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    Saison

    4.3 (732 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndNew American
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM

    Saison Photos

    Business Info

    SAISON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Saison

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    Reviews With Photos

    David S.

    Saison is truly one of the best dining experiences I've had. I took my girlfriend here for her birthday, and from the moment we walked in, the staff made sure we were completely taken care of. The service was impeccable--attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely warm throughout the entire evening. The space itself felt both elegant and cozy, creating the perfect atmosphere for a special occasion. What really stood out, though, was the food. Their open-fire Californian cooking delivers bold, expressive flavors that perfectly matched my taste. The caviar salsify dish, in particular, was one of the best things I've ever eaten--beautifully balanced and unforgettable. Every dish showcased incredible technique and creativity, highlighting the team's unique and refined cooking skills. Saison absolutely lived up to the hype and feels like it could very well be taken back to their three-star level. I would definitely come back again in the near future.

    Tina N.

    Hello. Looking for somewhere to fancy to eat with a friend? I got you. This is Saison in San Francisco. If you want that Michelin Star experience, then I highly recommend this restaurant. The tasting menu and every course was presented in a marvelous way that was delicious and tasteful with our palates. Even the zero-proof drinks were a must get. One drink is called Sparkling Plum Shiso. The second one was called the Flower & Honey. The tasting menu also had variety of different foods in unique presentations. Each food and drink were exquisite and very on par with the Michelin Star experience. Furthermore, I highly recommend that you come here with your special someone. Whether it is a birthday celebration or an anniversary. Tina's Tip: Here is my tip. Make sure to Book through OpenTable with your Sapphire Reserve card and look for the Exclusive Tables option. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can get the $150 semi-annual dining credit. It's worth it!

    Young Y.

    Fav fine dining spot rn. 11/10. Passionate sommelier, love the decor and spacious seating, best service so far, almost everything was a spot on but the one initial duck liver bite which slightly missed the mark imo. Many bold umami , meaty flavors. Might've missed a dish or two in the images. Give saison their 3rd star back!!!

    Eva W.

    ** Michelin Star! Wow, I was impressed. I can see and taste why. We came to celebrate my husband's birthday. The hostess offered to take my coat and seated us at a table near the opened kitchen. We can see everything. A little birthday note for my husband was placed at the table. I thought that was a thoughtful gesture. The dinner is a 10-course tasting menu. I'm sure the menu changes from time to time, guessing seasons. The cost is quite pricey, but it is an experience. All of the dishes are very unique. Gratuity is automatically charged on your bill. Drinks are not included in the per person price. Service is exceptional. They will accommodate dietary needs. It is the first thing they as before food service starts. All of the dishes were great. The presentation, the taste, and the uniqueness of the food. The one thing I did not care for was the smoked ribeye antelope. I've never had antelope before or even thought about having it. Never thought that would be an option. But I did try it, and it isn't for me. The plate did come with antelope heart. I actually liked that. Everything was exceptional. This was a nice birthday celebration. We were extremely full after everything we ate.

    One of the many desserts
    Sung Hee P.

    We had a lovely Valentine's dinner this year at Saison. We had the Valentine's Day tasting menu and paired it with the wine pairing. Service and the wine pairing was the most special for us. The staff was professional and took care of us in every way for our anniversary and Valentine's, but also with a personable touch. We sat facing the bar so was secluded from the kitchen.

    Jennifer C.

    Came here for the $78 petite bar experience and celebrate a birthday. It was quite an exquisite dining experience with thoughtful service throughout. Saison has been on my radar for years and I'm glad to have finally dined here. Bar experience is available on OpenTable Tuesdays through Thursdays only for a 6 pm or 8 pm seating. We came for a 6 pm and left around 7:30 pm. Their cancellation / rescheduling policy is worth reviewing carefully. Coming in, the staff confirm the reservation, stow your bags/coats, and bring you to the bar and help you get seated. We were the only ones at the bar that night. Our server was attentive and informative. They had an adorable mini cake for the birthday occasion. There is a 20% service charge (for tip) and 6% SF mandate plus tax. In writing this review, I noticed their OpenTable price showed $78 for Wagyu (the server never mentioned price and no menu was offered) and I was charged $88. I emailed about the discrepancy. I see they have updated the price but have not written back to me, which leaves an off putting aftertaste of my overall impression of this two Michelin star institution.

