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Cafe Jacqueline
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Cafe Jacqueline
8.8
Soufflé-only icon crafting dramatic savory and sweet clouds in a candlelit North Beach room (since 1979). Reservations happen by voicemail and the leisurely pacing suits photo-worthy, shareable courses.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gruyère Soufflé, Mushroom & Gruyère Soufflé, Chocolate Soufflé
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A rare, all-soufflé French menu executed tableside-to-oven precision.
Who should go: Romantics and classic French enthusiasts
When to visit: Weeknights; book far ahead for weekends
What to order: Gruyère; mushroom & gruyère; chocolate
Insider tip: Leave a voicemail for reservations; plan for a multi-hour meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive along Grant Avenue and Union Street; best to use nearby North Beach garages on Green or Filbert.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; most guests lean elegant given the intimate setting and special-occasion feel.
Noise level: Low; hushed and romantic with soft conversation easily heard across the table.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential and made by voicemail; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner service only Wednesday–Sunday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several cheese and vegetable soufflés available.
Vegan options: No – menu relies heavily on eggs, dairy, and butter.
Gluten-free options: Limited – most soufflés contain flour bases; inquire when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the candlelight and unique soufflé service create an elegant, slow-paced setting perfect for conversation and shared anticipation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely – voicemail reservations are required days to weeks in advance; last-minute walk-ins are almost never seated.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal – long courses and a quiet atmosphere make it better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Romantic French dining and theatrical soufflé presentations unmatched elsewhere in the city.
Skip if: You prefer quick service, hearty entrées, or vegan-friendly menus.
Cafe Jacqueline
8.7
Tiny North Beach institution devoted to soufflés since 1979, with chef-owner Jacqueline Margulis personally whipping both savory and sweet versions to order. Candlelit tables and unhurried pacing make it a special-occasion pick for classic French technique and romance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gruyère Soufflé, Mushroom–Basil Soufflé, Grand Marnier Soufflé
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Single-focus French soufflé house led by its founder since 1979.
Who should go: Soufflé lovers and romantic date nights
When to visit: Call ahead; arrive early for a relaxed, lingering dinner
What to order: Gruyère soufflé; mushroom-basil soufflé; Grand Marnier soufflé
Insider tip: Leave a voicemail for reservations; soufflés serve two—split one savory and one sweet.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots on Grant and Union are scarce after 6pm—use the North Beach Parking Garage on Vallejo (5-minute walk).
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; most diners opt for date-night attire. Jackets not required but fit the mood.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for intimate conversation; soft French music in background.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes even with a reservation if you arrive late; soufflés take 30–45 minutes to prepare.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner only service starting evenings at 5:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian soufflés such as cheese, mushroom-basil, and dessert options.
Vegan options: No—soufflés rely heavily on eggs and dairy; not suitable for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some soufflés may contain flour; inquire when ordering for gluten sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's one of the most romantic, low-noise settings in North Beach. The candlelit tables and slow pacing make it ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—reservations are essential and handled via voicemail. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated due to small capacity and long preparation times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children—the quiet ambiance, long wait times, and delicate dishes suit adults and mature teens only.
Best For
Better for: Authentic handmade soufflés and true old-world French charm unmatched anywhere else in the city.
Skip if: You’re in a hurry, expect a wide menu, or prefer modern French bistro energy—try Café Claude or L’Ardoise instead.
Cafe Jacqueline
8.8
Tiny North Beach institution (since 1979) devoted to savory and sweet soufflés, all whisked to order. Romantic pacing and attentive, old-world hospitality make it a classic for anniversaries and proposals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gruyère & Leek Soufflé, Dungeness Crab Soufflé, Grand Marnier Soufflé
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A rare, all-soufflé menu executed by a legendary chef-owner.
Who should go: Romantics and classic French cuisine devotees
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for a quieter room
What to order: Gruyère-leek; crab; chocolate or Grand Marnier soufflé
Insider tip: Reservations are voicemail-only; allow 90–120 minutes for two courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grant Ave and neighboring blocks is very limited; best to use the North Beach Parking Garage on Vallejo St, a 5-minute walk away.
Dress code: Dressy date-night attire recommended — blazers, dresses, or elevated casual; jeans acceptable if styled smartly.
Noise level: Low to moderate — soft classical music and intimate spacing make for easy conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute delay even with reservations due to the made-to-order soufflés.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several savory and sweet soufflés are meatless, including cheese and vegetable variations.
Vegan options: No – soufflé base relies heavily on eggs and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some soufflés can be made with alternative flours by request, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s one of San Francisco’s most romantic settings. The slow pacing, candlelight, and interactive soufflé experience create natural conversation and intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Reservations are required and handled by voicemail only; same-day walk-ins are rarely seated due to limited tables and long prep times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the quiet, formal atmosphere and two-hour meal pacing make it best suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched for romantic, old-world French dining with soufflés as the centerpiece — a true culinary ritual.
Skip if: You’re in a hurry, prefer modern plating, or need flexible dietary substitutions; service is intentionally slow and traditional.
Cafe Jacqueline
8.4
North Beach’s soufflé institution where savory and sweet classics are hand-whisked to order in an intimate, candlelit room. Expect longer cook times and a focus on timeless French technique over trend-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gruyère cheese soufflé, Dungeness crab soufflé, Grand Marnier dessert soufflé
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Classic, made-to-order soufflés in a quietly romantic setting.
Who should go: Soufflé lovers and old-school Francophiles
When to visit: Book early; arrive on time—soufflés need the full window
What to order: Gruyère; crab; Grand Marnier dessert
Insider tip: Order both a savory and sweet soufflé upfront—cook times are long.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in North Beach is scarce after 6pm; use nearby garages like Vallejo Street Garage ($10–15 evening rate). No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or dresses fit the intimate, candlelit vibe; avoid overly casual wear like hoodies or flip-flops.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly with quiet background chatter; ideal for intimate dates.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential; walk-ins can face 60–90 minute waits due to long soufflé prep times.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner only Wednesday–Sunday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several savory and dessert soufflés are vegetarian, including cheese, mushroom, and chocolate options.
Vegan options: Limited—soufflés rely on eggs and dairy, so vegan diners have few choices beyond salad or sides.
Gluten-free options: Some dessert soufflés can be made gluten-free upon request, but cross-contact is possible due to shared prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—its intimate lighting, slow pacing, and handmade soufflés create a romantic, conversation-friendly atmosphere that encourages lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely—reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Walk-ins may be accommodated only early (before 6pm) or late (after 9pm) if soufflé prep timing allows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the long cook times and quiet ambiance suit adults or older teens better than families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: Unparalleled for made-to-order soufflés and romantic ambiance—few Bay Area spots match its old-world charm and single-minded soufflé focus.
Skip if: You’re in a hurry or seeking variety—every dish takes time, and the menu centers almost entirely on soufflés.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday5:30pm - 10pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10pm
SundayClosed