For over 30 years, Olivier Azancot, co-founder of Café Bastille, was a beloved figure in San Francisco’s French community. Since opening the restaurant in 1990 on the iconic Belden Place, Olivier made Café Bastille a symbol of French hospitality and joie de vivre in the heart of the Financial District.
Well before outdoor dining became common in San Francisco, Café Bastille and its neighbors turned the alley into a lively open-air dining destination, with tables and chairs lining the sidewalks and street. The San Francisco Chronicle’s urban design critic, John King, once described it as “downtown San Francisco’s most urbane lunch spot.”
Café Bastille quickly became a hub for French culture, welcoming generations of expats, tourists, diplomats, and curious locals. Olivier Azancot was the heart and soul of this beloved institution, known for its convivial atmosphere, generous cuisine, and his unique ability to bring people together—creating a true slice of France in San Francisco.
For those new to the Bay Area, you may not have met Olivier—but until recently, he was still the welcoming face behind Café Bastille , recently merged with B44. Now, as he prepares to return to France, the community is coming together to honor him.
A special farewell dinner for Olivier Azancot will be held at the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco, a fitting venue for this celebration of friendship, tradition, and community.
Join us to raise a glass and say merci to Olivier—for the memories, the laughter, and the legacy he leaves behind in the San Francisco French community.
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Address: Basque Cultural Center – 599 Railroad Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Reserve here
Organized by UFE San Francisco
Contact: contact@ufesanfrancisco.org