    Bar
    David L.

    I saw this place on a Youtube video and marked it to try out. I decided to go here for my Birthday. I booked well in advance to get the date. We arrived and I found street parking down the block which had an app to pay for. Not bad price either. We walked to the restaurant. The sidewalk is slanted and messed up in some places. Just a note if you wife is wearing heels which mine was. The place doesn't have a strict dress code but it's a nice 2 star Michelin place so we dressed nicely. Plus it's my Birthday anyway. Everyone that we saw was dressed up except the guy who arrived later next to us. Just a tennis type polo shirt. His wife had more sense. They do have coat check since the receptionist asked to take my wife's overcoat. They have a little bar to the right of the entrance with a nice selection of alcohol. We were seated right across from the kitchen and could see all the action. It was a great place to sit. The row on the front wall would be the best. Chef Richard Lee works only on the second plating counter closer to the kitchen. It's the one with great lighting. The front counter doesn't have the lightning and is for the staff to finish plating. This is a tasting menu restaurant. I recommend that you do it in the main dining room. The bar area is farther from the action of the kitchen and some of the seating is really tight and I wouldn't like sitting there. On the way to the restroom I saw a couple sitting and it looked like their knees could almost touch. It was only one of the tables though. The menu today was a 10 course one with various dishes. Drinks were separate. I decided to not do drinks since I had been to another bar earlier. The price is around 360 a person and then tax. The tip is included when you get the bill. Food: The first bites White Sturgeon - was amazing caviar and great taste with a macaroon type at the bottom Bluefin Tuna - unique flavor and gel, gummy , smelled different but good flavors Pine Mushroom - looked like a mushroom but consistence of a cookie , be careful I dropped mine, little kick in the middle , faint very creamy . Duck Liver cone - strong flavor, with jam at the bottom. Different - good They brought us a special tea with herbs and it was amazing. Great flavor and then the honey came after. Really liked it a lot Caviar -Geoduck a clam, this was one of my favorites. Loved the flavor and nice and creamy, custard like. So much flavor and I could eat more of these. Spiny Lobster & Lamb - A tartar, with a broth and rice cracker. It was different and it was ok loved the broth Black Cod with a rice almost like risotto cooked nicely and a little vintager in it. the rice was great and the cod was good Napa cabbage to cleanse the pallet , tasted great Pork was good but the tomato was jut ok I guess to offset the pork Brioche Truffle. Strong truffle taste in the middle , it was nice. Antelope It wasn't our favorite for sure. It tasted not really gammy like the wife said but when I was eating it felt like little air pockets like sponge on my tongue. I loved the heart though. it was great. Beeswax with raspberry was so yummy and the razzberries were really strong flavor I got a small chocolate muse cake from them for my Birthday which was really good. I really loved the dinner here. You can tell why they got 2 Michelin stars. The place is really classy and the service is top notch. It was amazing and I think worth the price and such a great place to celebrate my Birthday. We even got a picture with the entire staff. Chef Lee was standing in the back of us. It was so funny when they were lining up , the staff and taking the picture I noticed that everyone in the entire restaurant was looking at us like "Who are They". it was really nice of them

    Michael F.

    Amazing meal at this well earned 2 Michelin star restaurant! Although a bit pricey, I'd have to say this was probably the best meal I had in the Bay Area in all of 2025. The staff was very welcoming, professional and attentive, and the ambiance was comfortable and elegant but casual. Came here for a milestone wedding anniversary and they had a special card for us at the table when we arrived! From that point on the meal was very enjoyable. From the first bites, to the boar, antelope and beeswax courses, this was a fun, unique and delicious culinary adventure. They even gave us a parting gift along with the menu in an envelope to save as a memory. Truly special meal and one of the few times I'll say it was worth it at this price!!

