Caché

It is not easy to dominate the San Francisco restaurant scene from the Sunset, the perpetually foggy neighborhood on the city’s western edge, but Caché has managed just that. Weeks after opening, it became the talk of the town thanks to its creative French menu, cozy atmosphere, and strong pedigree. Chef Simon Mounier built a MICHELIN-starred career in France before betting on the small neighborhood bistro.

According to Mounier, Caché is a “modern California-inspired French bistro where I marry my Brittany roots with the incredible bounty of the Bay Area.” The cuisine is refined yet approachable, with standout dishes like a surf-and-turf beef and oyster tartare, briny and texturally rich, and a buckwheat and maple sprout tart that has already developed its own following. Other highlights include duck breast with quince and creamy polenta, and quinoa with green curry, an unexpected vegetable-forward dish that reflects local dining sensibilities.

The buckwheat tart is a testament to Mounier’s vision. “It takes a traditional Breton ingredient, buckwheat, and uses it in a sweet application, connecting my past with where I am now,” the chef says. As a result of this high-low approach, both fans of classic bistro fare and seasoned fine dining lovers will find the menu satisfying and worth returning to.

In addition to a busy dinner service, Caché offers lunch and brunch, with dishes like filled buckwheat crêpes and an octopus hot dog with mango curry mayo that has become a favorite on social media.

When asked about the challenges of operating in the Sunset, Mounier says he is leaning into the neighborhood’s tucked-away feel. “The name Caché means ‘hidden’ in French, and that’s exactly what we want guests to feel, like they’ve discovered something special and unexpected,” he says. “It’s a place where exceptional food doesn’t require formality, and you can enjoy technically excellent cuisine in a laid-back neighborhood setting.”