Brenda's French Soul Food

November 10, 2025

Honestly this place is perfect. I feel like it’s just the right size and that they’ve truly perfected the service speed, style,portions and recipes. I’d almost not want to see them expand it because they do it so well currently. You know how like when you double a recipe sometimes it doesn’t come out quite right (or that could be just me 🤣). Anyways I got the sampler platter which looking back at the menu looks more like it could’ve been the daily special and not always on the menu. The greens were good solid greens like just classic that you could eat continuously. The red beans and rice were definitely a hit my mom and aunt both make them like that. The gumbo is the most authentic gumbo I’ve had outside of my uncles. What do I mean by that? Normally if it has not been made by my uncle (from a line of Prudhommes out of Louisiana I think) the gumbos on the menus I’ve had are usually just a pretty good soup. Theres always something just off about them but this gumbo was heart warming and I could only imagine what the deluxe version tastes like. If I had more time here I would’ve tried it! My husband had the catfish de allemands and I think he said something along the lines of my God almighty when he tried it haha 😂. Safe to say he loved it. It was pretty good. Honestly we were both thrown off by the pecans in the rice but they were good but I’d never have them anywhere else. Only at Brenda’s now can you pecans in my rice I guess. Ok let’s talk about the pillow soft hot beignet that I will dream about as we make our way back to the east coast. Wow it was probably the best no I’m sure thee absolute best one I’ve ever had. I think that’s what princess Tiana’s must have been based off of for sure because they truly were amazing. Overall the staff was friendly and efficient. They were not playing no games with us. If the came over and we weren’t ready they weren’t wasting no time. They quickly said “we’ll give you a few more minutes” and I appreciated that because they were just so many good things to bounce between hence why I got a sampler. But again we didn’t feel rushed or pushed off or like anyone was rude. Everything was efficient well done and felt like a well oiled machine. I hope to make it back one day!

November 4, 2025

This spot is easily one of my favorites in San Francisco! The food tastes so fresh and full of flavor. The catfish and grits were amazing, and that biscuit was out of this world. Portions are generous, and the prices feel totally fair for the quality you get. I’m already planning to come back and try more from the menu!

November 9, 2025

The food is amazingly good but rmb not to over order. I love the fried chicken and the gumbo. The starter platter is a good degustation menu to try everything in small portion. Note that they only sit the table when everyone arrives.

October 4, 2025

Came here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and no wait at all. It's a bit pricey ($5 or ONE oyster!), but the food was delicious. Highly recommend the Catfish & Grits and watermelon iced tea. The beignets are filling. The fried chicken has good seasoning, but on the greasy side. Friendly staff and fast service.

September 28, 2025

We came here in the afternoon for beignets and they were absolutely delicious. Our favorites were the chocolate and ube ones! We loved it so much that we came back the next morning to try their peach waffles but unfortunately it was a bit disappointing. The flavors were pretty good but the waffles came out cold, the chicken was very thin and slightly cold. We still might come back in the future to try other things on the menu but we didn’t think the waffles were worth $24.