Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » La Société – San Francisco
La Société - San Francisco
Photo from La Société
La Société at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#1119 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
407
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative dishes
- Personable service
- Chic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service lapses
- Food disappointments
The French restaurant La Société in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great dessert, this spot offers an authentic taste of France right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re seeking a memorable dinner or a casual coffee break, you’ll find a welcoming experience here.
Overview: Introducting La Société
La Société offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the attentive staff and the thoughtfully crafted cocktails. The culinary offerings, including the steak tartare and fresh baguette, often receive positive remarks for their quality and presentation.
However, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in service and a perception of the overall price being on the higher side. While the atmosphere is often appreciated, a few find the vibe can sometimes feel a bit formal or unwelcoming.
Good
7.5
out of 10
407
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
89
negative
12
neutral
306
positive
La Société garners a respectable 7.5 overall score, reflecting a generally good impression among diners. Customer satisfaction stands at 75.2%, indicating that a solid majority leave content.
These assessments are drawn from 407 customer remarks, with 306 positive observations outweighing 89 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these insights. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.8) leads the way, often described as chic and inviting.
Food (7.6) and Service (7.6) also perform well, with many appreciating the culinary efforts and attentive staff. The primary area for consideration appears to be Value (4.7), which customers frequently find to be average, suggesting that the pricing might not always align with expectations for some.
What people like
- Delicious, creative dishes
- Attentive, personable service
- Chic, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Occasional service lapses
- Specific food disappointments
La Société presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a stylish setting and well-executed cuisine. While the 7.7 recommendation score suggests a generally positive experience, it’s worth noting that the overall quality of your visit might hinge on specific dishes or the particular service you encounter.
If you’re seeking an establishment with a strong culinary and atmospheric appeal and are prepared for a potentially higher price point, it’s certainly worth considering. However, if consistent value and flawless service are your absolute top priorities, you might want to manage expectations or explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Société
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.9%. With 173 positive remarks out of 228 total opinions, many diners rave about the delicious food, from the amazing buffet and culinary masterpiece steak tartare to perfectly cooked steaks and standout duck fat fries. The cocktails also receive high praise, often described as deep, complex, and innovative.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 45 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some guests found a lack of plant-based options, while others noted issues like cold food, a disappointing, fishy cod, or a lackluster charcuterie board. There were also mentions of a basic breakfast buffet and a limited menu, suggesting some inconsistencies in the culinary experience.
Food
228
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
45
negative
10
neutral
173
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French cuisine
- Outstanding cocktails
- Perfectly cooked steaks
What people don't like
- Limited plant options
- Inconsistent food quality
- Mediocre breakfast
Often praised
- foodWe enjoyed a full dining experience, including appetizers, entrées, dessert, wine, and a cocktail. Everything was delicious, and the service was friendly and efficient. The ambience was very good, and the location is convenient.
- cocktailscocktails were deep, complex, interesting, and innovative
- menuOur server was top notch, incredibly attentive, and had a wonderful smile. The food was absolutely outstanding; we practically ordered half the menu! Highly recommend!
- pork chopThe pork chop was beautifully presented and cooked perfectly
- steak tartareThe steak tartare is a culinary masterpiece
- FoodFood:5
- baguettethis baguette…. just fabulous!
- breakfast buffetTheir breakfast buffet is really solid
- buffetA lovely buffet with lots of options and assortment.
- dessertsCocktails, desserts all excellent
Frequently criticized
- steakThe duck was perfect, and the lamb was also great. The steak was just a bit mediocre. Our drinks, a whiskey cocktail and a local beer, were good and excellent respectively.
- codThe cod was just flavorless and so disappointing.
- foodI went there for dinner and the experience was extremely disappointing. The food wasn’t fresh, the cloth napkins had holes in them, and the waiters were incredibly clumsy, spilling drinks and dropping food on me multiple times. To top it off, there was a 20% mandatory service charge.
- shoestring potatoesIt was a little heavy on the capers and could have benefited from real French Dijon mustard, but overall it was good. I would have preferred baguette with it, but the shoestring potatoes were a good accompaniment, even though they were cold and salty.
- BreakfastBreakfast was pretty mediocre
- French Dijoncould have used some real French Dijon
- French Onion SoupNO French Onion Soup and we were told by Danny the bartender that there hasn’t been for over a year
- French cuisineThere was nothing French about it
- Gamaythe Gamay is not other Gamay as it's a pretty heavy red.
- Saucesauce was a little overpowering
If youre seeking a generally good dining experience with some truly standout French-inspired dishes and creative cocktails, this place is worth trying. Just be aware that while many items shine, there might be a few inconsistencies, especially if youre looking for extensive plant-based options or a flawless breakfast buffet.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a 7.6 score and a 76.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good experience for most. Many of the 87 positive comments praise the attentive and professional service, often highlighting a personal touch and amazing energy from staff. Guests frequently mention great service, accommodating staff, and even special touches like anniversary cards.
