1601 Bar And Kitchen

Amazingly delicious food! Even compared to London standards, the food is exceptional.

Absolutely Brilliant! My partner and I tried almost everything on the a la cart menu, and everything was superb! The setting was intimate and chic, and the staff was so kind and accommodating. I could not recommend this place more! (Picture is of the chicken and rice, with potatoes and carrots baked in honey!)

Excellent location, delicious food, very good service. The restaurant has a good size which gives it a sort of cozy feel. Friendly service.

Violet Weera

I came here for my birthday dinner, and it was everything I hoped for — and more. The food was absolutely incredible, easily the most authentic Sri Lankan I’ve had outside of home. Every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully coursed, and left us completely stuffed. The service was warm and attentive, and the ambiance made the whole night feel special. Truly a perfect experience — I’ll definitely be back!

Felicia Chen

I had a wonderful dinner here in December 2024 - intimate and delicious and perhaps the most filling tasting menu I’ve ever had (we were already stuffed by the second course)! Highly recommend, everything was super flavorful esp the chicken curry and dessert was 🔥

Hsin Yi Wei

We had an amazing dining experience at 1601 Bar & Kitchen on New Year’s Eve, which was also my daughter’s 3rd birthday. The restaurant serves a Prix Fixe menu inspired by Sri Lankan cuisine, and every dish was flavorful and unique. The staff went above and beyond with their service, making us feel so special. They even prepared a lovely birthday surprise for my daughter, which made her day unforgettable. The warm and thoughtful gestures, combined with the delicious food, made it a perfect evening. Highly recommended for a special occasion!

John Sheehy (Jake)

We had a really spectacular meal here. The menu was creative and fresh, and was presented beautifully. Our server was friendly and attentive, and ensured we had a great meal. One of the better tasting menus I’ve had in San Francisco.

Diana Fellner

Amazing food, everything was so delicious and everyone was so nice. Cannot recommend enough! They are doing scheduled dinners for approximately 10 people, only one each night they do it. They can also follow dietary restrictions because they are only cooking for your party.

Katie H

Above and beyond expectations. Went with my Sri Lankan husband and Mother In-Law who were impressed as well. The only traditional dish was egg hopper - a must. All other dishes we're a new Otherwise twist. Other standouts include chicken curry and friend potatoes. Everything was delicious. Great drinks too.

Pavan

We attended a private event at this beautiful cozy restaurant. The hosts were so welcoming, generous and attentive. We had a set menu so that made it easy to not worry about the ordering... And above all, the food was absolutely delish! The 'semifreddo' with Ceylon tea (Pic) was so lovely... 👌😍. Every single dish was a hit! Thanks Brian and team!

Chenghong Wang

We follow the Michelin guide to this restaurant. It turns out become one of the best dinning experience in the SF. There are two choices you can do here. One is the chef tasting menu, the other is family style dishes. Some of the dishes from the tasting menu could be chose when doing the family style (egg hopper, okra, and chocolate custard) Each of the plate taste balance and still innovate. Also, highly recommend trying the egg hopper. It’s a special and tasty side. Last but not least, the server is polite and always taking care of your need.

Michael Simpkins

The hostess(Ula) and chef(Brian)were amazing, an awesome experience from start to end. The dishes exude bountiful flavors of Asian originality, while ensuring the palette experienced spice and sweet. The ambiance, service, plate presentation coupled with chef explanation of dishes made the evening five stars. 1601 Bar & Kitchen is a must stop, “A Highly Recommend”!!!

Darick Tong

Inventive and unique among restaurants in San Francisco. The "Contemporary Sri Lankan" fare incorporates elements from Japanese and Western cuisine as well. Great list with a variety of price points that's tailored for taste rather than brand.

Stella

Amazingly delicious food! Even compared to London standards, the food is exceptional.

Alexandra Marsh

Absolutely Brilliant! My partner and I tried almost everything on the a la cart menu, and everything was superb! The setting was intimate and chic, and the staff was so kind and accommodating. I could not recommend this place more! (Picture is of the chicken and rice, with potatoes and carrots baked in honey!)

T. Schell

Excellent location, delicious food, very good service. The restaurant has a good size which gives it a sort of cozy feel. Friendly service.

