In the heart of San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, Chef Philippe Gardelle and his wife Ellen have been infusing the area with the spirit and taste of a charming Parisian bistro since 1996.

“Honestly, this place feels more like home to me than my actual house,” Ellen confessed. “I encounter new faces daily, and often we end up becoming friends.”

Their menu reads like a tribute to classic French dining, offering beloved dishes such as escargots, coq au vin, cassoulet, French onion soup, and crème brûlée. Yet, it is the meticulous attention to detail that truly elevates each meal beyond its comforting roots.

“We aim to infuse the same level of care into our dishes that you might expect from establishments considered more high-end,” remarked Andrew Gardelle, the chef de cuisine and son of Philippe and Ellen.

From its inception, the bistro has been a true family affair.

“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.