However, not everyone had a perfect visit, with 26 negative remarks pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered poor service, citing issues like a waiter's attitude, inconsistent service, or even a language barrier. There were also mentions of understaffing and slow service, suggesting occasional hiccups in an otherwise positive picture.
Service
114
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, professional staff
- Personalized guest touches
- Energetic, friendly team
What people don't like
- Rude, inconsistent service
- Unwelcoming staff attitude
- Slow service issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this elegant place was marked by great service and delicious food. During restaurant week, I enjoyed a beautifully plated and tasty three-course meal.
- staffthe best staff at a Hyatt Restaurant I have ever experienced
- ServiceService:5
- serverThe server was really nice though!
- RogerRoger was an amazing server, personable and thoughtful
- bartenderSherman (bartender). He brings such great energy
- wait staffAs a French native, I'm always on the lookout for new French or French-adjacent restaurants, and this place is a good one! I had a solid experience with great food and unpretentious wait staff. We ordered some classics to gauge the restaurant: the oysters were fresh and well shucked, the tartare was just right, and the steak was perfectly cooked with a really spot-on pepper sauce.
- Asian bartendersThe two Asian bartenders let me try different beers
- Perfect servicePerfect service :)
- ServerServer were thoughtful
Frequently criticized
- servicethe person who greeted me & escorted me to my seat was the most rude and obnoxious person!!
- managerthe manager and the server came to the table to inquire
- serverIt took a good 15 minutes before a server came to our table
- apologizinginstead of apologizing like any establishment
- bartenderbartender for help, he was kinda rude
- bartendersI expect to get that at a dive bar, not a place like this. The atmosphere is nice but they need to train their bartenders.
- check-in experiencethe check in experience. ... advised he couldn't find the reservation
- customersI encountered lies from the manager who fabricated a story and solution to cover up the rude and inconsistent service from the bartender and waiter. The staff was inconsistent about their policy and unwilling to solve the problem, opting instead to be dismissive and evict customers. It was a completely unwelcoming culture for guests.
- drink ordersThe scrambled eggs tasted like they were watered down and came from a bag, lacking flavor. It took a good 15 minutes before a server came to our table, and we were already halfway done with our "meal" before we got our drink orders. In an awkward moment, a server took an extra tea cup from another occupied table to give to my friend who ordered tea.
- language barrierwe couldn’t understand what he was saying because there was a language barrier
If you're looking for a place with generally attentive and professional staff, this restaurant is likely a good bet, as most guests report positive interactions. While there are occasional reports of inconsistent or slow service, the overall sentiment suggests a pleasant dining experience where staff often go the extra mile.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8 and boasting a 87% customer satisfaction rate. Many guests loved the quiet spot for meetings, the vibe with live piano, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like a beautiful restaurant. With 40 positive remarks out of 46, it seems most found the overall experience quite special and entertaining.
However, not everyone was entirely charmed. A few of the 6 negative comments mentioned the formal space feeling a bit stuffy or having an unwelcoming culture. Some also found the music to be less than ideal, describing it as hotel info channel style, which might not suit everyone's taste.
Ambience
46
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Energetic, special vibe
- Beautiful restaurant design
What people don't like
- Stuffy formal space
- Unwelcoming culture
- Bland background music
Often praised
- atmosphereI expect to get that at a dive bar, not a place like this. The atmosphere is nice but they need to train their bartenders.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencethe ambience was very good
- vibethe vibe inside with a piano, nice furniture, and cool art
- La Petite Chef experiencecame here for the La Petite Chef experience, and it was absolutely incredible
- ambianceAmbiance was energetic yet still allowed us to focus on one another
- barvery cool bar
- beautiful restaurantun beau restaurant
- chic placea chic place
- date nightMy boyfriend and I had a lovely date night at this restaurant. The service was wonderful, and the food was excellent.
Frequently criticized
- bar areadidn’t have a good experience in the bar area
- cloth napkinsI went there for dinner and the experience was extremely disappointing. The food wasn’t fresh, the cloth napkins had holes in them, and the waiters were incredibly clumsy, spilling drinks and dropping food on me multiple times. To top it off, there was a 20% mandatory service charge.
- cultureunwelcoming culture for guests
- formal spaceformal space that's attractively designed but comes off stuffy
- musicmusic I'd describe as hotel info channel
- vibeWe encountered some really nice plates and kind service, but ultimately, the food wasn't exciting or notably delicious enough for the price point. Our party also didn't really gel with the vibe of the restaurant. It's a large, formal space that, while attractively designed, came off as stuffy.