    Sandy C.

    Wow! This was one of those rare, truly special dining experiences that reminds you why exceptional restaurants matter! As someone who has dined at other Michelin-recognized spots over the years, this evening stood out in the best way! From the moment you arrive, Maggie sets the tone with genuine warmth and effortless hospitality - the kind that feels natural, not rehearsed. She's so sweet! Every course that followed was thoughtfully composed, distinctive, and layered with flavor, showcasing precision without ever feeling pretentious. We asked if the menu could be printed so we could follow along with the progression of courses (something I always appreciate as a diner), and they didn't mind at all! The open kitchen is immaculate and visually stunning, but what impressed me most was the clear respect and calm collaboration among the staff. It's rare and incredibly telling. They also had a great playlist that keeps the room feeling lively rather than stuffy. Every detail felt intentional -- from the cleanliness of the space to the execution of each dish. The experience was absolutely worth the $$$$, delivering both creativity and substance. This is confident cooking with soul. A memorable night and a restaurant I would wholeheartedly return to - and recommend to anyone who truly loves great food.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRk7AP5EkGh/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
    Aletta A.

    Chef Richard Lee and the team have done an excellent job with their smoky new American cuisine w/ an Asian essence per se for their autumn menu. Great ambience, excellent and friendly service, comforting vibe, love me some tea to begin and end the meal, and semi obsessed with their restrooms. I left sooo full and satisfied. And omg, the goodies they send you home with are so yum! Definitely the most expensive tasting menu with wine pairing and the two supplements, but it was also the most food and most full I've ever been from a tasting menu.

    antelope
    Iris F.

    Saison was my first 2 Michelin star experience and it was honestly more than I could have asked for. I came here for my birthday and they made it feel really special from start to finish. Service here is on another level. The staff are the most attentive I've ever experienced and they really know how to make the night feel memorable. The food was incredible and there was so much of it I don't even know where to start. Every dish had strong, bold flavors which I loved, nothing felt forgettable. The standout for me was the smoked caviar with salsify and geoduck. Their smoking of the caviar gave it such a deep, rich flavor and paired with the salsify it was honestly one of the best couple bites I've ever had. I still think about it to this day. By the end I was completely full and couldn't even finish the mini cake they gave me. There are a LOT of protein courses and they are pretty big portions which I very much appreciated. Each course felt intentional and really showed the restaurant's identity. There was only one dish I didn't enjoy, which was the antelope and antelope heart. It felt underseasoned and the heart was a bit too strong for me. The space feels like a cozy cabin. There are animal heads on the walls, fur blankets, and dried flowers hanging from the kitchen ceiling. We had seats right in front of the kitchen which made the whole experience even better. Watching them cook over and fan the live wood fire and plate each dish was amazing. Honestly felt like a 3 star experience to me.

    Dee L.

    Exceptional service from beginning to end, total attentiveness from the staff, food is exceptional. I find the cocktail too diluted. The decorations are interesting. Overall great experience.

    Lily C.

    Came here for bday celebration. The ambiance was great but the food was okay. Out of the 10+ courses including the uni and wagyu, only a few dishes were semi-memorable (which were the wagyu and caviar). While the presentation was beautiful, it was missing that spark or emotion that brings food to life. The staff were really nice but I wish we had a more personal/genuine interactions rather than a scripted interaction. Also I'm left handed and it was not until halfway through the courses did they notice that and start placing the silverware on the left side Overall, just had higher expectations for 2 star Michelin restaurant.

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    Page 2 of 19

    Saison Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Saison

    Is there outdoor seating available? Do you have any accommodation for the unvaccinated in our party?

    What is the dress code for this establishment?

    Per the Information tab on the website: "DO YOU HAVE A DRESS CODE?… Read more

    Is the outdoor dining tasting identical to the indoor one?

