ThurstonHowell
(18) reviews
1/4/2008
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “
This is my kind of place where the chef comes out to be embellished with praise and adorations. He humbly glad-hands all, only missing a hat to pass for collection of his gratuity. The food was excellent although suffering plainness in presentation, but perfect ingredients and execution deserve accolades. Wine list is daunting as was the limited bill of fare, nevertheless a return engagement awaits at some regular occasion. The stage was small and abet loud, but that's show business! Note: The women love the one on one attention! ”
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Angela Von Buelow
(227) reviews
11/6/2007
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Chapeau rises above the typical neighborhood restaurant. Chef Gardelle and his lovely wife treat you as honored guests. It's a relativity small place and more formal than I expected. You have a choice of a 3 or 4-course menu; you get an appetizer, entrée and dessert for the 3 courses and add a fish course for the 4th. They offer an early bird (excluding Friday and Saturday) menu, 3 courses for ($25.50) before 6pm. Chef Gardelle also offers palate cleansers between courses ($4) We had the prime rib for two with 4 sauces and bone marrow which came with generous portions of potato a gratin and green beans. I also ordered the Warm Chocolate Banana Flambee cake with Rum Raisin Ice Cream early because it takes about 30 minutes to make, it was divine. I enjoyed my meal and will return. Enjoy! ”
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Wayne Lambright
(212) reviews
11/2/2007
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Wow you can't judge a book by its cover; the exterior is so non descript you'll drive right past it. Once you finally make it inside you'll see what everybody is talking about. Chef/Owner Philippe Gardelle was so much fun to meet. He walks around pouring wine and will tell you all you want to know. I'm a sucker for the personal touch and this is the first place in ages that I have seen the chef out meeting & greeting all the customers. What about the food? Well . . . its extraordinary “see photos”, we opted for the four course meal. My fish sampler of halibut was delicious in this reduced sauce that had a nice butter taste. We ordered the prime rib for two, it came with four different sauces that really helped expanded the flavor range of the meat. The service was prompt & professional. Thanks for making my Birthday dinner one to remember. I can't wait to go back. ”
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danceluvingal
(165) reviews
5/21/2007
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ The decor in Chapeau is really homey and elegant, and it really makes the small cramped tables seem that much less cramped. The service was impeccable, and table settings spotless. We ordered an appetizer of sweetbreads and I got a cassoulet and my friend got the duck leg. The amuse bouche and the breads were very good. The sweetbreads were fantastic and I felt the entrees were good, but not mind-blowing. What really made this place shine was the service. We got a friendly and enthusiastic handshake from the chef, our check in a cute little hat, and after we left, halfway down the street, the chef came running after us. We turned around and wondered if we had left something at the table or didn't leave a big enough tip. All he wanted was to properly say goodbye, and gave us both two kisses on the cheeks! Such a wonderful surprise, leaving us smiling for the rest of the evening. ”
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tenortom
(138) reviews
12/1/2006
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Chef Proprietor Philippe Gardelle is a charmer. His effervescent charm and joie de vivre are vividly manifest in both cuisine and ambience at Chapeau, one of San Francisco's most delightful restaurants. A spiritual throwback to bygone American french restaurants, Gardelle has nonetheless raised the bar with his fantastic cooking. Each and every dish is revelatory from spectacular trio of salmon, scintillating oysters on the half shell, delicious foie gras, irresistible mussels mariniere segueing to eye-popping beef prime rib for two served with bone marrow yielding stunningly tender beef slices, superb and delicious rich duck breast with duck confit risotto, spectacular bouillabasse with supreme seafood saffron similar to that once reigning supreme at Farallon but alas long lamented. State of the art desserts including a succulent panna cotta and dessert of the year, orange soup with tangerine sorbet bathed in a martini glass of cointreau. Infinitely superior to the overrated Cyrus. ”
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paulalo
(11) reviews
11/3/2006
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
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This is the best french Bistro I've ever been to. I would say that it tops many of the bistros I went to in Paris this year. The dishes are beautifully plated, delicious, a fine mix of flavors and every course tastes bette than the one before. It is so nice because Philippe does excellent wine pairings with your meal. The profiteroles are absolutely to die for! You get a wonderful chocolate burn! Go to Chapeau! You will not regret it. ”
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victoria
(32) reviews
8/17/2006
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ I don't think you can find a cuter owner in the world! He's so friendly and welcoming, and kisses you, proper french style, as he walks you to the door and say goodbye. I really felt like an invited guest. The food, of course, is terrific as well. The tables were close enough that you can see clearly what your neighbors are having, and all the dishes looked great. They decor is simple and low key, and it matched the down-to-earth type of vibe. Everything about this place blend together perfectly to form a cozy yet upscale atmosphere
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KMK
(119) reviews
5/23/2006
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ I haven't yet found an early bird special that can beat the one at Chapeau. It's seriously the best french food in San Francisco for the price. And even at higher prices, it would still be the best. I love Chapeau more than any other french restaurant in the city, and am totally devoted to the chef. He's a sweetheart. ”
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kushnir
(405) reviews
3/3/2006
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ What looks like another storefront restaurant in the Richmond was surprisingly good! This crowed noisy restaurant duplicates the crowded noisy restaurant of France sans the cigarette smoke and surly waiters. With a reservation we were immediately seated, presented the menu and our choice of waters. Common bistro fare, prices are extremely reasonable and the service was OK. Not great not bad. The biggest distraction to an almost perfect dinner was the chef or owner floating around from table to table, fishing for complements and attaboys. Hey, I’m here right? Why ask me how everything is when I am in the middle of removing a piece of mussel muscle from between my teeth? This was one of the few places that the onion soup was done right! The menu is somewhat limited but the wine list is not! All in all, this is a nice neighborhood place, affordable, crowed (arm to arm) with a final check that won’t bankrupt you. Parking is ridiculous so park on Geary and walk! au revoir
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goodfoodlover
(2) reviews
1/3/2006
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ One of the best restaurants in SF, for value, quality, and service. Their early bird special is now a whopping $21.25, still the best deal in town for what they offer.
Every appetizer is fantastic, every entree impressive, and every dessert is a wow!
The only downside is the noise level, for a small place that is packed with people, the space can't handle it. So we had to talk LOUD. Each time the owner ran after us outside the restaurant to say thank you, and kissed on both cheeks! Definitely made us feel appreciated.
We went for the regular dinner recently and tried their Goat Cheese Napoleon, amazing! This is the place to take out of town visitors. ”
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riccodog
(9) reviews
8/21/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ I experience at Chapeau! was wonderful. We did the 3 course pre fix for $20. Which is an unbelievable value. The food was really good. I recommend the duck breast. The service was even better. The chef, Philippe, comes to every table to great you, and after we finished our meal he came outside to thank us. This is one of the best restaurant experiences in SF. ”
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wyld4yoo
(212) reviews
7/17/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Great restaurant! I loved all aspects of the dining experience. From the wine, to the wonderful desserts, to the chef running down the street to tell us goodbye! I thought maybe we forgot to pay the bill! Cute(I hate that word) little neighborhood restaurant with every element for a successful restaurant. ”
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jadegyrlee
(106) reviews
7/9/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Chapeau! is definitely a gem of a restaurant. We got to the restaurant around 5:30, so we made it for the early-bird 3 course prix fixe, which was only $20.25 per person (what a deal!). Everything we tried there was spectacular...we had duo of salmon and squash soup for our appetizers, quail and another salmon dish for our main course, and vanilla bean creme brulee and profiteroles for our dessert. out of everything i tried, the squash soup was my favorite. The menu offered a lot of choices (4-6 per category, I believe). Something that impressed me about the restaurant was they offered little dishes that were "compliments of the chef." In my experience, the only restaurants that ever offered those little dishes were the really expensive ones (like Aqua, Farallon, etc.). The owner and waitstaff were all very friendly. We were lucky to find parking right outside the restaurant and were immediately warmly greeted by Phillippe. If you don't make the early bird, the prix fixe costs $31. ”
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frenchy
(1) review
6/17/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Chapeau! is small with unassuming decor, and located on a dull section of Clement. But once the doors are open you are encouraged by the noise and laughter of obvious regulars packed together in a warm and intimate atmoshere that is maintained by friendly staff and tasty food. Chef Philippe Gardelle is genuinly enthusiastic with his guests and we felt very much as friends in his home. Although the wine list appears very impressive,I stayed light and simple, and ordered a kir (white wine with cassis)as I craved shellfish. The Oysters on the half shell were cool and refreshing with a simple but nice vinaigrette, and my steamed mussels were plentiful and exactly what I had hoped for in taste and texture. Both of my friends raved about the flavors they experienced. My frites (thin fries)were absolutely perfect. I had almost forgotten how delicious a REAL baguette is and this bread is beautifully chosen. All in all a memorable dinner served with genuine french country warmth. Will be back! ”
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lohphat
(21) reviews
5/2/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ After living in Paris for 18 months, Chapeau! helps me keep my pseudo-home sickness at bay. The place is typical of a popular Parisian establishment where service and quality are always a priority. Phillipe's passion for wine is always welcome and he steers you towards what works, not what pads his pocket; now that he knows what I like he almost has my selection ready when my table's ready -- never disappointed. ”
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xscientist
(223) reviews
4/21/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ We actually motivated to go very early for their early bird pre-fixe and it was great. Classic french cum french bistro fare, you can get steak frites, or upgrade from there for a fine dining experience. The decor is lovely and the host is very present and cheerful. Highly recommended. ”
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ron dude
(1) review
3/20/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ A big disappointment. I came there on a crowded saturday. Found a nail in my food!!! The service is lame, overpolite and slow. Too many waiters for such a small place. The chef is an egocentric, loud and yet sympathic person due to huge amount of overpricey wine inhibited in his body. I do not recommend Chapeau ”
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promotersf
(423) reviews
2/19/2005
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Chapeau is a gem. It is a small and intimate restaurant with very strong offerings. They have a fantastic prix fix meal with "upgrades" which I recommend such as the foie gras offerings, the steak frites, etc. Chapeau offers a great early bird prix fix, but I'll never be able to make it. The owner, Phillipe?, was very charming and steered up to great wine recommendations. Had a great time. ”
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mapleleafgirl
(480) reviews
11/19/2004
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Went there for my birthday...it was wonderful. Phillipe is a fabulous host :) Everything we had was fabulous--sweetbreads, steak frite, cheese plate...and numerous other courses I can't recall at the moment---though Im positive there was fois gois involved.
UPDATE: I've been here 3 times now and I still love it as much as ever. Phillipe is a fabulous and GENUINE host.
A must try! ”
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iluomo
(99) reviews
11/4/2004
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ This is a curious spot. The food is very good and the service is exceptional. It's a little on the pricy side and the crowd is an odd mix, but it's worth a trip nonetheless. ”
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lady chan
(130) reviews
11/2/2004
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Chapeau is another 1 of those wonderful- close your eyes and you think you are dining in France places. Parking is quite brutal as it is really in a residential neighborhood but it is worth it. Every day except Friday and Sat they have a great value early bird 3 course dinner from 5-6 pm for $19.00, only 2 choices per category but sublime food. fabulous wine list ”
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punks
(110) reviews
5/27/2004
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Cuisine:
French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
| “ Parking is a bitch but the flat iron steak and frites are pretty tasty. Not sure if it's worth it when you have to fight for parking. The ambiance is delightfully charming. It's a great place to go wtih a few friends and have dinner at a reasonable price ($29 per person) and enjoy a night out with some style. This restaurant has a high rating in Zagat. I enjoy dining out at a bistro so this is the ticket when I'm in the mood for steak and frites. ”
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