If you're looking for a generally pleasant and often lively atmosphere, especially for a date night or a unique experience, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few find the formal setting a bit stiff, so manage your expectations if you prefer a more casual vibe.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found the experience to be quite positive, noting that the price was actually good for what was offered and felt fairly priced. Many appreciated that it was worth the cost and even highlighted the absence of junk fees, making the overall spend feel justified in certain cases. However, the general consensus leans towards a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 31.6% and an average score of 4.7.
Out of 19 total remarks, 12 expressed concerns, frequently mentioning it as expensive or pricey, and for some, an expensive mistake due to mandatory service charges.
Value
19
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
- Fairly priced
- No junk fees
What people don't like
- Very overpriced
- Mandatory service charge
- Expensive mistake
Often praised
- pricePrice is actually good for what is offered
- fairly pricedone that was fairly priced
- junk feesno junk fees or mandates of any kind
- worth the costça valait le coup
Frequently criticized
- priceFor how expensive this place is, I expected they knew that they were doing. I ordered an old fashioned, and they made it with regular ice cubes, way too much simple syrup, and an orange slice.
- $100 steak$100 steak NOT worth it
- expensiveUn peu cher
- price pointdelicious for the price point
- priceyQuite pricey for what it is though
- service chargeThe food wasn’t fresh, the cloth napkins had holes in them, and the waiters were incredibly clumsy, spilling drinks and dropping food on me multiple times. To top it off, there was a 20% mandatory service charge.
When it comes to value, its a mixed bag. While some found the experience worth the cost, many felt it was very overpriced and an expensive mistake', often citing mandatory service charges. If price is a major concern, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at La Société?
You’re looking at roughly 70 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a French Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range, leaning premium.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, the spending is quite diverse! We see a good number of guests spending in the $31–$40 range, but the largest group, with 20 diners, actually spends $101+ or more. This suggests a broad menu, catering to both those looking for a solid meal and those ready to indulge in a truly high-end experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
For a French Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for various budgets while still providing that premium French dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Société
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Entertaining and Delicious LE PETIT CHEF Experience
My experience at The Bar and Cafe, located in the SF Hyatt, was centered around the LE PETIT CHEF 4-course meal food experience. It was incredibly entertaining, and the food was equally delicious! I'm already thinking of returning around the holidays.
The 4-course meal is quite substantial, so I wouldn't bother ordering small bites beforehand.
- LE PETIT CHEF 4-course meal9
- entertaining9
- food9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Quality Decline After Ingredient Change
I visited this restaurant a year ago and had an amazing experience. However, they have since swapped the duck fat for soybean oil, and the quality of the food has really suffered. I hope they can revert to their previous ingredients.
- duck fat9
- quality of the food2
- soybean oil2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Expensive Drinks, Poor Bartending
For how expensive this place is, I expected they knew that they were doing. I ordered an old fashioned, and they made it with regular ice cubes, way too much simple syrup, and an orange slice. I expect to get that at a dive bar, not a place like this.
The atmosphere is nice but they need to train their bartenders.
- atmosphere7
- old fashioned2
- bartenders2
- price3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Menu and Lackluster Food
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The menus provided were no longer correct, and we were informed by the bartender, Danny, that the French Onion Soup has been unavailable for over a year. The offerings felt like a glorified bar menu.
While the oysters were acceptable, the charcuterie board with baguette was lackluster.
- oysters5
- French Onion Soup2
- bar menu3
- charcuterie board3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Spot with an Amazing Bartender!
My experience at La Société Bar & Café was wonderful. It's a perfect spot to unwind after a long day at the Convention Center. The food is great, and we absolutely LOVE Sherman, the bartender.
He brings such great energy and is so entertaining – a true asset to the establishment!
- food9
- Sherman10
- energy10
What La Société offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- 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
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at La Société?
At La Société, you’ll find an upscale yet cozy and trendy atmosphere, suitable for various dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can enjoy table service in a comfortable setting, making it ideal for both casual visits and special occasions.
Does La Société accommodate specific dietary needs and offer accessibility features?
Yes, La Société offers vegan, vegetarian, and organic dishes to cater to your dietary preferences. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does La Société generally rate among its patrons?
La Société holds a good overall score of 7.5. Its Ambience (7.8) is highly regarded, with Food (7.6) and Service (7.6) also performing well. Value (4.7) is noted as an area where opinions are more mixed.
What are the highlights of the food offerings at La Société?
Many guests praise the delicious and creative dishes, with specific mentions of well-crafted cocktails, outstanding menu items, and perfectly cooked entrées like the pork chop and steak tartare. The baguette and breakfast buffet also receive positive remarks.
How do customers perceive the value for money at La Société?
Opinions on value are mixed, with a score of 4.7. While some find the price fair for what’s offered, others consider it expensive or pricey, especially for certain items like a $100 steak, and note mandatory service charges.