Cafe Jaqueline

This very French bistro is as good as it gets. The soufflés are perfect. Not close. Not almost. Perfect. We’ve had many, and Jaqueline’s rival or exceed the best of the best. I was almost tempted to say hers as good as it gets without flying to Paris. But that isn’t quite true. We’ve had many there and can say without equivocation that there are many chefs in France who could take lessons. The staff are all experienced professionals who have been there for years. If you go, expect a long, relaxed evening. She’s only one little French chef back there doing it all. Order more wine and enjoy a rarity. A wonderful old world dining experience of delicious, exquisite food that isn’t rushed, in a charming bistro that is as authentic as any you’ll find in France, served by a seasoned professional staff. The star rating here only goes to five. Pity. Cafe Jacqueline is well above and beyond that.

Cannot overstate how amazing this place. A genuine authentic experience with souffles that are seriously incredible. Be prepared for a long wait - all souffles are made fresh - typically about 45 minutes from order to being served. The french onion soup and chocolate souffle are also musts in my opinion.

Absolutely delicious. Fair warning you will need to have time to spend as a meal will probably take a couple of hours. The onion soup was amazing. We really enjoyed both savory and dessert souffle but if you were to choose one I would go with dessert.

Definitely a great date night spot! Has the old world charm. Give yourself 3.5 hours to have a quality meal. Great service and delicious food. Reservations are a must - just call and leave a voicemail. They will return your call a few days later.

My goodness. Jacqueline is not only the chef/owner, but she takes reservations, will set the tables, greets you, and is such an interesting woman! Her kitchen is pristine with her tools within arm's distance and a lovely enormous bowl filled with the main ingredient: eggs. A visit to Jacqueline's is quite the experience. It is a slow process which leaves so much time for you to connect with the person or people you have chosen to share this experience with. Every single bite of each souffle you will have will be followed by primal exclamations of "Mmmmmmmm" Only sounds can describe how delicious her food is. Enjoy!

The sight of Jacqueline smiling in her kitchen eclipses even the souffles, which are simply masterpieces. Even the bowl of eggs in the kitchen is a work of art to be seen. So even if you don't need to use the loo, be sure to visit it anyway if only for the trip through the kitchen. And go, now, while you can. Jacqueline is in her 80s. She is an inspiration!

Amazing as always. Jacqueline is a master at her craft of souffle making. Allow at least three hours (or more) to ensure you have plenty of time to dine.

I love love love this restaurant because Jacqueline is one of the most amazing women on the planet. Yes, the reservation situation can be tough but just keep calling every now and then and go!!!

Jacqueline is back open and phenomenal as ever! As always call and leave a message for a reservation. The souffle is still amazing here (Steve Jobs named this as one of his favorite restaurants in SF)

Cafe Jacqueline is an SF institution. The souffles are delicious, both savory and sweet. Go prepared for a very leisurely meal. If you expect to have food in front of you soon after you sit down, you'll be disappointed.

This is one of the best restaurants in San Francisco. If you like places that do one thing and do it well, this is one of those places. You come here for souffle, and you will like it. The ambience is wonderful, and the location is hard to beat, so you can easily continue your evening at Churchkey or Tupelo after your meal here. Back in the day, I saw Steve Jobs eating here. I recommend coming in a group of 4 people. Two souffles are too much for two people, but 3 souffles (2 savory and 1 sweet) is perfect for 4 people. Take my word for it.

Wow, I was invited here by a friend and it could not have been better. It is quaint, sophisticated and the food is unbelievable!! We all shared the dishes but my favorites were the Salmon & Spinach entree and the White Chocolate for dessert. Highly recommended

THE most romantic restaurant in San Francisco. I felt so honored to see Chef Jaqueline arranging flowers for her restaurant before opening. This was a few years ago and she looked radiant in her golden years. The soufflés were absolutely delicious. The carrot soup with the perfectly simmered beef broth was envied by my friend Richard. This is one restaurant we will talk about for years to come. You must add this to your bucket list for dining in San Francisco.

