Saint James French Diner

Name: Saint James French Diner
Address: 830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101-6307
Telephone: (323) 327-9702
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4 (328)

$31 to $50

French American

830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6307

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Great for happy hour

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday through Friday for Breakfast, Lunch, and Happy Hour, every day for Dinner, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French American
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(323) 327-9702
Website
https://saintjamesfrenchdiner.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
For catered events please contact us at BONJOUR@SAINTJAMESFRENCHDINER.COM 619.678.1007
Private party facilities
For private events please contact us at BONJOUR@SAINTJAMESFRENCHDINER.COM619.678.1007

Location
830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6307
Neighborhood
Downtown
Parking details
None
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

The Rooftop at Saint James French Diner!
Jul 5, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
Join us for drinks and the best views in the city! Our rooftop is open for the season from 3PM to 9PM, Wednesday through Sunday. For rooftop reservations, please check in with your friendly bartender at Saint James French Diner and you’ll be guided to our charming roof deck. Seating and menu options are limited. For our full menu and cocktail service, book a table or join us at the bar in Saint James French Diner. Our roof deck is accessed by a historic elevator and a flight of stairs, so please plan accordingly and watch your step along the way!
Bastille Day at Saint James French Diner!
Jul 14, 2025 only
Vive La France! Join us for a Bastille Day celebration! We’ll be offering complimentary St-Germain spritz and cocktail samples on the rooftop from 3-6pm, a classic French menu in the restaurant from 5pm to close, and plenty of celebratory décor and tote giveaways from Sézane. Join the merriment during Happy Hour or dinner! BYO beret.
Canje Dinner Takeover
Aug 19, 2025 only
Our friends from Canje (canjeatx.com) in Austin, TX, will be taking over the Diner for one night only! Enjoy a vibrant food and cocktail menu from Executive Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, inspired by Guyana and the Caribbean islands. Previously voted “Best New Restaurant 2022” by Bon Appétit, you won’t want to miss this special menu. Come one, come all – and definitely come hungry!

Offers

Daily Happy Hour!
Multiple dates available
Tue - Wed - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Daily from 3pm - 6pm. $4 Beers, $6 select wines by the glass $8 cocktails, and $10 burgers all night long! Served 3pm-6pm.
Society Brunch Club!
Multiple dates available
Sun - 10:00 AM - 2:45 PM,Sat - 10:00 AM - 2:45 PM
Join us for Society Brunch Club Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm. Make your brunch sparkle with Bottomless Mimosas or a Saint James Combo! Cheers to you, San Diego!
Tuesdays All Night Happy Hour!
Multiple dates available
Tue - 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Make Tuesday's your spot! $4 Beers, $6 select wines by the glass $8 cocktails, and $10 burgers all night long! Served 3pm-10pm.

Popular dishes

Breakfast Americain$19.00
two eggs any style, bacon, potatoes, avocado, toast
Cauliflower Hash$19.00
olive oil fried egg, oil cured olives, minted yogurt, caramelized onion, harissa
Omelette$16.00
comte, crème fraîche, fine herbs
Croque Madame$21.00
comte, jamon, mornay, crème fra che, fried egg
Moules Frites$28.00
saffron cream, spinach, fennel, pernod
Filet de Boeuf$37.00
green peppercorn, veal jus, parsley
Alaskan Cod en Papillote$34.00
fennel, carrot, leeks, tomato

Burgers

All burgers are half price during happy hour wednesday-sunday 3pm-6pm

Burger Parisienne$21.00
caramelized onion, american cheese, sauce bordelaise
Burger Americain$21.00
tomato, lettuce, red onion, special sauce
Roadside Double$21.00
swiss, carmelized onion, dijon mustard

Sides

Ratatouille$8.00
eggplant, tomato, zucchini
French Fries$6.00

Beverage

Cocktails

Bloody Mary$13.00
pearl vodka, tomato, horseradish, miso, chile, worcestershire
Espresso Martini$14.00
pearl vodka, espresso, mr. black cold brew liquor
Kir Royale$12.00
sparkling, crème di cassis
Bergamot Spritz$15.00
italicus bergamotto, strawberry, sparkling
Gin & Jaune$15.00
gin, pamplemousse, genepi, sparkling
Mimosa$12.00
sparkling, orange juice
The Shandy at Saint James$15.00
green chartreuse, pastis, The Lost Abbey Farmhouse Lager, lemon

