Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Downtown
Saint James French Diner, San Diego, CA

Saint James French Diner

4.5
4.5
48 Reviews
$31 to $50
French American
This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open daily for Barista Service and Wednesday to Sunday for Dinner & Happy Hours. 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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (323) 327-9702
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

Experiences

  • Weekend Brunch

    Multiple dates available
    From Mimosas & Crunchy French Toast to Espresso Martinis and Croque Madames… we’ve got all your favorite brunch items, but trés français!
    Weekend Brunch Photo
  • New Years Eve at Saint James French Diner

    $85.00 per person

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Start your New Year’s Eve festivities with a charming French-inspired prix fixe dinner before hitting the town! We’re serving three delicious courses for $85 per person, plus a $40 optional wine pairing. Party favors, amuse bouche, and welcome bubbles for toasting are included. Every couple will also receive a bottle of “Champagne Pop” to take home, compliments of Champagne Pommery. Entrée (choice of) Raw Oysters Lobster Bisque Green Bean Salad Principal (choice of) Tenderloin Medallion of Beef Filet of Branzino Truffle Mushroom Mille Feuille Dessert Beignets cinnamon, espresso, and powdered sugar with crème anglaise and ganache

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Wed - Sat - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday - Sunday from 3pm - 6pm. $4 beers, $7 wines by the glass, $8 cocktails, $10 burgers, and so much more. Vive la Vie!

What 48 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

  • San Diego

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

48 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food4service2ambience4
    When we first got there, no one greeted us and we sat ourselves, even tho we had reservations. I took forever to get drinks, the people who came about 10 minutes after us, got their drinks first. When we told them about that, they said they gave their last two clean away, so we had to wait til they cleaned more before getting our drinks. they didn’t get my order correct, but I ate it because you never send food back to the kitchen but it was good food tho.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Racetracker660

    Louisville

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was wonderful just like our waiter. We could not have been more with the entire experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. CarolynS

    Tallahassee

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding! Accommodating to a larger group unexpectedly. Food was absolutely superb. Cocktails were expertly crafted and if you do nothing else…get the chocolate soufflé. Overall perfect meal and experience.

    Is this helpful?

  4. CynthiaC

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    Food and ambience was wonderful. The only negative was that on OpenTable it stated they had a happy hour

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nata22

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food and ambience, loved the atmosphere and French style cuisine. Would definitely come back, the food was flavorful, well priced, and the menu had a variety of options to choose from. We came for my fiancé birthday and enjoyed our dining experience. Would recommend to come for a date night!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Marcindc

    Washington DC

    100 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place! Kitchen clearly run by a chef. Everything was on point. Delicious roast chicken, one of the best filet I had, well done side dishes. Service is good and sparse. Could use better French wine selection. Would go back for sure.

    Is this helpful?

  7. AlanaP

    Vancouver

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience2
    We went for happy hour. The burger was half price and the only food item on for happy hour. It did not come with fries. The burger was quite good as were the frites. Wines were $8. But they were not the ones off the menu. In other words they bring in cheaper wines for happy hour. That said , they were drinkable. We also had a butter lettuce salad with a tarragon dressing that was good . The waiters were completely incompetent! We did not leave a tip. They had no knowledge of French food and no pepper grinder. Appalling for a French restaurant Bring a restaurant owner myself, I understand how hard it is to find descent staff these days , but maybe do a bit of product knowledge with them. Whoever was working the bar looked like he was running the show and seemed to be trying to control everything. I would go back and hopefully they hire a more competent waiter.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jmap

    San Diego

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Such a little gem of a restaurant! We enjoyed the steak frites and moules frites in addition to their chocolate soufflé. Drinks and service were also lovely. You could spend 50% more for a French-inspired meal at the same quality.

    Is this helpful?

  9. CamilledF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful Brunch! So pleasantly surprised by the restaurant design and decor. Service was excellent and everything we ate was delicious. Everything is very well thought out and put together. Hit all marks in my book. Can’t wait to visit next time I’m in San Diego!

    Is this helpful?

