0 Followers
Caché
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Caché
8.3
Modern French bistro in the Inner Sunset from chefs Florent Thomas and Simon Mounier (ex–La Grande Maison), delivering precise technique with Bay Area produce. Opened in 2025, it’s the neighborhood’s refined option for date-night plates, natural wines, and polished hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tartare with oysters, Sea bream sashimi for two, Rolled buckwheat crêpes
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Michelin-trained team elevates a neighborhood French bistro with seasonal finesse.
Who should go: Couples and French cuisine enthusiasts
When to visit: Evenings; reserve weekends for smoother pacing
What to order: Beef tartare, sea bream for two, buckwheat crêpes
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio seating on mild nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along 9th and Irving fill quickly after 6pm, so plan a few minutes to circle. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual with a refined touch—think collared shirts, dresses, or upscale denim with a jacket.
Noise level: Moderate; lively but balanced enough for conversation across a two-top.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–60 minute wait without a reservation; bar seats go first.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian representation in appetizers and pastas; staff can adapt mains.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen handles modifications carefully.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—romantic lighting, polished pacing, and intimate two-tops make it ideal for first or milestone dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins can sometimes snag bar seats early (before 6:30pm), but reservations are essential for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no children’s menu or high chairs; best suited for adults or teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: Refined plating and French technique in a relaxed neighborhood setting—rare outside downtown.
Skip if: You want large portions, boisterous energy, or a quick casual meal; this is a slow, intentional dining experience.
Caché
8.5
Modern Inner Sunset bistro from Michelin-trained owners plating seasonal, French-rooted dishes with striking presentation and natural wines. Lively room plus a petite patio make it a date-friendly, camera-ready spot near 9th & Irving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea bream sashimi for two, Beef tartare with oysters, Rolled buckwheat crêpes (weekend)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin-seasoned team serving French-inspired plates with refined, photogenic plating.
Who should go: Couples and bistro fans who love natural wine
When to visit: Early evening or weekend brunch for best energy
What to order: Sea bream sashimi, beef tartare, weekend buckwheat crêpes
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating at golden hour for the best photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking—metered spots on Irving and 9th Ave fill quickly after 6pm; no valet or private lot available.
Dress code: Smart casual; think date-night polish. Jeans are fine if paired with a nice shirt or dress.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing dining room with lively background chatter but still easy to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; can walk in easily during early lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several well-developed vegetarian dishes, including seasonal salads and crêpes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes if you ask to omit butter or cream; not a vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can modify certain plates; buckwheat crêpes are naturally gluten-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—Caché’s warm lighting, attentive pacing, and visually stunning plates make it ideal for an intimate first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weeknights, but weekends are packed. Call ahead or arrive before 6pm to secure a walk-in spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu leans adult with wine-forward focus and limited children’s options. Best for teens or older.
Best For
Better for: Aesthetics and plating—Caché excels at presentation and contemporary French flair in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking traditional French bistro comfort dishes or a quiet, kid-friendly meal; this is a trendier, photo-ready crowd.
Caché
8.6
Modern French bistro from Michelin-trained talent bringing precise technique to seasonal Bay Area produce. Intimate bar seating and a cozy dining room make it a polished Inner Sunset date night without the downtown fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tartare with oysters, Sea bream sashimi for two, Buckwheat crêpe (brunch)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Michelin-caliber French bistro fare in a neighborhood setting.
Who should go: Couples seeking refined but relaxed French
When to visit: Golden hour for cocktails and dinner
What to order: Tartare + oysters, sea bream for two, buckwheat crêpe
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating out back on clear evenings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Irving and side streets can be tight after 6pm; no valet, but there’s a paid public lot two blocks east near 9th Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual; dark jeans or dresses work fine, but most diners lean polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate – music and low conversation hum, but you can still talk comfortably with your date.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open faster for couples.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; limited daytime hours so check ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward starters and pastas built around local produce.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 items can be modified upon request, but menu skews toward butter and cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff can adjust most mains; some desserts are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice – the lighting, pacing, and shareable dishes set a warm, unhurried tone that’s ideal for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive before 6pm; weekends are usually booked, but the small bar sometimes has open seats for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really – it’s intimate and wine-driven; best for adults or older teens used to longer meals.
Best For
Better for: Refined technique and romantic ambiance without downtown pretension – ideal for locals seeking high-end French close to home.
Skip if: You’re looking for a large-group spot, fast casual service, or heavy classic French dishes; it’s more elegant and ingredient-driven.
