Amazing food, very friendly service. Highly recommend the lamb curry.

Delicious... Refined food based on Sri Lanka spices and flavors

Great experience and I would definitely go back. The goat was amazing

This best place with very tasty kitchen! You need just try!

Went to this restaurant on Oct. 27, 2018. We ordered Blue Lake green beans, Masoor dahl curry and rice, and traditional egg hopper. They were delicious and finely prepared. The amount was right for two of us. Our mouths and bellies were fully satisfied! Only one wish for the restaurant: add more vegetarian options to the menu. As Buddhism is quite popular in Sri Lanka, there must be many dishes specially made for vegetarians.

This gem of a place serves great food. The husband and wife team have created a dining experience that combines Sri Lankan cuisine, a casual vibe, and an exceptional wine list into a great dining experience. They have a tasting menu that runs $110/person, but dining ala carte is typically $65 with drinks included.

Wow. I was blown away by the quality of ingredients and inventiveness of the preparation. Everything from the small (house pickles) to medium (a thick slice of cured salmon with trout roe) to large (duck leg curry) was complex, well spiced, and artfully presented. Hidden gem of a restaurant.

We went al-a-carte, don't let their minimalist menu fool you, each item had evidence of being carefully thought out - the curry's were quite flavorful and highlights of complexities that only come with marination and slow cooking. Our favorite was the chicken curry. We are fimilar with the region's food and tasted hints of 'home-style cooking' which was quite refreshing. The intimate setting offers for a personal touch to their service adding to the over all dining experience.

You are all idiots for not coming here all the time. No offense. One of the most interesting and well-crafted tasting menus anywhere. Since lockdown, this place has been opening only for special event dinners. The most recent was a typically fantastic Crab Curry event on January 13, 2023. Follow their mailing list or Instagram to fund out about future events.

Really loved the meatballs and the egg hopper! Solid food in a nice clean atmosphere. A bit different from everything else that is going on in SF right now; a pleasant change from the ordinary fine dining fare....

This is one of the best restaurants we've ever tried. The food is outstanding, the service is excellent, Yulia has done a great job! Nez is amazing, compliments to the chef, and Deanna is the best host & server ever! An experience everyone should enjoy going to 1601!!

Pretty authentic food with good service and a fun vibe. I went a la carte as I was not very hungry. I recommend the egg hoppa and the tea semi freddo. Take time to savor the Sri Lankan fragrances and flavors. This place is a joy.

Delightful little gem. Authentic Sri-Lankan meets California cuisine served in minimalist modern decor. Beautiful platings, artful flavor combinations, and just a touch of molecular. Having worked at a cumulative 8 Michelin starred restaurants, this is serious Michelin - star potential here, especially if a tasting format were attempted. Service was good, needs a bit more confidence, but has potential. Shame it's such a secret about 1601, every time I mention my experience to others in the industry, everybody's response is "what? where is it? Yeah, I've never heard of it!". Part of me wants to keep it a secret, but I also want them to stick around, so here goes nothing!

Okay . . . if a place ever deserved an OMG, it is 1601. I love bringing people here because I ALWAYS hear comments like: "I've never tasted anything like this before." -or- "I could eat this every day." -or- "The people who work here are some of the nicest in San Francisco." Go here for dinner. I mean it. You will thank me. And you'll keep coming back. There's a panoply of taste you haven't ever encountered. Imagine being surprised and exceedingly pleased at a restaurant in SF. You will be here. I promise.

Gluten free Celiac Safe. Great looking place with great food and wine. Service was impeccable and very knowledgeable about allergens. Soft light and doesn't require ear plugs ; ]

Tasty, interesting, seasonal food with lovely spices. Wonderful servers and accessible, friendly and passionate chef. The lamb with chickpeas was phenomenal.

A hidden gem in SF! The flavors are a masterful mix of spices and quality ingredients. The service is great and parking usually easy.

Inviting, different, unafraid. Comfortable environment with intimate touches; like perfect glasses. Sri Lankan influence but for the Californian palate. I’ll go out of my way again.

We had the tasting menu. Amazing and really unique food, great service - overall excellent experience.

Great menu, inspired Sri Lankan flavors, interesting hybrid concepts. Nice decor, friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Awesome chicken curry. Atmosphere was pleasant. Menu choices were simple. Can't go wrong no matter what you order.

Wonderful ambiance, service and food. A 2 star Michelin experience for half the price. The lobster in mulligatawny sauce was to die for.

Can’t knock a single thing about the food or service. Perfect tasting menu and amazing experience 👌

Quiet place, just right for an informal dinner. Two very tasty - and slightly unusual - curries, with three inventive sides and a bottle of wine, were just right for the three of us.

If your looking for something unusual or a place to take friends from out of town, this place will satisfy the taste buds. Suggested takes: smoke salmon, roasted potatoes, and the specialty of the house, the egg hopper.

I come here with out of town guests because the menu is sophisticated yet comforting, the hosts are so thoughtful, and it’s always a perfect food journey from start to finish.