    No, it's similar. Either one is good. It all depends on how much you want to spend.

    What is the approximate dining time for a meal here?

    Depends on the size of your party and how early you arrive but ~1.5 hr

    What is the dress code during Covid?

    Masks on when not actually eating, when servers approach or going to the restroom

    What is the menu now during Covid?

    They never answer their phone so it's impossible to get an up to date answer.

    How long are the different tasting options?

    Very long probably say a foot maybe 2

    Is the saloon seating in a different room? And are the courses different from the kitchen seating?

    Well its different.......because its SALOON SEATING!!!!

    Where can I find the menu?

    Saison's menu is predominantly seafood with fresh, seasonal vegetables and is everchanging. Please feel free to contact the restaurant and we'd be delighted to provide you a sample menu.

    Are kids allowed?

    Only in the basement.

    My husband doesn't eat seafood, would he still have an enjoyable experience?

    I have a shellfish allergy and they adapted the menu for me. Mild types of fish such as salmon and cod were included and were wonderful! They adapted the shell fish dishes. For example, my husband has sea urchin toast and my dish was avocado toast.… Read more

    What kind of beer is served here?

    Hello E E., Thank you for your interest in Saison. Please feel free to contact us at… Read more

    Is there a vegetarian discovery menu?

    Yes.

    Which option is better to try the discovery menu - sitting at the kitchen or sitting at the salon?

    The kitchen isn't sitting in the kitchen, you're just sitting buy it. The salon is by the bar. I'd vote the kitchen in general, better view of the Chefs cooking.

    Can you add the Caviar supplement at the restaurant if you didn't add it when putting a deposit on the tickets? If so, can only one person participate? Or does the whole table have to?

    I would contact the restaurant directly.

    I'm curious as to how they can take reservations and set up your menu up to 90 days away, and 1) stay in business but more importantly 2) cook anything seasonal or at least fresh. Am I missing something? How do you know what's going to be good?

    Planning, improvisation, chance, and no refunds or rescheduling. Oh plus the high bill.

    View All 17 Questions

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    Trestle

    Trestle

    4.4
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    One of my favorite dining experiences in SF (and it's a tough category to win in)! This review is…read morelong overdue as I had an amazing experience at Trestle for a birthday dinner a whole year ago. By sheer luck, my birthday coincided with the 4-course for $45 promotion they were running for their 10-year anniversary. I had to jump at the opportunity, especially since the menu was built from the all time favorite items at the restaurant since their opening. I really couldn't think of a better way to experience a restaurant for the first time. While some set course meals have a few misses, this one was just hit after hit the entire way through. I really felt as if every course was complimentary, but different enough in their own way to stand on their own and make an impact. Tldr: the food was amazing! The icing on the cake (figuratively and literally) was just how far they went out of their way to make my birthday night special. Exceptional service, bringing out a complimentary dessert with a candle, and even leaving a personalized card elevated this experience to the next level. Would highly recommend paying Trestle a visit, and I can't wait for the next time I'm able to try their new menus myself!

    I really enjoyed this place. The food was very delicious. They have pre fixe menu that changes…read moredepending on what's in season. You get an appetizer, pasta dish, main and dessert. The price for quality and quantity was really worth it. On the night we went, I got the split pea soup, risotto with bacon and veggies, their steak main and sorbet for dessert. I honestly really enjoyed all the dishes, especially the steak that was cooked medium rare and the risotto. It was so flavorful and creamy. Got a glass of white wine to wash everything down. The only downside with service was that they didn't offer us a bread basket. We didn't realize this until the very end. Everyone else got bread baskets and were even asked if they wanted one. Our table was not informed so we felt a little left out. We asked our server at the end and he said we had to specifically ask for it from the beginning. Just a note for anyone else going.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Cod with potato and cabbage
    Cod with potato and cabbage
    Pickle beer

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    Pickle beer
    Ernest

    Ernest

    4.3
    (647 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$$

    I went Ernest for my birthday. Upon arrival, the server led us to a nice seat with a background…read moreview of the bar from the second floor, I figured they save some good-photo seats for special reservation. The waitress checked on us very often that made us feel cared. The food was so great! Everything was delicious and very good portion for two people to share. It now ranks one of my favorite restaurants in SF. Highly recommended!

