In the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood, Chef Philippe Gardelle and his wife Ellen have been creating a slice of Paris since 1996. Their restaurant, a charming nod to the classic Parisian bistro, has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
“Honestly, when I’m here, this is more my home than my real home,” Ellen reflected warmly. “I meet strangers every day. Sometimes we become friends.”
The menu at this cozy eatery reads like a love letter to traditional French cuisine. With dishes that feature the timeless flavors of escargots, coq au vin, cassoulet, French onion soup, and crème brûlée, each meal is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
“We strive to infuse the same level of care into our food that you might expect from more upscale establishments,” explained Andrew Gardelle, the chef de cuisine who also happens to be the son of Philippe and Ellen.
From the very beginning, this culinary journey was a family affair. Philippe recalls the early days, saying, “We started with no money, and so we couldn’t hire a manager. We had a chef and a dishwasher to start and that’s it.”
“We started with no money, and so we couldn’t hire a manager,” said Philippe. “We had a chef and a dishwasher to start and that’s it.”
While Philippe was back of house, Ellen took care of the guests in the front of house. And everywhere and in between was Andrew.
“A lot of memories of just being picked up from school and coming straight to the restaurant,” he said.
For Philippe, three decades of success came not from measuring Chapeau! against San Francisco’s vaunted and competitive restaurant scene.
“The competition is yourself yesterday,” Philippe said. “Keep it up, and it will be fine.”
Today, the Gardelles continue to balance tradition and innovation.
“He’s bringing newer dishes, but keeping the classics too,” Ellen said of Andrew, who expanded his culinary skills at different restaurants before returning to Chapeau! six years ago.
“Its important to always be bringing some change,” Andrew said. “But to also maintain the identity this restaurant was built off of.”
For the Gardelles, hospitality is as essential as the food.
“Make sure people also get taken care of. Make them laugh. Make them enjoy the experience of Chapeau,” Ellen said. “We are very proud that we can all be here. We can be part of everybody’s lives and meals.”
Chapeau! is located at 126 Clement Street in San Francisco, California. Learn more here.
