Dinner review. Tasting menu. Nordic-inspired. Michelin** Perigord Truffle Andante Dairy 'Minuet' | Malt Vinegar Beef Tendon Roasted Onion | Sweet Potato Half Moon Bay Spot Prawn Preserved Green Tomato | Rose Geranium Fresh San Martin Cow's Cheese Grilled Delta Asparagus | Dill Pollen | Fava Bean (Highlight) Hokkaido Scallop Elderflower | Rock Miso | Elderberry Imperial Kaluga Caviar Onion Vinegar | Chicken Fat Dungeness Crab Shiso | Horseradish | Whey | Celtuce (Highlight) Miyagi Oyster Brassicas | Preserved Shellfish | Salsify (Highlight) Maine Lobster Peppercorn Leaf | Smoked Carrot | Toasted Hay Spanish Mackerel Nasturtium | Teardrop Peas | Cultured Cream Mendocino Black Cod Geoduck | Schrenckii Caviar | Sake Lees Lamb Saddle Coriander | Coastal Mustards | Morel | Apple Dark Rye & Buckwheat Country Loaf | Raw Butter Cured Dairy Cow Loin Blood Sausage Malted Barley | Preserved Mushroom Aged Dairy Cow Treviso | Beef Marrow | Green Garlic Broth of California Iberico | Koji Oil (Highlight) Savory Canelé Andante 'Nocturne' | California Iberico | Burgundy Truffle Olive Oil Passionfruit | Champagne Tarte Aux Amandes Caramelized Buttermilk | Pine Mushroom | 35% Chocolate Warm Spiced Bun Green Cardamom | Cinnamon Meyer Lemon | 33% Chocolate | Chamomile | Poppy Seed Salted Butter Toffee | Hazelnut | Chanterelle Mushroom 70% Chocolate | Rye Miso Pâte de Fruit | Elderflower | Osmanthus Overall, great. Loved how meat-centric it was, and all of it was on-point, both on the seafood front half and red meat back half. "As good as it gets." read more

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The dishes highlight clean, fresh Nordic flavors with thoughtful combinations and beautiful presentation. Each bite feels delicate yet full of character, from the perfectly balanced starters to the inventive mains. The service is attentive and welcoming, and the atmosphere feels modern and inviting. For anyone looking for high-quality Nordic cuisine in San Francisco, Kiln is a must-visit--definitely 5 stars. Left so full read more

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Kiln is a masterclass in refined, seafood-forward fine dining, where expert fermentation adds incredible depth to every dish. The flavors are highly sophisticated and the service is seamless. While the entire menu was superb, the Sturgeon Tart, Dungeness Crab, and Langoustine with Plum Sauce were standout highlights, followed by a stunning Tarte Aux Amandes. It's the perfect spot for a high-end, intentional meal or a special celebration. read more

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A 20-course tasting menu that unfolds beautifully from start to finish. The experience begins with a series of seafood dishes: some delicately raw, others cooked with precision. Each course is infused with a subtle wood-smoked aroma and complemented by a light, foamy sauce made from crushed crustacean shells. Hints of citrus bring balance, creating layers of flavor that feel both complex and harmonious. The menu then transitions to the meat courses. The meats are cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with impressively generous portions that remain tender and deeply flavorful. The olive-oil ice cream is a standout. Unexpected, refined, and absolutely delicious. The wine pairings are exceptional, with a thoughtful 2-ounce pour matched to each course, enhancing every dish without overwhelming it. The only element that didn't quite align with my taste was the choice of music. While I appreciate restaurants that thoughtfully incorporate music into the dining experience, the selection here felt slightly overpowering for the otherwise refined ambience. Service is seamless and attentive, with different servers presenting each course smoothly and professionally, truly impeccable throughout! read more

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My friend and I celebrated our 40th birthdays here with a truly special and memorable dining experience. This was my first visit and first time at a restaurant with two Michelin stars. Both the service and the food were phenomenal. Our tasting menu on August 29 had 19 servings over the course of 2.5 hours. The standout dishes were the absolutely PERFECT ribeye and some of the best prepared lobster I've ever had. I was impressed by how creative many of the dishes were, with some inspired combinations of flavors. There were a lot of seafood focused dishes, which I was very happy about. If I had to nitpick, I would say as a dessert lover that the dessert was the only part of the meal I wasn't blown away by. The final course was a box of 4 types of chocolates and sticky treats that I could have done without, but didn't take away from the overall quality of the meal. As others have mentioned, and as is mentioned on their website, be careful when parking on the street here. I parked in a garage in SOMA and took a Lyft to the restaurant. Thank you again to the wonderful team at Kiln for their hospitality and an unforgettable meal! read more

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The service and ambiance was top notch! There was around 20 courses throughout the night that lasted around 3 hours. Each dish was crafted intricately and many ingredients. The only reason I mentioned four stars is that most of the dishes are on the salty/flavorful side. It would be nice to balance it out with less intense / strong flavors. read more

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Unfortunately food fell short for us, would definitely not recommend, especially for the price. Some of the flavors were creative and delicious but there were also some disappointing dishes like the duck soup with five spice where the five spice flavor was way too overpowering. Service was superb though and pacing of the meal was good. read more

Hats off to Chef John Wesley and Kiln team. Such a wonderful experience of 20 course tasting menu. Parking: street meter cheap in front of the restaurant, $0.73 per hour before 6pm. Max 4hr parking. Park at your own risk because along that Fell street,there's a bunch of homeless. We found this after we parked ours at parking garage at Performing Art Parking garage at Grove Street. Secured parking garage $3 per hr unless there's event, which was happened to be the day, so we ended up pay for $25 flat fee. Reservation: via tock $285 per person, must be paid as you make the reservation. Door open exactly at 6pm, first seating. Last seating at 8:30pm. Restroom: 2 individual gender neutral restrooms Pairing: can be added later on, or you can buy by glass only or bottle. This is 3 hours 20 course tasting menu Dress code: any, as long as you are still appropriate and decent. Jeans ok. Staff: amazing service Ambience: has music playing on the background, bearable, still can perfectly hear every word the chef said about each dish. At the end of the whole experience, they give you the menu customized to you with your and your guest names. Thank you so much. read more

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I came to kiln for my birthday dinner and every dish was fantastic! There were twenty dishes so I was so full afterwards. Would highly recommend if you're celebrating a special occasion! read more

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This was hands down one the best Nordic-inspired meal I've had in the U.S.--right up there with experiences I've had at places like Frantzén, Geranium, and Kadeau. The 20 course menu was seafood-focused, featuring standout ingredients like Half Moon Bay prawns, Portuguese lobster, Hokkaido scallops, and Monterey Bay abalone. Each course showcased an incredible balance of flavor, with expert use of acidity, creaminess, and texture. The abalone dish in particular was a highlight--elevated, refined, and absolutely unforgettable. Remarkably, not a single dish missed the mark. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and professional. Rock music sets the tone, a nod to the team's rockstar energy, though they remain warm, grounded, and approachable throughout the experience. Huge thanks to Chef John, Julianne, Vinny, Natalie, and the entire team for delivering such a phenomenal meal. A truly world-class dining experience. read more

