06/01/08

Great little find

by napanancy

My husband and I were looking for a unique lunch spot and the sandwich board on the sidewalk caught our eye. The bartender opened the door for us and the owner seated us promptly. Our French server showed a little attitude, but it was charming and reminded one of being in France. The food was spectacular! We got the lunch special which was reasonably priced and included a wonderful cup of pureed root vegetable soup. The service was efficient and attentive. We were there past 2:00 when they closed for lunch and the chef appear in the dining room to a round of applause from a group of 8 women sitting near us. Very charming.

• Pros: Food, ambience

01/02/08

Good food , but rude staff

by patrickbad

I definetly loved the food. It was very good. Whoever is in the kitchen knows his/her stuff. However the dealbreaker for me is rude service. And our waiter was very rude. I asked to see the manager and he ignored me. When I tried to get ahold of him myself. He was on the phone and refused to get off. I will never go back. Which is too bad with such great food.

• Pros: Food, location, food
• Cons: Service, waiter, manager

11/29/07

Reminded me of my trips to France - I loved this place

by bikracer

My girlfriends and I went here for dinner on a recent trip to the city. The food and service were wonderful. The chef even said good-bye to us when we left. We were all very impressed with the presentation and the flavor of the food we had. The servings were reasonable so we were able to enjoy a dessert from their dessert menu. They had a pear dessert (can't remember the name) that was "to die for". It was a creamy delicately sweetened custard with poached pear slices arranged on top.

We asked the waiter to recommend a wine and he recommended one that was not only reasonably priced but went perfectly with our food choices.

My only warning is, they don't take American Express so bring either cash or a Visa/Mastercard.

• Cons: Don't take American Express.

02/14/07

Most Unfriendly Hostess in San Francisco

by mistayu

I have dined at Anjou in the past and have had lovely dinners there, but when I dropped in on a Tuesday night without a reservation to see if we might be able to have dinner I was shocked at the reception we received. The Asian woman acting as Hostess at the front door literally snarled at us telling us she had just taken her last reservation and she wouldn't be taking anymore.

We asked if we could perhaps eat at the bar and she almost laughed at us, telling us we could try but she didn't think it would be comfortable! What?? I guess this is a perfect example of a restaurant that really doesn't want or need our business I thought so we headed for the door. We were coming from a meeting and were nicely dressed, but apparently this rude and unfriendly greeting had nothing to with our appearance, it just seemed "policy" for this woman.

As a Hospitality professional that often sends clients and guests to Union Square restaurants I will make it a point NOT to ever recommend this restaurant again. There are too many restaurants with friendly, professional staffs to choose from in San Francisco and no reason to tolerate this rude, inhospitable and unfriendly attitude!

08/05/05

Express Lunches Were Only Average

by skaplansears

Anjou serves a several express lunches, none of which were particularly successful amongst the people with whom I had lunch. I wish I had ordered something off the regular menu; the items are not much more expensive and they looked much better. The previous time I went to Anjou I thought the food was much better.

• Pros: Small Size, Superior Service

03/31/05

A Delightful Surprise near Union Square

by masanaoota

I was interested in a different kind of lunch experience while visiting the stores around Union Square. Dealing with crowds of shoppers had become tiring, so I was pleased to find a place that felt like it was far from the hectic activity.

The menu offered a fixed price lunch. It was a relief to be offered a simple selection of choices. I chose the grilled salmon and enoyed it thoroughly. The service was great, the interior was quiet and soothing, and I felt relaxed and satisfied when I left to resume my business in the stores.

• Pros: great food, quiet, comfortable, attentive staff

03/17/04

French food with french fries???

by gokil510

We used to come here when it was Janot. The food & service was excellent. When went there after it turned to Anjou, what a huge difference! My father got fries with his steak order! I know this is French restaurant, but french fries??? My rack of lamb was too cooked for a medium rare. The food were mediocre. We never came back.

• Cons: , Parking

01/20/04

Theatergoers and tourists head to this tiny French haunt to escape Union Square's chaos.

by Contributor

The Scene
This mellow gem is tucked in a nondescript alley, visible by shrubbery flanking its yellow-and-white-striped awning. Though petite in size, skylights high above the arched brass lamps and exposed-brick walls afford the two-tiered dining space with ample breathing room.

The Food
The husband-and-wife team who runs the show hails from the French province of L'Anjou and the menu reflects their roots. Split open a mound of Montrachet goat cheese crowning the warm eggplant salad and allow its creamy texture to melt into this lush starter. The tender mussels are piled high above a buttery wine sauce, giving this classic offering appropriate zest. If you're ordering meat, opt for the piece de resistance: filet mignon. Succulent portions are drizzled with spicy peppercorn and a trace of cognac. The subtlety of the signature dessert, poached pears in cream sauce, will appeal to grandparents and children alike.

01/20/03

Actual french waiters!!

by jtaps

Yes, there are actual french waiters at Anjou - and they make the experience very authentic, which is a good thing. The food was excellent, upscale french bistro with classic items, as well local fare from Anjou. The decor is very french, and the restaurant is very small, but this only adds to the cozy feel; all that and you have to walk down an alley to get there - very european. It was very crowded - reservations are a must!!!

09/20/02

good food, rude staff

by jodyevans

I loved the food and the cozy, small atmosphere, but the pretensious and full-of-themselves staff made the experience much less enjoyable. Keep the food. Get rid of the snobs.

• Pros: good food, cozy atmosphere, conveinent location
• Cons: snobby staff, cold reception