Rich TableBest Meal EverI cannot say enough wonderful things about Rich Table. I knew it was going to be good, but it far exceeded my expectations. My water glass was never empty, and the staff was so polite and accommodating. We really wanted to do the tasting menu, but my friend is vegetarian--to our surprise and delight, the kitchen was able to do the tasting menu for a pescatarian (fish + dairy, but no poultry or red meat). The food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Also, te staff managed to be knowledgable without being pretentious, and treated us as if we were family. It was a wonderful experience from the minute we walked in, to the minute we left. I can't wait to go back!6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and serviceIt was challenging to say the least to get a table on a Saturday evening but the effort was richly rewarded...
Excellent food and service. Highly recommend the Anchovy chips and Porcini donuts.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was excellentEverything was great! Started off with porcini donuts, olives and sardine chips! All very flavorful and all dipping sauces were excellent! Apricot was a delight and burrata was nice and the bread was crisp and salty! Steak was cooked to perfection, salmon flavorful and the vegetarian fare was excellent: toasted farro. Dessert was donuts (although we all thought the savory ones outshined the sweet) and pot de creme with cherries was yum (more like a mousse ten a pudding). Wine nice as was the refreshers they have for non alcoholic choices! Bravo! Will be back each season to see new creations! Service was excellent and very smooth! Michael was a gem!!!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect for pre-symphonyMy friend and I met at Rich Table for dinner prior to going to the symphony at Davies Hall. Everything was great and service was fantastic.
You have to make a reservation exactly 30 days in advance of dining. I can understand why they are so restrictive. This place would be booked out for months ahead, otherwise, depriving the rest of us who like a fun place to dine the opportunity to choose this venue.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe ordered the chef's choiceWe ordered the chef's choice tasting menu. At a half dozen bites, a full sized beet salad, 4 healthy tasting portion mains, and 2 tasting portion desserts, it was well worth the $80. Definitely plan on a large volume of food. The service was attentive and accomodating to a food restriction in the group. The chef even came over to explain how he prepared the salmon perfectly after we raved about it to the wait staff and asked. The cocktails were delicious and well prepared. We arrived early to try them out before dinner.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went at 6PM and the placeWe went at 6PM and the place was packed, but the service was relaxed and yet attentive. Food was very inventive; we tried the 'secret' hors d'oeuvre, The road to the tunnel, which was delicious, as was the dried porcini doughnuts with whipped raclette cheese. I had king salmon and my husband had the butter poached rabbit; salmon was perfect, however, my husband found the rabbit to be a little 'under-done' for his taste. Altogether a delightful experience, and a restaurant not to be missed.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Meal Yet?Every time we finished a dish we were yearning for more, wishing we had ordered two. Beginning with sinfully delicious, ingenious sardine chips, no dish disappointed. Lamb tartare was heavenly with the bright crisp of cucumber and creamy richness of tahini backed up by the warm crunch of house made pita. Bucatini was perfectly cooked, the spring flavors of mint and pea meshing with the richness of goat cheese. Rainbow trout had the most wonderfully crisp skin to compliment its delicate flesh. Butter poached rabbit was likely the highlight, although its hard to pick out one thing when they were all so amazing. It quite literally melted in your mouth and left us clamoring for more. Rich coffee as dessert and I could've died happy that day.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMMet my expectationsI had very high expectations for this place considering how hard it was to get a reservation. I enjoyed my meal immesnely - especially the sardine chips and beignets and the house made richilini pasta. Sevice was spot on and ti wa a ver comfrotable environment. I just wished I had not been facing the wall all night.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMTopping all the listsWonderful presentation with a variety of colors and textures, though sometimes the resulting flavor combinations were a miss. Deserts were the highlight.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Food, and ServiceI have been to Rich Table four times within the last few months and every time my dining experience was remarkable. The food is flavorful and adventurous, and the items on the menu do not disappoint. The food that is served is all local, fresh and in season.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Creative CuisineWe came here following a show at the new SF Jazz Center, just 2 blocks away. Our dinner was outstanding from appetizer through dessert. Very creative menu (we asked lots of questions) with excellent balance of unique flavors.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing foodVery different and interesting (green peach soup!) but the experimentation did not sacrafice flavor.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was delicious!There must have been a last minute cancellation because it was impossible to find a good place near the Opera last night but we lucked out. first time at Rich Table and would make it a regular. Two of us shared a number of the small plates - roast cauliflower, snap peas with a tangy horseradish sauce ( tasted better than it sounds), boullabaise served as a soup appetizer, and spaghetti with peas. we were in a hurry so no desert. the bread which you have to pay for is also worth it. overall we felt fully satisfied and the price was modest for what we had. Bravo!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AM1st visit to Rich TableOne of the top restaurants in the S.F. bay area, we finally made it in last night for what I felt was one of the best meals I've had so far this year. The space itself is casual and pretty small which partly explains why reservations are nearly impossible to get (I had to wait nearly 6 months before I could find a reservation that would work with my schedule). Our party of 3 decided to do the chef's tasting which I think is currently the best value/quality tasting menu in San Francisco ($80 for ~14 courses). I would certainly recommend this to anyone looking for quality ingredients prepared with respect and artfully served and presented without any of it feeling too modern or molecular.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMawesome sardine chips. lovedawesome sardine chips. loved the ramps pasta. trout was great as well. wait staff was a joy to deal with!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMN canTried the spaghetti with goat cheese, English peas and mint and was the best of the night. Hamachi tuna app very good. Chicken cannelloni very solid. Not sure why you can't gt a reservation here. There were multiple empty tables at 7:30 on a Sunday night.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMVery interesting, tasty dishes.Very interesting, tasty dishes. Spaghetti peas, crab cioppino & chicken breast all excellent.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMRich Table lives up to itsRich Table lives up to its reputation and nomination for James Beard Award!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding presentation ofOutstanding presentation of creative dishes and perfect pairing of wines to accompany each course. We had one of our most memorable meals in SF. The waitstaff was helpful in describing each dish (creation actually) and were knowledgeable of the wines that were served.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMRichly flavored, original,Richly flavored, original, and well presented dishes. I enjoyed the thought put into each plate. A bit of a wait time between courses but understandable considering they were fully booked. Very warm, friendly service. Will definitely return.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMoverall a great place andoverall a great place and would definitely come back... I give them a lot of credit for being creative... service girl rachel was great!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat little restaurant.Great little restaurant. Innovative menu without any of the dreaded show-off silliness. The mushroom 'doughnuts' were light and tasty. Chicken cannelloni was delicious, as was the oxtail tagliatelle. Liked the wine list, which was very reasonable (extensive, not expensive).
Our server greeted us warmly and was attentive. Never once did anyone tell us how fantastic they are -- they left it up to us to decide. For that, I highly recommend Rich Table.
The only flaw was the dessert: The chocolate 'bread pudding' was slimy and ugly. Not a successful dish at all.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMRich Table- Worth the WaitRich Table is definitely a hidden gem of San Francisco. Neither my boyfriend or I had heard of the place, but I went off a recommendation of Open Table and I couldn't be happier. The menu was inventive and delicious, I'm not sure how to describe the food, but it seemed to be rustic American-Italian with an Asian twist? The service was also very good- after being told the restaurant would be about 10 minutes late on our reservation, the host shortly arrived with sparkling wine and appetizers in apology. I had to book about a month out to get a Friday night reservation, but it was well worth the wait.
P.S. We were told they are known for the sardine chips, definitely worth a try.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe name fits the placeWe really enjoyed our meal at Rich Table. This place definitely has the right formula going - great food, creatively prepared using only the freshest of local ingredients, served in a casual and unpretentious way. The tables are a bit close together which may not be desired for some (ie those seeking a romantic experience) - us "old married folks: we had a nice chat with our neighbors which enhanced our dining experience. We regularly attend the ballet and dine at many of the places in the Hayes Valley/Civic Center area - right now Rich Table is at the top of our list. Reservations may be tough but you have the option of dropping in or dining at the bar. Well worth the wait!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe only bad part was theThe only bad part was the wait between courses sometimes lasted 20-30 minutes.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing food that includesAmazing food that includes all the senses with balance of flavor and an element that is left out often - texture. One of the most innovative and distinctive meals we have experienced in a long time. Rich Table was accommodating in dietary restrictions and prepared a dish a fellow diner will never forget because it was so well executed.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is one of my favoriteThis is one of my favorite restaurants in SF! I had an amazing flavorful meal here and can't wait to go back4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat tasting menu!The tasting menu with wine pairing ($80 + $45 respectively) was fantastic. This place is HOT right now, so reservations are a little difficult to come by.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved It!Great food, great service. Best gourmet dinner I've had in a while.
Yummmmmmmmy3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was wonderful; we especiallyFood was wonderful; we especially liked the hamachi appetizer and panna cotta. The portions were just the right size.