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Date: Friday, September 12th, 2025 Time: 8:30pm Party of: 2 Meal: Birthday Dinner Seating: Dining Room Reservation Thru: Tock about a month prior The Kiln Tasting Menu ($285) x2 *Perigold Truffle: andante dairy 'minuet', malt vinegar *Beef Tendon: roasted onion, sweet potato *Half Moon Bay Spot Prawn: preserved chamomile, tomato *Sacramento Sturgeon: dill pollen vinegar, white verjus, oscietra caviar *Hokkaido Scallop: teardrop peas, plum wood, rosehip *Imperial Kaluga Caviar: onion vinegar, chicken fat *Geoduck Clam: white turnip, white peach, elderflower *Monterey Bay Abalone & Their Livers: vin jaune, fig leaf *Maine Lobster: strawberry spinach, iberico ham, sake lees *Modesto Squab: cherry, brentwood corn, lavender *Venizon Saucisson d'Alsace *Sunchoke: aged dairy cow, porcini, fermented mushroom *Dark Rye & Buckwheat Country Loaf, raw butter *Aged Dairy Cow: endive, beef marrow, preserved black currant *Aged Dairy Cow, grilled beet, ramp, reindeer moss, woodruff *Broth of Dairy Cow Bones, koji oil *Andante Dairy 'Nocturne': malted barley, buckwheat honey, australian winter truffle *Rhubarb: mara de bois strawberry, raw milk, anise hyssop *Salted Goat's Milk: 35% chocolate, birch, dry vermouth *Hazelnut, 33% chocolate, elderflower, salted butter toffee, walnut, chanterelle mushroom, 70% chocolate, rye miso butterscotch, pate de fruit, lillet blanc The Beverage Pairing ($165) *Albert Boxler, Sylvaner, Alsace, France 2023 *Krug 'Grand Cuvee,' 171st Edition, Champagne, France *Den Sake Brewery, Den Blue #3, Sake, Oakland, California *Klein Amoskuil 'Qvevri,' White Blend, Swartland, South Africa 2021 *Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy, France 2022 *Hanabi Lager Co, 'Eraclea Pilsner,' Napa Valley, California *Cesar Marquez Perez 'El Rapolao,' Mencia. Bierzo, Spain 2021 *Bedrock Wine Co 'Evengelho Vineyard Heritage,' Contra Costa County, California 2023 *Inconnu 'Alaric,' Cabernet Sauvignon, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California 2019 *La Miraja 'Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato,' Piedmont, Italy 2022 *Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 2005 *Caviar Supplement ($95) *Baladin Cola 11.2 oz ($10) *Eclipse Drip ($4) *Service Charge: 20% ($168.80) For a birthday dinner this year, a friend and I decided to indulge and check out Kiln. It's been on my list for a while, but to be honest, I'm normally disappointed with cuisine that seems to have a contemporary / modern twist to it. The flavors don't normally suit my palate. Gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised. First off, I think their menu is very generous in the number of courses. I don't think you will go hungry afterwards. They do give you a complimentary glass of bubbles to begin with. (Tho when going back and looking at my pix, I think this counts as the champagne in the beverage pairing since I never got another glass if bubbles.) The beverage pairing is a good way to try a bunch of different sips. And at $165, I didn't think it was bad for 11 pours. (maybe 10 given my note above.) We let them know ahead of time it was my bday celebration, so they printed my name on the menu. After the meal is over, they take a polaroid which is a cute idea. I let my friend keep it. I just took a pic of it. Food wise, Kiln was actually one of the best higher end restaurants I had been to in a while. Every dish to me sounded a little weird in ingredients, but somehow it worked. They melded together for a great bite. The scalllop with the peas was refreshing. I thought the peas would overwhelm the scallop, but it didn't. The caviar, I'm more into the traditional accompaniments, but this actually grew on me as I ate it. I wasn't sure about the vinegar, but the sour tartness of the vinegar helped cut into the fishiness of the caviar. The abalone was enveloped in this foamy sauce. So rich and creamy. The lobster was tender and not too sweet. I wasn't sure how it would taste with the strawberry. I'm not a huge fan of beets, but the beef course was nicely balanced. I didn't taste that sweet earthy blood flavor I typically get from beets. Dessert wise, I didn't think I would like the goat milk mousse. I typically think goat's milk tastes too irony and sometimes gamey. The funkiness was actually enjoyable here. Service was excellent as you can expect. The vibe is kinda weird, but I won't dock them points for that since I enjoyed the food so much. The space is like a warehouse, but you have these round tableclothed tables spaced a pretty decent distance apart with each table lit from above like a spotlight. It almost feels like you are a guinea pig in some sort meal experiment. But once I got over that, it was a nice meal. A great special occasion spot. One of the best fine dining meals I've had in a while. REVIEW #3858 read more

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I ate at Kiln a few years ago and had this in my unfinished yelp review drafts: "Maybe the best western fine dining I've had in SF. Would be surprised if they don't get the star soon." Now, they have two stars! I will brag about this to anyone who mentions Kiln, as though I had anything to do with it. Anyways, it really was very good. A common theme in the meal was intensely savory broths or sauces that extracted every bit of flavor out of the ingredients they used. More so than almost any other fine dining restaurant I've been to, you really feel like the food took a lot of thought and time - not just expensive ingredients arranged prettily on a plate. The dessert courses at the time were sort of bare, but I didn't really mind this since I'm more of a savory girl. read more

Great restaurant great service. I'm usually not a fan of Nordic food, but this place totally changed me. read more