    Ernest was nothing like I was expecting, but in the best way haha. My coworker suggested checking…read moreit out, and she always has the best recs, so of course I said yes. It's such a cute restaurant with its own charm. The whole experience felt fun and special. The only intimidating part for me was the menu haha. I'm a very visual person, so I had a hard time picturing some of the dishes at first. Shoutout to our kind & patient server, plus all the Yelp photos I studied beforehand lol. Everything was delicious. The quality of every dish really stood out, and I'd happily order all of them again, but here were my favorites: * Sushi Rice: SO good. Definitely a must order. The beef somehow almost tastes like tuna haha. * Fried Rice: I'm obsessed with corn, so this was a must for me. * Maitake Tempura: A must for mushroom lovers. Also, the ranch was incredible. * Kakigori: Absolutely mandatory for dessert. No further notes lol. * Lamb Kofta: Really flavorful and delicious, though next time I'd probably try some other dishes instead. * Avocado: A great option if you want something fresh and green on the table too. * Parker House Rolls: These were good, but probably not my favorite. I think I'm biased because I don't really love rolls in general, and the other dishes felt more unique and memorable to me. These were just the items we had, but the menu changes often, so you may see different dishes when you go. The Sushi Rice is one of the staples though, and I definitely think it's a must try. Overall, such a great experience. Our server was so attentive, and the whole meal felt really memorable. Already planning to bring my boyfriend here for a date night. What a special place!

    Photos
    Open kitchen
    Open kitchen
    Shaved ice
    Shaved ice
    Onion rings

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    Onion rings
    Rise Over Run

    Rise Over Run

    3.9
    (252 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Views: 10/10 Service : 9/10…read moreFood: 8/10 Drinks: 10/10 I was finally able to make it over to this place. As a rooftop connoisseur, this place was on my list for a while. I will say that this place is absolutely stunning and beautiful compared to a lot of others San Francisco rooftops that I have visited. This is located into the tenderloin, so please be aware that you will have to find your own street parking but parking a garage is preferred. This place has stunning views nonetheless, it's very chill and in a relaxing setting. The music is not overpowering, which is nice enough to have a conversation without having it overly crowded with 50 other people around you. I've definitely been back here a few times to take other friends and family and I will continue to do so. There are also heaters outside when it's very cold, chilly and windy. The staff is amazing as they are also willing to accommodate you and give you blankets if needed. Can't wait to go back!

    I visited on a Wednesday with a large group to celebrate my fiancé's birthday. The venue is…read morebeautiful, especially the spacious outdoor patio, which was perfect since the indoor area is a bit smaller. The DJ was spinning old-school R&B, which created an amazing vibe! The food was pretty good. The fried chicken and deviled eggs were super tasty. I'm rating this 4 stars instead of 5 due to a couple of service issues. First, their bar policy for large groups is frustrating. A guest in our party tried to order a soda at the bar but was turned away because he wasn't physically sitting at the bar counter. For large groups, people should be allowed to open separate bar tabs so they don't have to be looped into the main table bill. It feels unreasonable and cuts into the bartenders' tips. Second, our server wasn't very welcoming. While not openly rude, the cold demeanor made our diverse group feel a bit pre-judged, which was disappointing. We still ended up with a hefty bill and tipped well, but hospitality could definitely be improved. Overall, we had a great time because of the company, music, and food. I'm willing to give it another try to see if the service improves!

    Photos
    View of the indoor seating area
    View of the indoor seating area
    Fried Chicken (4 pcs) $22.00; southern biscuits $8.00
    Fried Chicken (4 pcs) $22.00; southern biscuits $8.00
    View from outside

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    View from outside

    Saison - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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