Caché
8.2
Modern French bistro offering polished weekend brunch—think buckwheat crêpes, a rotating plat du jour, and low-intervention wines. Calm service and a back patio make it a leisurely Inner Sunset choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buckwheat Crêpes, Plat du Jour, Seasonal Tart
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-led French brunch with seasonal technique-forward plates.
Who should go: Brunchers seeking elevated plates
When to visit: Arrive at opening to avoid waits
What to order: Buckwheat crêpes; plat du jour; seasonal tart
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio for a quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—moderately available on Irving and side streets before 10 am, tight after noon; no valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—think weekend date attire; jeans fine if paired with nice shoes or a button-down.
Noise level: Low to moderate—calm during early brunch, livelier indoors after 11 am but still conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: N/A—brunch-focused, but expect 20–40 minutes for peak weekend brunch without reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options like crêpes, tarts, and salads built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified upon request, but not a primary focus.
Gluten-free options: Partial—buckwheat crêpes are naturally gluten-free; kitchen takes care but not fully dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its softly lit interior, polished plating, and calm pacing make it one of the most romantic brunch choices in the neighborhood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weekdays or right at opening on weekends; walk-ins after 11 am often face a short wait for two-tops.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no kids’ menu or high chairs, though older children who enjoy French food will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Refined technique and wine pairings—ideal when you want a slower, more adult brunch experience.
Skip if: You’re seeking hearty American diner plates or large-group seating—nearby spots like Art’s Café or Mixto fit better.
Caché
8.2
Modern French bistro by chefs with Michelin pedigrees offering refined brunch plates and low-intervention wines. Polished service and a calm room make it a leisurely weekend choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buckwheat Crêpes (Brittany-style), Brunch Plat du Jour, Seasonal Tart
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef-led French brunch with seasonal technique-forward plates.
Who should go: Brunchers seeking elevated plates
When to visit: Weekend brunch opening hour to avoid waits
What to order: Buckwheat crêpes; plat du jour; seasonal tart
Insider tip: Ask about patio seating in back for a quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces along Irving and 9th fill quickly by 10 am, so aim for side streets between Lincoln and Judah for better luck.
Dress code: Smart casual — brunchers often arrive in neat weekend attire; jeans are fine if paired with a crisp shirt or jacket.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet background chatter with soft music; comfortable for date or conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — dinner service is limited or seasonal.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins seated quickly unless a large party.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several composed dishes feature eggs, vegetables, and French-style grains; staff can adapt others on request.
Vegan options: Limited — expect one or two small-plate options, though the kitchen is accommodating if notified in advance.
Gluten-free options: Partial — select mains and salads are safe, but pastries and crêpes contain gluten; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — Caché’s refined plating, relaxed pace, and softly lit room create a warm, understated atmosphere perfect for an intimate first brunch date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays, yes; weekends are busier, so walk-ins before 10 am have the best chance. Reservations strongly advised for peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the calm environment skews adult, but well-behaved kids are welcome. No high chairs or children’s menu provided.
Best For
Better for: Ideal when you want an upscale, chef-driven brunch with real technique and presentation, unlike the more casual nearby cafés.
Skip if: If you’re after hearty diner portions, budget plates, or quick turnover, choose Art’s Café or Devil’s Teeth instead.
Caché
8.6
Modern Inner Sunset bistro from chefs with Michelin pedigrees serving seafood-leaning French plates and natural-leaning wines. Locals book it for polished date nights and lively brunches where technique meets Bay Area produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skate grenobloise, Sea bream sashimi for two, Beef tartare with oysters
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Seafood-leaning French bistro led by chefs from La Grande Maison.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and date-night diners
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm
What to order: Skate grenobloise; sea bream sashimi; beef tartare + oysters
Insider tip: Request the back patio for a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue can be tight after 6pm; try side streets near Judah for better luck. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual with a chic edge—think dark jeans, dresses, or collared shirts; sneakers are fine if clean and minimal.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak dinner hours but still comfortable for conversation, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating occasionally available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically except during peak brunch weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed vegetable dishes and seasonal sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable plates; staff can often modify on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—multiple gluten-free options clearly marked, with staff accommodating substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Caché strikes the right balance between upscale and approachable. Candlelight, attentive service, and refined plates make it ideal for a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for early walk-ins before 6pm or late-night dining after 8:30pm. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu and atmosphere cater more to adults. Older teens may appreciate the food, but there are no children’s portions or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Caché excels at seafood-forward French cuisine with precision plating and a neighborhood warmth missing from downtown bistros.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for casual bistro classics like croque monsieur or steak frites under $25—the focus here is refined seasonal dining.