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Y'alllll this place is legit, I understand why the ratings are so high!!! This is the best way to put it - you know that feeling when you get a chance to have your next expensive meal and you're like "ouuuu should I take this as an opportunity to try a new expensive restaurant or should do I revisit?" I definitely feel like I want to revisit this place and in fact, we plan to take my sister when she's next in town!! We were absolutely blown away by the tasting and wine pairing menu!! The pacing was perfect. They knew when to slow down and when to make it more exciting. For example, we had a reindeer meat snack after a couple of quick heavier snacks to slow us down. And sometimes, there would be some longer breaks in between heavier meat dishes. My favourite dish was the Hokkaido scallops with pea sauce!! I loved the level of thought they put into the wine pairing with this dish - they said how difficult it is to pair a vegetable forward dish that lets the vegetables still shine. (Like wow, I never thought of that but that's so true!!!) And then we tried the pairing together and it has become THE scallop dish that we always compare to!! They did a great job with the wine pairing and I appreciate how there were a variety of drinks from different regions, and some that were new to our palette. It was one of the most memorable drink pairings. The service was top notch. We arrived and they greeted us very warmly using our names and wished me a happy birthday right away. All the chefs and servers moved like a perfect dance, and they were VERY observant. I had to go to the bathroom right before the steak dish, and yeah, I took kinda a long time because well, I'm a girl. As I was walking back, I noticed that the chef (who was going to serve us) was waiting at the counter and only started to pick up the dish as he heard my footsteps come closer, and ONLY started walking once I pasted him. Another time, I came back from the bathroom walking behind a server. Again, he heard my footsteps, shifted out of the path, and allowed me to go first. He was able to differentiate my footsteps from other people, say the other chefs or servers. All the staff were always looking out for their guests and thinking about what they could do to make the experience better. I thought the atmosphere was very interesting and unique. It was upbeat and fun but yet still elegant and classy. The chefs would cheer every once in a while. They also chose to play upbeat songs that were played in a volume that was meant to be heard. For the first time ever, I felt like the music really added to the dining experience. It was also interesting to see that they chose to stagger seatings. WOULD I COME BACK HERE AGAIN? I would absolutely come back here again which says a lot considering how expensive this place is and how we have so many delicious and highly rated restaurants in California!!! read more

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Awesome experience, one of the best fine dining meals I've had in SF. The space is beautiful - large and open with lots of natural light through large windows and skylights, dining room with spread out tables with the open kitchen at the other end. Service was sharp throughout, every interaction was friendly, chef brought out a number of dishes himself to explain. Overall the food was very good, highly technical, great presentations. Some dishes didn't quite hit the mark for me, but all were tasty nonetheless. Sauces were precise, proteins cooked well, length and timing of courses was great (can keep up with my pace which is faster than most), desserts were a nice and light ending. They do a wonderful job explaining where the ingredients are sourced from and how they're treated, most of it being from nearby. Wine list is solid. read more

One year, one star--Kiln is worth visiting for its creativity and food artistry. The chef and staff's dedication to fusion cuisine shines through the 20-course menu. Each bite has its own unique flavor, perfectly presenting the umami that comes from blending Eastern and Western cultures, and balancing surf and turf throughout the menu's rhythm. The ambiance captures the San Francisco attitude--bare and raw, the true color of Silicon Valley. read more

Great California fine dining joint with great beverage program, and great service. They are in alliance with Sons and Daughter. I was a bit disappointed on their tea ceremony; in comparison, to their other restaurant. Overall much try. read more

Given our memorable meal last July, we were looking for excuses to return and made it back this past Saturday. Everything was just as good, and different dishes. From the first bite of the squab to the final note of Kiln's playlist, everything was perfectly orchestrated. The food was spectacular, especially the dungess crab and scallops, and the bread; and the tableware created a beautiful, almost theatrical, atmosphere with the shadows. Julianna's service was the perfect complement, her warmth and genuine care made us feel right at home. It was a truly memorable evening. read more

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I had the pleasure of dining at Kiln before they received their Michelin stars, and I remember saying it felt like a two-star experience, and sure enough, they were later awarded exactly that. The staff were exceptionally well-trained, and the food was absolutely superb. This review is long overdue, but well deserved. I truly cannot wait to return and experience it all over again. As someone from LA it was weird that they didn't have Valet Parking then and I got my window broken into dining here. read more

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We had so much fun! Everything was good, I don't think there was a single dish that was meh. Value for the food and service was great!! Vibe was also unpretentious, which we appreciated. Some of the past tasting menu restaurants we've been to have felt stuffy and/or disjointed, which makes us avoid splurging on them/wanting to go to them. All courses felt cohesive. The menu was seafood forward when we went, with super interesting proteins. Like razor clam! Main lobster! Scallop! Caviar! There was a cow that got used mult. ways. The last dish had a call back to the first dish! There's a Japanese beer on menu from an interesting beer man! And yes, you should try it! Dessert courses were unique and super cool. Wish we lived closer so we could come again! Thanks all. It was v lovely. read more