  10. KellyW

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    We were pretty much the only ones there and the service was pretty bad. Food was mixed. The French onion soup was really good, the ratatouille not so much. Bummed because we live nearby and would have gone back if the service was better.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Vintagegooddess

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place for dinner and happy hour. Reasonable prices, great food and atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Today's exceptional service provided by Dominique, Lori and Aaron. This crew pulled it together and made for a beautiful experience. Been 2 x for Happy Hour. Have the Parisian Burger. 😍 Brunch was delicious, drinks made us happy, service on-point, atmosphere perfect. 10/10 Can't wait to return for dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Elana

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fabulous restaurant . Steak Frites is an absolute must.

    Is this helpful?

  14. AlexD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super great service, food, and ambiance. Would recommend St. James Diner to anyone looking for a good dinner spot!

    Is this helpful?

  15. DanA

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Highly recommend the steak fries (filet). Cooked perfectly, wife and I split it with the onion soup, also good but no cheese on the soup, unusual from my perspective.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Darren

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was awesome and waiter was fantastic! We eat out 5-7 days a week and this place is in the top 10 percent!

    Is this helpful?

  17. PatriciaF

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    Went on a Travelzoo Voucher for dinner for $79. Our fault not to read the fine print indicating two drinks valued up to $17 each, one appetizer valued up to $27 and two entrees valued up to $37. They will not let you pay the difference on a higher priced entree, so that limits the choices substantially. We had two “happy hour drinks before our reservation and two regular drinks and they took off the lower priced happy hour drinks and charged us for the two regular priced drinks. We ended up paying for an additional appetizer and had to choose two entrees lower priced than the value on the voucher. Steak I ordered medium, had to be sent back twice as it was “bloody red” both times. Bass entree was good but husband’s dinner got cold while he waited for my steak to be cooked two times. Not a good time and won’t revisit.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Franki

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Excellent service. Will definitely come back ❤️

    Is this helpful?

  19. bobbiex

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonders new addition. Nice environment. Great food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  20. JohnL

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Went for happy hour. Great cocktail of the day (Army Navy gin cocktail). Service and food was very good. Only complaint is the happy hour burger pricing. They advertise 1/2 price burgers which is technically true. However, they only show burgers with fries on their regular menu but for happy hour they give you the give you the burger at 1/2 price but charge you for the fries separately. Bit of a bait and switch IMO. Other than that no complaints.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Linny

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I had a wonderful meal here with our friends whist visiting San Diego. The decor, service, and food was wonderful . Two of us got the restaurant week menu of poutine, French onion soup, and roast 1/2 chicken (huge portion) and we also ordered the bouillabaisse, steak frites, tartare, and crostini. For dessert we shared the chocolate soufflé and creme caramel. All wonderful and I would definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Sandra

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    Came to this place after seeing it on social media. Open table was fully open for anyone to make a reservation at anytime. Showed up to a fully packed place and they only had one busser one bartender one server and the manager. They all were clearly flustered and coulndt take on any more people. Service was slow. Everything we needed we had to ask for twice. We took advantage of the restaurant week deal so we can try many things on the menu. The only thing that stood out was the french onion soup otherwise I wouldn't go back unless I saw that they were not busy

    Is this helpful?

  23. Foodlover

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    My husband and I ordered the fixed price menu for $40 per person for 3 dishes. I ordered the tomato toast, French onion soup, and cod with fennel. My husband ordered the croquettes, the radicchio salad, and chicken. The only good dish of all our choices was the French Onion soup. Everything else was mediocre and bland. The cod was undercooked and I had to send it back. The chicken was too dry with not much flavor. The tomato toast was bland and not much flavor. The radicchio salad was basically dressed with olive oil and tasted so plain. We waited a long time for our food. The service was poor since we had to ask multiple times before we got salt to flavor our dishes and ice for water. The restaurant was understaffed to be attentive to the guests. We were disappointed with the food and quality of the service. We chose this restaurant because of the good reviews too.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Jordan

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service2ambience5
    Unreal food. Everything was so incredibly tasty. Perhaps the best French toast I've ever had. The service was unbearably slow, but well worth it!

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Food was delicious and overall service was attentive. The peppercorn filet, Mussels, French onion soup and chocolate mousse were amazing, highly recommend . The butter leaf salad was tasteless, don’t order. Would have been nice to have bread served with the Mussels. Only offered after my companion was completely done. Will definitely return. Great new find and highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  26. Dawnd

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Our server had to handle many tables himself so it took a while to get food.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    This place could be great, but only the decor really was. The French onion soup had a delicious puffy top—except where they had cooked it with onions on top, which left the underlying dough raw and disgusting. The chocolate soufflé was underdone in the middle as well. Waiter was fine, but they only had the one for the whole restaurant. Husband ordered his steak medium, but it came out medium rare. He was fine with it, but I couldn’t handle looking at the blood seeping out of the middle. Cocktails were good as were the croquettes. If they stepped it up just a smidge this place could be great.

