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Birch & Rye, San Francisco, CA

Birch & Rye

4.5
4.5
37 Reviews
$50 and over
Russian
BIRCH & RYE presents a modern interpretation of Russian cuisine. Using premium and niche ingredients, the restaurant reimagines Russian food through a California lens, featuring unique takes on traditional plates that are deconstructed. Chef Owner Anya El-Wattar, a Russian-born émigré and a decades-long SF resident, believes there is no better way to connect than through lively conversation and creatively imagined food. She began cooking with her mother in Moscow and received formal training at the Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC. She also cooked at Greens in Fort Mason, and successfully ran a catering and non-profit, The Butterfly Social.

Among the light & seasonal dishes at Birch & Rye are several GF and vegan options. The beverage program features infused vodkas & Eastern European wines.

Our 20% quality of life service charge is split among our staff and allows for a higher than average hourly wage, 100% coverage of health insurance and a 401K w/match.

Photos (C) Sarah Felker

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 6 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Russian, Vegan, Cocktail Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (415) 796-2265

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Executive chef

    Anya El-Wattar

  • Neighborhood

    Noe Valley

  • Cross street

    24th Street

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Near 3 bus stops: Castro and 24th, Diamond and 25th, 24th and Noe.

  • Additional

    Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu

    Jan 4 - Mar 31, 2023
    A seasonally inspired five course chef's tasting menu is available for $125. A wine pairing is available for $99. Supplemental courses, additions, and a full beverage menu are also available to complement your meal.
  • Vegan Five Course Chef's Tasting Menu

    Jan 4 - Mar 31, 2023
    A seasonally inspired vegan five course chef's tasting menu is available for $125. A wine pairing is available for $99. Supplemental courses, additions, and a full beverage menu are also available to complement your meal.
  • Tanya Holland's California Soul Dinner

    $98.00 per person

    Mar 29, 2023 only
    In honor of Women's History Month, we're hosting a one-night-only collaboration dinner with Chef Anya El-Wattar of Birch & Rye and Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen. We've invited our dear friend, chef, and cookbook author, Tanya Holland to join us for a special evening celebrating recipes from her new cookbook, 'California Soul.' SPECIAL FOUR COURSE MENU Hoe cakes with Georgian sparkling wine and Birch & Rye's private label caviar Winter chicory salad with creole mustard vinaigrette Mustard barbecue-roasted quail, roasted beets, fennel, and beluga lentil hash Flourless chocolate-pecan cake with orange glaze Signed copies of Chef Tanya Holland's cookbook, 'California Soul' ($35) will be available for purchase at the restaurant.

What 37 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    Innovative

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Filters

  1. Rambo

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exciting creative food, flavors and ingredients that was new and unique to everyone at the table, and very professional, while fun, non pretentious service. The main course was very satisfying, which isn't always the case for prix fixe meals. Drinks were unique and tasty too. Can't wait to go back. It might be the best new restaurant in San Francisco!
  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasting course was delicious! Restaurant allowed us to mix and match from the regular tasting menu and the vegetarian menu. Service was outstanding, our server Sarah, and the rest of the staff were extremely knowledgeable about the food, history of the cuisine and ingredients in the food. Drinks were phenomenal. Definitely will return.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful anniversary from start to finish. The service and the food were amazing.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating as we wanted to do the tasting menus. Food was delicious and presentation was incomparable. My customer was thrilled with his meal and they made me look good. Oh and the drinks. Both the cocktails and mock tails were fun to try and delicious!
  5. Baxter

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Worthy of a Michelin rating; stunning plating presentation and delicious while interesting choices of flavor profiles. You leave the meal feeling like you have gone to a fine dining experience in an exotic locale given the entirely unique recipes. For anyone who is vegetarian or vegan I’d say this is the best restaurant in San Francisco; I have never seen more creative recipes for vegan anywhere in the world.
  6. SonicEmEats

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing flavors! Highly recommend the chef’s tasting menu.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First class in every aspect. Impeccable service, inventive but refined food. Tremendous experience.
  8. ShaneS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Warm, attentive and delightful staff, innovative and delicious drinks, food that we'll be craving for a while, and a really neat, thoughtful decor. We work a lot as people in the industry ourselves and don't get to go out much, and are elated to share that everyone and everything at B&R made our special occasion really wonderful, even as vegans. We've been telling all our friends about it and can't wait to go back.
  9. KenM

    San Francisco

    82 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful creative tasting menu! The service was fantastic. We loved the design of the restaurant; beautifully appointed!
  10. TaraZ

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    The food was good but portions were tiny and they put 25% surcharge on and the waiter said most people paid more of a tip. We ended up paying $500 for 4 of us and I was still hungry after. They seemed very nice but when you order $50 lamb chops, it should be enough for at least a lunch portion . Donut dessert was $17 and just tasted like rye bread dipped in sugar. There were some incredible flavors but I think it would have been full of customers if they just focused on making the good food in decent portions and not try to swindle a 40% tip out of you.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful cuisine. We loved the evening we spent at this place.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent! Great service, innovative flavors and great presentation. A new favorite restaurant in SF
  13. Overserved