I took my sister here for her 21st birthday, and it was honestly one of the most meaningful dining experiences we’ve shared. We’re Sinhalese American, and the food here authentically reminded us of our childhood—even more so than more traditional Sri Lankan restaurants in the U.S. Many dishes creatively reinterpreted classic Sri Lankan flavors in refreshing ways, like presenting kiri bathe (milk rice) as an airy foam or using coconut milk to accompany raw scallops. It also thoughtfully addressed common culinary pitfalls (at least in the area we grew up); for example the meat dishes retained their signature bold flavors while being perfectly cooked and remarkably tender, and the majority of the meal wasn’t rice 🫠) Nostalgic standouts like the cutlets and egg hoppers felt like elevated versions of our favorite childhood classics—beautifully executed and deeply nostalgic. The atmosphere was intimate, and the service matched Michelin-level tasting menus I’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s pricey, but absolutely worth it if you’re in the market for a fine dining esque experience. The portions are generous (come hungry!), and each course genuinely feels too good to miss. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience that truly captures the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.

This is a hidden gem in San Francisco. Do not miss this place! It's a prefix tasting menu that is perfectly timed, diverse & delicious! It's the perfect amount of food...not too much, not too little. Guaranteed you will walk out very satisfied. Service is incredible as well.

Such a special restaurant! Every course is clearly so thought through, with incredible flavor and beautiful presentation. Love the chef’s upscale take on Sri Lankan food and honestly the owners are the NICEST people. Will be back soon!

Best kept secret in SF, rarely have I had such good food in the city. Truly every dish was a highlight. Glad I chose this restaurant for my boyfriend's birthday. Such a great place if you have something to celebrate

This place is absolutely incredible! I walked in not knowing what to expect — it was my very first experience with Sri Lankan cuisine — and it ended up being one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Every dish was beautifully presented, like a work of art, and somehow managed to taste even better than it looked. The flavors were complex, vibrant, and comforting all at once. What really stood out was the service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely excited to introduce us to the food. They guided us through each course, sharing background on the spices, the ingredients, and the cultural significance behind the dishes. It felt less like a dinner and more like a guided culinary journey. I’ve already told so many people to come here, because Sri Lankan food is something I rarely see offered — and certainly not at this level. This place elevates it to something inspiring, memorable, and truly special. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that expands your palate and leaves you thinking about the flavors long after you leave, this is the place.

Alexander Christensen

This place is absolutely incredible! I walked in not knowing what to expect — it was my very first experience with Sri Lankan cuisine — and it ended up being one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Every dish was beautifully presented, like a work of art, and somehow managed to taste even better than it looked. The flavors were complex, vibrant, and comforting all at once. What really stood out was the service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely excited to introduce us to the food. They guided us through each course, sharing background on the spices, the ingredients, and the cultural significance behind the dishes. It felt less like a dinner and more like a guided culinary journey. I’ve already told so many people to come here, because Sri Lankan food is something I rarely see offered — and certainly not at this level. This place elevates it to something inspiring, memorable, and truly special. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that expands your palate and leaves you thinking about the flavors long after you leave, this is the place.

Quinn Li O'Shea

Such a special restaurant! Every course is clearly so thought through, with incredible flavor and beautiful presentation. Love the chef’s upscale take on Sri Lankan food and honestly the owners are the NICEST people. Will be back soon!

Anna Rimpf

Best kept secret in SF, rarely have I had such good food in the city. Truly every dish was a highlight. Glad I chose this restaurant for my boyfriend's birthday. Such a great place if you have something to celebrate

Rich Robeson

This is a hidden gem in San Francisco. Do not miss this place! It's a prefix tasting menu that is perfectly timed, diverse & delicious! It's the perfect amount of food...not too much, not too little. Guaranteed you will walk out very satisfied. Service is incredible as well.

Sahan Paliskara

I took my sister here for her 21st birthday, and it was honestly one of the most meaningful dining experiences we’ve shared. We’re Sinhalese American, and the food here authentically reminded us of our childhood—even more so than more traditional Sri Lankan restaurants in the U.S. Many dishes creatively reinterpreted classic Sri Lankan flavors in refreshing ways, like presenting kiri bathe (milk rice) as an airy foam or using coconut milk to accompany raw scallops. It also thoughtfully addressed common culinary pitfalls (at least in the area we grew up); for example the meat dishes retained their signature bold flavors while being perfectly cooked and remarkably tender, and the majority of the meal wasn’t rice 🫠) Nostalgic standouts like the cutlets and egg hoppers felt like elevated versions of our favorite childhood classics—beautifully executed and deeply nostalgic. The atmosphere was intimate, and the service matched Michelin-level tasting menus I’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s pricey, but absolutely worth it if you’re in the market for a fine dining esque experience. The portions are generous (come hungry!), and each course genuinely feels too good to miss. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience that truly captures the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Efthymios Philip Papageorgiou

This place is very unique. I don’t know Sri Lankan food well, but my friend who accompanied did and mentioned how many of the dishes were based on traditional things, but with an interesting and creative twist. The tasting menu was in my opinion fantastic with a nice variety, the people very nice, and it was very easy to park on the street, so basically everything you could ever want. Considering the quality, time we spent there, and number of dishes (something like 10ish items), it was well worth it!

The food here was phenomenal! The meal was broken into 3 rounds plus dessert, with each round having a number of items in it. The first 2 rounds, the bites and the appetizers were our favorite. They had some of the best fine dining dishes I have ever eaten. Everything was so delicious and inventive, there was a spicy coconut cream soup cappuccino thing that I’m going to remember forever!!! It was a LOT of food, some of which we didn’t finish but this was probably the only time I’ve eaten at a fine dining restaurant and not woken up hungry the next morning! It is definitely very pricey and I think the combination of the location and the price is going to deter a lot of people out of trying or returning. But the food was amazing!

I recently dined at 1601 Bar & Kitchen, and it delivered a distinctive culinary experience that highlights Sri Lankan cuisine through a modern fine-dining lens. Located in San Francisco’s SoMa district, the restaurant presents an elegant and contemporary dining space that immediately signals a more refined approach to the cuisine. The atmosphere is polished yet welcoming, creating a setting where guests can focus on the layered flavors and careful presentation of the dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its vibrant spice blends and aromatic preparations, and the menu at 1601 Bar & Kitchen reflects those traditions with precision. Many dishes incorporate ingredients such as curry leaves, coconut, cinnamon, cardamom, and chili, creating complex flavor profiles that balance warmth, sweetness, acidity, and heat. The kitchen demonstrates a clear understanding of these spice combinations, producing dishes that feel both authentic and carefully refined. One of the highlights of the meal was the thoughtful structure of the courses. Each dish showcased a balance between traditional Sri Lankan techniques and contemporary plating. Proteins were cooked with care, often accompanied by sauces and sides that enhanced the main ingredient without overwhelming it. The layering of flavors across the dishes allowed diners to experience the depth and diversity of Sri Lankan cooking. Another notable aspect of the experience is the attention to presentation. Plates are visually striking, with careful arrangement that reflects fine-dining standards while still respecting the cultural roots of the cuisine. This approach helps elevate Sri Lankan food into a format that feels both modern and sophisticated. Service throughout the meal was attentive and highly professional. Staff members demonstrated deep knowledge of the menu and provided detailed explanations of each dish, which helped diners appreciate the cultural context and culinary techniques behind the food. The pacing of the courses felt deliberate and well coordinated. The beverage program also complements the cuisine effectively. Cocktails and wine pairings are designed to work alongside the bold spice profiles found in Sri Lankan cooking, adding another layer to the overall dining experience. Overall, 1601 Bar & Kitchen offers a refined and memorable interpretation of Sri Lankan cuisine with exceptional attention to flavor, presentation, and service. It stands out as one of the few restaurants in the United States presenting Sri Lankan food at a fine-dining level.

Taj Poudel

The food here was phenomenal! The meal was broken into 3 rounds plus dessert, with each round having a number of items in it. The first 2 rounds, the bites and the appetizers were our favorite. They had some of the best fine dining dishes I have ever eaten. Everything was so delicious and inventive, there was a spicy coconut cream soup cappuccino thing that I’m going to remember forever!!! It was a LOT of food, some of which we didn’t finish but this was probably the only time I’ve eaten at a fine dining restaurant and not woken up hungry the next morning! It is definitely very pricey and I think the combination of the location and the price is going to deter a lot of people out of trying or returning. But the food was amazing!