Café Specials

Chocolate Hazelnut Cappuccino$10.00
espresso, chocolate hazelnut steamed milk
Cereal Milk Latte$10.00
espresso, house-made cereal milk
Honey Butter Latte$10.00
espresso, honey, salted butter
Cocorico$14.00
house-made cereal milk, vodka, coffee liqueur
Irish Coffee$14.00
coffee, irish whiskey, steamed milk

Drinks

Drip Coffee$4.00
Espresso$4.00
Americano$4.00
Cortado$5.00
Cappuccino$5.00
Latte$6.00
Matcha Latte$7.00
Cold Brew$6.00
Hot Tea$5.00
Orange Juice$8.00

Wine

Bubbles

Luca Bosio Vineyards, Extra Dry Prosecco
- Gl$12.00
- Bt$48.00
Gustave Lorentz Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rosé NV Champagne
- Gl$18.00
- Bt$72.00
Gaston Chiquet, 1er Cru Brut Tradition NV Champagne
- Bt$98.00
Taittinger la Francaise Brut Champagne NV
- Bt$140.00
Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label, France
- Bt$180.00

White

Domaine Mardon, Quincy Tres Vieilles Vignes, France
- Gl$18.00
- Bt$72.00
Pazo Cilleiro, Rias Baixas Albarino, Portugal
- Gl$14.00
- Bt$56.00
Royal Oyster, Muscadet Sevre et Maine
- Gl$15.00
- Bt$60.00
Domaine Camu Frères, Bourgogne Chardonnay
- Gl$17.00
- Bt$68.00
Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse Chardonnay France
- Bt$88.00
La Chappelle du Berry, Cuvee Prestige Sancerre, France
- Bt$84.00

Pink / Orange

Chateau Ferry Lacombe, Cotes de Provence, Evidence Rosé
- Gl$15.00
- Bt$60.00
Herdade de Sao Miguel, Orange Wine Alentejo, Portugal
- Gl$14.00
- Bt$56.00
Fabre en Provence, Cotes de Provence France Rosé
- Gl$12.00
- Bt$48.00
Gerard Bertrand, Orange Gold Organique, Languedoc, France
- Gl$18.00
- Bt$72.00

Red

Domaine la Remejeanne, Cotes du Rhone Monte Lune, France
- Gl$16.00
- Bt$64.00
Domaine Andre Brunel, Cuvee Sabrine Cotes du Rhone
- Gl$16.00
- Bt$64.00
Château Saint Julian, Bordeaux Superieur, France
- Gl$14.00
- Bt$56.00
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara
- Gl$17.00
- Bt$68.00
Auctioneer Cabernet, Napa Valley, California
- Gl$20.00
- Bt$80.00
Albert Bichot Bourgogne, Red Burgundy, France
- Bt$80.00
Chateau Loudenne, Medoc, Bordeaux, France
- Bt$84.00

Beer

The Lost Abbey, Blonde Ale, Local$7.00
The Lost Abbey, Farmhouse Lager, Local$8.00
Stone, Hazy IPA, Local$8.00
Bavik, Pilsner, Belgium$8.00

What 328 people are saying

Saint James French Diner reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.1Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Saint James French Diner offers a charming, Parisian-inspired ambiance with "outstanding food" and cocktails. The service is praised for being "friendly and attentive," though there are mentions of occasional delays. Highlights include the "best French onion soup" and "delicious burgers." Happy hour specials and rooftop views add to the appeal.