    San Francisco

    190 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    190 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We did the price fix which was 5 course with choice for the main. The lamb and duck were very tender and delicious. We loved the monk fish liver with a great with a buckwheat (I think) crisp that was so good. All the dished were flavorful and well balanced. The vodka flight with 4 tastes is a good way to sample spirits you are unsure of. We love the horseradish vodka best but turns out the carrot cinnamon is surprising delicious too and not sweet as we had expected. The fig Anise vodka is sweet and a good accompaniment to the dessert of donuts and caramel sauce. An excellent meal, expensive but worth every penny!
  14. JJP65

    Omaha

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, fabulous service, and unique meal.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My partner and I came for our 6 year anniversary, and had a lovely time. The service was stellar. Every utensil, beverage, and course was thoughtfully delivered, and timed well. The food was well balanced, and a novel palette compared to a lot of other cuisine I’ve had when eating out. Plenty of rye, pickling, foraged items. I loved the chance to try out Russian food in a more elevated setting. I think whether or not you’ll like the experience at Birch & Rye depends upon how familiar you are with San Francisco dining scene. It is a small footprint space, like a lot of businesses here, and they’ve done a good job of using every inch of the floor plan. That said some of the tables are tight, being placed close to each other or right on a doorway. Similarly, the pricing is typical of fine dining in the city. Which means if you want to go all out with wine pairing, caviar service etc, it will definitely be reflected in your bill.
  16. kdk9

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    For around 600 bucks total, I expect something wonderful. Barely mustered "okay." Service: We arrived about 20 minutes early and the dinner took close to three hours, which made us late for our next engagement. Upon entering were greeted by an excellent server (Josephine?) She was very warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, she was not our server for the rest of the meal. The guy we ended up with was aloof and absent for most of dinner service when he wasn't bringing our food. Not once were we asked how were enjoying the food. Something happened where they got slammed and everything was coming out late -- this would have been fine if it were explained at all, but it wasn't. Huge gaps between courses, which was probably the fault of the kitchen but some communication from the server would have been nice. What I really, really didn't like: the guy didn't look me in the eye in our final interaction. I didn't like the job he did. He failed to connect with us and didn't go above and beyond in any way. In fact, he seemed uncomfortable serving us for whatever reason. Maybe because he knew the kitchen was behind and people were getting antsy with the pacing. Food/Drinks: Cocktails were okay -- we ordered the "new fashioned" and the pickled beet sour. Neither hit the mark. The horseradish infused vodka shots were the highlight of the drink menu. Food was fine but nothing special. Lamb was slightly overcooked, bordering on medium well. The duck came out lukewarm. Again, this was probably due to the kitchen being backed up but I expect far better for the price. The caviar tasting was a highlight, but that's almost a given since it's a pre-made product. I'm upset about the service and quality of meal to price ratio. Something was off the entire night and our only consolation was a couple of shots of vodka. Unfortunately, can't recommend this restaurant. Almost a total lack of sensitivity around what I find important in fine dining. Very disappointing in the end.
  17. Bill

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Overall the flavours were solid but lacked in execution. Mains came out luke warm for every item on the plate. So clearly, the plate just sat there for a bit and they didn’t bother fixing. Though good flavours they weren’t terribly special. Especially given the price. The prices were definitely waaaay too high given the poor execution and just good flavours. The apps and mains were easily $15-20 higher than warranted. $38 for 3 small pelmeni is absurd. Prices aside, the smoked trout, lamb, and duck were solid. As others have commented the set tip pre tax is a weird choice. I wanted to like this place, especially for the hood, but I find it hard that this would warrant a recommend given the prices and missed execution on the mains.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An incredible meal, wonderful staff, and an excellent selection of infused vodkas.
  19. MinSF

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic restaurant where the food is art and a symphony of flavors. I typically don’t like fancy, manipulated food, but this place is unique and delicious. The atmosphere is great. Not crowded or loud. I highly recommend.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious vegan 5 course gourmet meal! This was the best fancy gourmet meal ever. Everything was amazing, from the food to presentation to attentive wait staff to ambiance. My husband enjoyed the wine paring menu and it was matched perfectly with the food. The cabbage main dish and the pear dessert with marzipan inside were out of this world!
  21. HeatherFoodieSF

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a truly a gem and a win for Noe Valley and San Francisco. Anya El-Watter has thought of every detail and transports the guest on a magical journey of her home region with a modern twist. Bravo! A must visit.
  22. Sharon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Randomly came across this restaurant and their vegan tasting menu! Everything was exceptional and delicious. Would definitely come back again to try their summer tasting menu
  23. GLENND

