La Bonne Bouffe—This quaint, country French restaurant is a local favorite for special occasions or to just treat yourself. Menu items include lamb shank and fresh Dover sole. D Tues.–Sat. All major credit cards. 471 Encinitas Blvd., Town & Country Shopping Center, Encinitas, 760.436.3081. $$$ Map V22

Café Chloe—This locals’ favorite offers French-influenced cuisine, such as smoked trout salad and macaroni. Chic atmosphere. B, L, D daily. (No B Mon.) All major credit cards except DC and DS. 721 Ninth Ave., East Village, 619.232.3242. $$ Map Q17

Le Fontainebleau—One of the most gorgeous hotel dining rooms in San Diego, featuring updated French cuisine created by executive chef Fabrice Hardel. A pianist adds to the elegance and romance. L Mon.–Fri.; D Mon.–Sat.; Sun. brunch. All major credit cards. 1055 Second Ave., Westgate Hotel, downtown, 619.557.3655. $$$ Map Q16

Marine Room—This outstanding nouveau French restaurant boasts the talents of chef Bernard Guillas. The unparalleled oceanfront location offers High Tide Dinners on select summer nights. L Tues.–Sat.; D nightly; Sun. brunch. All major credit cards. 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222. $$$$ Map W20

Mille Fleurs—Combining the talents of owner Bertrand Hug and chef Martin Woesle, this romantic restaurant features creative, updated French cuisine. L Mon.–Fri.; D nightly. All major credit cards except DS. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Country Squire Courtyard, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085. $$$$ Map W23

Pamplemousse Grille—Former New York chef Jeffrey Strauss brings an imaginative flair to his country French–influenced American menu. L Fri.; D nightly. All major credit cards. 514 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858.792.9090. $$$ Map W22

Le Passage—Quaint and intimate bistro atmosphere to go along with the French comfort food prepared with California-style touches. L Tues.–Fri.; D Tues.–Sun. All major credit cards. 2961 State St., Carlsbad, 760.729.7097. $$ Map T22

Sky Room—This elegant dining room features the right combination of California contemporary with classic French cuisine atop the sumptuous La Valencia hotel. D nightly. All major credit cards except DC. 1132 Prospect St., La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, 858.454.0771. $$$$ Map W19

Tapenade—Unique dishes and traditional preparations by executive chef Jean-Michel Diot, incorporating Mediterranean flavors from regions beyond France. L Mon.–Fri., D daily. All major credit cards except DS. 7612 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.551.7500. $$$ Map W19

Vincent’s—This locals’ favorite is a great way to start an evening of entertainment at nearby California Center for the Arts. Creative update of classic French cuisine. L Tues.–Fri.; D Tues.–Sun. All major credit cards. 113 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.745.3835. $$ Map C3

Winesellar & Brasserie—The first floor of this restaurant really is a retail wine shop. Upstairs, the Brasserie is a gem with always-interesting contemporary French/Californian cuisine and mind-boggling wine list. L Thurs.–Sat.; D Tues.–Sat. All major credit cards. 9550 Waples St., Sorrento Mesa, 858.450.9557. $$$ Map D2