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Absolutely horrible service. Check your bill carefully. We were charged extra for the wine, and when we raised the issue, the response we got was essentially "seriously?" -- which was both dismissive and unprofessional. Yes, seriously. Customers have every right to question incorrect charges. Blaming your system instead of taking accountability is not acceptable. Between the billing error and the attitude we encountered, this was a deeply frustrating experience. I would not recommend going. read more

I came here before the Michelin stars and was so impressed by my visit! Excellent service and such a unique menu. Definitely worth a visit, I really enjoyed how creative dishes were. My favorites were the Modesto squab & the pine cured meat. Music was super fun and modern which made the vibe less stuffy like other Michelin star places. I loved it! read more

Stunning meal, by far one of my best in SF. I honestly find the SF Michelin guide pretty hit and miss, but this was a massive hit. Some thoughts: - The absolute stars of the meal are the seafood courses. Lots of complexity, lots of layers, lots of refinement. Oyster, scallop, poached lobster, black cod, caviar, etc. - The sauces/broths/foams around the dishes were extremely well done, and one of the underlying narratives throughout the whole meal. - 20 courses - huge variety of flavors. - The service was absolutely perfect, and the pacing was *extremely* impressive. Never felt like I was really waiting between dishes. Ambiance was great - cool open industrial chic room. - The couple of red meat dishes at the end were tasty but didn't have the insane wow factor of complexity and flavor as all the seafood dishes before it. Similarly, the whites at the start of the alcohol pairing were more memorable and impressive to me than the reds at the end. - Fantastic desserts. On the whole, one of my all time favorite meals in SF, extremely impressive, would absolutely return. Better than most of my Michelin starred meals in SF. read more

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Food: 5 Decor: 5 Service: 5 Came here for a birthday dinner and had a great meal. Overall one of my favorite places in the city and would definitely return. Not surprised if they get a second star next year. k i l n Beef Tendon Roasted Onion Sweet Potato 3/5 Perigord Truffle Andante Dairy 'Minuet' | Lamb Heart | Malt Vinegar 4/5 Half Moon Bay Spot Prawn Kohlrabi | Green Plum | Preserved Chamomilé | Spruce 4/5 Toasted Dill Seed Bun Smoked Sacramento Sturgeon | White Verjus | Ossetra Caviar 4/5 Kumamoto Oyster Linden Flower | Celtuce | Aged Beef 4/5 Imperial Kaluga Caviar Onion Vinegar | Chicken Fat ? Dungeness Crab Dill | Horseradish Seaweeds 5/5 Monterey Bay Abalone & Their Livers Vin Jaune | Fig Leaf Buckwheat 5/5 Maine Lobster | Preserved Cherry | Ramps 4/5 Lingcod Grilled Broth | Prawn Head Butter | Pine Mushroom 4/5 Maine Lobster Chrysanthemum | Sansho Pepper | Veal Sweetbread 5/5 Modesto Squab Gravenstein Apple | Hazelnut | Cognac | Birch 4/5 Californian Iberico Pork Cured in Juniper 2/5 Venison Loin Caul Fat | Juniper | Porcini 4/5 Venison Blood Sausage | Juniper | Rye Dark Rye Country Loaf 4/5 Culture Butter from Brittany | Venison Pan Drippings 4/5 Broth of Smoked Pork Trotters | Koji Oil 4/5 Andante Dairy 'Nocturne' Summer Truffle | Malted Barley & Rye 4/5 Chamomile Sorbet Blueberry Cordial | Celery 4/5 Chanterelle Ice Cream Rum Cake | Caramel of Dried Mushrooms 4/5 Hazelnut | White Chocolate | Elderflower Salted Butter Toffee 4/5 Meadowsweet Pate de Fruit 70% Chocolate | Chicory 3/5 Service was great, much better than a typical one star. Water was always full, and they were extremely attentive. Decor was also nice, clean, and oddly reminiscent of the Menu movie. read more

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4.5 if I'm being critical. For a quick response, Id say 5 and recommend anyone book a reservation. A lot of the dishes had Nordic technique, while also being heavily influenced by Asian cuisine, but also familiar to New American. I do commend the chef for balancing so many influences and creating something that feels it cannot have a label. I'd say the strongest dishes were the seafood dishes to me. The scallops with pumpkin and cypress seeds may have been the best representation of possibilities for what pumpkin could taste like. The oyster dish was such a delight in flavor, although I think some people may not like the soft, squishy textures of this one. Taking the oyster liquor and jellifying it was genius! The halibut paired with cardamom and vanilla was an out of this world experience! I could have have 10 of that dish! Some other highlights were the truffle, lamb heart, goat cheese tart was also a personal favorite of mine, as the offal taste was reigned in so well. The chestnut ice cream with white chocolate and vermouth was like nothing else I've had and gave me a whole new appreciation for chestnuts. The petite fours harmoniously worked all together, as If I was taking four separate photos to merge into a panorama of the forest. The steak was delicious, although I highly recommend you cut it vertically, so every bite has a tip of fat. If you eat it horizontally, you'll end up with all fat cap at the end, like my sister did. Unfortunately not everything was a home run. The squab was good, but it wasn't as good as I've had it at other establishments. Not sure whether it's the way they prepared it, although the sticky, tar-like skin on top was a playful texture. The raw milk with wheatgrass was a lackluster dessert. Mostly tasted like a wheatgrass smoothie that melted upon serving. The abalone dish was really saucy. It didn't feel as magical as the other dishes as well, especially with its rubbery texture. While the approach was purposeful, there isn't a strong indication on what their identity is. Perhaps the chef finds that too limiting for his exploration? The bare, brutalist interior with no artwork felt like a contemporary art gallery. The theme of the menu seemed centered around nature, based on the shapes and textures that conveyed something similar to what I could find in a marsh, or forest, or cottage mountain home. Looking back on my photos, I get this sense of being an old timey common villager, having dinner or a mid afternoon snack with most of what we ate. While the service here is on par for what a michelin restaurant should be, I feel most of the staff is trying hard to come off as nice, when I actually take it as insincere. Of course every person I interacted with asked about how I felt about the meal or what we were in for, but I felt everyone was more robotic and staged rather than natural. The polaroid they take does feel slightly hokey, but the nostalgic charm does add a nice touch to the experience. The biggest exception was the manager/owner, Julianna Yang. That lady oozes charisma and I wished all my interactions were funneled through her. Her confidence fills the room with such gravity, yet still offers kindness and humility in her approach. I hope all the servers can become half the woman she is when it comes to hospitality! I see why this place has the praise it has received. I also think that one star is accurate, even though they are aiming for two stars based on the service and length of the menu. I feel they will be awarded more stars in the future, but for now, one star is reasonable. If half stars were a thing, maybe 1.5 stars would be a good fit for their current operation?! read more

Yeah....hard to explain this experience. I went on a friend's birthday and got the drink pairing as well. They have specialty ways of pairing things, and the food is all bite sized. That said, we were all full by the end. The ambiance is very nice, if not the usual San Francisco parking issue. And the service is high end French. Meaning they set things down left to right and pick things up right to left. As well, it is all set with perfect timing. I really don't know how to say, wow. We're glad to have gone before any Michelin stars, but I'd go back and pay anytime. read more

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I rarely leave one-star reviews, but this experience was awful from start to finish. The bathroom was dirty, with pee on the floor--totally unacceptable for a restaurant of this supposed caliber. Inside, the music was blaring and grating, to the point it gave me a migraine. When I politely asked our server, Natalie, if it could be turned down, she responded rudely and condescendingly, saying it was a set playlist for the evening and nothing could be changed. Because of the noise, I couldn't even finish my meal. No one checked in to see if we were okay or asked whether they could make the experience better. The staff hovered nearby like watchful guards but were completely cold and uninviting. When we decided to leave halfway through, Natalie was pushy and mechanical, insisting on packing our leftovers. Outside, people were smoking and doing drugs right by the entrance--hardly the atmosphere you'd expect from a "fine dining" spot. As for the food: it looked nice but was cold, and some dishes overly salted or cheesy. My stomach felt uneasy afterward. The only saving grace was the sommelier, who was attentive and kind. Everyone else felt robotic. Natalie also touched multiple surfaces and then handled our food with her bare hands--not exactly confidence-inspiring. Between the dirty bathroom, obnoxious music, rude service, and questionable hygiene, this was hands-down one of the worst dining experiences I've had from a Michelin star restaurant. Would never return. read more

