French Provencale Bistro with Joi de Vivre

When you walk into Chapeau! you will often be greeted with a handshake by proprietor Philippe Gardelle.

Everyone who chooses to dine at this fabulous French bistro in the Richmond will feel as though they are dining at the propreitors' home.

Once you've found your way off-the-beaten-path and settled into your seat, expect some of the best food the City has to offer.

Chapeau's exquisite food, wine and hospitality are all worth raving about.

The tables are close together, so those you are dining next to may become your friend. At the very least, you are likely to share a glance which communicates, "Isn't this divine?!"

The wine, champagne and aperitifs selection is not only extensive, it is outstanding. The Wine Spectator has rated the collection at this small neighborhood treasure one of the best in the city. The magazine's coveted "Award of Excellence" is the result of Philippe's good taste in 300 French, California, Oregon and Long Island wines. The bistro is one of only one of six restaurants in the Bay Area that has been given this award.

Order a bottle, and Philippe will open it, inspect it and even taste it -- before you get any. He wants to make sure the wine is perfect!

The only other place we have experienced wine testing of this caliber is at our favorite Italian restaurant in Florence. (But that is another guide.)

If you are joining them for dinner, you are invited to select from either their a la carte or their pre-fixe menu. Brunch is also served on Sundays.

Their French onion soup, their creamy corn and crab soup, their filet mignon and halibut are all fabulous. But then, so is everything we've ever experienced here.

Any Francophile would not be disappointed. Recently, we had planned to spend a week in France. When the trip did not pan out, we chose to go to Chapeau! instead. Dinner at Philippe and Ellen Gardelle's French bistro is the next best thing to being in Paris.

Upon our departure, Philippe even came outside to say goodnight and merci. Of course, we should have gone into his kitchen and thanked him, not to mention his wonderful chef Jesse Frost.

Merci beaucoup, Philippe!

Restaurants
Wine & Spirits



Dinner
French
From Paris
Hidden Treasure
Romantic
Sunday Brunch



“Restaurant Review: Chapeau”
RE: San Francisco