Le Colonial

415-931-3600

20 Cosmo Place San Francisco, CA 94109

www.lecolonialsf.com

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The California-style Vietnamese cuisine and opulent French-Colonial setting make this a popular downtown destination.

Categories:

Bars & Clubs, Lounges, Restaurants, Banquet Rooms, Vietnamese Restaurants

Details:

Romantic Dining

Insiders:

Lee L. Shannon H. Boris P. Tracy G. gus r.
886071p1
V-sfoca-00127803_id18142_guide_inclusion
Kid Friendly: yes 0 no 0
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Sun-Wed 5:30pm-10pm; Thu-Sat 5:30-11pm

Message from Le Colonial

Merchant_icon

The atmosphere at Le Colonial evokes the tropical elegance of Vietnam (a French colony at the time) in the 1920s. From the patchwork tile floors to the graceful palm trees and rattan and shuttered windows, Le Colonial feels as if it was transported here from 75 years ago and 10,000 miles away. In addition to the intimate main dining area, Le Colonial has an outdoor veranda offering sanctuary from the bustle of the city, plus the increasingly rare opportunity to enjoy an after dinner cigar. The upstairs bar and lounge provides a relaxed salon ambiance with its faded oriental rugs, decorative bamboo birdcages, low wood tables and comfortable couches. The lounge is appropriate for tea, cocktails, appetizers or casual dining. The Vietnamese cuisine served at Le Colonial draws on traditional recipes blended with the bounty of fresh meat, fish, and produce the Bay Area has to offer.

Editorial by

In Short
An immense dining room with natural wood paneling and slow ceiling fans evokes 1920s French-Colonial Vietnam. The large menu is an imaginative mix of traditional Vietnamese flavors and Western ingredients. Miniature crab cakes or lime juice-marinated beef tenderloin are popular starters. Entrees include grilled rack of lamb with a lime-pepper dipping sauce and the steamed sea bass seasoned with ginger and lemongrass.

Key Points

  • Check out our menu
  • Perfect for special events
  • What are people saying?

The Inside Scoop

  1. Parking - Be careful--the valet service here isn't a flat rate. Make sure to ask about the hourly charge.
  2. Where to Sit - During warmer weather, sit on the outdoor veranda, away from the rush inside.
  3. The Extras - An upstairs bar draws throngs of singles and serves an abridged late-night menu on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

Ratings_icons Love the Bar!

Kate

I feel like I'm sitting in Hemmingway's sun room when I am out on the patio bar upstairs! Lovely place to bring people from out of town or meet a friend for drinks.

Posted 07/11/02

Ratings_icons New & Exciting...

the_bickersons

We had heard via the food chain that Le Colonial brought in a new chef so we ventured in to test the waters. Had been to the restaurant several times this past holiday season and enjoyed ourselves. We were quite impressed with the new menu and the changes we noticed. Our server was quick to point out new items as he described them with enthusium and detail. The presentation was in style, the tastes were authentic and balanced. When we inquired as to the background of the chef we were pleasantly surprised to have the opportunity to meet her in person. This will certainly make our favorities list when we are dining out!

Posted 07/10/02

Ratings_icons Excellent for parties

Mathilde

Le Colonial makes it so easy to throw a big party. We had a large group and the restaurant provided us with prix fixe menus to choose from in advance. They also suggested wines to go with the menu items we chose for our group. The experience was incredibly stress-free and I am very grateful for that. The restaurant and food were just perfect. This is an excellent place for groups!

Posted 06/20/02

Ratings_icons Just So-So

Flipinsf01

I went to have dinner there last night because it was close to the Curran Theater where I was going to see Les Miz afterwards. The restaurant is very beautiful, the drinks were good, the service was great but the food is mediocre. Everything was greasy...I have had Vietnamese food before and I've always liked it because of its "non-greasiness". The spring rolls were greasy and so was the ribeye which was slathered with soy sauce (!). For the price ($148 for two appetizers, two entrees, a soda, two cocktails, a beer, one dessert and coffee), I feel like I could have had better food someplace else.

Pros: Ambiance, Great for Groups

Cons: Parking, Noise

Posted 06/13/02

Ratings_icons Plein Air, Superbe!

s_chandler

During the warm weather spell, my friend and I had a great dining experience on the patio area. The courtyard dining space here is truly relaxing. In this town it is not often that you can find outside dining that is not wind beaten. Our servce and food both made for a enjoyable time. I will definitely remember this for future summer evening dinners.

Pros: service, ambience, parking

Posted 06/13/02

Ratings_icons Wonderful!!!

Payton

This is one of my favorite restaurants in town. The service is 4 star, the food is incredible and the atmoshere is a lot of fun.

Pros: atmoshere, live music, food

Cons: pricey

Posted 06/12/02

Ratings_icons Great food Great fun

karen02

Wonderful atmosphere and perfect to meet and greet. The upstairs bar provides a casual spot for a light bite & drinks while the downstairs is wonderful for a fine dining experience.

Posted 06/12/02

Ratings_icons Great Fun

MarkeBieschke_Citysearch

I went here with a large group, and the staff and food were absolutely marvelous. Plus the atmosphere (which kind of reminded me of the 80's in terms of monied internationalists) was verrrry interesting. All in all a great experience.

Posted 05/20/02

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