Chez Papa Bistro

I had an amazing dining experience at this restaurant b/c of the food, the french waiters, and b/c of this gentlemen that sat next to our table. T... more

I?ve been here before and each time, I have had a very pleasant dining experience. On top of that, did you know this restaurant is teaming up with StreetSmart4kids? It?s actually really cool what they?re doing. I just heard about how SS4K is a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged teens stay healthy. They are running their ?Dine Out and Donate? campaign here (as well as approx. 70 other restaurants in SF) during October and early November. After having a fabulous dining experience, just fill out the donation form when paying the check (minimum donation $3). This is perfect for people like me, who love to eat out all the time and also like to give back to the community. Check it out for yourself on the StreetSmart4Kids website! more

I had an amazing dining experience at this restaurant b/c of the food, the french waiters, and b/c of this... more

I was scanning the reviews of Potrero Hill restaurants when I came across this place. I have lived in the neighborhood ever since this place opened and I have been there three times over the years. My experience has been consistent all three times. In each case, I made a reservation. When I got there, the reservation was not honored. My waits ranged from 1-2 hours. I was not offered a drink or anything else other than a snotty attitude while I waited patiently for my table.\r \r The service in each case ranged from indifferent to rude. The last time I was there, I was in a party of three. After waiting the normal 1 1/2 hours for my table, I was taken directly to a table for two people with a third chair shoe-horned in. Directly next to it, was a table that could take four. I asked for that table instead. I was informed quite rudely by the host that a party of three could not have that table. So I reluctantly sat at the table for two. Within a couple of minutes, a party a three was seated at that table. When I immediately asked to speak to the manager and informed him of that fact, I was treated as if I had just shot his puppy. At that point, I would have left, but an out-of-town friend was hosting us, so I endured an unendurable meal there. The service was terrible - slow, inattentive. I had to ask for everything - more bread, a refill on the water glass, etc. The food was average at best. \r \r I think there is absolutely no reason to go to this place unless you enjoy being abused. I have been to hundreds of restaurants over the course of my life, and I've never been to one I have enjoyed less. I'm amazed that a place like this can stay in business. Pros: Well, I didn't get food poisioning.. Cons: They don't honor their reservations, they are rude - atmosphere loud and uncomfortable more

The appetizers and desserts were the best parts of our meal! The figs were perfectly cooked and the pepper stuffed with crab meat was wonderful - not too much crab but still meaty. For dessert we had the vanilla creme brulee - wow! I would consider skipping the entree next time! Average pasta but the lamb chops were savory and well-cooked. Good (and well-priced) wines and attentive service. Nice clean bathroom (very important!). I loved the interior - charming but not cheesy. Very french but not pretentious. I'm definitely returning. Pros: Great service, delicious food, wonderful ambience, fairly easy parking Cons: crowded on the weekends more

This place is the best!!! The staff has great service and they are all friendly and jovial! I had a lot of fun every time I am there. The food is really to rave for and they are fresh and prepared very well. Definitely a great chef who cooks wonderful yummy French food! Highly recommend this place and I will always go back again without doubt! Pros: Friendly staff, high quality food Cons: NONE; parking more

Have been there few times in the last year. Everytime, it's more impressive. Love the management and service. Food is amazing. The price is very good for the quality of food. Pros: service, food, ambience Cons: hard to get reservations more

and the owner was hitting on my girlfriend during dinner. How lame is that? So it's a authentic French restaurant. more

Went there yesterday and had a great dinner. The roasted figs filled with gorgonzola where amazing. \r I had the filet mignon and my girlfriend the halibut and both were full of flavor. The wine list was very complete, with prices for everyone. The only bad thing is that it is too noisy, but it is a bistrot after all. Would recommend to go about 1 hour before the kitchen closes. Pros: food Cons: noisy more

Very friendly excellent food, extensive wine list. Give you a feeling you are part of a big family there. Thumps up Pros: evrything from food to staff more

Dined here a couple of weeks ago for my 2nd time and I was wowed again. The service totally compliments the astounding food. The first time I was here they acted like I was part of their family and went out of their way to get us a table even though we had not reserved one. The waiter was prompt and eager but did not ever seem intrusive, which led us all wanting to come back.\r The second time we came in they were out of fois gras but it was really late on Friday night and it is exceptional. But they made up for it by bringing us two dishes that we never would have ordered but were pleasantly surprised by. The restaurant once again with it's food and thoughtful service wowed us. Pros: beautiful food and pristine service Cons: Everyone knows about this place. more

