Ame - Permanently Closed

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1. LL

   LoriL

   San Diego

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on February 20, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   What an amazing venue with stellar food. The service was among the best experiences we have ever had. Ame defines SFO as some of the best dining experiences in the world.
   

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2. J

   Joseph

   San Francisco

   28 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined on February 20, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Had the tasting menu with wine pairings. One of the best meals I've ever had.
   

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3. K

   Katarina

   San Francisco

   84 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   84 reviews

   Dined on February 13, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   If you miss Ame before it closes at the end of February 2016, you will have missed a real gem of the San Francisco dining scene. The cod entree is one of the best in the world and should without a doubt be the one you try! We hate to see this elegant, quiet corner go away.
   

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4. c

   camptontaj

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on February 10, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Have been to Ame a few times over the past years and they are consistently excellent. Excellent service. A menu that has a few old favorites but changes enough to feel fresh each time. Ambiance that you can take your significant other to as well as have a business meeting. And a large wine selection to fit anyone's taste, but know that you can do some serious damage on the budget while selecting wines.
   

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5. s

   shawnn

   San Francisco

   21 reviews

   5.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on February 9, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   It was excellent and my guest enjoyed it all. That's perfect!
   

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6. O

   Outstanding

   Las Vegas

   6 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on February 9, 2016

   overall3food3service2ambience2

   The Michelin star was the draw and while the meal was good, it should have been better. Certainly not worth a flight to San Francisco. Upon being seated I noticed that not only was the chair fabric worn, my seat was actually torn through with stuffing exposed. I looked around and saw other chairs whose dark brown wood stain and varnish were chipped to expose blond wood inside. As hosts for the evening we were already uncomfortable inviting guests to a place that looked a bit long in the tooth. We ordered the tasting menu for ourselves and our guests with wine/sake pairings. It seemed the best way to get a variety of tastes and allow the restaurant to shine. It was really meh - favors were subdued and unimaginative. The ceviche was drab - neither spicy nor citrus, just a couple of pieces of fish with some decoration to make it look much more than the taste delivered. The tasting menu version of the house special black cod comes without the famous dumpling. Why? The flavor was really not special - just tender cod in broth with carrots and some greens. We also had the lobster and scallop which had a nice sauce, but it was too late in the otherwise dull meal to impress. We ordered 4 of the five desserts that were nice. Just nice. Service was attentive but far too informal for a restaurant of this stature. The fire alarm with strobe lights that our server dismissed with, "Oh, it happens all the time" was perhaps beyond their control, but it didn't help. Again, why do they have the star? Fusion when done well is fabulous. This was ok, but just ok. No idea why they have the Michelin star. No reason to travel to San Francisco for this one. Sorry.
   

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7. B

   Bryan

   New York Area

   23 reviews

   3.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on February 6, 2016

   overall3food3service4ambience2

   Went on a recommendation and knew it had a Michelin star. Dinner was good or about what you would expect at any very good restaurant. I don't think anything from the food to the ambiance was exceptional. The sashimi salad was great. My wife's butternut squash soup was iffy. The dinners, steak and roasted pork were both well presented and prepared. The ambiance was sub-par - not filled on the Saturday before the SuperBowl and cavernous. I guess I expected a bit more - it was good, not great.
   

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8. AL

   AliciaL

   Las Vegas

   11 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on January 29, 2016

   overall3food2service5ambience5

   Scallops ruined the entire meal. Very fishy and not delicious. Presentation of them were pretty. The anchovy chip was pretty cheesy and cheap.
   

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9. A

   Allenrzz

   San Francisco

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 22, 2016

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   The black cod is fantastic, mellow taste. NY strip is just so so, not so special. Must try the dessert!
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Perhaps the best restaurant I have ever been to. That says a lot because I travel all over the world, including Tokyo and Paris. Keiko, the chef, should be an "Iron Chef". Incredibly unique food with complex textures and flavored perfectly blended for a palate pleasing experience you will never forget. Her husband, the maitre d and sommelier, knows his wine, including a fantastic and smooth sake from Japan and a vintage wine he made himself while a winemaker in California. You must go to this romantic 7-table restaurant.
    

