Clementine
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 387-0408
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Second and Third Avenues
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Clementine – by Stephanie Laemoa
In Short
Philippe Gardelle of Chapeau! takes ownership and revamps Didier Labbe's Clementine into what can only be described as a bigsister to Gardelle's other establishment. The white tablecloths are still there, but the lines are cleaner, making this Richmond bistro a modern take on other Parisian-inspired restaurants. While the setting may be fusion, the cuisine is not. A strict French menu means that all of the classic favorites are here, from lobster bisque to filet mignon and sweetbreads. Also, it is not uncommon for the chef to make the rounds on a given night and ask patrons about the menu.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyAn Early Bird special (Tue-Thu from 5pm-6pm) includes three courses.
Where to SitThe back booths are prime real estate and offer more space for cuddling.
Know Before You GoThere is a corkage fee of $18.
User Reviews for Clementine
11/09/2007 Posted by elsunshine24
I went to this hidden, cozy amazing little restaurant on Clement St. and it was absolutely the most adorable, cozy, intimate, chic, and delicious restaurant that I've been to in san Francisco. The food was incredibly decadent, atmosphere was top notch, quiet with romantic music in the background. The servers were super friendly, and authentic, I felt as if I flew to Paris! What a refreshing dinner, an incredible menu full of delicacies, and delicious filet mignon that melted in my mouth. The tart salmon and brie dishes to start were filled with character and a unique flavor that kept me longing for more. Then, to top it all off, we had the best creme brulee I have ever put in my mouth. So creamy and rich, in addition to the "pain de perdu" (french toast= lost bread), and the meringue in cream, and the lemon sorbet...all my favorites, cooked and baked to perfection! I recommend this place to any date or quiet evening for an incredible warm feeling with food out of this world!!!!
Pros: EVERYTHING, THE FOOD, SERVICE, ATMOSPHERE, IT WAS ALL INCREDIBLE!
Cons: THAT I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT BEFORE NOW!
09/15/2007 Posted by foodielover
I also miss Alain Rondelli restaurant, replaced by Clementine a long time ago. But, Clementine did not disappoint. I've had better foie gras at La Folie but the liver was tenderly served with 2 corners of toasted bread. The French bread served at the table was crunchy and reminded me so much of the baguette sandwiches in Paris. The tomato soup du dour had a favorful essence of tomato, like the difference between tasting regular riped vs hierloom tomatoes. The duck breast special of the day (ordered by 3 of us) was very tasty. I really liked my seared 5 sea scallops, served over a tasty lobster sauce and risotto-like pasta topped with crispy shavings. A plate of sweet meringue was given us by the waitress to try, too sweet for my taste, but the exterior was crispy and the inside texture was great. The molten chocolate cake was baked perfectly with the chocolate oozing out of the cake. The sm. scoop of coconut sorbet served with it was delicous. Our companions had the selection of 4 ice creams/sorbets (all good) and the Floating Island - firmly whipped egg whites, almost like an angel food cake, over a creamy sauce. The waitress was efficient and very friendly, didn't find the service to be slow & the place was packed by 7-8pm. She saw we were celebrating a birthday and had a candle placed on our friend's dessert & they sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Even with 2 bottles of sparkling water and a bottle of wine, our bill was reasonable for $250 compared to more expensive French restaurants. A nice place to go for special occasions.
Pros: Good food, Excellent French bread, nice staff
Cons: Parking can be challenging, busy on weekends
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