThis place is very pricey overall
- pricesPrecios altos.
If you're looking for a spot with potentially good value and affordable wine, it might be worth a try. Just be mindful that some find it pricey, so check the menu carefully to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Chez Maman?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 119 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a French Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 48, the pricing isn’t rigid; many guests find delightful options in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, showing a nice mix of choices for every appetite.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 119 reviews.
How this French restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a French restaurant in San Francisco, we believe the pricing is quite reasonable. It offers enough flexibility for guests to enjoy a lovely meal whether they’re looking for a casual bite or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chez Maman
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cozy Neighborhood Bistro with Sunny Vibes
If you're looking for a nice neighborhood bistro, Chez Maman is a great choice. My experience was very positive. I enjoyed a passable Eggs Benedict with a side salad, followed by an old-school cappuccino and an Americano.
The Portrero location is particularly recommended if you need a little sunshine. The service and atmosphere were excellent, contributing to a very pleasant visit.
- Eggs Benedict5
- side salad7
- cappuccino8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Shocking Tip Incident and Poor Resolution
My experience at this restaurant was marred by a shocking incident involving the bartender. After a bill of $80, the bartender added a $120 tip, which I did not authorize. This unauthorized charge overdrawn my account and resulted in several fees.
While the owner did call back to return the difference and confirmed the bartender added whatever he wanted, they did not seem sorry for the situation. Upon further reflection, I am extremely upset about this experience.
- bartender1
- tip1
- account2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Delicious Baked Chicken and Desserts
My experience at the restaurant was quite positive, particularly with the food. I found the baked chicken to be very good. For dessert, the crème brûlée is a little big, so it's definitely a dish to share.
The salted caramel ice cream was also good. The restaurant received high marks for food, service, and atmosphere.
- baked chicken8
- crème brûlée6
- salted caramel ice cream7
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Meal with a View
My experience at this restaurant was a solid meal. We enjoyed two great salads. The Salmon and Chicken were both excellent.
The bun was large compared to the burger, which was reportedly really good. We also appreciated the fantastic city facing view from some of the outside tables.
- salads9
- Salmon10
- Chicken10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Steak and No Utensils
I was charged $55 for a New York steak and french fries, and to make matters worse, they didn't even provide any utensils to eat with. The service was very bad. I will never buy from this place again.
- New York steak2
- french fries2
- utensils1
What Chez Maman offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
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
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- 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
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Chez Maman East?
At Chez Maman East, you’ll find free street parking, and there’s usually plenty available. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Chez Maman East?
You can expect a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere at Chez Maman East, perfect for various occasions. They offer dining options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including table service and delicious desserts. You can also enjoy outdoor seating.
What is Chez Maman's overall rating and customer satisfaction?
Chez Maman holds a ‘good’ overall Restaurant Score of 7.9 out of 10, with a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 79.6%. Food (8.1), Ambience (8.0), and Service (7.8) are highly rated, though Value (5.6) is more moderate.
What are the standout features of Chez Maman's dining experience?
Diners frequently praise the delicious French cuisine, highlighting dishes like French onion soup and mussels. The restaurant also offers a charming bistro atmosphere and is known for its attentive and friendly staff.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Chez Maman?
Some guests have noted that the restaurant can be quite loud inside, and there can be long waiting times due to its popularity and no reservation policy. Additionally, the value for money is sometimes a point of concern for a portion of customers.