The Stinking RoseFabulous food for garlic loversI was expecting this to be a "gimmick" restaurant. I did not expect excellent food or a nice ambiance. I was surprised. The food was excellent and used intricate spicing in addition to a lot of garlic. The prices were reasonable for what we got. I had a catfish with cherry tomatoes and really nice olives. My husband got grilled shrimp. It was also excellent. I usually do not get desert but I had to try the garlic ice cream. It was actually quite good It seemed to have been flavored with uncooked garlic so it had a bit more bite than the items with cooked garlic. The booths were enclosed by curtains which gave them an intimate feel.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat RestaurantGreat experience. I've been to both locations and they are about the same, Great food selection, decent prices, make sure to make reservations though or you could end up waiting quite awhile for a table.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMDeliciousAmazingly garlicly. The "italian relish" on the table was fabulous and all the roasted garlic was mouthwateringly awesome. If you have never tried it, the garlic ice cream was really really good.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AM10/10 would eat there every dayI was here over a year ago and finally came back last week. I was worried that the Garlic Soaking in a Hot Tub and Garlic Ice Cream memories had exaggerated how much I loved the food here. I was not disappointed. The food is superb. I just wished I could have stayed there longer and eaten more. Sadly my stomach and pants ran out of capacity.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was fabulous. WeThe food was fabulous. We had the roasted garlic crab and the clam linguini. The crab was so flavorful. My husband was using the bread to wipe up the sauce. It was sooo good. It also came with a side dish of pearl couscous. It was also excellent. My clam linguini was also over the top. The noodles was black made with ink from the squid. The clam was plentiful. The sauce was very flavorful probably because of the garlic. Even though we had so much garlic, the garlic was made to be very soft and buttery. We had the garlic, butter, and oil for the bread and you do need to experience that also. We did share that with some other diners next to us. Too much for just two people. We shared the crab and noodle dishes - a lot of food.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat garlic recipesIf you're ever in San Francisco you should definitely try out this restaurant - original, tasty and fun.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place for any occasion!We brought my mum for Mother's Day and all had a wonderful time. Got recommendations from a few people and they were right, it's a wonderful place. The 'Rose has been in this location (between China Town & North Beach) for years and its obvious why. Great food and atmosphere! We had the steamer combo, a hot plate of muscles, prawns, and crab, that with the garlic & bread, and the pizza appetizer fed 4. And a bottle of wine, all for about $25/person. Right around the corner is china town & just down the street is the Embarcadero. We will definitely be back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMI hate garlic!I usually do not enjoying eating garlic, but until I tried Bagna! It didn't have that usual garlic taste to it, but I really enjoyed eating it and dipping my bread with it. I also really liked the menu design, different and unique. Tad bit on the expensive side, but somewhere you should try in San Francisco.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you like Garlic, whichIf you like Garlic, which we do, this is a great place to go!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMStink It Up!If you are a garlic lover, this is the perfect restaurant for you!. There is a great array of garlic infused appetizers and entrees. And so my husband and I stunk it up together- it was fabulous, tasty, zesty and flavorful. We would defiitely return on another visit to San Francisco.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyable experience in North BeachI had excellent table service and the food was very tasty. The boneless ribs were very tender, and the garlic was not as overpowering as I was expecting. Everyone enjoyed the food and experimented with the different garlic dishes.
The atmosphere was very interesting and nostalgic. I enjoyed looking at all of the old movie and tv star pictures everywhere.
I would recommend this to my friends, but you really need to enjoy garlic.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMgarlic!Don'teat to much garlic or else it will get you later. Haha. But the food is great. I had the seafood5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMVery unique menu - would returnVery unique menu - would return if I was in the area.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFun, Great place to dineI was told of this historic restauraunt by a friend, who suggested I eat there next time on business travel. Excellent food, fun place to dine. Service was fast and flawless. Had some wonderful garlic roasted dungeness crab and a really spectacular gnochi dish. You have to like garlic, and if you do this is tops!4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMExperience at The StinkingExperience at The Stinking Rose was very positive. Food and service were fine. Portions could be better but price was right. Will recommend to others.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was my birthday dinnerIt was my birthday dinner , and the staff made u feel warm and welcome , would definitely eat there again , the food was unbelievable !4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMYou better like garlic.We came to San Fran from NJ and was told we just had to eat at this restaurant. We loved the appetizers and the main dishes. I wish there was a few non garlic appetizers to choose from but the food was still delicious. The service is wonderful. We enjoyed this place.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of Little Italy's BestLocated in Little Italy this gem has been around for years. This is a favorite of my wife and I. Italian cuisine that specializes in several sea food items. The ambiance is cozy and even romantic. Really there is something for everyone here. There is an area for groups to spread out and we have heard Happy Birthday sung just about every time we have gone. This really is an old school San Francisco treat and shouldn't be missed.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food! Garlic in everything,Great food! Garlic in everything, even the wine, and super delicious!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing!Everything from the wait staff to the food and ambiance was as expected: amazing!
Thanks for such a great experience :-)4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMVery nice ambiance. AlwaysVery nice ambiance. Always busy but they manage to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. I have been before and I will go again. A dine dining establishment smack dab in the heart of downtown SF.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSmelly Taste!Great food and great atmosphere makes The Stinking Rose one of my favorite touristy places to take my friends when they come visit me in San Francisco. The food is always great and the portions are generous. If you're a garlic fan, this is a great place to go once in a while, though, maybe not on a first or second date!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful SF ExperienceThis is such a fun restaurant! We arrived early (5:45PM) on a Fri so the noise level was still reasonable---+ we sat in a front room. We always enjoy the 40 clove garlic chicken---still great. Wine selection good too. Terrific place to bring out-of-towners for a real SF treat!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGARLIC!! Everything had aGARLIC!! Everything had a really great flavor and was cooked perfectly. I wish my stomach could hold more food. Here's what we ordered:
Garlic in a tub of butter-this was a great spread for the awesome bread they give. Wonderful appetizer!
Clams-a wonderful broth accompanied the clams. Good thing we ordered a large!
Shrimp and mussels on the grill-oh... such yummy shrimp and mussels! The only thing that would have made it better is if the shrimp were pre-peeled.
Steak and crab-steak was cooked perfectly, was tender, moist and delicious
Pasta and clams-great taste! Lots of clams!!
Lotsa crab-all legs no bodies, hmmm, I wonder why the menu says whole crabs? I love the bodies! Good flavor, though, not too salty.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible food, awesome ambiance,Incredible food, awesome ambiance, friendly staff.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGarlic. Garlic. Garlic.Garlic. Garlic. Garlic. The cioppino is tops ... Full of hearty seafood and the sauce very flavorful.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place to go for a funGreat place to go for a fun garlicky experience. Not a big fan of the crab, it was flavored which took away from the sweetness of the crab but the prime rib and meatloaf were amazing! And the garlic ice cream was a fun way to end dinner. Will definately go again.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWasn't sure what to expectWasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at the atmosphere. Little rooms throughout and private booths with unique lighting fixtures and mirrors in each one. Food was very good. A bit pricey for the quality of food, but in a major city it is to be expected. I would go back again.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOUTSTANDINGGreat place to have a romantic date with your wife! Though, because it's a garlic restaurant, maybe not for first dates! :) But the food is AMAZING!!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMKept us on time with good serviceGreat garlic themed Italian menu. We were on a tight schedule due to a show after dinner, so the waiters made sure we were on time while providing great service.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and great ambianceExcellent food and great ambiance and the service was excellent!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experience with veryGreat experience with very delicious food. Would definately return.Yummy!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely AmazingI love going here because the food is always cooked to perfection, the taste of the food is fabulous. When ever I take someone who has never been there, they can't stop raving about it. Definitely a must if your are in town in either of their locations.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved the ambiance and theLoved the ambiance and the service, but the food was just fair. I was expecting the old o be much better.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGarlic loverrs dreamI really enjoyed my dinner their...but you really need to like garlic....lots of it!4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMDave and Jane MestreSecond time here and it won't be the last. Visiting from NJ this place will always be a stop for us.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMLove this place! Hot GarlicLove this place! Hot Garlic Shrimp App is amazing. Garlic Grab is always great! We order the Chicken too with Mash.. Always a fun spot to take the kids.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed our dinner at theEnjoyed our dinner at the Stinking Rose..Good Food & Great Service - Gotta get the tub of garlic appetizer - sizzling platters a great choice with shrimp and crab...3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe noticed a review in theWe noticed a review in the Virgin travel mag. It was easy to make on line reservation, and we were send reminders. The day of our reservation we passed by on the hop on hop off red bus tour, they gave a good plug on way passed. We have been garlic fans for years, this was too good to miss, it did not dissappoint . The food we had from starter through to pud was very tasty good value and loaded with garlic. I had the chicken with forty gloves , think you good rename the dish Ali Baba !
Thanks for a great night, when ever we come back to SF we will drop by again, keep up the excellent work.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA MUST for garlic loversWent last year so when we knew we were going back we booked in advance - well worth it as it gets very busy especially at weekend.
As usual food and service impeccable even after long flight from UK and no sleep! Just wish there was a branch in the UK and 5600 miles is a long way to go!
If you love garlic you MUST go to this restaurant and don´t be afraid to try the garlic wine and the ice cream. Both deliver.
Will definitely return at some point in the future.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday surpriseDon't be put off by the focus on garlic. The food is excellent and menu well balanced. You can ofcourse go large on the garlic if thats what takes your fancy. The roasted garlic starter for example is great. We went for a friends birthday and had a great laugh when the waitress and staff appeared at our table and put a giant garlic bulb hat on our friends head and sang happy birthday to her!!!! We got some great photos. All in all its good food with a great atmosphere.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't Wait to Go Back!Awesome food,reasonable prices, excellent service...would definitely visit again!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it! It came highly recommendeLoved it! It came highly recommended by friends. Very unique atmosphere and delicious food. Make sure you brush afterwards. Morning breath is a killer!3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMNice place with good ambianceNice place with good ambiance and food. Rather loud, but friendly.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGarlic surpriseHad heard about the restaurant prior to visit to San Francisco so booked it well in advance so not to be disappointed. The experience from start to finish was amazing. Food was great with a menu that was hard to choose from cause everything looked great. The surroundings dis not disappoint garlic hanging from the ceilings and various other items. However, the service was amazing our waiter was friendly efficient and made sure everything was ok without being overpowering. I would certainly return to try other items. Would reccommend the prawns to start and then 40 glove chicken for main meal.. One word fabulous!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you love garlic you willIf you love garlic you will definitely love the Stinking Rose. The bread and garlic spread that start the meal off are a perfect combo especially paired with a little bit of oil and balsamic. I ordered the gnocchi and it was creamy with the perfect hint of garlic. The ambiance of the restaurant is great with candle light, wine bottles and the many celeb pictures on the walls. A great place for a date!3/18/2013 12:00:00 AMYuuuuummmmm!amazing food, great service, lots of garlic, definitely going back! Need to try that Garlic Ice Cream!!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI really enjoyed our diningI really enjoyed our dining experience at Stinking Rose. My husband and I go there everytime we visit which is twice a year. The food was great, service was ok, and the place still is nostalgic! Will be visiting there again soon..3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWarm food, friendly ambiance.We were out for a jaunt in San Francisco, and happened upon The Stinking Rose. The ambiance is very warm, the employees are friendly, and the menu choices are tempting.
I especially liked the choices on the wine list. It looks like there's a little something for everyone there.
My favorite parts of my visit were the delicious food with all kinds of garlic; and that our waiter was happy to talk to us and make us feel comfortable.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMLove the atmosphere of theLove the atmosphere of the place. You walk in and the smell of food being cooked with garlic just grabs you. It's wonderful! My wife had the 40 clove garlic roasted chicken which was the star of the meal. I had the garlic roasted prime rib which was abit too fatty compared to prime rib at other placed. While the garlic mas potatoes had good flavor, they were abit stiff versus nice and creamy. I would go back for the atmosphere and try something different on the menu such as the rabbit or the garlic seafood.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM