Located in the charming Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, Zazie’s, situated at 941 Cole Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, is a popular French bistro that truly lives up to the hype. My experiences at Zazie’s, across two separate visits, confirmed its reputation as a must-try dining destination in the city. My first visit was particularly special, coinciding with their Bastille Day menu, while the second allowed me to sample their regular offerings. Both experiences, while different, highlighted the unique charm and culinary strengths of Zazie’s on Cole Street.
To dine at Zazie’s, securing a reservation is highly recommended, a testament to its popularity amongst San Francisco locals and visitors alike. Even the reservation signs at Zazie’s add to the restaurant’s delightful ambiance, featuring uniquely hand-drawn designs that bring a touch of whimsical charm even before you step inside.
My initial foray into Zazie’s culinary world was during their Bastille Day celebration. The special menu for the occasion featured classic French dishes, including the rich magret de canard and the delicate mille feuille. It was a truly authentic taste of France right in the heart of San Francisco. To give you a glimpse of the Bastille Day menu’s delights:
Bastille Day Menu at Zazie's French Restaurant San Francisco
For my Bastille Day meal, I opted for a three-course experience, selecting the mussels, magret de canard, and mille feuille. Each dish was a testament to Zazie’s commitment to quality and flavor.
The mussels were an exceptional start to the meal. Served with crusty garlic bread and fragrant herbs, the dish was bathed in a delectable sauce that was simply irresistible. The fresh bread provided was perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
Mussels appetizer at Zazie's Cole Street San Francisco
Following the delightful mussels, the magret de canard arrived. This classic French bistro dish, often elusive in American restaurants, was a primary reason for my menu choice. Zazie’s rendition did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked duck breast was accompanied by greens, a savory sauce, and a smooth parsnip puree as the carbohydrate element. The fig sauce, a sweet counterpoint to the rich duck, added a distinctive and memorable touch.
Magret de canard entree at Zazie's San Francisco CA
Despite the richness of the preceding courses, dessert was a must. The mille feuille, a light and airy pastry, was beautifully presented and offered a perfect sweet ending. Berries and a raspberry sauce layered within the pastry added both flavor and visual appeal. The dusting of powdered sugar completed this elegant dessert.
Mille feuille dessert at Zazie's French Bistro San Francisco
My second visit to Zazie’s allowed me to explore their regular menu. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of the Bastille Day experience, there were still notable highlights.
The French onion soup appetizer was a standout. A classic that requires time and care, Zazie’s French onion soup was deeply flavorful, and the generous layer of cheese was perfectly melted and browned – I savored every bit, even scraping the cheese from the sides of the bowl!
French onion soup appetizer at Zazie's Restaurant Cole Street
For the main course on my second visit, I chose the lamb tagine. Unfortunately, this dish was less impressive. The lamb, while cooked through, had a somewhat soggy texture, and the accompanying vegetables were not to my taste. It lacked the freshness and vibrancy I had come to expect from Zazie’s. However, observing the other diners at my table, their main course selections appeared more appealing, suggesting that the lamb might not be representative of the menu as a whole.
Lamb tagine main course at Zazie's in San Francisco
To end the second meal on a sweet note, I opted for the chocolate s’mores dessert. This dish, resembling a chocolate lava cake topped with golden marshmallows, was a definite highlight. The rich chocolate base and the perfectly toasted marshmallows created a delightful combination of textures and flavors, echoing the satisfying French onion soup in terms of presentation and taste.
Chocolate s'mores dessert at Zazie's San Francisco bistro
Overall, Zazie’s on Cole Street in San Francisco remains a highly recommended French bistro. While my second meal had some inconsistencies, the exceptional Bastille Day experience and the general charm of the restaurant solidify its place as a great spot for gatherings with friends or special occasions. Zazie’s offers a taste of France in San Francisco that is definitely worth exploring.
