 Café Claude has been a treasured local bistro for years. Now that owner Franck Leclerc has brought on ex-Chez Papa chef Philippe Chevalier, the authentic menu is a touch more refined and crafted, and the service also reflects this shift. The café's charming interior, from the zinc bar to the wooden chairs to the cozy booths, all come from a café in Paris called Le Barbizon. Café Claude's original owner bought Le Barbizon when it closed and had almost all of it shipped to San Francisco and reassembled. The outdoor alley is an ideal destination for lunch or an after-work cocktail. The lunch menu includes a variety of panini, croques and salads, like the savory betterave salad, made with tender pieces of beet, ribbons of snow peas, feta cheese and a touch of pistou. There is an outstanding selection of flavorful pâtés, and don't miss the rare treat of the silky Kobe-beef-style steak tartare that is ceremoniously prepared tableside. Nighttime brings additional classics, such as coq au vin with a perfectly reduced sauce, and pork tenderloin deglazed with honey and white wine balsamic vinegar. Desserts thrill, like the summertime cherry clafoutis or the warm chocolate cake. |
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Set the mood for love by reserving a table at one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco, or view our list of Valentines Restaurants to find out which restaurants are offering unique menus just for February 14. Also, see who sets the standard for seductive dining across the country with our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list.
