"L'Ardoise is the perfect French bistro where you are guaranteed an excellent meal in congenial surroundings. Much cheaper than flying to Paris for dinner and possibly better food! The menu is not too big and of course the steak and not frites are divine. Also the duck confit is a winner. I miss the fois gras of course but their salads and other starters are always fresh, interesting and delicious. And don't forget to leave room for the definitive chocolate cake dessert. The wine list is simple and not too pricey but has good choices. As always the maitre d' and staff are welcoming and friendly and seem to really remember you from previous visits even if more than a year before. A very popular neighbourhood restaurant and rightly so."
Dined on 4/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Great spot for our anniversary dinner. The food outstanding, cozy but lively atmosphere, great friendly service. I found the menu broader and more accessible than a lot of French restaurants. Highly recommend them."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Always enjoy L'Ardoise, charming restaurant, old French feeling in a hip charming neighborhood. Very nice food, excellent , warm friendly Service. Thierry Clement is a delight."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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"We had escargots and ravioli entrees, flank steak and frites, coq au vin, it was truely authentic and delicious with great service in a great intimate atmosphere and very reasonable prices for 5 before wine it was around 200 dollars which i consider extremely reasonable. Parking is best to get there a tad early, you have to park around the streets of the neighborhood. Otherwise very easy access and really great strolls to be had."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"I'm a fan of L'Ardoise. It does not disappoint. Its staff is genuinely friendly and personable; the space is intimate (though not crowded); the ambience transports you to a fab experience; and the food is impeccably prepared. There are no bad seats at L'Ardoise. I'm as happy dining at the bar as I am at a table. I also appreciate the staff's knowledge and friendly assistance when I decide to venture towards a new (to me) grape varietal. I've taken friends to L'Ardoise, and they often ask, "when are we going back?" L'Ardoise is truly a neighborhood gem. C'est merveilleux!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"This is a good restaurant for a special occasion. We were celebrating a friend's birthday and the menu had something to please each of us. It was well prepared and served. We had a most enjoyable evening."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I enjoy meals here because the staff is always warm and welcoming. The service is attentive without being overbearing. The food is always well prepared and nicely served. L'Ardoise has become a favourite place to dine and to recommend to friends."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Their coq au vin is luscious. Be sure to get the tiger prawn ravioli, and the warm flourless chocolate cake. Impeccable, friendly and happy service from native French people who clearly love their restaurant and their clientelle."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Our friends recommended this restaurant to us, and I'm glad they did. We would never have found this out-of-the-way restaurant, and we would have missed out! The food was amazing, a really nice casual wait staff who knew their stuff."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Some of the worst food in the price range I have ever tasted. Extremely cheap meats (had duck and filet mignon), bad sauces, canned veggies and salad."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2011
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"My boyfriend and I love this place! Every time we're here we feel like we were somehow transported to Paris. Walk through the doors at L'Ardoise, and you're no longer in San Francisco! The atmosphere is totally French. The waitstaff are charming, helpful, and friendly. The menu is excellent. Everything we've had here has been cooked to perfection (and the potatoes that come with the filet mignon are to die for!!). We need to visit more often as there are so many things on the menu that I want to try!
We love that whenever we feel the need to escape our normal lives, Paris is practically around the corner!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"This was our first visit to the Castro area of San Francisco and to L'ardoise. We very much enjoyed our meals. The atmosphere made us all feel like we were in a Parisian bistro with lots of French being spoken by staff and diners alike. The service was excellent. We started off with a basket of fresh cut French baguette. Our excellent appetizers included butter lettuce with olive oil and anchovies, and brussel sprouts salad, Our mains were arctic char, and coq au vin and they were also to die for. The wines we had by the glass were ample and very good for the price paid. We will definitely return."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We really appreciated L'Ardoise. Could've been at a neighborhood bistro on the Rive Gauche. Atmosphere was very inviting. Service attentive but low key. Wine list prices very reasonable. Tables are close but this added to the feeling of neighborhood and warmth. Just so comfortable, delicious, and enjoyable all around."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The quality of the bread (in this case, the baguette) served at a restaurant is always telling. L'Ardoise is no exception and starting off with their buttery version was a sign of what was to come.
Splitting the wonderfully-prepared hangar steak and perfect pomme frites was a great way to get in a larger portion of delicious greens in our meal: the shaved brussel sprouts salad and the warm goat cheese crouton, tomato and lettuces were fabulous, and not the typical fare.
The tarte tartin and floating island desserts were an indulgent end to a great meal. Can't wait to come back!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Once again an awesome dining experience at L'Ardoise. The service was as always, friendly and impeccable. The food was outstanding, as was its presentation. A wonderfl place to dine!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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There's something comforting about coming in from the street and being enveloped by the huge velvet drapery that sends a frisson of anticipation into me. Warm greeting, lead to seating, menus and wine list, choice of waters, and then you take in the surroundings and notice wonderful plates of food on nearly tables: fish, meats, pastas, beautiful vegs, and a glance at the menu and you're spoiled for choice, so much to choose from and multiple entrees only works in 'Victor/Victoria'.
The wine list is the perfect compliment to the menu, and there are some nice glasses of wine offered along with a nice selection of bottles. And bubblies, too.
Step into la belle France coming here. Such a lovely place to dine.
E"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"The food was fantastic ... genuine French cuisine!! We went there for the first time and the experience was nothing but absolute positive, which includes the food and service. We plan to return again!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"This Castro district bistro brought back memories of a wonderful dining experience in Paris, at a bistro with the same name. This S.F. L'Ardoise was equally enjoyable. The food was inventive and delicious. My wife started with the Brussel Sprout Salad, a spectacular dish, and I had one of the evening special apps., Ravioli Bourguignon, which was very tasty. Our mains, Coq Au Vin and Duck Leg Confit, were some of the best we've had, anywhere. This is definitely a place we will visit again when we are in the Bay area."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Great service, excellent location in Duboce Triangle. Waiters are attentive, and with their French accents you feel like you've stepped into a bistro in France. Nice wine list, and the charcuterie, coq au vin were very good. Unfortunately, the hangar steak was a little overcooked, so I can't give it 5 stars. I would go back. Perfect for eating classic French food."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"A true French bistro that meets expectations. Highlights of our recent meal were cream of broccoli soup, and asparagus in puff pastry. Meat and fish were well-cooked and well-sauced. Occasionally, the seasoning was a bit off--veggies in one special were a bit too lemony. Appetizers much stronger than dessert--front-load your food. Excellent service, a rarity in San Francisco."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Loved every second. Felt very Parisian ... didn't feel like I was even remotely in the Castro! The food is classic bistro without being heavy handed. Delicious. The ravioli are spectacular and the potatoes with truffle oil exquisite. Good and fair wine list. But shhhh--I don't want it to get too busy!"
Dined on 02/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Make a reservation because this little space fills up every night. Got a table for 5 for a very early dinner, but it was worth it. Great menu with some delicious specials. Maybe not the best for spontaneous groups but ideal for a romantic meal. Service was good with prompt and professional details."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This place is so wonderful; I almost wish I didn't have to share it!! Even my kids love it!! Fantastic food, fantastic service, a little visit to France for an evening."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We thoroughly enjoyed L'Ardoise! They really took care of us. The ambiance is warm, the food is terrific, and the service was very pleasing. We look forward to returning some day."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Our group of 4 all had excellent food. The waiter was able to suggest wine pairings that worked very well. Everything was prepared as ordered and served in a very timely manner. The waiter was friendly and helpful, although I could only understand 1/2 of what he was saying due to his French accent. :-) The table shared 4 of the 5 deserts offered. They were all excellent! The place was very crowded, so get reservations early."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"This place was absolutely fantastic. The food was service, the service was phenomenal and the overall ambiance was just perfect. I could not say enough good things about this place – it was everything I expected and more."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I was born and raised in France and l'Ardoise reminds me of home, except with better service! The food is excellent and authentic (although I wish the escargots were just the simple ones instead of the fancier version). L'Ardoise is my favorite French restaurant in San Francisco and I keep coming back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Enjoyed this restaurant very much. The service was excellent, they were very attentive, the food came fast, almost too quick. The beet, goat cheese and arugula salad was generous and had a nice balance of flavours. I had the pork which was tasty and tender. My partner had the salmon which he enjoyed very much. It's a nice atmosphere, cosy, yet lively."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Great experience - food was very good and service great. Wouldn't mind going back. The restaurant is small but great for either a small group/family dinner or couple. Ambiance is definitely very "french.""
Dined on 01/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Fantastic dinner. We had to wait about 15 minutes for our table, even that we had a reservation. Bar has only 6 stools, and people are eating there, so there is no way to to have a drink while waiting. Unfortunately we got table right next to the entrance and it was freezing. Every time somebody open the door it was not pleasant at all. But I guess food made up for everything. I will still highly recommend this place to anyone."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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