Tsar Nicolai Caviar

We had such an amazing experience at the Caviar café! The location is phenomenal inside the Ferry Building, with each vendor offering an elevated shopping and dining experience. We had 4 different caviars, served with the best blinis, chips, crackers, crème fraiche, hard boiled egg and chives to top everything off. To say everything was delicious is an understatement! Moses was the best host, taught us about the different flavors and why they taste different from each other. I would absolutely give this 10/10 and will make it a point to return anytime I’m in San Francisco! Thank you, Tsar! You truly are something special :)

This was an unexpected SURPRISE! Yes!!, this is the same caviar that is sold in Whole Foods and Costco (who knew). The owner was there - yes the actual owner of this fantastic niche caviar bar! He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming! Yes it was/is pricey - It's CAVIAR DHARLIN

My first time here, it gives you the feel of fancy, we had the caviar board (its on the websites menu) and was a lil disappointed that despite its name there was no caviar only roe. Yes it was tasty, pretty and they gave us extra crackers but "Where's the beef, i mean Caviar"!!!?? Anyways we also had a cocktail, the spiced apple cider mimosa, which was delicious. Being disappointed about the caviar and seeing the prices (sorry we just cant spend over $100 to try some) we saw they offered a smaller sample called a "bump", not to be confused with the cocaine version this was a small taster of thier classic caviar offerings and comes on these cute tiny lil wooden spoons. This was what we had really wanted originally and probably what anyone else who doesn't know about caviar and just wants to try some should order. I highly recommend the bump (something also on the website menu n of course the paper menu they give you when you arrive.) If you do go, ask for Tim and try the bumps!

Came here with some girlfriends and between the three of us, one order of the caviar was perfect! The caviar and accompaniments were fantastic and great value.

100% recommend you add this to your next trip to the Ferry building. The mimosas are *chef's kiss* perfection.

Delicious. I’ll take 10 of them.

Jeanette G

Love this little Caviar nook in the Ferry Building! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and their wine pairings are impeccable.

Katlynn Cha

What a great stop & experience we had! Did not plan on stopping by but their menu definitely caught our eye. Their farm-grown caviar was deliciously smooth & sweet. Bar tenders were knowledgeable and patient explaining the history & differences in caviar tastes as well as offering great selections on their menu. We were surprised to be filled with just their board and roll dishes! Pleasant experience!

Christina

Champagne and caviar! What’s not to love? Located in the beautiful and busy ferry building . Great place to people watch or catch up with long time friends while indulging in a wonderful flight for the taste buds. Knowledgeable , friendly and attentive service.

Mary L Netti (Marr)

Great Experience!! Visiting the San Francisco area and a friend introduced me to this lovely Tsar Nicoulai Cafe! Everything was exceptional!! I don't think I've ever had cavier, it was delicious...A wonderful treat!! We had an excellent server, Alex, he was great. He was pleasant and very informative, and answered all our questions. He recommended Classic Caviar and us informed the Classic had a nice buttery flavor and it certainly did. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting San Francisco!!

Jackie Morrish

Highlights: Basque cheesecake w caviar was delightfully buttery. Fresh & surprisingly strong strawberry mimosa. Cute plating for potato tarte. I’m not a caviar fan, but this place changed my mind. All smooth, light, and very complimentary to the dishes they were served with. And to an earlier comment, we were very casually dressed (it’s the ferry building…), and were still given great attention and service. We just had to say “hi” to someone behind the counter.

Jo K

A perfect spot to spoil yourself with some caviar. We shared “The Local” caviar flight. It was perfect and actually quite filling. The caviar is fresh, salty and the best texture. Enjoyed a lovely brut rose as well.

Michael Wu PhD

Great caviar experience. It's pricey as with any caviar, but the friendly staff and helpful recommendations make this whole experience wonderful and memorable. I highly recommend it, Even though you will break your wallet.

Akil Iyer

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you pick and pair what you'll like! High-quality caviar and well-chosen accoutrements make this the perfect experience (:

Kenzie Ferguson

A gem of a spot to stop by and watch the world go by… oh and have excellent caviar. The team at Tsar Nicoulai is friendly and know their caviar. If you’ve never tried caviar (or if you’ve never tried good caviar) the team can walk you through an amazing experience. Be careful, it will turn into a delicious habit. Treat yourself!

Nicholas McNamara

I had passed by this place many time in the Ferry Building, but finally stopped in when family was in town. I believe it’s the retail outlet for a local Bay Area producer of caviar. Spot features food and snacks designed to highlight their caviar. Enjoyable food, though the atmosphere depends on how busy the Ferry Building is as seating is right in the main passage way (which can get crowded during farmers market days).

Sarah H.

We had such an amazing experience at the Caviar café! The location is phenomenal inside the Ferry Building, with each vendor offering an elevated shopping and dining experience. We had 4 different caviars, served with the best blinis, chips, crackers, crème fraiche, hard boiled egg and chives to top everything off. To say everything was delicious is an understatement! Moses was the best host, taught us about the different flavors and why they taste different from each other. I would absolutely give this 10/10 and will make it a point to return anytime I’m in San Francisco! Thank you, Tsar! You truly are something special :)

LaTonja Estelle

This was an unexpected SURPRISE! Yes!!, this is the same caviar that is sold in Whole Foods and Costco (who knew). The owner was there - yes the actual owner of this fantastic niche caviar bar! He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming! Yes it was/is pricey - It's CAVIAR DHARLIN

Guru D

My first time here, it gives you the feel of fancy, we had the caviar board (its on the websites menu) and was a lil disappointed that despite its name there was no caviar only roe. Yes it was tasty, pretty and they gave us extra crackers but "Where's the beef, i mean Caviar"!!!?? Anyways we also had a cocktail, the spiced apple cider mimosa, which was delicious. Being disappointed about the caviar and seeing the prices (sorry we just cant spend over $100 to try some) we saw they offered a smaller sample called a "bump", not to be confused with the cocaine version this was a small taster of thier classic caviar offerings and comes on these cute tiny lil wooden spoons. This was what we had really wanted originally and probably what anyone else who doesn't know about caviar and just wants to try some should order. I highly recommend the bump (something also on the website menu n of course the paper menu they give you when you arrive.) If you do go, ask for Tim and try the bumps!

Angela Dao

Came here with some girlfriends and between the three of us, one order of the caviar was perfect! The caviar and accompaniments were fantastic and great value.

Chung Mai

Delicious. I’ll take 10 of them.

Sam R

100% recommend you add this to your next trip to the Ferry building. The mimosas are *chef's kiss* perfection.

Tim and Moises make this venue a second home. With their fabulous hosting and superior product line, we are always thrilled with our bubbles and caviar! The new potato & caviar menu item is to die for. Come see why these folks are so popular and you will be delighted!

I haven't been to the Ferry Building in several years and was very happy to find Tsar Nicoulai there again. (The last time we were at the Ferry Building, Tsar Nicoulai had closed.) We had the caviar flight with some Taittinger Champagne. It was heavenly. Tim was wonderful and very attentive, and made our experience there worthwhile. I can't wait to go there again the next time I find myself in San Francisco!

Oh my goodness! The level of hospitality of the staff was amazing 🤩. They really love what they do, and they turn every visit into an experience. I had never tried caviar before coming here,( but I love some bubbles), and they made it very approachable and fun to explore new flavors.

If you are a caviar lover, you have to go here. They have caviar from their own farm and it is a sustainable operation. The prices are fair for caviar. No, it’s not cheap, but if you consider a small spoonful of caviar at a restaurant is upwards of $50, it’s a solid price. My favorite caviars/roes I’ve tried in order of enjoyment: golden osetra, osetra, estate, baerii, truffled whitefish roe. If you are curious about caviar, Tsar Nicoulai is the best place to give it a try at a reasonable price. Their caviar is wonderful.

Katerina Hanson

Oh my goodness! The level of hospitality of the staff was amazing 🤩. They really love what they do, and they turn every visit into an experience. I had never tried caviar before coming here,( but I love some bubbles), and they made it very approachable and fun to explore new flavors.

Tiffany Lindsey

Tim and Moises make this venue a second home. With their fabulous hosting and superior product line, we are always thrilled with our bubbles and caviar! The new potato & caviar menu item is to die for. Come see why these folks are so popular and you will be delighted!

C Guittard

I haven't been to the Ferry Building in several years and was very happy to find Tsar Nicoulai there again. (The last time we were at the Ferry Building, Tsar Nicoulai had closed.) We had the caviar flight with some Taittinger Champagne. It was heavenly. Tim was wonderful and very attentive, and made our experience there worthwhile. I can't wait to go there again the next time I find myself in San Francisco!

R R

Bought some of their Greek osetra and golden osetra caviar for a special occasion, and it was very disappointing. Tasted like salty mush, with no depth and no notes. Grains were barely distinguishable. Would not recommend. Literally threw it away. The chives were chopped nicely and tasted good, otherwise I'd have given them one star.