Was it worth a few months for this reservation? I hate to admit it, but yes. Even after you’re seated, get ready to wait an hour for your soufflés to come out. But when they do, you’ll be in heaven. The soufflés were warm, light, fluffy and rich. We tried the salmon & asparagus, mushroom, and chocolate soufflés. All of them were perfectly done and delicious.

We loved it. Came here for our 17th and it was lovely. It's a cozy little place, and the souffles are excellent. Take your time to actually enjoy it, don't just stuff it down. Don't forget that the garnish is often part of the taste too. The fruits de mer had very thin lemon on top, and a little lemon with the souffle added some wonderful mixture of taste. The grande marnier was also wonderful, smooth and rich. The coffee was great, and the staff was very knowledgeable, wonderful, and friendly. We'll be back when we're back in town, 100%. My advice is to slow down, enjoy the whole experience. Don't eat like you're expecting to get somewhere else after. You won't. But it's worth it. If you're not able to slow down, then pick another place and come back to this one when you do have the time. It's not cheap, and rushing through will just waste your time and money. But if you *can* slow down and take your time, that time and money is well spent indeed. Call them for reservations and leave a message. They actually do call back!

Delicious soufflés. We tried the shiitake garlic basil for the entree and the chocolate one for dessert. Didn’t order any appetizers which worked out since we could barely finish the meal, though we did have some of the baguette they brought out before the meal. It’s a joy to watch the chef work in the kitchen! This cafe is a San Francisco landmark so make a reservation and go there to enjoy a 3-hr long relaxed meal.

Wonderful food, wonderful service and it was a highlight to see Jaqueline working in the kitchen. Do be ready for the leisurely pace, expect 3 hours if you order soup, entree and dessert.

Came here for dinner. It's a tiny place and everything is made to order. We made reservations ahead. We had soup of the day which was light but delicious. Ordered mushroom souffle which was light but so fluffy n flavorful. We practically inhaled it. For dessert we ordered chocolate souffle. So masterful, mouth watering. Worth the wait. Also amazing wine selection. U will need it while u wait for food.

Perfect place for a birthday dinner! The soufflés were unbelievable - every bite better than the next. We went with the White Corn, Ginger and Garlic for entree (our first choice Prosciutto and Mushroom was out) and it was a delicious combination of three great flavors without overpowering each other. Finished with the classic Chocolate soufflé (came out with a birthday candle) which was like eating a chocolate cloud of heaven! After the meal we went back and thanked Jacqueline in person - she's in the kitchen making each soufflé by hand! What a wonderful place and dining experience.

One word: Exquisite. Both savory and dessert soufflés were absolutely delicious! We ordered the shiitake, basil, and garlic soufflé to share, plus the chocolate soufflé for dessert. Each were perfect! Make sure you call ahead for reservations and be prepared to enjoy!

Step back in time and into 1950s France. Recipes are from THE Jacqueline's school days in the south of France. The souffles are perfectly seasoned and beautiful browned domes of flavor. We had Fruits de Mer, Mushroom, and Corn Ginger Garlic. The last tasted like San Francisco, the first tasted like Fisherman's Wharf before it was crowded with tourists. Mushroom is the woods of Golden Gate. We are already talking about going back.

Small and cozy eatery, souffles are lovingly made fresh each time. Do get a reservation ahead of time and be prepared for a longer dinner.

Nabila Kabir

Was it worth a few months for this reservation? I hate to admit it, but yes. Even after you’re seated, get ready to wait an hour for your soufflés to come out. But when they do, you’ll be in heaven. The soufflés were warm, light, fluffy and rich. We tried the salmon & asparagus, mushroom, and chocolate soufflés. All of them were perfectly done and delicious.

Justin Mitchell

We loved it. Came here for our 17th and it was lovely. It's a cozy little place, and the souffles are excellent. Take your time to actually enjoy it, don't just stuff it down. Don't forget that the garnish is often part of the taste too. The fruits de mer had very thin lemon on top, and a little lemon with the souffle added some wonderful mixture of taste. The grande marnier was also wonderful, smooth and rich. The coffee was great, and the staff was very knowledgeable, wonderful, and friendly. We'll be back when we're back in town, 100%. My advice is to slow down, enjoy the whole experience. Don't eat like you're expecting to get somewhere else after. You won't. But it's worth it. If you're not able to slow down, then pick another place and come back to this one when you do have the time. It's not cheap, and rushing through will just waste your time and money. But if you *can* slow down and take your time, that time and money is well spent indeed. Call them for reservations and leave a message. They actually do call back!