Every course was delicious, and the service was perfect - attentive and approachable without being hovering or too casual. You can see and taste the love and care that has been put into making an exceptional dining experience. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

I found 1601 Bar and Kitchen as a result of a google search when trying to plan my fortieth birthday. I was on the hunt to find a restaurant where I could reserve a large table for a sophisticated, intimate and delicious dinner with 8-10 of my closest friends. When I looked up the reviews, saw the photos and read the menu I knew it would be an amazing experience for my party. When that reservation turned into 14 , Yuliya was cooperative, understanding and so professional. When we arrived, the ambiance was even better than what I had hoped for and we were greeted with wine and the menus even had “happy birthday” printed on them, which really helped to make the evening even that much more special. The Chef’s menu was a hit with all of my friends with every dish and we are still raving about the “sticky potatoes!” The team evenly separated the leftovers into individual to go containers so we all could taste everything we had that night again the next day. My friends and I left that night feeling satiated and happy. To be fair, there was also a lot of wine consumed that evening. We will remember that evening forever. It was perfect. Give these people all the stars, they are amazing and the food is LITERALLY something to write home about!

We were recently in San Francisco and had an amazing evening at 1601. We were there with a large group and we had our 2 little boys with us. We all had so much fun tasting course after course! Everything was delicious and they easily accommodated our gluten preference. We will definitely go back next time we're in town.

Came during happy hour with my daughter and the service was phenomenal. The waiter was absolutely the best. I wish I had gotten his name. He cater to us without a bothersome type of atmosphere.

Amazing!!! It's the best-tasting menu I've ever had. The food was unique and it was just a wonderful experience. Yuliya and Brian are great hosts, it's easy to see the love and passion they put into what they have created.

1601 is one of the best restaurants in San Francisco. The food is excellent. If you’re looking for fine dining, it checks all the boxes. If you’re looking for authentic Sri Lankan flavors, it checks the boxes. If you’re looking for something interesting or just good… it’s got it all. An egg hopper with good sambol is something everyone should try (at least once). Excellent wine list to pair with the food. Reasonable prices on the wine and food. Plus the team behind it treats customers extremely well, like friends. I go back again and again.

Had the most incredible spread at 1601! The best, and most flavorful crab curry I've ever had! Plus the egg hoppers were to die for. And everyone at the restaurant were truly kind and attentive! This is a must try if you're in San Francisco.

Just visited SF for the weekend and found this place on the Michelin website. The food, wine and service are world class. In a city filled with great restaurants, this was the highlight. Loved it!

I had an amazing meal here. I won't lie. It was pricey. But I did the tasting menu, and every dish was great. I really enjoyed it. The food was unique and delicious, and the service was excellent. I really liked the decor as well. It was a very cool looking place. I recommend the tasting menu to anyone with a special occasion. And the regular small plates menu also looked interesting and not as expensive.

1601 Bay & Kitchen is a hidden gem among so many over rated restaurants in SF. We spent most of our Saturday night here enjoying the chef's tasting menu which featured modern twists on classic Sri Lankan flavors. The duck leg curry was the star of the menu, but we enjoyed everything from the savory uni ice cream to the traditional egg hopper. At 110pp, it's also probably one of the best value tasting menus I've had in a while. The wine pairing felt like a bit of a miss at times, but I appreciated the variety including beer & sake with some of the courses. The restaurant was quiet, service was never rushed, and we enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the chef and owner throughout the evening.

Amazing discovery of unique foods cooked by chef Brian that are Sri Lankan influenced. Great wine selection in an intimate setting with top notch service.

Such a unique and delicious experience. Chef Brian does an incredible job of blending authentic Sri Lankan dishes with Modern Californian cuisine. I can't wait to go back there again.

Amazing flavor in every dish! I loved the spices they used in all their dishes, it's so flavorful! My favorites were the lobster, octopus and the meatballs! The egg popper is very unique and it's a must try!! Definitely worth checking out and returning to!

The tasting menu is incredible. Brian and his team deserve not just a Michelin bib gourmand but a star. This is worth a special trip. The egg hopper is a reliable component of the menu. The mulligatawny soup (in it's various invocations) is delicious. The duck breast is better than you could have hoped for.

A friend recently called this the most under rated restaurant in San Francisco and I couldn’t agree more. The dishes are inventive and modern without losing their soul. Each bite packs a punch. I really feel like nothing in this area can compare to the quality and flavor that 1601 serves. They also have a beautiful back room perfect for private parties of 15-20. I feel like that size private space is so key.

Amazing food, great service. Highly recommend it.

Grrat sri lankan fine dining place in the San Francisco. You ca find street parking outside the restaurant.

Really reluctant to give this a 5 star as it may cause a flood of people to visit. But tonight's dinner was an extremely pleasant surprise. Everything was delicious and well thought out. Get the tasting menu and you won't be disappointed. The egg hopper and duck wild rice curry were my favourite. But honestly. EVERYTHING was sooo good. Go.