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11. t

    traveller

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Just a very nice evening. Good food. Attentive service. Nice ambience
    

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12. R

    Rin5

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2016

    overall2food4service2ambience2

    Food was similar to Terra but in larger portions. Service was incompentent, every single dish had issues: 1. brought bread but no butter - had to ask 2. brought chawan mushi but no spoon - had to ask 3. Meat undercooked. asked for medium but got rare - had to ask to have the meat taken back for more cooking 4. sorbet, mixed the order gave my order to my partner and his to me. waiter also had no idea what each of the sorbet flavors were, pointed at a red sorbet (clearly rasberry) said its strawberry. Pointed at a lighter beige and said its vanilla (do they even make vanilla sorbet?) Order issues: we tried to order fried apple turnovers, waiter said he thinks only one left so he had to check. which we then saw there was a whole tray of them prepared. Menu issues: things on the menu online were not offered in restaurant, i.e. taste of sashimi bar, etc. very confusing. Bill was $230ish not counting tip, wouldn't recommend nor would i come back here again. Service at Terra was so much better.
    

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13. N

    Nomnom

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is wonderful: subtle asian flavors in a perfect Californian fresh setting
    

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14. KL

    KenL

    Palm Springs

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2015

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Perfect for a preshow dinner. Superb food. Short walk to Yerba Buena Center.
    

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Very nice meal. Food could have been a bit more interesting or inventive for the price. Attentive but unobtrusive service. Comfortable environment.
    

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16. m

    mrlukens

    San Francisco

    81 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2015

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    The food at Ame is just stupendous. Go for the food. The service was another story. At a truly top-class restaurant, the staff should not only make the right moves, they should make them at the right time and in the right way. At several points the service, while polite, lacked the finesse that is required in a restaurant of Ame's level. When we arrived the host's station was vacant, leaving us unsure whether we were in the right place. We had to ask the host where to check our wet coats rather than his offering to take them. When told our guest had already arrived, we had to ask where to find him, whether he'd been seated. The waiter seemed to have no time for anything but yes-or-no answers to his questions and seemed pained to have to speak with us. When one of us asked for something the waiter could not accommodate, the waiter's response made the exchange awkward rather than charming. Any one of these alone could have been completely overlooked, but the succession of missteps by multiple staff members added up to a less-than-stellar experience. This is "good," 3-star service, not "very good" or "outstanding" service.
    

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17. AM

    AndrewM

    Hawaii

    41 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on December 5, 2015

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    It is hard to imagine a more poorly run front-of-house than Ame which is truly a shame given the excellent food coming out of the kitchen. While we could certainly appreciate the talents of the kitchen, our experience was marred at every turn by a poorly (if at all) trained waiter who seems to have come straight from a diner to Ame. But I almost (but only almost) felt sorry for him as there seemed to be no support staff for him in what is touted as a 1-star Michelin establishment (which we can't imagine will be renewed). The one shining light in all this was an excellent sommelier - excellent demeanor, obviously knowledgable and passionate about his wine list - who seemed to understand how inept our waiter was and tried to do his best to cover for him and make us happy. But alas, it was not enough. While we did not (would not) stiff the waiter, we did complain to the manager. He seemed to be genuinely concerned by our complaint but his response was "can I buy you a drink?" We were on our way out, and that was not enough either. Too bad - this does a huge disservice to the excellent kitchen.
    

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 5, 2015

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Chawan mushi
    

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19. K

    Kismet

    San Francisco

    301 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    301 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Ame never disappoints ! Great food and great service . A wonderful place for special occasions .
    

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20. CU

    CherylU

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2015

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    This is the first time I felt I had to write a negative review of a dining experience. Frequent many fine dining establishments and felt I needed to note that we had some of the worst service here - as well as the food was very mediocre. Waiter consistently kicked the back of our chairs wile attending other tables, never an apology, did not check on us or our meal - was only focused on one party of six. Although the setting in the St Regis hotel is pleasant - I could not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
    

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21. BJ

    BJCF

    Seattle

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2015

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Overall everything was excellent. Food was delicious - well considered and well prepared - service was friendly and attentive, atmosphere was very nice - up scaled and elegant. In the end, though, not entirely our "cup of tea" - a little too "foodie" / precious feeling in value and presentation - but that's a personal taste issue and I'm sure many will find it superb for a special meal out.
    

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22. J

    Jpmex

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2015

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    Starters were ok, but the main course was without interest, very disapointed for the level they pretend to be. Service was just acceptable. Deco was ok.
    

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23. b

    bmar

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2015

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    The overall experience was very disappointment. First they can't find our reservation when I give them my name. We ordered the 3 course set. The food not up to standard... sashimi was warm and the dish was overly salty. The service was poor...no one ever come by to refill our water. They drop off the dish on the table ad walk away like they are in a rush. Didn't bother to explain the dish. We order the sorbet for dessert, but it took them 30 minutes before it is served. Certainly do not deserve Michelin star.
    

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 2015

    overall3food3service4ambience5

    We waited like an hour after appetizers to get the main course.
    