Shailvi Wakhlu

Delicious soufflés. We tried the shiitake garlic basil for the entree and the chocolate one for dessert. Didn’t order any appetizers which worked out since we could barely finish the meal, though we did have some of the baguette they brought out before the meal. It’s a joy to watch the chef work in the kitchen! This cafe is a San Francisco landmark so make a reservation and go there to enjoy a 3-hr long relaxed meal.

Jeff Everett

Wonderful food, wonderful service and it was a highlight to see Jaqueline working in the kitchen. Do be ready for the leisurely pace, expect 3 hours if you order soup, entree and dessert.

Pavithra l

Came here for dinner. It's a tiny place and everything is made to order. We made reservations ahead. We had soup of the day which was light but delicious. Ordered mushroom souffle which was light but so fluffy n flavorful. We practically inhaled it. For dessert we ordered chocolate souffle. So masterful, mouth watering. Worth the wait. Also amazing wine selection. U will need it while u wait for food.

Katie R

Perfect place for a birthday dinner! The soufflés were unbelievable - every bite better than the next. We went with the White Corn, Ginger and Garlic for entree (our first choice Prosciutto and Mushroom was out) and it was a delicious combination of three great flavors without overpowering each other. Finished with the classic Chocolate soufflé (came out with a birthday candle) which was like eating a chocolate cloud of heaven! After the meal we went back and thanked Jacqueline in person - she's in the kitchen making each soufflé by hand! What a wonderful place and dining experience.

Mario Palacios

One word: Exquisite. Both savory and dessert soufflés were absolutely delicious! We ordered the shiitake, basil, and garlic soufflé to share, plus the chocolate soufflé for dessert. Each were perfect! Make sure you call ahead for reservations and be prepared to enjoy!

L J Hughes

Step back in time and into 1950s France. Recipes are from THE Jacqueline's school days in the south of France. The souffles are perfectly seasoned and beautiful browned domes of flavor. We had Fruits de Mer, Mushroom, and Corn Ginger Garlic. The last tasted like San Francisco, the first tasted like Fisherman's Wharf before it was crowded with tourists. Mushroom is the woods of Golden Gate. We are already talking about going back.

Kokwai Teng

Small and cozy eatery, souffles are lovingly made fresh each time. Do get a reservation ahead of time and be prepared for a longer dinner.

Mark E. Sackett

Spectacular, rare, legendary! Jacqueline is a master of her craft and her Soufflés unparalleled

The last time I visit Cafe Jacqueline was 10 years ago. I am really glad they are still here. Being a pastry cook, I can assure Cafe Jacqueline have the best dessert souffle in the bay area. The best. You can never go wrong with it. But note, because they only have a very small kitchen and very limited staff, be aware your need to wait a very long time for the souffle to come to your table. What I mean is you probably need to wait 40-60 minutes for the souffle arrive at your table after ordering. But it is definitely worth the wait. After dinner you can always go to the tower couple blocks away to enjoy the beautiful nightscape. Just go. You would love this place.

Finally I made a place that my friends were saying that it’s so amazing and great and it’s really hard to get in at least you need a two months in advance to make a reservation somehow I got in by just walking in politely asking if they could accommodate me voilà and I had a great experience and got to met the owner Jacqueline she was awesome still rocking and I believe my server name was Matt apologies in advance if it’s incorrect name either way it was server with mustache. Thank you for a great meal And I really appreciate it.

If you enjoy souffles, this restaurant should be on your bucket list! It's amazing that Jacqueline is still making every dinner and dessert from scratch, herself! Everything we have tried both times we ate at Jacqueline was top quality and delicious. From the vegetarian French Onion soup, to the salads, wine, champagne, and of course, souffles!

Cafe Jacqueline is a treat. From the cozy 9 table dining room, to the fantastic service, to the decadent souffles that Jacqueline sends out of the open kitchen, you will enjoy every minute here. Do not dine here if you're in a rush. Sit down, relax, and allow the food, the wine, and the ambiance wrap you in a blanket of comfort. We sat down at 6:15 and walked out of there with full (but not too full) tummies at 8:45. The onion soup is a must order. The endive salad was one of our favorite items, too! Matt will take the best care of you making decisions for you when appropriate and needed such as wine pairings. We will be back.

Kurd TheBrave

Finally I made a place that my friends were saying that it’s so amazing and great and it’s really hard to get in at least you need a two months in advance to make a reservation somehow I got in by just walking in politely asking if they could accommodate me voilà and I had a great experience and got to met the owner Jacqueline she was awesome still rocking and I believe my server name was Matt apologies in advance if it’s incorrect name either way it was server with mustache. Thank you for a great meal And I really appreciate it.

WRL

If you enjoy souffles, this restaurant should be on your bucket list! It's amazing that Jacqueline is still making every dinner and dessert from scratch, herself! Everything we have tried both times we ate at Jacqueline was top quality and delicious. From the vegetarian French Onion soup, to the salads, wine, champagne, and of course, souffles!

Cherie Brown

Cafe Jacqueline is a treat. From the cozy 9 table dining room, to the fantastic service, to the decadent souffles that Jacqueline sends out of the open kitchen, you will enjoy every minute here. Do not dine here if you're in a rush. Sit down, relax, and allow the food, the wine, and the ambiance wrap you in a blanket of comfort. We sat down at 6:15 and walked out of there with full (but not too full) tummies at 8:45. The onion soup is a must order. The endive salad was one of our favorite items, too! Matt will take the best care of you making decisions for you when appropriate and needed such as wine pairings. We will be back.

Cafe Jacqueline has it all. A warm and cozy French restaurant vibe featuring a lineup of Soufflés for two. Service comes with the typical character and requisite of patience while the magic is happening in the back by Jacqueline herself. Sneak through the kitchen to use the restroom in the back and you'll be able to witness her in her element. This place is an experience, certainly warranting a visit in a special occasion or a desire to try the most authentic of soufflés in SF.

Great food but be prepared that it will be a 3-hour long dinner. I almost lost my patience waiting for one dish per 1.5 hr. But once you see the grandma chef focusing in the kitchen, you hold back on your temper.

Warm, gracious service in a charming and romantic atmosphere. Simple, elegant menu and classic, delicious savory and dessert souffles unmatched anywhere in The City. Best dining experience in memory.

Soufflés. Yes, you go here for soufflés. It’s my first time trying out these soufflés or any soufflés for that matter. I tried white corn, garlic and ginger soufflés for entree and chocolate soufflé for dessert. They were soft, light, rich and airy. Staying true to my palate, I felt they lacked a strong punch for me - may be that’s how soufflés are. Subtle and light but very expensive. But the lady who makes these soufflés almost all by herself is about 85 years old. You can see her baking in the restaurant’s kitchen if you’re using the loo. I just found that inspirational! And a thing to keep in mind is that it’s going to take a lot of time for your order. So make sure you plan this dinner for about 3 - 3.5 hours. You’ll like the feel of the cafe. It’s tiny but an intimate and romantic setting. It worked out for me because I chose this for my first anniversary. If you’re a soufflé lover this might be the place for you. But anyone who likes solid and spicy food might not like it as much. Nonetheless it was a nice experience.

Amazing food. Great service. The only negative point is the time you have to wait for your food. Don't plan anything afterwards, first you will miss it because of the time you'll spend there but second you will be so full you won't be able to move anymore. Overall we had a great experience. Oh and the waiter is really good at advising wines ! We had great time. Thank you Jacqueline !

Yogesh Naren Bundey

Soufflés. Yes, you go here for soufflés. It’s my first time trying out these soufflés or any soufflés for that matter. I tried white corn, garlic and ginger soufflés for entree and chocolate soufflé for dessert. They were soft, light, rich and airy. Staying true to my palate, I felt they lacked a strong punch for me - may be that’s how soufflés are. Subtle and light but very expensive. But the lady who makes these soufflés almost all by herself is about 85 years old. You can see her baking in the restaurant’s kitchen if you’re using the loo. I just found that inspirational! And a thing to keep in mind is that it’s going to take a lot of time for your order. So make sure you plan this dinner for about 3 - 3.5 hours. You’ll like the feel of the cafe. It’s tiny but an intimate and romantic setting. It worked out for me because I chose this for my first anniversary. If you’re a soufflé lover this might be the place for you. But anyone who likes solid and spicy food might not like it as much. Nonetheless it was a nice experience.

