Top Best French Restaurants in National City

"Owned by restaurateur Bertrand Hug, the eponymous Bertrand at Mister A’s is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant featuring modern American cuisine imbued with French and Mediterranean flavours as well as an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. Whether in the casual yet elegant interior or outside on a balcony complete with stunning views of San Diego, diners can feast upon seasonal lunch, dinner and brunch dishes. Between the incredible view, delectable fare and attentive service, it is one culinary experience not to be missed."

"Earlier, we mentioned The Nolen was honored as the second-best urban view in San Diego. It was second to the one and only, Mister A’s. Mister A’s has a famous lineage dating back to 1965, when the renowned entrepreneur and restaurant owner, John Alessio, or Mr. A, decided to open this rooftop restaurant and bar."

"You’ll have to plan ahead if you want to partake the elegance of Mister A’s. This sophisticated rooftop restaurant is one of San Diego’s toughest reservations (and for good reason). Dining at Mister A’s is a coveted experience."

"When the craving for comfort food strikes, there’s almost nothing better than a trip to Whisknladel. This decade-old stalwart elevates classics like buttermilk fried chicken with gourmet mac and cheese and a side of pancetta braised green beans, and a menu that sources almost entirely from local farms. Charred bone marrow gets cozy with lemon and capers, while local market fish takes a swim in lemon butter sauce and the pork chop basks in a peach vinaigrette."

"With a varied menu hitting all different types of cuisines from around the globe, Whisknladle specializes in approachable, quality cooking with a menu that offers someone for everyone. Guests particularly love the fried chicken sandwich."

"A staple for Crown Islanders since 2001, quaint neighborhood spot Tartine does a superb selection of European style fresh pastries, croissants, and scones — plus bistro classics like a slice of Ham and Gruyère cheesequiche, orcharcuterie and pâté plates for mid-morning."

"Francophiles will love this chic new Parisian style bistro and its culinary ode to Provençe – think escargot, steak frites, fromage, plus French beers and wines. Leading the kitchen is executive chef Matt Sramek who worked under Thomas Keller at Bouchon in Beverly Hills. Now open early on the weekends there’s a morning menu until 11 a.m."

"Little Frenchie was one of my favorite spots on Coronado Island. There are many brunch places around, but this one had to be the cutest in my opinion."

"Le Parfait Paris is San Diego's newest patisserie and boulangerie. Located in the downtown Gaslamp District, Le Parfait Paris is distinctly chic with its large, open windows and street-side patio. Intentionally minimalistic in design, a bevy of colorful macarons and desserts are housed like fine jewelry in transparent refrigerated cases for roving eyes to adore."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Le Parfait Paris (@le_parfait_paris) on May 11, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"

"Café Chloe is the first European-inspired restaurant in San Diego. Located in the East Village, this cosy café features classic French food in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere where diners can linger over a tasty brunch seven days a week. Add on a coffee, tea, or cocktail for a full brunch experience at this delightful spot."

"Bringing Paris to La Jolla, acclaimed chef Jean Michel Diot unveils bistronomie cuisine, a culinary concept that blends bistro favorites with...Read More"

"I have been coming here for 15 years, but hadn't been back since Covid. Have been twice in the last couple of weeks, and it's even better than..."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Balboa Park is where the arts, culture and history of San Diego come together to create a 1,200 acre wonderland filled with unforgettable experiences for people of every age. Thriving botanical beauty flourishes throughout and surrounds 15 museums, a variety of performing arts and musical theaters, exotic gardens, fabulous restaurants, upscale shopping, the San Diego Zoo and exquisite Spanish Moor architecture. Known as America’s largest urban cultural park, more than 500,000 visitors come each year to delight in the beauty and amazing attractions of Balboa Park."

"Nothing had quite the same impact on our San Diego architecture as did the Spanish Colonial Style Confections in Balboa Park, which revived an enthusiastic interest in this type of Spanish-style architecture. Designed in 1915, this building is an exhilarating mélange of various architectural styles. While they may have been somewhat haphazardly thrown together, they still manage to attain striking visual harmony."

"Balboa Park is one of the most Instagrammable parks in San Diego!. While you’re there, don’t miss the lily pond!. This reflection pool is not your average little lily pond."

"It is a not-for-profit organization with permanent and transitory exhibitions of local art & history and vast archives. It is a landmark Historical Association building that lies right in the center of the city. Also, there is a Museum Store that offers antique items for sale and a Museum Café in the Museum building."

"Coronado Historical Society, an easy walk from Hotel del Coronado, connects people with the city’s interesting past through museum exhibits, historic photos, and walking tours. The latter I also recommend as one of the things to do in Coronado for tourists. (Location: Coronado)"

"The Coronado Historical Museum’s collection includes art and ephemera from Coronado’s unique history. Check out a 22-minute video of Coronado that is shown every hour. *Small donation requested."

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"Coronado Island I recommend another taste of the beach for your final day of your one week itinerary to Southern California. Drive across the bridge and enjoy your final hours enjoying this beautiful coastal town of Coronado."