I went to Chez Papa awhile back, loved it! Surprised I haven't made it back over there. I had a steak and it was prepared perfectly. The wine was good, service was great, and the prices are reasonable. This is a great place to go to to have French food without all the fluff. Pros: French food without being so heavy on the pockets! more

Had a reservation and was seated on time. Ordered 2 glasses of wine. All smooth so far, but then placed our order. A couple sat down next to my girlfriend and I about 10 minutes after we were seated. Before we knew it, they had been eating before us! Maybe they called in their order, but I doubt Chez Papa is that type of restaurant. Then our waitress comes over and tells us our order was ""lost."" What does that mean anyway..""lost""? \r \r We eventually got our food (which was the highlight of the night and the only reason I'd return - I think I'll call in my order for take-out next time). The lamb was great! Then we ordered 2 Sierra Nevada's. About 10-12 minutes went by before she returned and told us they ran out of Sierra Nevada! Then my girlfriend told me she just saw a waiter bring a Sierra Nev. out to another table! I've never worked in a restaurant before, but do you just run out of beer? If you do, offer me something else asap!\r \r So I was thinking to myself...Did we do something wrong to warrant this service? When I asked for the check, the hostess returned with 2 after dinner drinks and a chocolate cake that was delicious. So in the end, they somewhat redeemed themselves with the complimentary drink and dessert. \r \r The service was not the best, but you can't deny great food...and that's what Chez Papa offers. Pros: Lamb, Chocolate Cake dessert Cons: Service questionable, Sierra Nevada backstock more

Me and four other friends were going to eat at Apertos down the street, but ended up stumbling upon Chez Papa. The male host was very accomodating and polite and continually provided updates as to when our table would be ready. The food was pretty good and the prices seemed reasonable for the quality of food. It has a romantic setting on top of Potrero Hill and my wife and I will go there for dinner again on our own. Pros: Service Cons: Small Area more

We never ate here due to the terrible service - we walked out. We had a reservation on a Tuesday night, and showed up early. We waited for 1/2 hour at the bar and were igorned the entire time. The time for our reservation came, and still we were not seated. We were also not offered any other option such as eating at the bar, although we later saw other patrons doing so. We walked out because we could not be seated in time for us to make an engagement later that evening. In addition, the host was rude. more

This is the first time I have given the highest ratings for every aspect of the survey. I took my sister here during her trip from Maui and it highly exceeded our expectations. The food was amazing (everything from the appetizer to the dessert) and the service never skipped a beat. The house also brought a complimentary dessert, as it was her birthday.. My sister and I were in awe during the entire meal. It is extremely rare to find a place that has excellent service, ambiance, taste, quality, presentation, and value because at least one always seems to be lacking. This is now my favorite restaurant! Can't wait to come back! Loved the staff, they were adorable and made our night so fun! Pros: friendly staff, great food, fab wine list Cons: parking can be diffic more

Service was exceptionally terribly (especially the hostess) and the food was mediocre and strangely luke warm. Don't bother with this place. Cons: Hostess, Waiters, Mediocre food more

As with most Potrero hill residents, I try to patronize local merchants and restaurantseasy to do when it comes to Chez Papa. But truth is, Id drive across town to eat here. The atmosphere is greatwarm, friendly, and full of life. Theres a romantic feel about this place and each visit leaves me feeling like I was at a great dinner party. All the appetizers are great. Mussels are a sure bet and the rack of lamb is superb. The wait staff is helpful (and handsome), the wine list is decent. The specials are consistently good. A great San Francisco addition that could easily become a San Francisco tradition. Pros: Romantic, good lighting, good parking Cons: can be loud more

Sure, Potrero isn't the easiest place to get to by public transport, but it's worth the drive. The food is divine. My girlfriend had the salmon with leek fondue and I had the filet mignon, both great choices, with the beet salad to start. We ended the night with a butterscotch bread pudding that was delicious without going overboard with sweetness. Every person that waited on us was delightfully funny and could not hide their French accents if they tried. We were able to come in off the street and get a seat, but I've heard this might be unusual. Pros: Food, Mood, Service Cons: location more

This was an amazing restaurant...my friend I decided to visit together after returning from Paris a few months ago, and we absolutely loved the food. Amazing service, immaculate setting, and a sexy ambiance that's hard to match. more