Bouche French Bistro and Wine Bar
| Address: | 603 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA |
| Phone: | +1 415-956-0396 |
| Site: | bouchesf.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | Closed 5:30PM–1AM 5:30PM–1AM 5:30PM–1AM 5:30PM–1AM 5:30PM–1AM 5:30–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
RO
Roy Chi
*4.5 stars* I felt like I was reaching the end of my rope with Contemporary-American-French cuisine. Restaurant after restaurant, it just seemed like the same old dishes -- roasted chicken (or quail), braised short ribs, or grilled pork chop with some kind of tart fruit glaze. It got to the point where I started to never crave anything that was "Contemporary-American-French." In fact, without foie gras, I feel like French food (at least in SF) has become boring in general. Tasty, perhaps, but boring. That is until I came to Bouche. Now, there were some small misses here and there, but honestly, the food at Bouche breathes so much new creative life into the SF food scene that its worth those small flaws to enjoy a meal that actually makes Contemporary French exciting again. -------------- FOOD: Scallops: I loved the intricate and subtly sweet flavor to this dish. The dish is a cold dish, which kind of caught me off guard, but the scallops were insanely tender. Marinated Salmon: This was one of my favorite dishes of the night. The salmon meshed perfectly with the crunchy (equivalent of a) birds nest and the creme fraiche. Ive never had anything like this before and it was an incredible first. Lamb Shoulder: I normally dont like lamb due to its sour gaminess, but the lamb shoulder is cooked to absolute perfection. It tastes like a very tender braised beef short rib, which is awesome for those who normally hate lamb. What really makes this dish, though, is the sauce -- a sweet marmalade with crunchy almonds-- that really brings out the flavor of the lamb shoulder. I couldve done without the tangy sorbet-like carrot coriander puree, since there was so much sweetness in the marmalade already. Perhaps a more subtle puree, like turnip or potato, would complement the marmalade better. Veal: The veal had an amazing flavor, but it was a bit too well-done. Whatever flavors they used though, worked very well. Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta: This dessert was a bit too boring and tasteless for me, except those moments when all you have in your mouth is salt (not enjoyable either). The caramel sauce was a nice touch, but it just needed something else to really make this panna cotta memorable. -------------- Bouche has an intimate, hidden atmosphere that really brings out a rustic, underground Paris ambiance. Its actually pretty cool. Kind of reminds me of the upstairs section of Gitane. Shane, our server, was on point. Our water was always filled, our wine glasses were never empty. All in all, what I love most about Bouche is that it really pushes the envelope when it comes to discovering wildly inventive flavors. Most of what I ate tonight brought flavors and textures that Ive never had before, and it was incredible to experience. Im impatiently looking forward to a return visit.
DA
David Liang
Food: 3 Decor: 3 Service: 4 Came here for dinner on a weekday night at 9pm. 1. Fougasse ~Okay. Basically just bread with bacon. 2. Duck Confit Croquants, Japanese and Watermelon Radishes, Cherry Sauce ~Pretty good. Croquants were excellent, and the radishes were an interesting complement. 3.Stuffed Chicken Paupiette, Brussels Sprouts Cream, Asparagus, Peach, Spinach, Sage Sausage and Bell Pepper Coulis ~Okay. Chicken was prepared well, but I found the combination of ingredients to be rather odd. I didnt think the bitterness of the asparagus and spinach complemented the sweetness or tartness of the rest of the dish very well.
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guang yang
Romantic, friendly, and great food. You can only reserve tables upstairs where what appears cramped becomes cozy upon being seated. Bouche takes advantage of every inch of space, including one of the smallest exhibition kitchens Ive seen, which uses ninth pans and shelves to maximize what looked like 100 sf of usable area. No wonder the menu is so limited, theres no room for ingredients! But each of the selections we had was exquisite (pork belly app, spinach salad and pork loin) and authentic to the atmosphere and service. All of it charming and fun. We felt transported to a rustic, timeless French inn.
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Natalie M
This place is so delicious! Its chic and small, delicate interior is unexpected as you walk in. When you see the kitchen, youd be surprised that they make delicious dishes here. Having tried their bacon bread along with the chorizo-encrusted halibut--I fell in love! Its definitely a romantic place and the food is of high quality. I have fondest memories here and would love to come again! The halibut was so tender and paired amazingly well with the chorizo. Ive been trying to replicate it! Definitely recommend for the experience and youll also be amazed what they can concoct in that small kitchen!
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Conboy77
From the moment we stepped in the doors Mehdi treated us with the utmost sincerity and and then treated us to the most delicious wines and food! We were able to watch the prep and the cooking from the super talented chef. We drank exquisite wines and delectable apps and mains.... The music was great! The atmosphere was perfect and we would love to go back everyday! Perfect Perfect Perfect! Full for days! Not skimpy on the dishes! You will leave satisfied and satiated When we are back in San Francisco we will see you again! We miss you already! Ian and Tracey!
BA
Bartek Szatkowski
The food was blunt, tasteless and plainly bad. You can see all the pre-cooked ingredients on your way in as you pass the kitchen (its shame I havent noticed before dining). Also you dont prepare risotto by cooking rice in water separately and be then mixing with tasteless sauce! We complained that rice with sauce is not only bad, but also its not risotto, but waiter didnt care and smoothly ignored the feedback. I dont understand how this place can serve this food, charge their pieces and have high score. Tip for the stuff: Google what risotto is!
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Fronck
This is what you would expect from a tiny trendy french restaurant : a bit dark and cosy, a lot of wood, a short but delicious food menu, and an interesting wine list. Ok maybe the waiter (he may be the owner too btw) is a bit too cold and forgets to smile but hey, I suppose this is what we can expext from a Parisian service no? :) Would highly recommend that place for a romantic time or for a good moment with one or two friends.
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Sudarpo Hendrawan
This is truly a treasure in the city... Small cozy authentic place with warm service, and on the top of that, provide the true high quality of foods. I can feel the passion of the presented foods. I have tried so many Michelin star restaurants, but so lucky tonight, my dinner appointment was cancelled and while walking around the neighborhood, I found this treasure. Really fully recommended...
AD
Adam Pederson
Cozy little french bistro. Short menu (which is great for me, always a beef, vegetarian (though not vegan) option, fish, etc) with lots of great choices. Get the bread and save some for your sauce. Order wine; it can be warm upstairs and youll enjoy it with your water. Have a good time and enjoy your company, that is what this sort of place is for.
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shawn williams
Delightfully Refreshing - Went to Asador for a birthday party dinner. Chef Brad Phillips and staff were outstanding. Chef explained each course and its origins in fine detail. Each course had us eager to try the next. The beer choices with each course were right on point. Nice atmosphere and comfortable setting also made the night perfect.
TA
Tara Mayfield
Three companions and myself had an excellent meal at Bouche last week. The place is cozy and the staff very friendly. I had a gorgeous duck breast in a honey/sour sauce accompanied by a duck bitterball. It was so good. Everything is reminiscent of a French bistro, and the value to price ratio is superb.
