Amazing new French restaurant in Hillcrest!
Our party of 4 made a reservation for 7:00pm on a Friday during their soft opening and we had a great time! Please note that since we dined here during their soft opening, I can’t comment on how the prices and menu are now
Parking/Environment: As with any other Hillcrest establishments, be prepared to circle around for street parking. There were 2 circle tables out on the patio. The inside felt very cozy and romantic. About 5 chairs at the bar, a circle table that can fit 6, a couple of tables for 2. We were seated along the wall at a big table. There were 2 tables side to side and each could have fit 6-8. Where we were seated, we could see the chefs in the kitchen preparing the food which was cool to see.
Service: Awesome service and hospitality by Shan, who happens to also be the general manager! He made our experience fun and explained the menu well. Our food came out fairly fast.
Food: We opted for the 3-Course menu ($75) with wine pairing ($30). They gave some generous wine pours for each course and we left feeling good after dinner haha.
Off menu items: -ESCARGOT and DUCK PATE for appetizers were delicious! Escargot came with 6 pieces and were delicious. Duck Pate was served with 4 pieces of bread and this honey mustard sauce that all tasted delicious together. -DUCK CONFIT: served with carrots and mashed potatoes. Crispy skin and great taste.
From the regular menu: -FRENCH ONION SOUP: generous serving for appetizers! It was so delicious but I couldn’t finish it since I wanted to make room for the main course. Served with 2 slices of bread on top and amazing cheese pull. -BEEF BOURGUIGNON: there’s a reason why this is one of their signatures. The beef was so tender and it was delicious— would get this again. -CRÈME BRÛLÉE: served generously on an oval dish. Would get this again too! -For dessert, they had an option for “chef’s surprise.” One of us in the party ordered it but I honestly don’t remember tasting it.
Overall: Our party really enjoyed this restaurant with its amazing food and great service. Make sure to ask for off menu items and make a reservation! Will...
Read moreFrenchy’s Hideout should absolutely be your next must visit romantic date night spot. The food was divine and the owners, Paola and Michael, were just so warm, attentive, and passionate! The duck breast was cooked perfectly - crispy skin on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside. The ratatouille will knock your socks off - I have never in all my life had a ratatouille this good (it’s Michael’s mother’s recipe!)
Other stand outs were the elegant yet complex crudo, the flambé’d tableside crème brûlée and the ab-so-lutely perfect french onion soup. Really I have eaten at so many French spots around California and in my opinion this beats them all out, including notable Michelin restaurants.
Did I mention the drinks? My foodie girlfriend commented that she hasn’t had a Sangria so tasty since her time in Europe. The wine pairing was certainly an adventure with each wine masterfully paired to each dish. The Margarita was also oh so excellent!
Frenchy’s Hideout is such a lovely new addition to Hillcrest; we can’t wait to go back and try everything else on the menu! The prix fixe is a great deal and you certainly get your money’s worth. They’re already getting busy soon after opening, so make sure to jump on the opportunity to try it before it becomes hard to get a...
Read moreWe had an absolutely wonderful dining experience from start to finish. We began with the escargot, which was perfectly prepared—rich with garlic and butter, and just the right texture. The house-made herbed butter and baguette were heavenly—the bread had the ideal crunch on the outside with a warm, soft interior, and the butter was so flavorful it was downright addictive. For the main course, I had the steak frites, which was cooked to perfection. It was topped with truffle, mushrooms, and a beautifully balanced sauce that brought everything together. My husband ordered the beef bourguignon, and it was equally impressive—the beef was incredibly tender, and the mashed potatoes, vegetables, and pearl onions complemented it perfectly. We sipped on Kir Royales, which were light, bubbly, and delicious. To end the meal, we indulged in the tableside crème brûlée—an absolute treat and a fantastic finish. Beyond the amazing food, the service truly stood out. The staff was warm, welcoming, and attentive throughout. The ambiance was comfortable and inviting, making the entire evening feel special. We’ll definitely be...
Read more