Chez Papa Resto Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Chez Papa Resto is a French restaurant located in Mint Plaza, just across from the Westfield San Francisco Center shopping center in downtown San Francisco. The owners are from the South of France and have brought Provenceal cuisine to this restaurant. “The food is simple, unpretentious, and most importantly authentic.”

Decor, Vibe – They are one of the anchor tenants of the redone Mint Plaza with lots of outdoor tables for warmer times. Compact location with high ceilings inside with classy French decor and chandeliers. Big bar and communal table. The place was full and loud. Folks mainly in their 30’s and 40’s were dining when we were there.

Menu Pictures (Click to zoom into any picture)

Website Menu

We had two of the 3 Course Prix-Fixe Dinner at $34.95 each. It is valid Monday through Wednesday and is a great deal.

Picks:

Mint Plaza Mojito ($6 Happy Hour) Fresh mint and lime muddled to perfection mixed with Rum & topped with Champagne was strong and well balanced. Clearly, they know how to make cocktails here.

Cream of Califlower Soupe Du Jour ($8) was on the very creamy side but had good califlower essence.

Tomato Watermelon Salad ($12) was a special salad that was perfect for a summer day. Lightly flavored and fresh heirloom tomatoes made good combination.

Mixing Steak Tartare Video

Snake River Kobe Beef Tartare ($13) with Dijon Mustard, Capers, Shallots, Garlic, Toast Points, Quail egg was excellent. The ingredients get mixed at your table. The meat was smooth, tender, and went perfectly with the bread. If you have not tried beef tartare, try it here.

Sautéed Petrale Sole ($24) with Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus, Artichokes Barigoule, Brown Butter Hollandaise was on the heavier side but still very good. Fish was cooked perfectly and the sauce combination worked.

Roasted Chicken Breast ($23) with Pistou and Potato Puree, Peas, Lemon-Chicken Jus was very good. Like many others, we rarely order chicken when eating out, but the waitress recommended it. Chicken was juicy and flavorful, hinting that it was brined.

Lemon Verbena Panna Cotta ($8) with Rhubarb Coulis and Organic Strawberries was smooth but not overly filled with heavy ingredients. Nice fruit accent.

Cocoa Nib Profiteroles ($8) with French Vanilla Gelato, Toasted Almonds and Warm Chocolate Sauce was excellent. Gelato, not ice cream, but a must get dessert.

OK:

Liberty Farms Duck Breast ($23) with Parsnip Puree, Swiss Chard, Quince and Sherry Jus was slightly overcooked to a medium. Should have told them medium rare. Sauce was good but minimal.

Pans:
None

Chez Papa Resto had decent service with water refilled quickly and needs fulfilled. Our server seemed fairly new. Food was very good and value excellent when dining on the prix fix menus.
Strone wine selection with wines by the glass from $8, bottles from $39, $20 corkage. They add $1.25 per guest for Healthy San Francisco.

They also run:

Chez Pappa Bistrot
1401 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Book Chez Papa Resto Reservation

Chez Papa Resto Overall Rating: (Very Good 2.5)

Come Back?

Food Rating:	(Very Good)
Service Rating:	(Very Good)
Atmosphere Rating:	(Very Good)
Value Rating:	(Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	Full Bar
Attire:	Dressy
Hours:	Mon-Fri 11:30am - 2:30pm, Sa 11:30am - 3pm, Mon - Th 5:30 - 10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30 - 11pm
Parking:	Street
Reservations:	Yes
Prices:	$17 - $34.95