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    I had dined with you 6 months ago and it was amazing start to finish. This time was disappointing especially the Stroganoff. The pasta was gummy and difficult to separate and the sauce was bland and barely room temperature . We didn’t realize with the description of ingredients that was no beef.This was surprising and unfortunate as I brought back with me good friends with high expectations. The soup was tasty as was the pickle board. So expensive for a mediocre experience!
  24. Baxter

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Stunning and creative presentation and menu. The food is delicious and spectacularly creative. The plating is what you would see at a three star Michelin restaurant. Interestingly it has a Vegan tasting option which has to be one of the best in San Francisco. I will use this as a regular option for business dinners when I have vegetarian or Vegan clients.
  25. Ajwsf

    San Francisco

    50 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    So went for a special occasion, and expected it to be expensive. But was not entirely expecting $600+ for 2 people for 1 moderate bottle of champagne, a 50g caviar service and 2 mains. The ambiance is more open kitchen semi casual Californian....so there is a mismatch of luxe pricing and environment. It's also alot of paperwork and explaining, given the options of a la carte, prix fixe, caviar, etc etc. I'd simplify the menu. The caviar was excellent. I prefer the way Jardinere used to present blini---freshly griddled and still warm and slightly crispy on the edges....but that's a quibble. Other food was also v good. Service was pleasant and attentive.
  26. Reliable

    San Francisco

    206 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    206 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    This is an excellent restaurant. The food and service are outstanding. The interior design is lovely. Minor note: the music did not match the ambiance. It detracted from the experience. My only real objection is to some of the prices. The bill for three of us without a lot of food or booze was $450. Then again, I asked for a glass of wine to pair with the stroganoff for under $20 and got an excellent Georgian red. I won’t be going every week, but will be back.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The dishes weee not only inventive and tasty l, but finely executed. The service was fantastic too. We will return!
  28. MN19

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.

    Birch & RyeResponded on January 4, 2023Thank you so much for your five star review! We look forward to welcoming you back to B&R!

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere for a date night.

    Birch & RyeResponded on December 13, 2022Thank you so much for your five star review! We look forward to welcoming you back to Birch & Rye!

  30. RuthS

    San Joaquin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We tried the vegan tasting menu and it was fabulous! An amazing combination of traditional and new flavors! If you are vegan this is a the place to go for special occasions or anytime really. Service was spot on and the ambience is spectacular!

    Birch & RyeResponded on December 13, 2022Hi Ruth! Thank you so much for your five star review. We look forward to welcoming you back to Birch & Rye!

  31. mp00

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    A bit ridiculous to charge 20% gratuity and then 5% health fee
  32. Michael

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was excellent the food was delicious the service was impeccable beautiful surroundings owner was very knowledgeable totally friendly will be going back again soon

    Birch & RyeResponded on December 13, 2022hi Michael! Thank you so much for your five star review. We look forward to welcoming you back to Birch & Rye!

  33. AnyaK

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice food and a lovely staff. The cocktails were interesting and tasty. The presentation of the food was phenomenal. They have a seasonal tasting menu so we are planning to come back to see whats next.

    Birch & RyeResponded on December 13, 2022hi Anya! Thank you so much for your five star review. We look forward to welcoming you back to Birch & Rye!

  34. Jojo

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, unusual cocktails. Portions small...probably best value is the tasting menu. Lovely special occasion place. Service was awesome, explaining the menu and options.
  35. HinduKush

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Celebrated my wife's birthday here in true style. Excellent food and a superior wine list (many from Georgia that were truly impressive. For those unused to Russian/East European cuisine, this must serve as an essential introduction to a dazzling array of mouth watering dishes, not to be denied to eager American palettes. I recommend this restaurant highly. What is particularly impressive is that every item in the Vegan menu is not just an apology for the main menu, but competes with in every way .. if not more! Starting with the hors d'oeuvres, a magical composition of unusual pickled vegetable combinations (Not your usual sauerkraut) set off against some sparkling Champagne and/or ice cold Vodka infusions(try the horseradich infused vodka). Continuing with the Borscht which is the jewel in the crown, but there is so much more...the Lamb was a revelation and probably the best I have eaten in recemt times. definitely my vote for this restaurants' pièce de résistance. The finish was not anticlimax either with hexagonal honey cake and what else but a Grand Cru Montrachet? Service was very attentive and welcoming. What are you waiting for?
  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super knowledgeable, warm, intimate. Unique experience to make a memory. The staff spent special attention to make our out of town visitor feel at home.
  37. CatherineC

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible dinner and service. They accommodated our dietary restriction and gluten allergy, and we were thrilled with our meal.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Birch & Rye is rated 4.5 stars by 37 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 6 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Birch & Rye

1320 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114-3621

Additional information

  • Cross street

    24th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Noe Valley

  • Hours of operation

    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Russian, Vegan, Cocktail Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Near 3 bus stops: Castro and 24th, Diamond and 25th, 24th and Noe.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Executive chef

    Anya El-Wattar

  • Additional

    Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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