Leo Benkel

Amazing food. Great service. The only negative point is the time you have to wait for your food. Don't plan anything afterwards, first you will miss it because of the time you'll spend there but second you will be so full you won't be able to move anymore. Overall we had a great experience. Oh and the waiter is really good at advising wines ! We had great time. Thank you Jacqueline !

Staff take pleasure in watching you squirm and making you walk on eggshells. They are pridefully dismissive of patrons and all social etiquette.

David Hudson

Staff take pleasure in watching you squirm and making you walk on eggshells. They are pridefully dismissive of patrons and all social etiquette.

When you walk in you are overpowered by the aroma of eggs. I ordered two soufflés. When they were delicately placed in n the table they were lovely Light and fluffy After a few minutes, the top collapsed into a thick mixture of yellow eggs If you are expecting a light fluffy soufflé you will, as I was, be disappointed. If you like thick egg mixtures, this is the place for you, specially if you’re hungry

I had read the reviews prior to visiting this place myself and couldn't understand why people would write bad reviews about such an iconic place. Then I visited myself this week and honestly, didn't like it much. The base of Grand Marnier Souffle was like moist scrambled eggs. If this is how souffle should be then I may not have the palate for it. But I have eaten at other places and it was a bit more airy and less moist. Also, the pricing is another point I don't agree with. Eating a single souffle shouldn'tcost 50-70$. Not going back for sure, unless someone else pays, or I win a lottery someday and 70$ is nothing for me.

Been here several times and I have had some good dinners here mostly because it felt romantic. There is something special about this place which is mostly atmosphere. Soufflé with champagne is pretty good experience at this place. But the taste of soufflé itself isn’t as exquisite as it used to be (novelty and scarcity used to enhance the experience) and atmosphere is no longer doing it for me after several rude staff who seems to take pleasure out of putting customers walk on eggshell. I’m no longer overlooking cons of this place because I’m determined to have a good time spending $$$$ premium for marginally better French desserts. You may find yourself in a same situation and that’s good way to handle the rude service but you may think again before you decide to come back here.

JY H

Been here several times and I have had some good dinners here mostly because it felt romantic. There is something special about this place which is mostly atmosphere. Soufflé with champagne is pretty good experience at this place. But the taste of soufflé itself isn’t as exquisite as it used to be (novelty and scarcity used to enhance the experience) and atmosphere is no longer doing it for me after several rude staff who seems to take pleasure out of putting customers walk on eggshell. I’m no longer overlooking cons of this place because I’m determined to have a good time spending $$$$ premium for marginally better French desserts. You may find yourself in a same situation and that’s good way to handle the rude service but you may think again before you decide to come back here.

Restaurant was empty but no walk in. They won't take reservations except call them and leave date and time you wish for a call back. WYF. Stone age non transparent reservation system. Good luck for a two months of not promising call back reservation.

Awful. Slow. Pretentious. For what? A dish that tastes like a quiche. Aw French cooking is always so complicated even though new methods have emerged. They literally cook one souffle at a time. The sell you on wine and apps while you wait. A moneymaking restaurant for sure. 2hours for our souffle to arrive. Booooo