    Is this helpful?

  28. MisL123

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time last night. The server was amazing, was pretty much responsible for the whole dining room but handled the wild early rush seamlessly. The kitchen wasn’t serving burgers so we are excited to come back and have an opportunity to enjoy those. The soup was the star of the meal, all four of us ordered and LOVED it! Thanks for a great night Saint James!

    Is this helpful?

  29. ChristineH

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Loved the French onion soup, but didn’t care for the endive caesar salad—the dressing was watery and it was 99.5% endive. I was expecting a mix of endive & arugula. Also it seemed as if their kitchen wasn’t well ventilated and the restaurant itself smelled like a kitchen.

    Is this helpful?

  30. OCFed

    Los Angeles

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter was very welcoming and friendly. Our food was very good. My husband had the roasted chicken which had a crispy skin and tender meat inside. The mashed potatoes were his choice for the side dish. I had the filet which was cooked medium rare just how I enjoy it, with the asparagus on the side. We shared the french onion soup which had a buttery pastry atop the soup which was the most delicious french onion soup that I have tasted. Really enjoyed our dinner at this french diner. Kudos to the chef.

    Is this helpful?

  31. MeMarg

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Burgers are excellent! French Onion soup was so tasty, and the chocolate souffle was wonderful! We enjoyed everything about the restaurant! I high recommend trying it.

    Is this helpful?

  32. DSnSE

    San Diego

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    We needed an early (6:00) dinner as we had an event after. Got there a few minutes before 6:00 and it appeared that most of the staff had not arrived yet. Cute and welcoming interior, but we stood by the door for 10-15 minutes, pretty much ignored, until someone was able to seat us. The bartender took our drink order and brought them 10 minutes later as the maitre d' dropped off menus. The seats started filling in and two waiters arrived and the tempo picked up. Aaron became our waiter and was definitely attentive and helpful. We wanted a small plates dinner, so ordered from the Bar Snacks and Appetizers menu: oysters were fresh, croquettes were okay, steak tartare crostone was unusual, but the French onion soup and Caesar salad were the real deal. We also loved the Wink and a Nudge cocktail (mezcal and damiana). So after a slow start, things came around and we enjoyed our experience at Saint James.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an amazing restaurant! Their food, ambiance, and service were top-notch. Don't miss out on their fresh oysters, burgers, and fries! Their staff was so kind and professional. I highly recommend this restaurant…

    Is this helpful?

  34. ShanaW

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Today wasn't a good day at Saint James French Diner. The grill was out, so no French fries. The mussels were old and shrivelled, although the sauce was terrific. There were very few people in the restaurant, but the service was slow.

    Is this helpful?

  35. AndreG

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    Half of the menu wasn’t available. What we wanted they didn’t have it eve though it was advertised. Not going back to that restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  36. omnivore

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good happy hour specials, classic cocktails, delicious food. The casual-upscale menu has something for everyone. Service is attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  37. CM10014

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a delightful find! Food, service, and ambience are all terrific. Our meal was fantastic with wines wonderfully curated. Aaron and the whole staff made sure that our meal was well paced. Cannot wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

  38. Cris

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We love it. The place is welcoming and pleasant. The food is amazing!!!

    Is this helpful?

  39. AaronG

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had dinner at the Saint James French Diner last night and had a wonderful experience. We decided to try this place since it was relatively new to the Gaslamp area. The service was excellent. I wish I was able to remember our server's name, but she was adorable, friendly, inviting and professional. The cute vibe of the place does indeed align with the French diner aesthetic they're going for. It's very charming with its French details. The food was delicious, savory and well balanced. We also had some cocktails which were also mixed very well. We definitely plan to go back so we can try other items on the menu. I hope this place sticks around because I would also love to bring some friends here in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  40. evie

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Great space and had high expectations but was very disappointed. Service was slow considering how few people were in the restaurant. Also as it has such a small menu, was surprised that they had run out of certain foods for an early evening meal, including french fries!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Saint James French Diner is rated 4.5 stars by 48 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Saint James French Diner

830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6307

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo