Bon Délire is a sexy French bistro on Pier 3 that’s a bright spot among the tourist minefield that is the Embarcadero. Scooch in at the U-shaped bar next to aspiring DJs admiring the vinyl booth in the back, order a martini, and ready yourself for a lot of butter. 

The small plates are the best, like croquettes topped with airy folds of speck and the fist-sized croque monsieur. But some entrees are worth your time, especially the steak frites in a velvety sauce au poivre. Skip the seared scallop—it comes with beurre blanc and caviar, but at $23 for a single mollusk, you’re better off spending your money on three warm, crusty baguette baskets instead.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

photo credit: Melissa Zink

And if you’d rather hide out here while the tourists and morning joggers clog the sidewalk, there’s also Sunday brunch, when omelettes and caramelized pain perdu rule the menu. Join the mix of visitors and Waymo super-users from nearby high-rises for the daytime dishes, which are just as solid and butter-laden as the dinner selection. Bon Délire is a great pick for a quick meal—your food materializes all at once within minutes of ordering. If you’re in the area with visiting relatives or need a fast, scenier-than-usual meal by the water, this spot has you covered. 

photo credit: Hardy Wilson

photo credit: Melissa Zink

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Food Rundown

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Petit Croque-Monsieur

An adorable appetizer that you’ll want all to yourself. Go ahead, order another round for the table.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Chicken And Speck Croquettes

These are cheesy, fried, and topped with ham. You’ll like it.

photo credit: Julia Chen

Seared Scallop

Skip this. The one scallop isn’t conducive for sharing, and there are other equally decadent and more filling dishes.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Steak Frites With Sauce Poivre

A French restaurant is only as good as its steak frites, and this is an excellent version. The fries are on the thicker side, and should be used to sop up all of the leftover peppery sauce.

photo credit: Julia Chen

Pain Perdu

This melty square of french toast comes with a chalice of chantilly crème on the side, which you’ll want to inhale like a Roomba.

Quiche Lorraine

A pleasant, straightforward brunch entree for anyone with egg blinders on. The crust is sturdy and flaky, and it comes with a side salad (for balance).