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25. l

    lafayettefoodie

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2015

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    The food is really good. We have been three times now and this is consistently good. Wine selection is decent. The other thing that is consistent is the feeling that the front desk people are not super happy to see you. Over our three times there they try consistently to make you miserable or stressed before the diner which is a surprise for a restaurant located into a St Regis Hotel.
    

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26. g

    gardenlover

    Tahoe

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Must have the cuttlefish strips, the gnocchi and the black cod!!! You will not be disappointed!!!
    

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27. JG

    JohnGW

    Cincinnati

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really comfortable dining experience with old friend in a new town for a Sunday evening. We wanted to avoid the usual steaks, chops, etc and AME has wonderful seafood.
    

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28. L

    Libr

    San Francisco

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We haven't been to Ame in a couple of years, and the superb quality of last night's dinner reminded us we need to make the trek more often!
    

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29. j

    joygirl1

    Orlando

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service here is very special... Our host in the bar was focused on the wine order in a timely fashion, knowing the time of our dinner reservation. We were welcomed by Carlo, the maitre de, and felt very special as we were promptly presented with the requested water and wine list. Our waiter Josh was congenial and timely with our selections, knowing our plans for a show down the street. All was perfectly timed . Our cappuccino and espresso was right on time as we made our way to the show! Many thanks, and we so look forward to dinner again.
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We truly enjoyed everything ❤️ Food was spectacular, nothing much to say just really fantastic spot
    

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband and I shared "The taste of AME," which I think may have upset the server a bit. The five courses plus a "compliments of the chef" extra appetizer offered more than enough food for us. The sake marinated sea bass is amazing. I'm glad we went.
    

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32. G

    Ginny

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2015

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    I came with several of my friends here to experience our Michelin One star dining . The food was generally great. Tuna Carpaccio is our favorite! The sauce is dynamite! Cuttlefish Noodles is fresh, but unfortunately, I found the soy sauce a little bit over powering the whole flavor. I've ordered cod for my entree and it was very tender and cooked perfectly. Again, the soy sauce soup base was a bit too much for me, but it got balanced when I had a bite with Shiso. My drink was the Rum Diaries and love it!!! Perfect balance between rum and sweetness. Generally love the restaurant and will want to go again for dessert (we missed the dessert this time)!
    

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33. G

    Gngrg

    Las Vegas

    96 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2015

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    We were looking for Asian Fusion and from a food quality standpoint this restaurant didn't disappoint, the rest of the "package" though, well, so-so. If you are looking for a restaurant that's abuzz with diners and has a cool vibe this is not the place. It's a very subdued and sterile environment that lacks personality. From a service standpoint it seemed a bit off all night as well. Our waiter was less than attentive as we found ourselves on several occasions trying to flag him down for drinks, taking our order and the check.
    

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34. o

    omarj

    San Diego

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    I went late in the evening but found the service attentive and prompt. The food was outstanding as usual.
    

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35. C

    Clinton

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Very good food and ambience, the options were very good and of course the wine list was notable.
    

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36. FW

    FoodieWannabe

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The tempura poke was outstanding, we orded two! The lobster dish was amazing with so many different items on the plate. The Black Cod is a DEFINITE!! If I go back, I will get that.
    

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37. d

    davidn

    Mexico City

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Las ostras en tempura y el helado de pimienta son un must
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2015

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    Food was decent. Love the scallop and uni tho. Service was great. The ambiance and interior were perfect for the girls' night out. So far have a good time at Ame.
    

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39. SH

    SHEBE

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Because I am a vegetarian, I have learned to eat my way around the food at many restaurants. I know to inform the chef on the day of the reservation, if there are no options on the menu so that he/she is not surprised by my request for a veggie dish. At Ame, the chef made me a very special and totally delicious risotto, with fresh peas and asparagus and yummy cheese. This was our fourth time eating at Ame, and having been made to feel special, we will of course go back!
    

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40. r

    rexvult

    Palm Springs

    48 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    I'm not opposed to dropping a large sum for a really amazing meal, unfortunately Ame could only deliver on the large bill. Interesting menu with mediocre execution. Another trend I've noticed; when ask if we had dined at Ame before and said no, the waiter assumed we had never dined out. We eventually had to stop him from explaining the entire menu and later suggest that the sommelier could help us with out wine selection instead of him. I'd read that the sake marinated black bass was the specialty and a must have. We were presented with a small, over cooked piece of what I assume was black bass in an overly sweet soy broth. The duck breast and duck leg confit was passable but had that essence of "hotel kitchen" preparation to it. Don't think I'll be returning to this interpretation of modernism establishment soon.
    

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