Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » The French Spot – San Francisco
The French Spot - San Francisco
Photo from The French Spot
The French Spot at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🥐 French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#448 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 French Restaurant out of 28 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
403
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant The French Spot invites you to a delightful French culinary journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. As a charming French restaurant, it promises an authentic experience where you can savor exquisite flavors.
You’ll especially appreciate their reputation for great dessert, making it a perfect stop for a sweet treat or a full meal.
Overview: Introducting The French Spot
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
403
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
41
negative
25
neutral
337
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on The French Spot
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 85.4%, its clear that most diners are loving what's on offer. Out of 316 comments, a whopping 270 rave about the delightful flavors and flaky texture of their baked goods, often described as baked to perfection, especially those with unique flavors.
However, not every bite is perfect, as 28 comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found certain items, like the almond croissant, to have little almond paste or a vague ube taste. A few also mentioned issues with dry pastries or a weird texture in some macarons.
Food
316
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
28
negative
18
neutral
270
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flaky, buttery pastries
- Unique Asian flavors
- Baked to perfection
What people don't like
- Dry pastries
- Sparse fillings
- Inconsistent texture
Often praised
- pastriesThey've done a great job making it their own with the decor and their pastries. I've had many of their pastries and the one that stood out the most for me is the ube mochicro: a croissant with ube frosting and ube mochi inside. It's actually a really good croissant!
- coffeeThe place is cute and the staff were friendly. They serve high quality coffee, and the croissant roll was absolutely amazing.
- croissantsChef Attali brings an impressive background, with over 15 years of experience in Michelin star restaurants, high-end pastry shops, and luxury hotels, most recently as the Executive Pastry Chef at LinkedIn. I particularly enjoyed the croissants, especially the chocolate and matcha mochi croissants. The chocolate macarons were very large and delicious.
- croissantThe croissants, especially the Mochicro with its delicate glaze and chewy mochi center, crackle with that signature buttery crispness
- foodTheir food is so, so good.
- guava danishCinnamon roll, guava danish, and raspberry croissant- all delicious
- kouign amannMy experience was fantastic! I enjoyed truly good French pastries, including a pain au chocolat, kouign amann, and streusel, representing various regions. The coffee was also genuinely good.
- French pastriesthe pastries were delicious and wonderfully light French pastries
- baked goodsserves a large variety of baked goods
- bakeryNice bakery with a lot of options!
Frequently criticized
- almond croissantDefinitely not my favorite almond croissant
- dryUnfortunately, it was not that great. The croissant was described as kind of dry, and it had very little ham or cheese.
- ham and cheese croissantThe ham and cheese currsant only had I slice of ham and not a whole slice a cubed piece so it was mostly currsant.
- Basque CheesecakeThe Kouign Amann was TO DIE FOR ❤️ - it was delicious! However, the Basque Cheesecake was very eggy, and I didn't really enjoy that one item, but everything else was pretty great! I noticed some really big cookies there; I didn't try them, but they looked yum!
- Hokkaido cheesecakethe Hokkaido cheesecake heavy and too dense
- Ube mochiUbe mochi is a bit too sweet for me
- almond croissantsalmond croissants had pretty much no almond paste or almond slices
- almond fillingvery sparse with almond filling
- cheese tartHad their cheese tart and it completely lacked flavor
- coffeeCoffee tasted like dirty water
If youre seeking delicious, high-quality pastries with unique flavors, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few items might not hit the mark, particularly if youre sensitive to dryness or specific fillings.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2, indicating good performance, and customer satisfaction soaring at 88.9%, its clear most folks are leaving happy. Many opinions, 40 out of 45 total, praise the "staff, " their "friendly" demeanor, and the "accommodating" nature of the team, often highlighting excellent "customer service.
" However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A few customers, 4 to be exact, mentioned issues with the service itself and particularly the wait time. Some felt the service was BAD or that it took 30 min to pick up the order, suggesting there might be moments where the team struggles to keep up or communicate effectively.
Service
45
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Accommodating owners
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- staffIt definitely hit the spot for me. Everyone that I met there had been so nice. There's a few places to sit, inside and out, but most people get theirs to go.
- serviceshe was so splendid towards him. She was happy, great service
- deliveryMakes for a great delivery delight
- ownersThe owners were super accommodating
- ServiceService:5
- VinceIt was beautifully decorated and delicious. Vince was super helpful in helping us customize the order. We will definitely be getting more custom cakes and wish we had known about them before!
- VincentNot only Vincent is accommodating but understands what you want.
- cashiersand two cashiers
- chefthe chef is very kind
- clerk at the counterclerk at the counter warmly welcomed us
Frequently criticized
- serviceDidn't love the service; the woman serving me seemed baffled by the idea of cutting a pastry in half
- wait timeit took 30 min to pick up the order
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and helpful staff, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be prepared that on occasion, you might encounter a bit of a wait, but the overall positive interactions seem to outweigh these minor delays.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a 7.3, which is pretty good, and customers are quite happy with it, showing a 72.7% satisfaction rate. Many of the 24 positive remarks out of 33 total rave about the cute, cozy, and beautiful atmosphere. People love the charming cafe environment and the French experience, noting the intentionality in the decor and overall vibe.
However, there are a few points to consider, with 6 negative remarks out of 33 total. Some customers mentioned the space felt quite small and noted the limited seating options, suggesting its often more of a grab-and-go spot. A few also found the location' to be less than ideal, impacting the overall convenience.
Ambience
33
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, cozy atmosphere
- Charming cafe vibe
- French experience offered
What people don't like
- Small space
- Limited seating
- Location not ideal
Often praised
- placethe place is cozy and sweet
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by cozy and clean surroundings, complemented by superb pastries. The coffee was solid, and the service was friendly.
