Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Le Comptoir

    3.9 (268 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

    Le Comptoir Photos

    LE COMPTOIR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Le Comptoir

    Recommended Reviews - Le Comptoir

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Basket of fresh bread and butter
    Cynthia H.

    My dad, stepmom, our friend Sonja and I often enjoyed dining at Le Comptoir together following a SF Symphony concert. Although those concert-going days with my beloved elders are now past, I've since returned to Le Comptoir a number of times with friends to delight in this amazing eatery's wonderful French bistrot cuisine and atmosphere. Our most recent dining there took place on Friday, June 9 in celebration of the school semester's ending. The grilled salmon featured on that evening was perfectly prepared, crisply seared on the surface, medium rare inside, deliciously spiced with rare Espelette red pepper from the Pyrénées and served with an onion-leek reduction. Here I will also extol the joy of the accompanying basket of fresh bread and butter. It was a Friday evening; though an electric blues band was performing live on Fourth Street just beyond Le Comptoir's street-facing glass exterior, the music's volume level allowed enough headroom for quiet conversation. The chocolate Crème Brûlée we ordered for dessert was equally first-rate, with its paper-thin top layer of sucre caramelisé and creamy chocolate custard below, though the evening's other dessert offerings, warm Apple Tarte Tatin and Mousse au Chocolat, had made it hard to choose. Our host Stephan was gracious and lovely. Equally awesome is Le Comptoir's market section, replete with French products. Just before leaving to catch a cinema screening, I invested in a new tin of Flavigny anise-seed and violet-flavored pastilles, favorite mints discovered during my long-ago year in Paris. Thanks to San Rafael's Le Comptoir, Paris truly is, as Ernest Hemingway titled it, A Moveable Feast!

    Hours from their website
    Robin W.

    The website says the "epicerie" and bistro takeout are open continuously from noon through 6 or 8 respectively. It was locked at 5:15 but I knocked and someone came to the door to tell me brusquely (hey they're French) it opens at 5:30. Finally they let us in and I made the mistake of ordering takeout without a written menu. A roast chicken, 2 orders of risotto and 4 "little gem" salads (just lettuce and dressing) = $140. Would not return even if it were great, which is wasn't, but shame on me for not asking the price.

    Le Comptoir: A Nightmarish Dining Experience That Defies Belief!

    Oh, where do I even begin with Le Comptoir - aka the subpar (en)counter? If it were possible to give zero stars, I would, but unfortunately, that option doesn't exist. Let me preface this scathing review by saying that I am a staunch believer in supporting local businesses, even the ones that occasionally stumble, but dear reader, this restaurant didn't just stumble; it face-planted and then rolled down a hill of despair. My other half and I ventured out on a Friday night, eager to embrace the culinary delights of our neighborhood. After a brief stroll in downtown San Rafael, we decided to give Le Comptoir a try. The location seemed promising, nestled at the corner of 4th and C St., and a bustling wine shop attached to it. Little did we know, the only thing attached to this place was disappointment. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with the warmth and hospitality of an iceberg. We stood around for a good five minutes, which, in restaurant time, feels like an eternity, especially when the place was nearly empty. Eventually, the owner, who should win an award for the worst first impression, emerged from the wine shop. He grunted, "Table or high-top," and when we chose a high-top, he pointed vaguely and muttered, "Sit anywhere." So much for a gracious welcome. We sat there, twiddling our thumbs for an additional 10 minutes before I had to semaphore our desire for attention. By the time the owner graced us with his presence, it was painfully clear that he had seen better days. Disheveled, toothless, and emitting the aroma of a frat party, he slurred his words like a drunken sailor. In an attempt to make pleasant conversation, we introduced ourselves and expressed our desire to support a local establishment. He responded with a total disregard for our existence and bluntly offered us the choice of a $70 per person set menu or ordering à la carte. When we asked for a menu, we were ignored and curtly told, "You can go with the option for $70 per person or à la carte." How kind. Reluctantly, we chose the $70 per person option, and our inebriated captain sauntered away, muttering "we." It took another trek to the bar for us to secure water and a wine list. His offer of "red or white" was met with a weary "red," to which he retorted, "Merlot or Bordeaux." My husband, defeated and drained of all enthusiasm, sighed and said, "Bordeaux." I secretly yearned for a Cote du Rhone, so I mustered the courage to ask for it, along with a Pepsi or coke, at which point I was met with condescending laughter and the insipid remark, "Why, you don't like wine?" I had to explain, "No, I don't drink alcohol," to which he giggled again and declared, "Wine or water, that's what we have." I reluctantly opted for water. When the food eventually arrived (a torturous 15 minutes later), it was lukewarm and as visually appealing as a pile of wet cardboard. The dishes were a mishmash of meats, raw fish, and fatty, undercooked fare. There were no vegetables to speak of, and grains were as scarce as a mirage in the desert. By the time we trudged through the main courses, we contemplated skipping dessert, but we thought, "How bad can dessert be?" Well, dear reader, it was worse. The Creme Brulee was undercooked and runny, while the apple tart had the texture of a fossilized relic. Our bill, a whopping $212.00, left us questioning our life choices. We could have been ecstatically munching on Big Macs at McDonald's or savoring the delights of any of the genuinely remarkable local restaurants in the area. To summarize, Le Comptoir delivered subpar service, served up poor-quality, unappetizing food, and presented an ambiance that could only be described as tragic. There was no sign outside to indicate the restaurant's name, and the walls inside were as barren as the promises of an unreliable friend. It's painfully evident that this place is teetering on the brink of culinary extinction, and the owner's drowning his sorrows in alcohol while masquerading as the French Laundry. Consider these glaring red flags before you even think of darkening their doorstep: * NO SIGNAGE: If you can't find the place, it's doing you a favor. * 5-MINUTE WAIT: In an empty restaurant? It's like they were auditioning for a comedy show. * 10-MINUTE WAIT: For the privilege of being ignored? Hard pass. * NO MENU: Who needs choices, right? * RUDE SERVICE: If you enjoy being treated like a bothersome fly, by all means, go ahead. * BARE WALLS: Because apparently, they're too busy not serving good food to decorate. In conclusion, save your taste buds, your time, and your money. There are far better options in town, and you won't have to endure the sorry spectacle of Le Comptoir. Bon appétit - elsewhere!