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Modern Nordic cuisine - you can see how Aska (NYC) and Sons and Daughters (SF) influenced this spot - highlights hyperlocal, simple ingredients, with little excess on the plate. There's a lot of technique behind each dish, the most obvious example being the honey-lacquered squab. What impressed me most is the progression of the meal, with nods to previous dishes (hello spot prawn) throughout the course. I wish they would accommodate some dietary restrictions... I had to skip two dishes because of just how much dairy would be included. That's the Baume (Palo Alto) influence; that restaurant also wouldn't deviate from a vision. From the first few tastes - a highlight was the smoked sturgeon - to an excellent dessert series - a highlight then was the chamomile sorbet - everything works. A few other reviews have noted the lack of greenery/freshness, as this is a very protein-centric menu. Overall, a clearly stellar restaurant (among the 50 best I've ever eaten at) and a likely candidate to get two Michelin stars next year. read more

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Great fine dining tasting menu experience. The ambiance was elegant and service was on point with plenty of cocktails and a great wine list. The first 6-7 dishes really earn this place its star. The meat options were tasty but not as creative/flavoursome as the seafood opening dishes. Worth the experience. read more

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Service was phenomenal, ambiance was nice, food was average. I will start with the good -- the service was fabulous!! The dishes were served quickly one after another so I never really had time to get too full in between courses. It also sort of felt like there were more people attending to me than actual number of people eating, which was nice. The steep price is definitely attributed to the service. The food was just okay though... I appreciate how there were tons of small bites in delicate tartlets, which I find very fun, but the food was rather cheese and meat forward. The meat dishes did sometimes feel a lot, especially the last one, and some courses were also overpowered by the cheese flavor. I was also not at all a fan of the desserts. They were either a bit too sweet or the flavors did not mesh well together. Very incentive, but I won't be coming back! read more

Kiln - New American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food was iconic and exotic, very unexpected and moody in the sexiest of ways. I found the atmosphere to be romantic and classy with an edgy risqué feeling in the best way possible! The dark, elegant and simplistic dining room gives an eyes wide shut feeling with a VIP who's who experience. I highly recommend for foodies looking for an out of the box experience. read more

Not long before they get that third star!! This place is great! Each offering was jewel-like, exciting and complex and moved perfectly into the next! Service was so relaxed and breezy yet attentive to every need. Was a very memorable experience! We've been to all the big 3's in the area and Kiln is easily on same level if not better than a few of them. read more

Top notch experience! Highly recommend. Reservations were easy via Tock. This was my first pick dinner, but they were fully booked for my husband's birthday so I booked elsewhere. A week prior, that restaurant cancelled but the stars aligned because a spot had opened up at Kiln! Walking in, I felt like we were at the restaurant in the menu. It's stark and clean and I'm into it. They wished my husband a Happy Birthday, which they knew because they asked prior to our arrival. We were greeted with a glass of sparkling. They had also mentioned this prior to our arrival and asked if alcohol was okay, which I appreciate, even though I'm pro all the alcohol!! I don't want to ruin the dinner too much, but we had the full tasting experience and my favorite dishes were the bisque, caviar, and ALL THE desserts!! They also just had a lot of nice touches with the photographs (I'm guessing they do that so they can remember what you look like if you ever come again) and the candles to take home. And the lighting is on point so you can take some pretty stellar pics of your food. Julianna, who we later realized after some internet stalking is the GM, seemed fun - like I'd want to be friends with her outside of work, haha. And she has the best handwriting!! I cannot wait to see Kiln's success!! read more

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Little known ingredients, expertly manipulated, some hyperlocal, many delightful twists and turns throughout the meal. Interior is very minimal chic and a nod to modern Nordic decor with the skins perched on the seating in the lounge. The dining room is pretty stark - I think there were 12 round tables spaced evenly from each other, enough privacy, but still could people watch when desired and I liked how Kiln positions the seats for optimal conversation. Can I talk about the bathrooms? Toto bidets, Aesop toiletries, dimmable mirror, real candles and CHARMIN!?! The staff make a point to freshen them up after each person uses and they guide you in. Needless to say - hospitality was high through the night and leading up to the dinner the text concierge was so accommodating and friendly. Also were available for last minute changes and same day requests. Favorites of the evening: puffed beef tendon, Portuguese blue lobster, Norwegian mackerel, Modesto squab, charcuterie, aged ribeye specifically the cap, olive oil sorbet and all the mignardises - rare are they ALL good! These are just my standouts, the others all excellent too. I would say the only quibble was with the Iberico pork - a bit tough. Both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings were playful, well thought out and the explanations were so detailed - terroir, history, why chosen and how it pairs with the food. Best meal in the US in the last few years and definitely Top 5 in the Bay Area. Fresh point of view, transporting and feast for all senses. Already looking to booking my next experience later this year - before stars start raining on my reservation parade. read more

