South Park Cafe has been serving rustic French cuisine since 1985. Gourmet Magazine called South Park "One of the best little French restaurants in San Francisco". Michael Bauer says "Feels like a little slice of Paris and the food is as good as ever".
"It's hard to go wrong with South Park Cafe. Always good, always dependable. While people always say this about bistros, this one does feel like a little bit of Paris. All the favorites are here and they are always tasty. I especially like the wine list, which has a nice selection of moderately priced wines. Service is solid. We live in the neighborhood and keep going back."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"My wife and I have been dining at South Park Cafe intermitantly for over 20 years and we have never been served a bad meal. The food and atmosphere is genuinely that of a romantic French bistro. We will always come back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"From the moment you step into South Park Café, you feel like you are in a Parisian neighborhood bistro. Their price fixe dinner can't be beat - the only problem is which one starter, entrée and dessert to order. Recommend coming with friends who like to share tastes - that way you can have it all. Right now, the asparagus starter is outstanding as is their pork salad. Hangar steak and frites were delicious also."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"In an unassuming neighborhood in an unassuming building sits this charming gem of a "cafe", really a gourmet restaurant serving simple but creative fare with a flair. We were able to park easily and felt quite safe, even at night as we left. The full bar is always welcome, but there's something for everyone on the mean to drink and eat. We were not rushed, although the restaurant was not crowded this particular Thursday night. The prices were fair, and I left feeling not only satisfied as a would-be gourmand but also as a member of the middle class. We will go back soon."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"South Park Cafe is a favorite of mine because the food is excellent and one can generally hold a civilized conversation, without unbearable ambient noise. Unfortunately that experience was not to be last Saturday April 6th, due to a neighboring table with 3 young women in a group of 5-6 who were so loud and so totally oblivious that their loud mouths and laughter were disrupting the enjoyment of their fellow diners. A couple at a table between ours and theirs left in frustration after a single course.This is a plea to all the SF diners that in a respectable restaurant such as this, the well-being of fellow diners needs to be considered/respected. This is not a joint or a bar where such behavior is predictable/tolerated."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Southpark is always a pleasure. We go here often. There is always something new on the menu to try along with our old favorites. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, the wines excellent. Nestled in a storefront on the park, the ambience allows for conversation."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The food was very good without being pretentious . The mussels were delicious. The wine list is appropriate, eclectic and fairly priced. We will definitely go back."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Always great, this joint has never wavered from its early days' success. I still look for my old favorites, and add new ones to the list. The amazing bargain of a $39 prix fixe with all menu items available to choose from is irresistible. Don't miss the duck breast cooked to perfection on a bed of red cabbage and turnips all around. No pretentious-sounding stuff you've never heard of (like at Bar Tartine), but good dependable cooking like your granny might have served if you were lucky enough to have a French granny! All in a swet room with very easy parking right out front on the circle of South Park."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"This small restaurant could be on a tucked-away Parisian street. We met the chef... the food was wonderful: salad, fresh asparagus, steaks, mussels, trout, the fish of the day, the pear tart, the ice cream sundae... each dish the best version of that dish we had ever had. The staff was terrific, the atmosphere welcoming. Be sure to reserve a table, as it is a small and cozy space."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Very cordial and accommodating for our group of 7. The prix fixe is a good value with a fine selection. It is a nice walk to a new neighborhood from downtown hotels."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"South Park Cafe is one of our favorites. The neighborhood is quiet and nicely off the beaten path, the food is amazing. We'll keep going back year after year."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Our group enjoyed the food and service. We numbered six and were able to carry on conversations. We tried each other's choices from the prix fixe dinner and found the appetizer favorite was smoked trout salad. My entree was the grouper which I enjoyed. Portions of food were generous. The desserts were outstanding; we tried several and the pear tart was the favorite. Service was good and the server answered our questions. I would return again to try other menu choices."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Excellent food, wait staff always available but not standing on your shoulders. Timing of the courses excellent, haven't had any excessive wait times between dishes. All around great place to dine. We eat here 6-8 times a year, relaxing but gives us a reason to dress up a bit and have a nice evening out.
Restaurant is on South Park (between 2nd and 3rd), reminds me of a European neighborhood with cafes, shops, small start-ups and vintage homes circling the park."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"I recently moved back to this neighborhood & came here the 1st night. Love it. Then a couple of friends wanted to see our place, I made a rez for the next Sat. night. Thena couple who are close to us all flew in spur of the moment so I called to see if we could get a table for 6. Marty graciously fit us in 1/2 hour earlier. The problem is the waiter. He didn't want present anything, just get the order, look dismayed that only a few wanted a glass of wine & go about his business. We finally flagged him down for water. Seems a bit rushed. The rez was at 7pm & we were completely done with desserts at 8:15. We all put our c-cards down & signed. He came back & chastised my husband for leaving $2 less than 18% (Each couple was $120).Hmmmm-weird"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Feels very European, like we were in Paris, not only menu (lapin, etc) but also decor, and setting (on green square.) We have loved going here for many year."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"Decent place on a great cozy location. Wonderful decor with rustic undertones. Food was just ok and certainly not up to the prices charged. But overall, had a very good experience."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I can't fault this place! We had the prix fixe menu and tried the mussel soup and pig salad which were both fantastic. The New York steak was cooked perfectly and the pinot noir complemented well. The star of the evening had to be the chocolate ganache. Divine!
We had great service and have already recommended to several. Worth it!"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Simple but elegant food, as you know simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.Very nice French bistro atmosphere. The essentials of the French cuisine plus some of the American dishes bring a nice addition to the menu. We were very satisfied with the food and the service."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"South Park Cafe is a charming place with excellent food and a welcoming staff. The steak frites are always perfect. The wines are delicious and reasonably priced. We've been enjoying the 3-course prix fixe for many years -- it's the best value in town. Plus, it's calm and quiet, so you can actually hear each other speak, without shouting. What more could you want?"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Where are we when dining at the South Park Cafe? It could be any number of neighborhood cafes, bistros, or Michelin rated discoveries on quiet side streets in Europe's gourmand destinations. A great food experience without the airfare."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"First time visitors after wanting to come for some time. Solidly prepared French cuisine. Service was attentive, but not obtrusive. Definitely a favorite of those in the know. We will be back."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Chef Ward is a strong, quiet genius. He has made classical French dishes with his own signature for so long that it's easy to take it for granted. On this last visit I promised myself I would go back regularly, because the food, wine, service and lovely ambiance make this restaurant one of the true gems of San Francisco. One feels better about life after dinner at South Park Cafe."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"South Park is such a wonderful neighborhood spot with changing specials that keep you coming back. The food is not overly plated, just good quality and pleasing flavor combinations. They offer enough variety to convince each guest they have the best dish. The wines are excellent and not overly priced. We come often and have never been disappointed."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2002
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"We've dined at South Park Cafe many times and it never fails to deliver! Our well-traveled guests have proclaimed the duck is the best ever. I enjoy trying different dishes. Each is delicious. The portions are perfect. We love dining at South Park!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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