Cafe Jacqueline

San Francisco Lost Some Landmark Restaurants at the Start of 2026 | Eater SF

"It’s the end of an era for this North Beach fixture, which has permanently closed after a remarkable 46 years of serving specialty souffles under owner Jacqueline Margulis, with a real estate listing now seeking a new owner for the space." - Dianne de Guzman

"Café Jacqueline is a restaurant from another time, but for those who appreciate its eccentricities, it’s a total treasure. Savory and sweet soufflés big enough for two make up the entirety of the menu, but getting one requires endurance.Reservations are by phone only, though the staff rarely answers, and tuxedo-clad servers don’t so much serve as they do command—handling tables in a direct but never offensive manner. They are also unapologetic about just how long this candlelight dinner will take: three hours, for most, as every towering soufflé is made by the grand dame herself, who’s been whipping egg whites for nearly 40 years. From broccoli and brie to Grand Marnier and chocolate, dinner here is a special affair unmatched in its romanticism." - Michelin Inspector

The Best French Restaurants in San Francisco | Eater SF

"On a quiet block of Grant up in North Beach, Cafe Jacqueline is a charming cafe that’s mastered the art of lofty soufflés. Each serves at least two people, with savory options like gruyere, leek, crab, and lobster, and sweet endings such as chocolate, lemon, and bien sur, Grand Marnier. Chef-owner Jacqueline Margulis is still in the kitchen and personally whipping the whites, and while it’s a notoriously difficult reservation, much like the souffle, it’s worth the time." - Dianne de Guzman

Berkeley Grocery Store Market Hall Foods on Fourth Street to Close | Eater SF

"After a temporary closure while owner Jacqueline Margulis recovered from a broken arm, Margulis has returned to the North Beach staple and is back making her signature soufflés." - Dianne de Guzman

Boichik, One of the Bay Area’s Best Bagel Shops, Is Opening Three New Stores in San Francisco | Eater SF

"I'm sorry to report that North Beach mainstay Cafe Jacqueline (on Grant Avenue) will close for six to eight weeks after chef and owner Jacqueline Margulis broke her arm in early March following a “nasty fall”; no surgery was required and Margulis said she’ll be fine after taking time to heal." - Paolo Bicchieri