Galinette

A meal at Galinette is like catching up with that friend you see every few months. You’re never making consistent plans to see each other, but when you do it’s easy and comfortable.

This Outer Sunset bistro channels nearby Ocean Beach. Sunshine floods in from the windows on every wall, while sandy families, surfers, and groups of friends pile into simple wooden chairs stationed around communal tables. Unrushed service means you can take your time digging into French comfort food like beef tartare and escargot, all while you’re still wearing a bathing suit under a cover-up. And if those long overdue conversations end up taking a few hours, you’re in luck. This spot stays open until 9:30pm, a rare find in this neighborhood, so you can linger after the sun goes down, run back out for a polar plunge, and return for a hot chocolate and bread pudding.

Just like any friend though, a meal here isn’t perfect. There are some definite high notes: the tartare is one of the best renditions in the city and the juicy roasted chicken is doused in a dijon mustard cream that you’ll be licking off your fingers. And then some dishes remind you why you only see each other sporadically, like the dry jambon beurre, or steak frites with a hanger cut that’s tough enough to confuse with a dehydrated apple ring. You might say “We should do this more often,” but in your heart you’ll know it’s best just every once in a while.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez

Beef Tartare

As expected. An egg yolk topping with four slices of lightly oiled bread and a few leaves of romaine lettuce. It’s tangy, creamy, and everything a tartare should be. Order it.

Roasted Chicken

This half—or whole—chicken should come with a splash zone warning. It’s served with a dijon mustard cream and green beans and is one of the best things on the menu.

Bourride

Despite almost every sea creature imaginable being in this bowl, this stew is bland. But, there aren’t many opportunities to try this southern French dish in San Francisco, so if you’re curious, temper your expectations and give it a shot.

Hanger Steak Frites

We ordered ours medium-rare, and it still came out chewy. But the crispy fries, reminiscent of a certain golden arches-themed fast food franchise, still make this dish worth ordering.

Jambon Beurre

Unfortunately, this baguette is tougher than a piece of gum that’s stuck to the bottom of a bench, and the ham is more parched than a bowl of milkless cereal. Skip with confidence.