Cafe Jacqueline

Cafe Jacqueline

1454 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

+1 415-981-5565

French restaurant, Restaurant
(198)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Grant Avenue, Cafe Jacqueline is a charming French restaurant that transports diners straight to the streets of Paris with every meticulously crafted dish. This intimate eatery, famous for its masterful soufflés, offers a dining experience that is both cozy and indulgent, inviting you to slow down and savor each bite.

The culinary focus here is unmistakably French, with an exceptional menu that showcases a variety of delicate soufflés and classic bistro fare. From the ethereal White Chocolate Dessert Soufflé to the savory delights of the Salmon and Asparagus Soufflé and the Mushroom Soufflé, every dish is an exercise in lightness and flavor balance. Reviewers often mention how the soufflés are “warm, light, fluffy, and rich,” capturing the perfect soufflé texture that is fleeting and difficult to master in most kitchens.

Complementing these soufflés are timeless French staples like the robust Onion Soup, the fresh and crisp Butter Lettuce Salad, and the tempting Fruits De Mer Seafood, creating a well-rounded menu that pleases a wide spectrum of palates. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Soufflé and the elegant Grand Marnier Soufflé stand out as exquisite desserts, their flavors deep and intensely satisfying, offering a sublime finale to your meal.

Dining at Cafe Jacqueline is less about rushing and more about embracing the leisurely French tradition. As many guests have noted, the cooking process requires patience, with soufflés that take time to rise perfectly and reach your table at their peak. One customer beautifully described it as an experience that “you will need wine for while you wait” — and indeed, the carefully curated wine selection perfectly complements the dishes, enhancing every sip and bite.

The atmosphere of Cafe Jacqueline is cozy and intimate, seating only a few guests at a time, which helps maintain an exclusive, personalized touch. The passion and presence of owner Jacqueline herself add a genuine warmth and authenticity rarely found in bigger restaurants. Visitors often remark on the gracious and friendly service, making every diner feel like a welcomed guest in a Parisian home, rather than just another table.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or seeking a refined taste of French culinary artistry, Cafe Jacqueline offers a memorable dining journey. The subtle interplay of flavors — like the hint of lemon on the Fruits de Mer or the delicate garnishes accompanying each soufflé — reveals a kitchen that respects tradition while delighting in creative detail.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a sanctuary of tastes, textures, and aromas that linger long after the last forkful. At Cafe Jacqueline, true French elegance is served with a side of heartfelt hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine dining in San Francisco.

Service options
Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner
Offerings
Alcohol Coffee Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy Historic Romantic Upmarket
Crowd
Locals
Planning
Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Pavithra l
    3 week ago

    Came here for dinner. It's a tiny place and everything is made to order. We made reservations ahead. We had soup of the day which was light but delicious. Ordered mushroom souffle which was light but so fluffy n flavorful. We practically inhaled it. For dessert we ordered chocolate souffle. So masterful, mouth watering. Worth the wait. Also amazing wine selection. U will need it while u wait for food.

  • Nabila Kabir
    1 month ago

    Was it worth a few months for this reservation? I hate to admit it, but yes. Even after you’re seated, get ready to wait an hour for your soufflés to come out. But when they do, you’ll be in heaven. The soufflés were warm, light, fluffy and rich. We tried the salmon & asparagus, mushroom, and chocolate soufflés. All of them were perfectly done and delicious.

  • Justin Mitchell
    2 month ago

    We loved it. Came here for our 17th and it was lovely. It's a cozy little place, and the souffles are excellent. Take your time to actually enjoy it, don't just stuff it down. Don't forget that the garnish is often part of the taste too. The fruits de mer had very thin lemon on top, and a little lemon with the souffle added some wonderful mixture of taste. The grande marnier was also wonderful, smooth and rich. The coffee was great, and the staff was very knowledgeable, wonderful, and friendly. We'll be back when we're back in town, 100%. My advice is to slow down, enjoy the whole experience. Don't eat like you're expecting to get somewhere else after. You won't. But it's worth it. If you're not able to slow down, then pick another place and come back to this one when you do have the time. It's not cheap, and rushing through will just waste your time and money. But if you *can* slow down and take your time, that time and money is well spent indeed. Call them for reservations and leave a message. They actually do call back!

  • Kurd TheBrave
    2 month ago

    Finally I made a place that my friends were saying that it’s so amazing and great and it’s really hard to get in at least you need a two months in advance to make a reservation somehow I got in by just walking in politely asking if they could accommodate me voilà and I had a great experience and got to met the owner Jacqueline she was awesome still rocking and I believe my server name was Matt apologies in advance if it’s incorrect name either way it was server with mustache. Thank you for a great meal And I really appreciate it.

  • Jeff Everett
    3 month ago

    Wonderful food, wonderful service and it was a highlight to see Jaqueline working in the kitchen. Do be ready for the leisurely pace, expect 3 hours if you order soup, entree and dessert.

  • Leo Benkel
    3 month ago

    Amazing food. Great service. The only negative point is the time you have to wait for your food. Don't plan anything afterwards, first you will miss it because of the time you'll spend there but second you will be so full you won't be able to move anymore. Overall we had a great experience. Oh and the waiter is really good at advising wines ! We had great time. Thank you Jacqueline !

  • Yogesh Naren Bundey
    4 month ago

    Soufflés. Yes, you go here for soufflés. It’s my first time trying out these soufflés or any soufflés for that matter. I tried white corn, garlic and ginger soufflés for entree and chocolate soufflé for dessert. They were soft, light, rich and airy. Staying true to my palate, I felt they lacked a strong punch for me - may be that’s how soufflés are. Subtle and light but very expensive. But the lady who makes these soufflés almost all by herself is about 85 years old. You can see her baking in the restaurant’s kitchen if you’re using the loo. I just found that inspirational! And a thing to keep in mind is that it’s going to take a lot of time for your order. So make sure you plan this dinner for about 3 - 3.5 hours. You’ll like the feel of the cafe. It’s tiny but an intimate and romantic setting. It worked out for me because I chose this for my first anniversary. If you’re a soufflé lover this might be the place for you. But anyone who likes solid and spicy food might not like it as much. Nonetheless it was a nice experience.

  • Shailvi Wakhlu
    4 month ago

    Delicious soufflés. We tried the shiitake garlic basil for the entree and the chocolate one for dessert. Didn’t order any appetizers which worked out since we could barely finish the meal, though we did have some of the baguette they brought out before the meal. It’s a joy to watch the chef work in the kitchen! This cafe is a San Francisco landmark so make a reservation and go there to enjoy a 3-hr long relaxed meal.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.