BARAKA—French cuisine with such Mediterranean touches such as a pomegranate glaze on the grilled salmon and chickpeas with the seared ahi tuna. $$. Serves lunch by request for large parties, dinner nightly. 288 Connecticut St. 563-8841 Map 2, K6

CAFÉ BASTILLE—A French bistro serving such classics as mussels frites and boudin noir. $$. Serves lunch and dinner M–Sa. 22 Belden Pl., off Bush St. between Montgomery and Kearny streets. 986-5673 Map 1, D5

CAFÉ CLAUDE—Bistro-style dining with a Parisian feel. The menu includes paninis and croques for lunch. Dinner specialties include steak tartare with Kobe–style beef. $$. Serves lunch M–Sa, dinner nightly; with live jazz Th–Sa. 7 Claude Lane, off Bush St. between Kearny and Grant streets. 392-3505 Map 1, D5

LE CHARM FRENCH BISTRO—You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the French countryside at this South of Market bistro, blocks away from Moscone Convention Center. $$. Serves lunch M–F, dinner nightly. 315 Fifth St. near Folsom St. 546-6128 Map 1, D7

CHEZ PAPA—A rustic Potrero Hill setting for southern French cuisine, served in small-plate and entrée-sized portions. $$–$$$. Serves lunch M–Sa, dinner nightly. 1401 18th St. 255-0387 Map 2, K6

THE DINING ROOM AT THE RITZ-CARLTON—A stately setting for the culinary artistry of chef Ron Siegel, who combines classical European cooking techniques with Asian touches. $$$. Serves dinner Tu–Sa. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 600 Stockton St. 296-7465 Map 1, D4

L’OLIVIER—Rustic Provençal decor sets the tone for such bistro favorites as braised lamb shank, provini calf sweetbread and steak frites. $$–$$$. Serves lunch M–F, dinner M–Sa. 465 Davis St. 981-7824 Map 1, E4

LA SUITE—Renowned chef Bruno Chemel transforms brasserie cuisine into culinary art. $$–$$$. Serves lunch and dinner daily, brunch Su, with patio seating and bay views. 100 Brannan St. 593-9000 Map 1, G6