When the Metro Cafe on Divisadero closed last year we regular patrons were at a loss to find good French food within walking distance. Then L'Ardoise opened on Noe Street, offering an excellent menu of delicious dishes, but at prices that seemed to make it a destination restaurant. And then a few months later we discovered Bistro St. Germain on Haight Street. with sparkling-new, tasteful decor, a warm and friendly staff, and an authentic French atmosphere throughout. The menu is varied; a daily Prix Fixe for $20 (three courses) is a bargain. The soups are luscious, and the portions generous. There are FOUR different mussels dishes at $9 each. I have been there five times, and found the Moules Meuniere and the Moules Brettone to be irresistible. My adult children each ate a dozen raw oysters, with great relish; it was a treat to see these two, who used to live on nothing but hamburgers and french fries, downing the slippery creatures.
Pros: Marvelous food
Cons: slow service
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