    Excellent, well priced French wine

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ted C.
    0
    16
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 3

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim W.
    0
    12
    2

    8 months ago

    Food was delicious! Service was great. Picking a wine from the store next door was super fun. We will definitely come back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Meg E.
    220
    14
    0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 4
    Photo of Mike O.
    29
    27
    20

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of No N.
    0
    27
    0

    10 months ago

    Just making sure ppl are aware of the pricing scam! Please read other reviews , not a singular experience!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 6
    Photo of Paul N.
    1
    140
    16

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Al R.
    285
    5
    1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 6
    Love this 5
    Oh no 4

    1 year ago

    If you give Stephen a weeks notice, he will have pork bellies for you and they are delicious

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of kim c.
    111
    70
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Vikram S.
    190
    24
    15

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy
    0
    2
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    Page 1 of 7

    Le Comptoir Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Le Comptoir

    You might also consider

    Amphora Nueva Marin

    Amphora Nueva Marin

    4.8(58 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    I've wandered into many olive oil and balsamic places, but somehow this one was far more welcoming…read moreand enthusiastic. They got me to try so many different things. I especially loves the sparkling water with flavored balsamic two bottle combination, which they obviously sell a lot of. It was quite reasonable, and really does make a nice non-alcoholic treat. They have four different size bottle to fill and take home, including the largest marked "don't judge me." But really, it was the happy feeling that the employees had, which got The Wife and I interested in trying so many things. They had their favorites, and were excited to share with us.

    I'd walked past for years, but when friends came for So Cal and asked if I knew anyplace that might…read moresell an excellent hot pepper olive oil, I took them here. It lived up to the great reviews and more. My friends bought two bottles of olive oil and took photos of the menu so they could order more. I had my dog along and the owner brought a sample of the most delicious white balsamic vinegar for me to try. I bought a bottle of it and will be back for one to send to my friend. He said he often has people with dogs and is happy to bring samples to the door. The store looks beautiful and my friends loved looking around and learning about his business. I will be back.

    Photos
    Amphora Nueva Marin - An actual amphora

    An actual amphora

    Amphora Nueva Marin
    Amphora Nueva Marin - Taste and buy olive oil and vinegars here, including fruit vinegars: grapefruit balsamic, pear, and cranberry

    See all

    Taste and buy olive oil and vinegars here, including fruit vinegars: grapefruit balsamic, pear, and cranberry

    La Bodega - Always gotta pick up a bottle of Pique for the house

    La Bodega

    3.9(117 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I love coming here after eating at Sol. If I didn't come to eat at Sol on a Sunday to have their…read morespecial with pernil and a pastel, then I come over to their bodega to buy half a dozen frozen Pasteles. I love getting these, they remind me of my childhood family reunions, and these are so delicious with rice and beans.

    Efficient, delicious, friendly and full of fun stuff is how I would describe Sol Food's La Bodega…read more Instead of heading into a long wait and line at the main location, try getting a to go order here. You can even take it to the old back patio up the street and down the alley where they have seating and some basic facilitation like trash and sometimes water. There are menus up front in a basket right by the doors if you don't know what you want. Specials are posted up on cars in several areas. I really appreciate the speed they get well cooked food out once you place an order (remember that other people have placed orders over the phone and may seem like they are getting food faster than you). I get chicken in about 10 minutes since they have a lot of people on hand to handle each step of the process of cooking and boxing the meal. The staff up front have always been friendly (or not there long). Sodas and other drinks available cold, along with t-shirts, magnets, drums and a ton of other cool stuff on the racks to the side and everywhere else. Check out my Sol Food review for what the food is like (exact same as the restaurant). Head over to La Bodega if you don't want to wait for that delicious Puerto Rican fare, and donate to recovery efforts while you are at it.

    Photos
    La Bodega - It's a must stop. Great food.

    It's a must stop. Great food.

    La Bodega - T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items for sale.

    T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items for sale.

    La Bodega - Come on down for free oysters! Seriously. Free oysters to celebrate New Year's Day!

    See all

    Come on down for free oysters! Seriously. Free oysters to celebrate New Year's Day!

    Le Comptoir - french - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...