328 Reviews

L
Lacy
Austin2 reviews
1.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We were staying at the hotel. We arrived on time for our 4:45 reservation. We were seated immediately, but the waiter ignored us. We sat for 15 minutes without any attention - no water, no quick message to let us know he’d be with us shortly. He tended to every other table in the restaurant at least once and ignored us. We ended up getting up and leaving. In that timeframe, he also turned away two other parties at the door (who had reservations) because he said he was too busy. Abysmal service. Do not recommend.
Is this helpful?
A
Austin
San Diego1 review
2.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Rooftop had limited menu and even then they said they weren’t serving any food anyway. Service was poor and took us a long time to even speak to the one bartender
Is this helpful?
A
Armando
San Diego1 review
4.0
Dined on June 29, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It was like going back in time to a 1920’s cafe in Paris maybe? The staff was super friendly and courteous. We wanted to go to the rooftop bar but unfortunately that evening it was closed. Food was ok, ambience excellent, we enjoyed a very good evening. Will go there again but will make sure the rooftop bar is open!
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E
Evans
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 29, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Service and food were great (considering). Only two servers on staff and we were there for the pre show rush. Servers and support staff did great (Sat6/28), but made the environment a little frenetic. Cocktails were all pretty solid and were balanced on the drier side. The milk punch with pineapple and brandy was on the thinner side and lacked the viscosity/richness expected, but flavors were still good. We had a nice meal and made it to our show on time.
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle VIP
California Central Coast3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
McLain, our server, was slammed and still managed to make us feel well taken care of. The squash risotto was hands down the best risotto I’ve ever had. I decided to door dash it again tonight for dinner!
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R
Richard
San Diego3 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The St. James French Diner is a nice informal spot for good food and drinks. Their happy hour specials are nice. My wife and I shared the Parisienne Burger with a side of fries; we also had a red blend wine and a cremant that were both fine. At first, service was a little slow at 5:20 until more staff showed up.
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S
Stephania VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful time at St. James Rooftop with friends recently. The French-inspired dishes were delicious, and the city views made the evening feel extra special. Shoutout to Aaron behind the bar—his warm hospitality and great service really stood out. Everything from the ambiance to the overall vibe was top-notch. Would definitely recommend for a relaxed evening with great food and skyline views.
Is this helpful?
S
Stephania VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a wonderful time at St. James Rooftop with friends recently. The French-inspired dishes were delicious, and the city views made the evening feel extra special. Shoutout to Aaron behind the bar—his warm hospitality and great service really stood out. Everything from the ambiance to the overall vibe was top-notch. Would definitely recommend for a relaxed evening with great food and skyline views.
Is this helpful?
M
Martin
Asheville / Western North Carolina4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding restaurant in San Diego CA... friendly staff, excellent food and great service. The ambiance is awesome. We'll be back again soon
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k
kyrsten VIP
New York City19 reviews
1.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
There were no forks knives or napkins available. No one ever followed thru in the first instance of any request made and frankly the staff seemed both overwhelmed and/ short staffed and entirely apathetic. Only redeeming quality was the bartender who was moving constantly and not well supported
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FAQs

Saint James French Diner is rated 4.4 stars by 328 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Experiences are available.

830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6307

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://saintjamesfrenchdiner.com/
Phone number
(323) 327-9702
Catering
For catered events please contact us at BONJOUR@SAINTJAMESFRENCHDINER.COM 619.678.1007
Private party facilities
For private events please contact us at BONJOUR@SAINTJAMESFRENCHDINER.COM619.678.1007

Saint James French Diner

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

The Rooftop at Saint James French Diner!

Bastille Day at Saint James French Diner!

Canje Dinner Takeover

Daily Happy Hour!

Society Brunch Club!

Tuesdays All Night Happy Hour!

Burger Americain

Burger Parisienne

French Onion Soup

Bar Snacks

French Breakfast Radishes$9.00

Oysters & Links$26.00

Brûlée'd Grapefruit$11.00

Tapenade & Crostini$17.00

Burrata Crostini$17.00

Padron Peppers$16.00

Pain

Croissant$7.00

Avocado Toast$16.00

Pain Perdue$17.00

Steak Tartare Crostone$22.00

Salads

Butter Lettuces$15.00

Caesar$16.00

Niçoise$26.00

Radicchio$18.00

Entrées

Breakfast Americain$19.00

Cauliflower Hash$19.00

Omelette$16.00

Croque Madame$21.00

Moules Frites$28.00

Filet de Boeuf$37.00

Alaskan Cod en Papillote$34.00

Burgers

Burger Parisienne$21.00

Burger Americain$21.00

Roadside Double$21.00

Sides

Ratatouille$8.00

French Fries$6.00

Beverage

Cocktails

Bloody Mary$13.00

Espresso Martini$14.00

Kir Royale$12.00

Bergamot Spritz$15.00

Gin & Jaune$15.00

Mimosa$12.00

The Shandy at Saint James$15.00

Café Specials

Chocolate Hazelnut Cappuccino$10.00

Cereal Milk Latte$10.00

Honey Butter Latte$10.00

Cocorico$14.00

Irish Coffee$14.00

Drinks

Drip Coffee$4.00

Espresso$4.00

Americano$4.00

Cortado$5.00

Cappuccino$5.00

Latte$6.00

Matcha Latte$7.00

Cold Brew$6.00

Hot Tea$5.00

Orange Juice$8.00

Wine

Bubbles

Luca Bosio Vineyards, Extra Dry Prosecco

Gustave Lorentz Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rosé NV Champagne

Gaston Chiquet, 1er Cru Brut Tradition NV Champagne

Taittinger la Francaise Brut Champagne NV

Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label, France

White