Have been here once. The food is fun and tasty but the history of the place is what made it special. The place has a bit of an air about it which is fine and makes the atmosphere feel very old San Francisco. Again the food is fine… but the history is what we really enjoyed about it. The service was one step above mediocre. My friends and I wanted to come back for a special time together and after two weeks of trying to make a reservation via phone on 5 separate occasions (because guess what, no online capability, come on folks it’s 2025) I decided to drive from Marin county over to make an in person reservation. I showed up about 15 minutes after they opened. I literally drove 40 minutes and found parking to make a reservation here. Not kidding. The wait person (who’s been here years I believe) looked like he was helping a table but I don’t mind waiting. Wasn’t in a hurry at all. But he stopped what he was doing and came over with a grouchy look like I had interrupted and said can I help you and I said yes I just need to make a reservation. He said call and leave a message. I said I did that, 5 times in the past two weeks. I drove over from Marin specially to make this reservation. He literally held his hand up about 18 inches in front of my face and said pretty rudely “I can’t help you with that” and walked away. Wow. Must be a great business they have going if they can not return phone calls for 2 weeks and then treat a customer like that Let’s see. We live in the Bay Area folks. It’s a food town. So many great options. Don’t eat here. Take your dollars elsewhere. We’ve decided to take our dollars over to Chez Panisse.

tried to make reservation via phone, no luck, no messages available for you to make reservation. I came there to make reservation in person, and the waiter was like I was bothering him and asked me to call instead. I said I called and maybe could you write the number? he was very annoyed by this request but tried to write down the phone number, exactly the same as I called. I wonder if he has time to write down the number, why just don't take down my time request? It will literally take the same amount of time. The waiter gave me such a bad attitude as if I am outsider and bothering him. While the whole restaurant only has 3 tables seated and rest is very empty. No wonder if they don't have any business if this is their attitude.

I do not know what the hype is about. Obviously I am missing the point.. onion soup was tasteless.. the grand mariner soufflé was excellent. The only dish worth mentioning. We came here to celebrate our anniversary and it was extremely disappointing when the waiter said “Let’s put a point on it” I was a little confound. It was 8:53pm and we were asked to leave.. apparently the close whenever the feel like without a courtesy announcement…definitely not going back and unfortunately would not recommend.. so many great restaurants to choose from. Do not bother with this one..

Ye Wang

tried to make reservation via phone, no luck, no messages available for you to make reservation. I came there to make reservation in person, and the waiter was like I was bothering him and asked me to call instead. I said I called and maybe could you write the number? he was very annoyed by this request but tried to write down the phone number, exactly the same as I called. I wonder if he has time to write down the number, why just don't take down my time request? It will literally take the same amount of time. The waiter gave me such a bad attitude as if I am outsider and bothering him. While the whole restaurant only has 3 tables seated and rest is very empty. No wonder if they don't have any business if this is their attitude.

Tracy Cockerham

Have been here once. The food is fun and tasty but the history of the place is what made it special. The place has a bit of an air about it which is fine and makes the atmosphere feel very old San Francisco. Again the food is fine… but the history is what we really enjoyed about it. The service was one step above mediocre. My friends and I wanted to come back for a special time together and after two weeks of trying to make a reservation via phone on 5 separate occasions (because guess what, no online capability, come on folks it’s 2025) I decided to drive from Marin county over to make an in person reservation. I showed up about 15 minutes after they opened. I literally drove 40 minutes and found parking to make a reservation here. Not kidding. The wait person (who’s been here years I believe) looked like he was helping a table but I don’t mind waiting. Wasn’t in a hurry at all. But he stopped what he was doing and came over with a grouchy look like I had interrupted and said can I help you and I said yes I just need to make a reservation. He said call and leave a message. I said I did that, 5 times in the past two weeks. I drove over from Marin specially to make this reservation. He literally held his hand up about 18 inches in front of my face and said pretty rudely “I can’t help you with that” and walked away. Wow. Must be a great business they have going if they can not return phone calls for 2 weeks and then treat a customer like that Let’s see. We live in the Bay Area folks. It’s a food town. So many great options. Don’t eat here. Take your dollars elsewhere. We’ve decided to take our dollars over to Chez Panisse.

Yoly Sardinas

I do not know what the hype is about. Obviously I am missing the point.. onion soup was tasteless.. the grand mariner soufflé was excellent. The only dish worth mentioning. We came here to celebrate our anniversary and it was extremely disappointing when the waiter said “Let’s put a point on it” I was a little confound. It was 8:53pm and we were asked to leave.. apparently the close whenever the feel like without a courtesy announcement…definitely not going back and unfortunately would not recommend.. so many great restaurants to choose from. Do not bother with this one..