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Kiln has been on my list for the past year. I finally had an opportunity to celebrate my birthday there last Wednesday. Ambience: It is located in an unassuming minimalistic space in Hayes Valley. I love the open, not stuffy and fun restaurant vibes. Service: Impeccable, friendly, soft..tailored and not cookie cutter. I interacted with no less than 8 people and felt like every single person wanted to be there. So much pride in what they do... Food: Here is a list of what we ate fried beef tendon lamb heart shima aji smoked sturgeon scallop with peas and pickled bud blossoms kaluga caviar over roasted hen fat dungeness crab portugese blue lobster in shell reduction potato bread with beef drippings monkfish with roasted kep razor clams in almond mousse on buckwheat tart squab over fire with huckleberry and bone reduction lamb loin in bone reduction house cured beef and iberico rhubarb sorbet with eucalyptus sourdough custard with cocoa nib Typically, I would find a handful of standouts but my, oh my.... Every dish blew my palette. They were ALL incredible, unique, minimalistic yet complex... full of different textures and flavors. We really loved our dining experience here and Kiln has definitely taken the Top 3 spots in the Bay Area for me..It's actually in my Top 3 in The World. This will be controversial but yes... that includes the Michelin stars like Alinea in Chicago and Eleven Madison Park in New York. I really love Kiln, the food, the wine list, the people and the experience THAT much!!! I highly recommend Kiln and cannot wait to be back! read more

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Overall the menu has good variety and everything was cooked perfectly (so nothing was overcooked or undercooked), but some of their sauces could still use some work. I would expect all of their sauces to be a hit, but I found that there were both hits & misses. The surf clam dish was just ok, the dill in the dungeness crab dish I felt took away from the crab, and I wasn't that impressed by the sauces for the squab, mackerel, and partridge. The other questionable aspect is their choice of music as other reviews have mentioned, it doesn't really match the fine dining vibe lol. Items not mentioned above were pretty good, and their customer service is also great! Overall I would probably give this restaurant a 3.5/5 read more

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"Treat yoself" is a way of life and if that's your way of life, you should come here. First off, the food. My bestie and I were skeptical considering how small the portions were, but as the snacks and small bites kept flowing, we truly got full. Everything was delicious. So delicious that I forgot to take more pictures. Everything meant to be crispy was exceptionally so (without being hard). The tastes ranged from light to umami to savory to sweet. Every time we thought "they can't top this," they in fact, did top. A side note that maybe no one cares about: the plates were all beautiful and paired well with the food. And surprisingly light. Next, the wine pairing. I had to drive so I sipped from my friends, but I will definitely be ordering it next time. They went around the world to pick bold, light, salinic, perfectly paired wines. When a wine was paired with multiple courses, it felt like it alternated between complementing and bringing out more flavors. Really great selection and I learned a lot. The service. 10/10. I always enjoy unpretentious servers who are happy to share their love and knowledge of food for you. Everyone was kind, thoughtful and attentive throughout. The chefs would come out and plate some food as well. The team was delightful and chill the entire time. The atmosphere itself felt like a postmodern locale with cement warehouse walls and gray canvases (framed, because we are adults now). As hip hop and r&b played, I felt like I was at home chilling with my friends rather than in a stuffy restaurant. It was a little louder than some of the servers but overall added to the vibe rather than detracted. The olive tree and twinkle lights added a homey touch. The bathroom was great and showcased a bit of the vibe in the restaurant: modern (with the bidet) yet rustic (with the candle). My only complaint is that I can't bring everyone here as the tables are mostly made for groups of two or four, but I suppose I'll have to make more trips out here! I look forward to seeing their new creations. read more

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Superb dining experience in an industrial chic setting. All of the courses were inventive and more importantly, delicious. Highlights for me were the abalone, venison loin with venison blood sausage, and the Maine lobster with veal sweet bread. Would not be surprised if Kiln receives 2 Michelin stars soon! read more

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Fantastic Michelin star restaurant! Don't let this 20 course meal scare you, as courses are bite sized snacks. Sleek and dark exterior (think modern loft style establishment), very attentive servers and quality of the ingredients really made this place a memorable meal for my husband's milestone birthday celebration. read more

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Only took off a star due to some of the meat courses being way too salty for my liking. Everything else was amazing! The decor and presentation for each course were probably the best I've seen yet in San Francisco. The vibe was definitely on the more intimate side with the lighting to match the mood. Service was also great! The staff served our courses with good pacing and kept everything very clean on our table at all times. read more

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