- spotCute is how I would describe this spot
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- French experienceprovide their clients a French experience in the heart of SF
- atmospherethe quiet and relaxed atmosphere is always enjoyable
- bakeryI found this cutesy little bakery within walking distance of my hotel in San Francisco. Although they don't have any seating, I was planning on takeout anyway.
- bakery vibesCute neighborhood bakery vibes
- cafeLovely cafe
- cafe environmentMy favorite bakery! These are real authentic French pastries in a charming cafe environment. Love it!
Frequently criticized
- flies swarming on pastriesI stopped by and got one ube croissant. It was mediocre, and I was disappointed to see flies swarming on the pastries as I was ordering. ; -(
- localePeccato per il locale, davvero molto piccolo e con pochi posti a sedere
- locationLocation is not great
- seating insideI tried the kouign amann instead and was pretty disappointed. There's not much seating inside; it's more of a grab-and-go spot.
- seating optionsThe service at The French Spot is friendly, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. Seating options, however, are a little limited, with just a few inside and outside.
- spaceIt was a very small space
If you're looking for a charming, cozy spot with a French vibe for a quick pastry and coffee, this place is a great choice. Just be prepared for a potentially small space and limited seating, so it might be best for a grab-and-go experience rather than a long sit-down.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found pleasant surprises. There are positive remarks about the pricing being extremely reasonable, especially for custom cakes, with some even calling them the cheapest theyve encountered. Others simply appreciate that the prices are really nice, based on 3 positive comments out of 9 total customer observations.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 33.3%, despite an average score of 6. Many feel the prices are high or quite pricey, and some even describe the whole experience as expensive' for what you get, according to 3 negative remarks.
Value
9
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable custom cakes
- Good pricing found
What people don't like
- Prices are high
- Expensive for value
Often praised
- custom cakesI ordered it a week in advance, and the communication was effective. Furthermore, the pricing was extremely reasonable; compared to other custom cakes I've ordered, this was by far the cheapest. I can't recommend this enough!
- pricesthe prices are really nice
- pricingthe pricing was extremely reasonable
Frequently criticized
- expensivethe whole place is still expensive for what it delivers
- pricesI prezzi sono alti, forse un po' troppo.
- priceyIt's quite pricey
If youre specifically seeking custom cakes, you might discover a great deal here. However, for general offerings, be prepared that many find the overall experience to be on the pricier side for whats delivered, so manage your expectations accordingly.
How are the prices at The French Spot?
On average, you’ll spend around 12 per person – from 24 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a French Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, prices are quite spread out. While the average is 12$, a good chunk of diners (12 out of 24) actually spend less, in the $1–$10 range. Then you have 8 guests in the $11–$20 bracket, and a few (4) venturing into the $21–$30 range.
It’s a nice mix, offering options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a French Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a range of options, making it accessible while still providing that French dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The French Spot
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Custom Cake and Great Service!
I'm a regular here, usually for their ube mochi croissant. Recently, I ordered a custom cake for a friend's birthday. The owners were incredibly accommodating, allowing me to customize any flavor.
We chose a chocolate cake with earl grey cream cheese filling, which was super moist and delicious. It even looked better than the inspiration photo. I'm super happy with how it turned out.
- ube mochi croissant9
- custom cake10
- owners10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A New Favorite Spot for Pastries!
Delighted to stumble across this darling storefront. The clerk at the counter warmly welcomed us and didn't rush us as we admired everything in the case. The guava danish had impeccable lamination and the perfect balance of sweet cheese filling and bright guava preserves.
The kouign amann was a real treat - crispy, flaky, full of buttery caramelization. We have a new favorite spot for our next trip to the city! Thank you!
- darling storefront9
- clerk at the counter10
- guava danish10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delicious Croissants, Small Space
My experience at the restaurant was centered around their truly very good and unique croissants. However, the prices are high, perhaps a bit too much. Unfortunately, the place itself is really very small with limited seating.
- croissants9
- prices3
- locale2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Buttery Croissants and Friendly Service
I discovered this place just around the corner from my hotel, drawn in by the irresistible smell of buttery croissants. The coffee was great, and they offered an excellent selection of French pastries with plenty of choices. Although the place is small, the service was notably friendly and warm.
A special shout-out to Z!
- buttery croissants9
- coffee8
- French pastries9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exquisite French Pastries and Savory Delights
My experience at The French Spot was truly exceptional, radiating passion from the moment I stepped in. Every pastry, from the flaky croissants to the inventive Mochicro, was baked fresh daily, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that captivated my senses. The croissants, especially the Mochicro with its delicate glaze and chewy mochi center, had a signature buttery crispness that audibly confirmed their freshness.
Desserts like the croissant bread pudding, kouign-amann, and mini pies were equally mesmerizing. The savory offerings were just as thoughtful, with the tomato-spinach and ham-cheese quiches featuring house-made crusts and rich fillings, standing out for their balance and freshness. Even the drinks, a vibrant iced Vietnamese coffee and house-infused chai latte, felt artisanal.
What truly sets The French Spot apart is the intentionality behind every detail, offering a menu that reads like a love letter to French café culture. In short, this place crafts experiences, with each bite a testament to fresh ingredients, impeccable technique, and heartfelt dedication. It's a rare and perfect blend of quality and care wrapped in every croissant and quiche.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars all the way.
- pastry10
- croissant10
- Mochicro10
What The French Spot offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
FAQs
What dining options and service types can you expect at The French Spot?
At The French Spot, you can enjoy a delightful breakfast or dessert. They also offer flexible service options including convenient takeout, comfortable dine-in, and reliable delivery services to suit your plans.
What payment methods are accepted at The French Spot in San Francisco?
When you visit The French Spot in San Francisco, you’ll find paying easy and convenient. They accept major credit cards, debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments for your transactions.