Excellent, distinctive food with an elevated sense of presentation and balance, 1601 Bar and Kitchen has a fresh feel despite being well established in the neighborhood. The restaurant pairs fantastic food with elegant service and a calm dining room. If you haven't tried it yet, I envy your first bite. Get the egg hopper.

We tried their tasting menu. Their kale salad eirb black garlic was an exploded in my taste buds and was very neatly done balancing all elements nicely. Every dish was a piece of art presented with great detailing. I am so glad I did this :)

Excellent food. Excellent service. Truly, a gem. Highly recommend for any special occasion.

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!

This place was a great find.. everything was flavourful and authentic. We were here for date night and wanted to try something non-american, we typically hate fusion food but this place really did it superbly! Would definitely be back!

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!

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 🔥

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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”!!!

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.

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!

Modern Sri Lankan serving up classics such as kotu with a twist. Overall very good but a bit too pricy.

Loved loved loved the Yukon potato dish, hoppers, fried okra.

Even better than the food I had in Sri Lanka

Great food... the egg hoppers are a must try!

Nice place, a little expensive, I need help paying for all these places for me to rate for you guys. Lol.

Sri Lankan influenced foodie goodness. The ceviche was especially good. It was a unique combination of flavors and not really limey for a ceviche, but the fish was buttery and had a wonderful flavor. Without a liquor license I wouldn't expect a full-bodied straight up style cocktail. The flavors and aromas were good but felt a bit thin. You do need to have about three items each to be full leaving so I think the prices on the menu may have mislead google to think it's a $$ place when it should probably be a $$$ place.

The food was excellent! Very interesting combinations of food that all worked very well together. The plates are very small though and pricey, ended up getting more food on the way home from dinner (since we were still hungry).

I liked a few of the dishes a lot, but not all of them. I think this is good if you really like seafood. The meal was timed well I liked the egg thing, and also the salmon thing. But some of the others I didn't like as much.

Great place to go. It's never overly crowded (the 2 times we've been here in the past 2 years). Saw it on Check Please! Bay Area. It doesn't dissapoint but is very pricey for what it is. Don't get me wrong it is unique but may not be worth it depending on what you're preferences are. I would say it is worth 1 try and judge it base on your taste from there. :)

So this review is kinda split into two sections. Food and service versus price. Food and service were excellent. Great flavors. Great presentation. Great fusion. Price was $150/person. That's too high. If you don't care about price, the food is great.

Tasty food! We tried chef's tasting menu and had pleasant surprises, savoury ice cream was delicious and something new. Tomatoes sorbet was heavenly. The dishes worked well individually but as a tasting menu for $250pp it did not work well. The accompanying wine pairing did not work for me at all, needs more work and polishing.

Cute little bistro in an odd location. The owner was extremely friendly. They have a small and reasonable wine list. We got a bottle to split. The food is rather interesting and inventive. Unique cuisine I have never had anywhere else. The prices were reasonable for high quality food.

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!

Food is good for a bib gourmand but prices are too high for the quality of food and service.

Delicious but insanely expensive food and insanely pretentious staff.

The tapas style food was very good. However the portion where very small. For a group of 5 of us, we ordered 9 plates and left still hungry and $50 lighter. The food had great flavor, just wish that it wasn't only a bite of food.

Overall tasting was mid. My favorite was the gazpacho that we got in the beginning, but everything else was just alright. The egg hopper was mid as well; the sambol was also too spicy. For what you pay you’re not really getting much food. Quite disappointed considering there is no other Sri Lankan restaurant in the bay. I need to go find a egg hopper pan and do it myself…

Mediocre food at best and overpriced. The Sri Lankan tones are incredibly understated/barely tasted. Whatever you do, do not opt for the tasting menu which is a terrible selection.

The food is unique, with lots of Indian influences, it was so unique I often wondered what I was eating. The dishes are small and meant to be shared, but quite expensive for the quantity they provide. While i enjoyed some dishes (the eggs and the steak) I was not impressed and would not return. The complimentary chocolates at the end were a nice touch. One extra star for that.

Ridiculous service we asked for the tasting menu and had one vegetarian and they wouldn’t let us do it. Absolutely horrible management, they even told us to feel free to leave after asking for that. Out of every restaurant I’ve ever been to this is certainly the worst customer care I’ve ever witnessed.

Some srilankan chef needs to work there.any way service was great. But food was horrible. And so expensive.

We made a reservation for 5 to try the Sri Lankan food and were for some reason seated at the high table with high chairs. This became noticeably terrible when another group was seated at the other end of the table, and their group was being very loud and clearly there for drinks. Not sure why we didn't get seated at the tables (as they were never filled up). The food was very mediocre, the flavors were not there. Only saving grace for this place was the decent service. We still paid quite a bit for a very below average experience, though, making me definitely NOT recommend for a meal. It's also in kind of a strange area, with not much going on.