Hard to hold a conversation though because of the noise.
Two of us shared a pot of tea. I think they were short of tea pots; they took it away before we were done. When we asked for it back they poured us more tea but didn't leave the pot.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMLove love loved it. I hadLove love loved it. I had been waiting to try Rich Table for quite some time, and I'm so glad I got to enjoy a special night there. Next time I'll definitely get the tasting menu, but my colleague wanted to order specific things. I know it might be another 2 months before I can get a reservation, but I really look forward to it.
Our server was amazing by the way. I don't remember his name, but he was a taller blonde gent, with what sounded like a faint Eastern European accent. I could be totally off on that, but he was very professional and polished, and had a great tableside manner.
Keep it up RICH TABLE! LAMB TARTARE...MMMM...3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is great and well prepared.Food is great and well prepared. Waiters are attententive. Have a good set of menu.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMExperience was great, foodExperience was great, food was incredible and Michael was spectacular!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMI had a great meal here. highlightsI had a great meal here. highlights were the sardine chips, a pasta with lamb, the red trout with roasted roots and the chocolate dessert with kumquats and jasmine rice ice cream. The rabbit mole dish was the only stand out disappointment - nice presentation but little flavor....the rabbit didn't have any particular flavor and the sauce which was good didn't blend with the rabbit. For three of us we had two appetizers, two secondi and two main dishes plus the sardine chip, bread and dessert. That was too much food however if had ordered less we would have missed the red trout which was amazing.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMHope you enjoy RichTable soon!For our 19th anniversary, the folks at Rich Table treated us, well--richly! The food as well as the wine pairings were superb; service friendly and attentive; and the spirit with which all aspects of the meal unfolded felt bounteous and very fitting for our occasion. We found all of the various courses laid before us to be beautifully prepared and deeply satisfying. It can be boisterous in the dining room at peak hours, but the cause is patrons enjoying themselves, and we expect this at popular SF restaurants If you have the time, make a later reservation, and enjoy the quieting dining room as the even progresses. Our meal ended with us feeling thoroughly satisfied, warmed at heart and with gratified palates and stomachs. We'll be back!3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWe started with the sardineWe started with the sardine chips and dried porcini with raclette. Then we ordered half a dozen oysters. The appetizers were all good and delicious. I find the tagliatelle with dry aged beef to be on the salty side. For our main entree we had the slow cooked pork belly. The pork belly was relish. To end our meal we had the buttermilk panna cotta with dried apricots and honey crumbled oatmeal. That was really good. Overall the service was good, our waiter was right on on his recommendations. We will definitely go back and dine here again.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreatOn a certain other food review site this place gets mixed reviews which gave me slight concern about coming here, dealing with the parking, etc.. but I must say it was pretty great. Close to fine dining level food in casual neighborhood place. Maybe experience had to do with suggestions by waiter, but we really liked everything ordered. Even steak which I often feel is boring at most places was expertly prepared here with great condiments - chimichiri and mushrooms - and perfectly cooked.
Only negatives are difficult parking, difficult reservation (place is rather small) and seems a little under staffed as hard to get your waiter to order more wine and chef co-owner often delivers food to eager diners.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMfabulous dining experience!fabulous dining experience! our knowledgeable waiter's suggestions were right on the mark. we enjoyed a variety of dishes and saw others that would lure us back again.3/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWe'll be back for more.Wow! We had wanted to go for a while and finally got in. We wanted to have every single item on the menu. It was wonderful!!! We'll be back for sure.3/6/2013 12:00:00 AMI have been to Rich TableI have been to Rich Table twice now and can say that it is more than worth the hype. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and includes surprising combinations that work better than you can imagine from the description. We had the sardine chips (so simple yet so brilliant!), the plancha bread with anchovies and pistachios, the pickled herring, the tagliatelle with beef, the chicken lasagna, the trout almondine, and the pork belly. I think fish is their specialty - the trout was the most perfectly cooked piece of fish I've ever had. The herring was another favorite. The pork was rich with pork flavor without being too heavy. Everything was phenomenal - I can't wait to go back.1/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the wait for a reservation...Worth the wait for a reservation...Rachel was outstanding at explaining the various menu selections. Innovative menu and great service---think great dining exper1ence1/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat meal and a most attentiveGreat meal and a most attentive and entertaining waiter.12/17/2012 12:00:00 AMMust goHad a awesome meal, food and service was top notch. Will be back as soon I can get a reservation, which might a some time.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM