Business dinner with a client went swimmingly. The service was solid and the food was top notch. Definitely lived up to the billing. Fantastic upscale spot for laurel heights diners or anyone visiting San Francisco

+1

I had the very best Salad Nicoise at Spruce that I have ever had, including at Relais and Chateaux in the south of France! Further, Julian at the bar is worth going to Spruce even if the food wasn’t fantastic! This guy has more talent than most of the sum of Hollywood and he knows exactly what he is doing- a real artist and mixologist! I will be back as soon as possible!

Fantastic! Went for lunch and ordered off the a la carte menu. Scallop ceviche, sous vide salmon, seared foie gras, delicious farm to table asparagus and beignets! Enjoyed it all. Service was good and attentive. Drinks were delicious

+2

Superb menu, excellent service. Nice atmosphere. A very nice choice for a special night out. UPDATE 2023: ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE: The outdoor space actually looks really nice. We ate indoors this time though, which is beautiful and more intimate. The service was impeccable. Really outstanding. The FOOD: The sunchoke veloute was really nice. The scallop appetizer was delicious. My wife's lobster ($35 addl) was the star of the table. Really spectacular. My rib eye was good but it was promised medium rare and it turned out rare...or almost raw...I'll put up a photo of that (I brought some of it home for my dog so it's obviously not taken the night of the dinner). Most of it was blood red not medium rare. The accompanying bordelaise and potatoes were delicious. I thought they could have provided slightly more bordelaise. The desserts were beautiful and really scrumptious. The dark chocolate entremet was rich and creamy with a spectacular caramel ice cream and bits of hazelnuts.. we took my cheesecake to go as we had already reached our limit ...from the look of it, it will also be really special. THE COST: in comparison to a number of other high end restaurants that we will never visit..(.the ones that have made $300/person the going rate in overpriced SF), it's a bargain. But at over $300 per couple without wine it's really awfully expensive for a meal. Five or so years ago this place would hit you up for maybe $220 for a couple without wine...which I consider to be a lot...now that it has increased in price about 50%, it can only be something we do once a year ..if that. CONCLUSIONS So it remains a superb place. The hiccup with the steak was probably a rarity. They do so many things well. We will return, though now that prices have jumped so much it won't be in 2023 I suspect. Still, as I mentioned, it's less than a number of other high end restaurants will set you back, and we all know that in order to give you superb food and service a restaurant in SF has to pay their staff well (the ridiculous cost of housing makes it nearly impossible for any of the staff to live in SF I'm sure), and the restaurant must pay their landlords the breathtakingly high rents that are common in SF. I know of at least one incredible restaurant that closed prior to COVID for exactly these reasons (La Folie). It's good to see Spruce has continued to survive.

Excellent service, really!! Just the way I like it!! Lunch was very tasty and delicious.

+2

On a visit to S.F., my friend JBW took me to her special occasion restaurant. What a treat! My heart leapt upon entering since François Bard is my favorite painter and his large format charcoal drawings anchor the decor. Stunning. We had the prix-fixe, 3-course dinner. Christian, our waiter, was attentive, thorough — super professional. Service was impeccable. We both have dietary restrictions, including a dairy allergy, and that was accommodated with care and attention. From amuse-bouches, to bread, to starters, to mains (scallops), to dessert (yummy chocolate sorbet — hard to do), to bonus sweets, it was all delicious and gorgeous. Very nice presentation throughout the meal. Great recommendations, without upselling or condescension, from the super helpful sommelier rounded out a memorably good meal. My (incredibly nice & kind) friend is a regular. Waiters even stopped by to say hello — so it also was very friendly and welcoming, which is not always the case in fancy/expensive restaurants. Finally, it was quiet. The restaurant was full: dates, families, birthdays, work/professional meals, tech bros negotiating deals. And quiet! Yass! W/ hypersensitive hearing, that’s a huge plus for me, and allowed for a relaxed, wonderful conversation. In short, this was the winningest restaurant meal I’ve had in a long time — a delightful way to spend my birthday. Highly recommended!

I came here with a group of 5 for my friend's birthday. Our experience was very pleasant. This was my first Michelin star dining experience, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The fagottini I had for the first course was absolutely divine (it may have even been my favorite part). The pork chop was tender and flavorful, although after trying a bite of my friend's duck I wish I had ordered that instead. For dessert the house special beignets were outstanding and paired very well with the chocolate and vanilla sauces. I only had one drink: a melon cali spritzer. After dinner we had some cocktails and some candies. My friend received an extra dessert for his birthday: a slice of vanilla sponge cake with buttercream. It was a nice gesture (and also very delicious)

+6

Went to San Francisco to escape the heatwave and had a wonderful birthday dinner at Spruce in Pacific Heights. Just as when entering a 5 star hotel you know you'll be having an exceptional dining experience when the staff is top notch and warmly welcome you in with VIP service. Kudos to Chef Mark Sullivan who chooses each and every ingredient with loving care and creates comfort food at the highest level. Every morsel and bite was exquisite! Together with an elegant atmosphere, beautiful presentation and extra touches I could not recommend this little gem more for your next special occasion.

Food was good, but service was... SPECTACULAR. The staff were careful to note allergies, and picked up on the occasions we were celebrating. Favorite dish light be the charcuterie platter. Cocktails we're really good as well! We will definitely be coming back soon!

+5

The prices, ambiance, and food quality were all luxurious. Great salad, potato, and dessert courses with my filet that were each unique and very tasty. the serving team was amazing. I could have easily had eaten double portions but could not let my self double the extraordinary price.

Lovely room and bar. Great food, drinks, bar, not crowded, sophisticated. Loved the little gem salad, mussels, cod, burger, and get the best chocolate chip cookies from the connected bakery to go...wish I got more I'm going back

This was one of the most unforgettable experiences I've had at any restaurant of this caliber. From the courteous (coats were checked for us before we were seated) and friendly staff (we had Noa as our server (AAA service!), and the sommelier was very helpful and informative when we explored our wine bottle options), the interactions with those who worked at Spruce was top notch. Phil, the service manager, also checked in with us at various points to see how we were doing. It were these people which set the tone for our overall experience - and it was only going to get better because I didn't even speak about the food yet. The dishes which comprised the three-course dinner were - in a word - incredible. Some of the dishes are pictured below, but it would be hard to choose any particular plate as a favorite. The rib-cap - a dish which was off the menu - burst with flavor, with the added truffles bringing an extra pinch of salivating satisfaction. The scallops made me close my eyes in pleasure, not wanting the experience to end. Desserts? The creme anglaise which was one of the dips for the beignets was amazing, and the cheesecake... well okay, I might be biased because my mom makes THE BEST cheesecake, but it was pretty damned good; very much enjoyed it! The one thing which I really wanted, but sold out literally minutes before we were ready to make our selections, was the dungeness crab pasta dish. What a tease, Noa! ;-) At the end of it all, what really stood out was just how much Spruce did to make this particular dinner extra special. From a very thoughtful card and champagne to a small cake, they all made our celebration quite memorable. Spruce is one restaurant which will definitely get more visits when events arise in the future! Cannot recommend enough.

+2

It was the best dine in experience I’ve ever had. I had many experience of solo dine in at fine restaurant and this place was amazing. I don’t feel any uncomfortable by dining in alone cuz the severs and bussers was so friendly. The dishes was so amazing every dishes was so great from the first course to the dessert. They was perfect. My favorite one was duck breast, the best one ever. I recommend spruce if you want to have a fine and fantastic dine in experience please give it a try. Your any penny is totally worthy.

+6

Spruce is definitely one of the best spots I've been to recently -such a hidden gem. I loved the atmosphere, especially that beautiful bar. I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat but the bartenders, Mike and Heather, were great. I was steered to get the prix-fixe courses and Mike paired some drinks that went really well together. I started with the artichoke veloute, it was perfectly paired with a sauvignon blanc and warmed me up for the main course. Next up was the striped bass with diced vegetables, which also went perfectly with the wine. The fish was cooked perfectly and had this wonderfully crisp skin which I absolutely LOVED. To top it all off, I had the beignets. They were light, sweet, and the perfect conclusion to the meal. I wanted a drink to go with the beignets so Mike whipped me up something special and it was the cherry on top, enhancing the dessert experience. The service and the food were spot-on, I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit.

+6

Celebrated my engagement here and was treated with excellent food, drinks, and service. The Spruce team (shout-out to David and Patrick) allowed me to make a reservation way in advance. Everyone, from the hostess, to the sommelier, to our server, knew we were celebrating our engagement and congratulated us. Thanks for a special experience to celebrate our special day!

+4

Had an amazing late brunch on a Saturday. 3-course menu for $75 was actually a good deal for the amount and quality of the food. We also really enjoyed the cocktails and the wine menu did not disappoint.

+3

Always a stellar experience at Spruce. You immediately feel taken care of and at ease. Quiet, yet bustling atmosphere, with options for every diner (whether constrained by time, diet, etc...) The team at Spruce continues to amaze me with their dedication to professionalism, continuously offering new special dishes each time I return to dine. Their flexibility and timeliness are unmatched and I eagerly await my next meal. Thanks for always taking such good care of me and my loved ones!

We recently visited San Francisco and everyone said this place was a must. We were able to get a last minute reservation thanks to a very helpful hostess. The experience was fantastic. The staff was attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu. The sommelier offered excellent pairing. I forgot to get pictures of the main course but plating was just as beautiful as the others. To start the meal was a delicious amuse-bouche. We ordered the scallops and tuna starters. The tuna was the better other two but both full of flavor. A raviolini was a nice surprise to brigde the starter and main courses. For the main entree we had the duck breast and stripped bass. The duck was cooked beautifully. The stripped bass was the favorite of the main dishes. The carrot puree put this dish on another level. To complete the meal we ordered an off the menu seasonal dessert with strawberry mousse and basil gelato and the rhubarb choux. Hands down the best desserts we have ever had. We averages about $200 pp with food and wine. Great experience with excellent food and a phenomenal staff.

+2

Spruce is a classy, elegant, restaurant in the heart of Pacific Heights. The wait staff is friendly, but unobtrusive. It reminded me of the quality of service I found at Chez Panisse. Luckily, I went to Spruce with three other people, including my daughter for her birthday. We got the prix fixe meals and delighted in every morsel. Rolls and bread were brought to the table with frequency along with delicious butter. Pictured you'll find a fantastic Bass dish, Duck, and our savory first courses. We reluctantly passed on the caviar and "truffle moment." Both sounded delightful, but we suspected we'd be pleasantly sated by what we had coming, and, indeed, we were. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. We were indoors, and I found that it was not as noisy as I remembered from a few years ago. 2023 UPDATE: Spruce is still a fabulous restaurant and they make a good sazerac!

+6

I came here on my birthday for their brunch service and it was wonderful. First off, the service was great, it was professional and attentive yet relaxed and friendly. They even gave me a birthday card when I first arrived as well as a delicious birthday dessert later which I really appreciated. I enjoyed all of the food that I got as well! The brunch started with a just baked coffee cake for the table and that was the perfect way to begin, best coffee cake ever! I had the Dungeness crab toast and that was my favorite thing that I had, it was so mouthwatering and had such yummy flavors. For the main course, I had the red wine braised short ribs with poached eggs, grits, and black truffle, and it was delicious as well. They also had White Asparagus available for a supplemental charge so we added that on as a side. The white chocolate crémeux was such a refreshing dessert, I'm so glad that I got that one!

The perfect place to celebrate a birthday: an extraordinary meal, from start to finish. The duck breast was cooked the perfect medium, and the tuna was some of the freshest seafood that I've had. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of outdoor seating since it can be noisier and harder to regulate weather conditions, but Spruce clearly had this nailed to the T. Of course, the puff pastry donuts with the vanilla and chocolate sauce were the perfect way to top off an exquisite meal. Truly a unique fine dining experience!

+2

Birthday dinner. Atmosphere is lovely! Warm and darkish which I love. Our server was the sweetest ever - I’m sorry I didn’t catch his name. The wine list!!!!!! Oh my. Very very extensive and impressive. If you are a wine lover, you might have accidentally spent half an hour studying the wine “book” and forgot to look at the menu like I did. Great champagnes as well! Beignets are divine!

Absolutely outstanding experience. The service was unbelievable - super attentive in a very subtle way so as to not be annoying. The food was absolutely incredible. I had the Black Cod and never eat fish skin but did at Spruce and wow! Food and service done right!!

I chose this establishment for a breakfast birthday celebration, and it surpassed our expectations. The warm welcome, impeccable food quality, and thoughtful cake surprise elevated the experience. This venue excels in both hospitality and culinary artistry.

Great ambiance and service. The interior is great for a romantic experience or professional gathering. There's a private area you could reserve for a work event, engagement party, birthday party, or whatever private event you want. Service was fast. I ordered from the Prix Fixe menu, had the seared scallops (forgot to take photo), lobster ravioli, and honeycomb cheesecake. Yes, it was very expensive as the scallops and lobster had supplemental costs, but this is a Michelin Star restaurant, so what could one expect? This restaurant stays pretty busy, so you may want to make a reservation if you want to eat inside. There's additional seating outdoors and they have heaters, however, I recommend eating inside for the full experience.

Skip or have a light lunch before dinner at Spruce. I’m not a fan of pre fixe menus, but this restaurant nails it. So many interesting choices with perfect portions. Every detail of the venue was nicely executed. The decor and ambiance and comfort made our meal very enjoyable. The servers and somms helped us navigate the extensive menus. I started with a Palmarosa which was a Prosecco drink with juices and liqueurs then topped with a delicate white rose petal. The preserved watermelon rind salad was refreshing with the perfect amount of crunch. The lobster spaghetti was served with a wonderful sauce. It’s def worth the $25 up charge for the lobster. The dish was piled high with delicious lobster meat. Take it easy on the spaghetti though because you’ll want to save room for dessert. The final course for me was poached peaches with olive oil ice cream and fresh berries. Again, nuts were added for some nice crunch. I could go on and on about how nice Spruce is for fine dining. The presentation of every offering was an artful masterpiece.

+6

Exquisite experience! We went for our 10 year anniversary and it was perfect. Ended up getting truffles with the upgraded ribeye cap section, and it was incredible! $100/person fixed is a great deal for the service and food here, but note that is easy to spend more if you opt for extras. We ended up spending ~$500 between the two of us because we got several add-ons and a couple drinks. But they don't pressure you to get them and don't hide that they a cost extra. Worth it for a special occasion!

+6

Spruce Restaurant offers an upscale and formal dining experience that truly impresses. The food was excellent, with each dish meticulously crafted and bursting with flavor. The staff were exceptionally attentive, ensuring that every detail of our meal was perfect. The elegant setting added to the overall experience, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or a refined night out. Spruce is a top-tier restaurant that we highly recommend for anyone seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

Dining at Spruce in San Francisco was a true five-star experience. From the moment we stepped in, the elegant and warm ambiance set the stage for an exceptional evening. The service was impeccable, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff that made us feel like royalty. The Michelin-starred cuisine was nothing short of a masterpiece. Each dish was a burst of flavors and textures, showcasing the chef's creativity and dedication to quality ingredients. The ça jar experience was extensive and expertly curated, enhancing every course. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable culinary adventure, Spruce is a top-tier choice that never disappoints.

+5

Spruce figured out the combination of personal and attentive service, flavorful and robust dishes, and vibe of the restaurant. Upon entering I first noticed the atray of demographics. This tells me they have something for everyone. We throughly enjoyed our selves and I do recommend ordering the special pasta to share. Can’t wait to go back!

+3

The menu is French which was a bit surprising but the food was amazing! This was the most perfect birthday and I would highly recommend celebrating any special night here. The truffle pasta was delicious. Cocktails were delicious. And their wine list is extensive.

+6

Nice dining environment and great service. You need to make reservations as early as possible. I did it more than two weeks earlier, but not early enough so I only got to outside table. But fortunately we got the inside table when we checked in. We really appreciate the service people on helping us to finding available inside table. Highly recommend the ribeye and fish Crudo. One thing to improve is to have more options for dessert. Given the Michelin one star, customers have high expectations. I was surprised to know they didn’t have cheesecake anymore.

+6

This Michelin-starred gem offers a dining experience that pays homage to classic American flavors while pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. The ambiance is refined yet warm, with a décor that hints at both modern sophistication and rustic charm. I especially enjoyed seeing a rolling library ladder for their wine. The starter was a type of puff pastry that was light and fluffy at the start and finished on a flavor of the most perfect garlic bread bite, and miniature savory cannoli. I highly recommend the truffle pasta. I am still dreaming of it. The star of the show was definitely the summer squash risotto. Every bite was accompanied by new flavors and textures, that made this dish increasingly interesting. I’ve never had risotto quite like this. The wine and cocktail list is an excellent pairing for the flavors of your meal, with great suggestions from the staff. Service was also top notch, not missing a single mark with clearing finished plates and timing each course. For desert, I enjoyed the lemon verbena granita, which was very flavorful and rich and perfectly portioned. The price point is absolutely fair for the quality you will get here. I don’t give out 5 star reviews carelessly, but this place definitely deserved it. I will definitely be coming back.

+6

Great food. Their service and small gestures are even better. Absolutely professional service. They gave us little cookie treats on the way out that were phenomenal. All tasted very unique. Thanks Johnny B for serving us.

The service at this place is top notch, they iron the table cloth after each guest comes in! As for the food, it's amazing. Their selection of deserts really stands out! The Spruce burger and fries is one of the best combos I've had.

+3

Can’t be more grateful for this restaurant and the location. Consistently great food, attentive service, attention to details and always classy atmosphere.

We had an amazing experience here and I hope to be back some time soon. Possibly the best cod I’ve had in the Bay Area so far. Great quiet street with trees, really nice atmosphere. Awesome outdoors space. Thank you to the whole Spruce team.

+5

Brought my mom here for our first ever Michelin star dinner. It was absolutely worth jt. The waiter was amazing, the food was fantastic, we even got baked Alaska which was set on fire! Unforgettable. My mom said it was the best meal she’s ever had, and that’s exactly what I wanted. I hope to go again soon!

+1

An amazing dinner in a gorgeous, luxurious environment with stellar service! I especially loved the gnudi and scallops appetizers! Excellent wine, too! (We had a good table, somewhat secluded, but main dining room was very noisy.)

+2

John Maull

We had a delightful dinner in the bar area at Spruce. The burgers were tasty and I particularly enjoyed the tomato -based clam chowder soup. The service was excellent. I was disappointed that I wanted to have the three course meal, and my dining companion did not. The restaurant could not accommodate this divergence.

+3

Azadeh Nematzadeh

An absolutely lovely meal and service. We really enjoyed all the dishes. The add on options were very good too. The risotto I had there is one of my favorites. The desserts were very delicious and beautiful as well. They also have an amazing wine menu.

+6

Came for lunch with families. Ordered everything on their lunch 2 courses fix menu. We feel the main dishes in general are better than appetizers in terms of taste but all dishes look great. We highly recommend filet mignon and tuna salad on the entree menu. Confit Duck also is delicious but very small portion for a meal. For appetizers we suggest risotto and triangoli. Pumpkin soup is tasty and a variation compared to their salad options which are not our favorites. The service is also meticulous and friendly. We will be back for dinner.

+6

Beautiful setting for an evening out. Great service and the waitress took her time to give recommendations and describe the dishes. There were a few complimentary bites a long the way that were a pleasant and welcome surprise. Cocktails were balanced nicely and the food cooked to perfection with plenty of sauces!

+6

Everything a restaurant should be! On our second visit we were made to feel appreciated and welcomed. Eric our server was incredibly helpful and accommodating with food and wine suggestions throughout. And the menu had so many fantastic choices we appreciated his help. For me the lobster starter is an incredible standout. I could just make a meal out of that. And I am so glad Eric suggested we try the pasta with truffles as an additional course. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the truffles insanely flavorful and the kitchen was kind enough to split the pasta course for us. The mains included the Spruce spin on miso cod which was over the top perfect and pared with a fantastic white wine while my friend was delighted with his duck pared with a wonderful pinot. The cheese course was wonderful and then we had to have the beignets and this was pared with a Madera that Eric allowed us to share. Start to finish everything was perfect and it was a great dinning experience and will be back soon for sure!

We celebrated our 21st anniversary at this restaurant. The hostess was very kind and kept us updated as our table was getting ready. All the folks were very courteous and kind. We loved the petite amuse-bouche and it was a delight to try out the three course meal. The beet burrata salad was delicious. My son had a carrot pasta which was different and very appetizing. The fish entree was okay, but the duck was delectable. The bread service was also good. Loved the dessert choices and the lovely pastry they presented for our anniversary. Overall a lovely experience at this restaurant. We were able to create a memorable celebration and will highly recommend this place.

+6

Phenomenal service. Great staff. 10/10 would go back in a heartbeat. Recommend the pink peppercorn and wild pecan glazed duck and seared Hokkaido scallops! Check out @eatwithbelly on ig for more food recs!

Christopher Metoyer

I had such a great solo weekend brunch at Spruce in San Francisco. From the moment I walked in, everything felt easy and welcoming. I was seated right away, and my server was super friendly and attentive without being over the top. They started me off with a warm slice of coffee cake and some really creamy butter. Simple but so good. I went with a seafood-focused brunch and kicked things off with the dry aged amberjack melon crudo. It was incredibly refreshing, with the perfect mix of sweet melon, citrus, and delicate fish. The highlight was the butter poached lobster eggs Benedict. The lobster was tender and full of flavor, and the eggs and hollandaise were cooked perfectly. Even the greens on the side were fresh and bright. To finish, I had the beignets. They were warm, light, and fluffy, served with a rich chocolate sauce and smooth crème anglaise. The chocolate sauce was especially good. Overall, Spruce absolutely delivered. The food, service, and vibe all came together for a really memorable brunch. If you are looking for a refined but relaxed spot in San Francisco, I definitely recommend it. I will be back.

+2

Cam Villa

Get here! We came for lunch. It was fantastic. You have to try the lobster dish. Unbelievable. Service was great and the ambience was fantastic.

Gatsby Lee

We made an unplanned visit to Spruce while in the area for an errand. I looked up nearby places and was intrigued by photos of elegant cookies and coffee—but to my surprise, Spruce offers a three-course weekend brunch ($89 per person), so my wife and I decided to go for the full experience. To start, we ordered two glasses of Sanger sparkling wine, which my wife loves. We were lucky—it had just been freshly opened. A slight buzz definitely heightened our taste sensitivity for the rest of the meal. Freshly baked blueberry bread with butter arrived at the table first. It was dense with blueberries, perfectly moist, and the light saltiness paired beautifully with the creamy butter. For the first course, we chose: • Zuckerman Farms Asparagus Salad – bright and refreshing. • Smoked Mt. Lassen Trout and Trout Roe – this was a standout. The trout looked like salmon but had a deeper, cleaner flavor with less fat. It came with six small pancake-like rounds (maybe blini?), and they paired perfectly with the smoky trout. For the entrée, we had: • Soft-Rolled Denver Omelet – unbelievably soft, with melted Fontina cheese on top and a balanced mix of spinach, ham, and red peppers inside. The texture and flavor balance were excellent. • Butter-Poached Maine Lobster Benedict – this one had a $15 supplement, which I missed when ordering. It was a bit rich for our tastes, and the egg-to-lobster ratio felt off. That said, lobster lovers might feel differently. For dessert, we got: • Beignets and Sorbet – the beignets reminded us of Beard Papa donuts, especially when we stuffed them with the provided crème and dipped them in chocolate sauce. But the best combo? Beignets with the sorbet—the contrast of warm pastry and cold sorbet was perfection. As a bonus, we were served two oysters, likely Kumamotos—sweet, clean, and delicious. Service was friendly and attentive. Although the waiter might’ve been unsure with my English, he did his best to make us feel welcome and supported. In all, my wife loved the atmosphere and dishes. For me, it was a good experience, but given the price, I’d personally prefer Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford. Still, if you’re in SF and looking to splurge on a fancy brunch, Spruce delivers a memorable one.

+6

Angie

The staff are always the cornerstone of any notable restaurant experience, and Spruce’s team genuinely delivered. Our server, Michael, was so kind, and his attentiveness really made our night. Every dish was beautifully and creatively presented, but our favorites were the Yukon potatoes and the Wagyu New York Strip. As someone with celiac disease, I felt incredibly well cared for. The staff was knowledgeable, which helped with restaurant anxiety regarding gluten. Really thoughtful modifications were made to ensure our meals were both entirely gluten-free, which did not compromise the flavor! That especially can be hard to find in a restaurant. :) Really really enjoyed once again, could not recommend more. Concerning the first picture, I did dim the light a bit! It’s not that dark in person, but it is a dimmer & more intimate setting.

+2

Sebastian Salazar

Very nice restaurant with top class service and elegant atmosphere. The food was the best part: everything was perfectly cooked and presented . Would love to come back and have the black truffle pasta again! The giant cookie was also delicious 🤤

Talia Karasinski

Be aware of the kind of reservation you’re making. We had no idea that the dining room is prix fixe only. Luckily they were able to move us into the lounge which was great! We were able to try several dishes and cocktails and the staff was great. This place is pricey but good for a date.

+1

Shama Sikander

Loved everything about this place. The servers were so well organized and knowledgeable. They knew everything about the food and the wines they were serving. Me and my husband really enjoyed our last meal in San Francisco. Its high end top quality food with amazing unique dishes that serves all your senses.

+4

Jean Tsou

Outstanding food and service here. Great atmosphere and nice decor. Sephiscated bar with variety of wine selections and table service matini. Lunch menu from $65 per person. Love the seasonal white truffle pasta. Its homemade pasta here. We will be back next time to try other dishes.

+6

SunshiineMoonRise

Late review- came to celebrate a birthday and had the BEST service. It was fun bringing a wine expert and fellow restauranteur here. Love having him experience and interact with the Somm. Highly recommend- make a reservation and enjoy! We did !!

+6

A R

What a special restaurant. This establishment is beautiful while not being too stuffy, the salad I had today was out of this world, and the service at the bar was fantastic. I see why Spruce is considered one of the best restaurants to dine at in San Francisco. I'd highly recommend this place!

+6

Spruce embodies the elegance and precision of a true gourmet kitchen, making it a wonderful choice for an intimate and refined dinner. The wine selection is impressive, and the three course menu is thoughtfully designed, allowing guests to choose their main course and dessert for a balanced dining experience. Everything arrived perfectly timed and at the ideal temperature. The service was nice, attentive, and very professional. I especially appreciated the thoughtful recommendations and the patience in explaining the menu. Definitely a place worth returning to.

+6

We came here for the Valentine’s Day menu and overall had a lovely experience. The cheese course was absolutely the highlight for me. It featured three different cheeses, each with an incredibly bold and intense flavor profile. It was powerful, complex, and honestly very impressive. Definitely the most memorable dish of the night. The filet mignon was excellent — perfectly cooked and very tender. The king salmon and the Maine lobster were both very solid. Fresh, well-balanced, and thoughtfully prepared. The chicken dish, however, felt a bit ordinary compared to the rest of the menu. Overall, a well-executed and enjoyable meal with a few standout moments.

+3

Was taken here for a business lunch recently and was very impressed. The lunch pre-fixe menu was well done and the food was delicious. Pasta was excellent, also had a Niçoise salad, both I was thinking about again the next day. I’d love to come back for dinner, bar was also full at lunchtime. Pleasant atmosphere and service.

The food was exquisite. From the flavors to the plating, it was amazing. I had the scallops for appetizer, the lobster spaghetti for entree, and the s’mores cake for dessert. No complaints about any of them. The portions were just enough to fill us up without feeling bloated. The only reason I gave it 4/5 stars is because of the prices. We were under the impression that for $89 a person, we’d have a 3-course meal. Although that was the case, some menu items had up-charges and the drinks were kind of overpriced. A bill that we thought would come out to around $300 or less, came out to $430. The food was definitely worth it, but we felt a little deceived. Other than that, I 100% recommend.

The food and service were mostly as expected for a restaurant of this caliber. I had the sweetbreads, white truffle pasta (a chef's special), halibut, and the s'mores cake. My partner had the scallop, filet mignon, and beignets. In general, both food and service were excellent. However, the experience was not perfect. One of the four beignets for dessert was undercooked. A few bites of the squash served with the halibut had tough skin. The white truffle pasta and the s'mores cake were amazing. As much as I am happy I had this generally positive experience, I am disappointed that it was not perfect. The tasting menu is $89pp before taxes, fees, add-ons, and drinks. Expect to pay at least $150pp when coming here. Last but not least, I visited in December. The background music was all Christmas music, and not in a good way. The 12 Days of Christmas is probably the last thing I want to hear while I am eating a nice meal. Spruce, please consider changing your holiday playlist!

Came here for my birthday. Was able to get a reservation about a week out. They did a confirmation call a day before and asked if it was for a special occasion which my hubs said it was my birthday. But during the dinner of, no mention of my birthday at all; whereas, two tables near me had birthday celebrations brought to their table. That kind of irked me but it’s alright. Dinner lasted a total 1:30 hours. Ambiance: 9/10 Food: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Our server was nice and personable. Food was great. We got the foie gras and scallops for appetizers, pasta with truffle for add on, pork chop and duck breast for entree, and Black Forest cake and creme caramel for dessert. I assumed the foie gras would be in a pate form but it was more like a gelatin which I didn’t think brought out the creaminess of the foie gras. Hubs loved the pork chops. Dessert was average.

+5

We came in at 11:30 for a reservation at 11:45 and it was pretty empty. The waiter created us to our seat and was greeted with a happy birthday card for my girlfriend. They offered both of us champagne on the house since it was her birthday. The first thing to come was a coffee cake for the table, it was served with salted butter on top and tasted amazing. The salted butter really stole the show here, it was so soft and complimented the coffee cake very well. The next thing to come was some oysters with mustard seeds, this wasn’t on the menu but they served it to prepare us for the savory dishes. My girlfriend is a really big oyster person and she gave it a stamp of approval. I ordered the Dungeness crab cake toast and my girlfriend ordered the carne crisp. The waiter explained the dishes to us and described the carne crudo as A5 wagyu. I’ve personally never had A5 wagyu, but it wasn’t super memorable. My crab cake was very good and one of the best crab cakes I’ve personally ever had. The next thing to come out was the entree, which we both thought was mediocre at best. I got the pan roasted halibut and my girlfriend got the red wine braised short ribs. Both were pretty dry and very forgettable. If this dish wasn’t so bad, I’ve definitely would’ve gave this place a 5/5. They also gave us a free happy birthday cake, which was very nice of them to do since it was my girlfriends birthday. This tasted pretty good and really showed their quality of service. The desserts came and we were very full by this point but they were amazing. They also gave us chocolates at the end and asked if we wanted an espresso or latte, but we passed on this. Overall this place was very good, but the entrees were too bad for me to come back again.

+5

Spruce deserve it's Michelin star. The food was delicious and the cocktails are definitely memorable. It's very pricy though. Moreover, certain menu items may have additional charges in addition to the prix-fixe menu price. So you should read carefully before you order. I would go for special celebrative events, as the quality of the food and drinks are just exceptional, and the service was superb. But it's definitely not your every day restaurant.

+6

Incredible wait staff. Wonderful wines and the wyagu new York steak was very delicious and tender. Thank you Spruce for making our occasion special

Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Overall: A nice restaurant for a prefixe dinner. Would I come back: Yes The extended review… Food: 4/5 - Had a really nice three course meal that was delicious. A very nice blend of tastes that left me very satisfied. Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive staff. Ambiance: 4/5 - A mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Unfortunately I booked outdoor on cold day. So if you decide to do so be sure to layer up.

+2

We went for brunch. It was quite slow to get our food. The place is quite well decorated and the server was very attentive. Food came out slow as mentioned and the tap hefty. We payed more than 500 for 2 people. Parking is on the street and.may take a bit to find a spot

Spruce. Came here after graduation. Yup I graduated. I hit the SUI on stage but no one messed with it. It was completely silent and awkward. Anyways amazing food. From the bread to the meat. I got some food I don’t know the name of. It was with fresh fish and had a great sweat, refreshing, and slightly salty taste. The filet mignon was super tender. It melted in my mouth. The fritz were great, crispy with a nice sauce on the side. The service was amazing. The best thing is I was full after the meal which does not seem to be a trend with these high end restaurants. I would give it a 9.2 but that isn’t an option so divide by two which is 4.6. For me, it had to be over 9.5 to get a 5 stars. This is a new rule so don’t put this into account for my past reviews. I’m about to go on a road trip so keep an eye out for future reviews.

The restaurant has a nice mood and good service manner. Food is not unique, but cooking is perfect. Wine is so many but too expensive. Two courses are good for lunch. They celebrated my husband's BD. Thank you so much. I will have lunch soon.

+6

Amazing experience: food was delish, fresh ingredients, high quality produce and the service was top notch. Beautiful neighbourhood too and the ambiance is delightful. Loved the interior and the wine selection is top tier. We’re from Switzerland and the “Rösti” which originates from our homeland was not at all like Swiss Rösti. It was too salty and didn’t look, taste, nor look like it so we’d have called it an American interpretation of Swiss Rösti. We appreciated the attempt though. Unfortunately it took a long time to get seated although we booked a table (25 mins wait, although we were already a tad late)

It's a nice Michelin star restaurant. Very good service. The design of the food was really good and beautiful but the food itself honestly was not super impressive compared to other similar restaurants in SF. We had medium rare rib eye steak, rib cap, raviolini. The ricotta appetizer was really good. Potato that came with the steak was a bit bland but again beautifully designed. I've had much better steaks elsewhere in other restaurants that aren't Michelin star. See the pictures for the beautiful designs. They gave us complimentary scallop bites and chocolates which was a nice gesture by the chef.

Nice chic place with a seemingly decent set lunch menu. Watch out. Read the fine print on the menu for the added costs! Friendly, attentive service staff. The interior of the restaurant is dark and subdued with a impressive bar. Sit outside for the sunny summer! The atmosphere is relaxed and chill. Perfect for long lunches. Waitperson dutifully promoted the seasonal items, however mumbled on the price for the dish. Watch the additional charges for dishes! Dishes were nicely presented and tasted great. I was really having a great time. And then the bill came! Jaw dropped and was speechless for a moment. $50 for 3 white asparagus! I had heard $25. I didn’t want to appear cheap by eating and then complain about the price. But that’s a bit too much! The extras kept on adding up. $10 extra for scallops, $18 extra for steak frites. $34 for a glass of wine…… Lunch Prix Fixe is $49 per person if you stay within the basic dishes. Go for lunch. But be careful of what you dishes you choose!

+4

Julia Enthoven

Had a fantastic four course meal here for my husband’s birthday. Fancy with white table cloths, delicious wine, and a pre-set menu and price ($125 pp). They brought out a beautiful birthday dish. We had a great service, and the truffle pasta was a highlight.

+2

Ms. San Francisco Real Estate Janice Lee

Came to Spruce and really enjoyed the food. The fancy corn velouté soup was so tasty and comforting. The homemade pasta was packed with truffle flavor, definitely a highlight. Only downside for me was the jasmine tea. It was super strong and left me feeling a bit jittery afterwards. Overall though, great food, nice vibe, and worth checking out if you’re in the area!

+3

Jeanette G

Service was great and the food was good, although nothing to write home about. However, their wine selection is impressive and they offer a good variety.

+2

Billy Xia

New American with a French flair; their attentive service and beautiful decor made this place stand out. Def on the bougie side of the experience and price point. Food was good but not really impressive.

+3

My 128th Michelin restaurant experience. Places like Spruce are a dime a dozen, and if I did Michelin ratings, I probably wouldn't give any of these places a star. You can find menu items such as what is offered here at Spruce at 100s of restaurants in the U.S., with little in the way of true uniqueness or creativity. Add onto that that it's unclear what Spruce is trying to be (they offer fine dining-ish dishes but also a burger, pastrami sandwich, and caeser salad), and Spruce isn't a place I'd go again when spending $100+ per person. Course reviews below: 1) Broccoli Veloute (3/5) - I really like soups at nice restaurants, but this was pretty pedestrian. It tasted like a cream of broccoli soup I could get at a local market, which isn't bad, but isn't great. The only interesting part is the current puree contrast. 2) Apulian Burrata & Shinko Pear Salad (2/5) - Even more pedestrian than the soup. Nothing about this is unique or super tasty. The burrata was almost flavorless. 3) Taleggio Scarpinac (5/5) - One of the only reasons I'm giving Spruce a 3 overall (instead of a 1 or 2). This was delicious and unique. Ordered this as a main and flavors in each bite hit at different times (I love this effect in dishes). Presentation was also great. 4) Fennel & Coriander-Crusted Duck Leg Confit (2/5) - A massive miss because the duck was very very dry/overcooked. One of the worst ducks I have eaten. I loved the fennel & coriander crust, and just started eating that alone because the duck itself was so bad. 5) S'mores Cake (5/5) - In addition to the taleggio, this was the only other standout. Decadent, mouth watering chocolate cake. Loved the toasted marshmallow sauce pairing as well. 6) Apple "Pie" (3/5) - The apple and pie itself were fine but forgettable. Only the maple bourbon ice cream saved this dish. When only 2 of 6 dishes are really good, and the other 4 are very mediocre, that's a problem, especially for a Michelin restaurant.

+2

did the brunch, it was fun and fancy but not worth the price - plus the serving sizes are weirdly large? and it’s pre-fixe and there are only 2-3 choices for most of the courses so everyone ends up eating the same thing anyway. that said, the gnocchi were absolutely perfect.

+3

I have eaten in and have done take our. The food is tasty, the sommelier is knowledgeable, wine list is heavy on French. I am taking 2 stars away for waitstaff service. Not for the type of restaurant this hopes to be. 1. First time I sat at the counter's disabled table. Barman was our server as well, he had his hands full. So we were really ignored. 2. Did take out. Food was packages well, but it seemed they had misplaced our order? Once they found it, the food was cold. 3. This recent time, the food was well plated, tasted fine, but not to rock one's boat but decidedly good. It's the service. We never had one, but 3 floated in and out. One was more polite than the other 2: Unprofessional, sloppy and actually more like eating at Dennys in service and that's actually insulting Denny's. I'd recommend training staff longer before sending them into servicing tables. I'd also recommend keeping 1 waitstaff per table versus a team approach as you end up never getting what you want, as they get tables mixed up.

Disappointed that the food here was absolutely not my type ! Food and soup is so salty, wagyu is not smooth as it should be , the deserts either extremely sweet or somehow doesn’t taste like the right way. Service was great , atmosphere was nice.

+4

This place has clear qualities and has been in the critiques' radar for years. And, indeed, their prix fixe menu was solid (and reasonably priced) with a short list of well matched options. The overall tasting experience was harmonious and balanced, with unfortunately a few misses like the tuna steak which was bland with stripes of silver skin. They also have a fantastic wine cellar, with a broad selection from the Old World, some interesting Californian wines, and a few rarities from all over (cocktails were disappointing, I'd stick to the wine). However, something was off. It felt like an awkward throwback to the 90's, in a pretentious avant-garde restaurant. Most salient symptom: the waiter telling you "Bon Appétit" with an American accent. Come on. "Enjoy" is perfectly fine. Or the decor, with massive close-up pictures of cracked paint hanging on the the wall (it was artistically intriguing 30 years ago), and cold shiny silver linings on the bar shelves, on the plates, everywhere you look as if you need to be reassured that this is an exclusive establishment for wealthy patrons. Even the amuse-bouches were designed to excite your ego more than your palate. Behind this snobbish varnish of past glory, there is probably a talented and hardworking team striving to make great food. And that should be the focus. Drop the cracked paint and put forward genuine, delicious food.

We had dinner here for my birthday. The food was really good, and the vibes were nice, but we were disappointed with food cleanliness. We found an insect in the stonefruit salad. They did replace the dish after we informed them. This place could have been the best restaurant I’ve been to in San Francisco if they paid more attention to clean food preparation.

+1

Francine Abad

The ambiance and the service was excellent. Our server was very attentive and nice. It’s a beautiful restaurant filled with lots of beautiful people. The food was okay. I loved the risotto and the complimentary caviar tart. The lobster entree was okay. The lobster itself was good but the accompanying pasta was just okay. My husband and I both didn’t care for the coconut gelato. The server was kind enough to offer another dessert but we were full. He did give us a freshly baked cookie to go. Again, the service was excellent. Our server was awesome! Food was lack luster. It was a fun experience but probably will not be returning for another visit.

Y. A. Zhang

Great service and vibe. However, food is not impressive, at least for the three-course dinner that two of us tried. The appetizers had some salty or fruity flavors, but not something that made us feel excited. Main entrees we chose were dry-aged duck and grilled cod - I can taste the flavor of the meat for both, rather than much interesting flavor from the seasonings. In other words, I won't remember them after the dish. Desserts (both the plum dish and the strawberry sorbet) were too sweet and the fruits were treated with syrups rather than fresh ones. My favorite one is actually the complimentary ice cream sandwich for our anniversary. Another thing to note - complimentary bread only comes with one piece per person. I was not hungry before coming to the dinner so was not counting on the dinner to feed me full. Yet, the amount of food would definitely not satisfy a normal dinner for most people. Among all the pre-fixe meals we had before at non-Michelin and Michelin-star restaurants, this never happened, so I think I should warn people of this. Given the price ($125 per person, with additional $10+ CA employee benefit fees, additional tax and fees) of over $160 per person, i think the restaurant should really improve the food quality and portion.

+6

Susan Runowicz-Smith

Overall one of he most disappointing fine dining experiences we’ve had in recent memory and we dine out a lot. First, service. Front of house needs to get its act together. No attention to customer desires . Mostly interested in packing the bar for walk in service. we showed up at 4:15 for a 5:00 sit down reservation . Fine they did not open until 5 but were told bar service at 4:45 so went for a walk in very chilly SF and were first to arrive at 4:45. We were seated on sofas offered menu for cocktails but the server did not return until 5as he was attending to bar walk ins. We did not feel like valued patrons. at 5:05 staff seated us and said the cocktails would come to our table. finally our server was able to wrangle the goods at 5:15. Food. 3 course prix fixe menu with lobster and truffle pasta upgrades. Butter poached lobster with americaine sauce . Frankly i do a better job of poaching lobster. tail meat was tough. Sauce was not classic as not a tomato in sight. “Signature dry aged “ duck. A. plate of food arrived cool! B. duck skin was tough and flaccid and the meat was poorly butchered leaving tough to cut sinew on the underside of the duck breast slice. White truffle pasta was pretty lackluster being overwhelmed by the taste of parmesan- reminiscent of a child’s pasta plate. Beignets were good but we didn’t spend 125 per person to get warm doughnuts. this place was packed . Maybe they came for the burgers fries and cookies.

+1

Hostess was rude. We came in and she literally just stared at us without saying a word and felt judgmental. it was so awkward. Then told us that table near the bar was not open today but 5 min later she sat another group. Ordered a burger and the bread was soggy and meat was cold. Deeply disappointed since last time came the service and food was delicious.

Very disappointing. Our courses were all mixed up—-They forgot one. Our plates were not removed between courses and we had to stack things as they threw more plates/food on our table. One food runner was extremely rude. Our food arrived to our table cold. Such a strange and disappointing experience!

Such a let down. The evening started off well- the waitress was attentive, ordered a cocktail, discussed the menu and ordered. I opted for the golden osetra caviar and that course was perfect. Then the salads came and I had no fork… I told the others not to wait, they were almost done eating before waitress came by and I asked for a fork. Then it just got weird. I would have ordered wine to go with the main, but our waitress never came by and there wasn’t opportunity before the main course came. The duck was, as others have said, amazing. Perfectly cooked and delicious. I tried the pork chop and the salmon and both were excellent. We finished our mains… and sat for literally 28 minutes. During this time a table of eight sat by us and we were pretty much abandoned. She popped by once and I asked again for the additional drinks, which the bartender brought out and then asked if I had ordered something for myself. I hadn’t because at that point I’m not going to be ordering wine to go with dessert when I didn’t have any with the main. Dessert came, I asked for mine to be boxed, and we left. It was just such an odd experience to have great service and the beginning and then to basically feel so abandoned— I debated going over to the bar and ordering drinks, or getting up and asking for a fork… or stacking plates because they sat in front of us for almost 30 minutes. I did none of these things because I don’t like to cause a scene. Gratuity of 20% was already included in the check. Would not recommend.

I have eaten at Spruce multiple times and have loved every meal. Neither the food or service at my recent visit was up to expectations. The service was slow and at times rude. The food was luke warm when it was finally delivered. This was my family’s favorite restaurant for special events. We will be finding a new favorite. I left a message for the manager and never got a call back. I wouldn’t feel good about the dinner, even if it was only half the price.

Had a Friday date night at Spruce after hearing so many good things about it… but sadly it didn’t live up to them for us! Our reservation was for 19:45 in the main dining area, we arrived and were informed the table wasn’t ready. We then asked if we could wait at the bar (I feel this should have been offered straight away, and one should not have to ask and stand in the doorway). The first response was that there was nothing available at the bar, so then we stood by the entry (we were not the only ones, I would say around 4-5 other parties were also waiting there, making for a weird and unorganized atmosphere). Then after a while something did free up at the bar, and we were able to sit, but nobody asked if we wanted drinks or gave updates to the table. After 15/20 minutes we asked if we could get drinks, ordered said drinks, did not receive them, and by now it was 20:20… At 20:25 we were seated at the table (res was for 19:45, and drinks still not served). While seated at the table, we reminded them about the ordered drinks, which we then received after another 10/15 minutes. The waitress was super nice, and explained the dishes (appreciate that) but sadly we then had to wait another 20 minutes to finally order the food… and the bread service had also not come by and now it’s 20:45. For the appetizers we ordered, risotto (+25 dollar supplement) and the tuna carpaccio. Sadly the risotto was served cold… and the tuna carpaccio was underwhelming (the fish was definitely fresh, but the dish lacked spices/taste, could have used something zesty or really anything to give it flavor). For the mains, we had the wagyu steak (+25 dollar supplement), it was good but not outstanding. We also had the duck, after reading so many good reviews about the dish, but sadly it was served completely cold… the duck and the vegetables were not even slightly “warm” and I have to say the dish also lacked flavor. The desert was good, had a chocolate sorbet and a chocolate tarte (both good, but not WOW). I have to say the waitress was very nice and probably left the best impression… but the seating situation was quite a mess at the front desk (not sure if they overbooked or don’t slot their reservations well). And the food was truly disappointing (heard once upon a time there had a Michelin star and lost it, which unfortunately, I can understand why). I would not recommend nor come again… which is not something I like to say :(

Rhiannon Bogart-Mandrik

The service was phenomenal, but our entrees were quite frankly inedible. I really wish I had said something, but we were celebrating a birthday, so I didn’t want to tarnish the evening. The attached photo was of my entree, it’s poached salmon. There was absolutely no seasoning, my friends and I were fighting over the salt that came with the table butter. Our bill was over $900 for four people. I really wish we had a better experience considering how much we were looking forward to this meal and how much we had spent.