Nightbird San Francisco - Buy Reservations

I had come eaten at Nightbird maybe four or five times before I started dating my now husband, who had worked for Chef Kim Alter years before when she was heading Haven and Plum in Oakland and had always had amazing experiences dining here. Long before meeting Chef Alter through my husband, I had been wowed by her beautiful cooking and absolutely infectious enthusiasm for sustainable practices and adoration of local farmers (it was clear from the first time I ate here that she humbly sees herself as an intermediary between the farmer and diner, translating the labor of small, independent agricultural producers into something beautifully plated and designed to showcase the ingredient's best qualities). She really is such a hype man for farmers and I have learned a shit load about so many rad producers through dining here-- I now know exactly which booths to beeline to at every Bay Area farmers market! As someone who dines out at tasting menus quite a bit, I also appreciate how often she changes her menu-- she is willing to take risks and has really fun themed menus that change over completely every 2-4 weeks (something I have never seen another tasting menu do-- I have been able to come back again and again because of how often there is is something new to try). I feel like most places will find a dish that diners love and keep that on the menu until it isn't seasonably appropriate, slowly phasing out some dishes and adding others, which is also great, but it means that I often can't go back to the same spot more than 3x a year without having to repeat quite a few dishes. Even after reopening 1.5 years into the pandemic with the staffing crisis the whole restaurant industry has been faced with, Nightbird's entire menu changes over completely at least once a month (with exception of a few courses that always are on the menu like an absolutely addicting quail egg amuse Boucher and incredible honey course). I also really love the beautiful and intimate space and thoughtful details which showcase so many other wonderful women artisans of all kinds, from the beautiful ceramics from Erin Hupp, MM Clay, N. Pilar and Christina Liu and walls by Caroline Lizarraga, as well as beautiful vintage glassware. Stepping in out of the bustle of Gough street into the serenity of this dining room is like entering another world. I do want to note that I do some photography work for Nightbird these days, so I admit I am not a 1000% impartial diner, but I have deeply loved the stunning food and wonderful experience of dining here for YEARS before my husband introduced me to Chef in 2019. It has been such a pleasure to get to capture this gorgeous and delicious food in photographs and as an artist, I am so inspired by this subject matter. It is really shocking to me to Nightbird has stayed so under the radar when I personally think the restaurant outshines many of the Bay Area's one and two Michelin starred spots.

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It's honestly shocking Nightbird doesn't have a Michelin star or some other fancy European accolade. The food is incredible, the ambiance is incredible, and the service is incredible. It's icing on the cake that we were able to support a female chef/owner as well. My fiancé and I haven't dined inside since before the pandemic and there's nowhere else I would have rather gone to break the seal after years of caution. I felt safe and cared for the whole time which made the experience all the better. I don't have much more to say than it's worth every penny and you should book yesterday. (And also the bread is unbelievable, I can't believe another review spoke negatively about it--best bread I've ever had.)

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Beautiful presentation. Classy ambiance. Exceptional staff.

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.. FOREVER and we finally managed to get a reservation. The atmosphere inside was super cute and romantic and the service (I believe her name was Imani) was absolutely adorable! The plates were quite interesting and some of them quite rare but like the way caviar was served or the dessert. - the bread was nothing special unfortunately and felt quite underwhelming - the pasta didn't have a lot of flavor and I think the way it was served didn't compliment much the ingredient.We also didn't get the menu at the table to help us follow what we were about to have. I think it's worth trying it but I think the pride point is quite high for what it is.

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We went to Nightbird for a Friday fancy meal and we very much enjoyed the entire experience. They asked in advance about food allergies and accommodated a nut allergy. The service by Imani and team was quite professional and smooth. There is a small but satisfying wine list and fun cocktail list. The sommelier was knowledgeable and helpful. We enjoyed the seasonal and inventive food. Just a few luscious bites each but more substantial multiple entrees plus two amazing homemade bread (sourdough and Parker house rolls). Ah the bread! Every dish was local, organic and in-season. So inventive! So lovingly presented. We loved the raw scallop dish, the squab two ways, and the beignet caviar. We enjoyed each plate and the surprise of tiny in between bites between nearly every dish. There were five dishes and yes three desserts! I was very full by the end! I also want to mention the unique Japanese plates were gorgeous and the calm dining room a la Japan calming. There is a nice small bar in the back. The wait staff wore masks. Thumbs up!

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This place has a lot of hype and so I have been wanting to try it ever since moving to Hayes Valley. They've been closed so many times for Covid-related issues so when they finally reopened recently I snapped up a reservation. I'll preface the review by saying I'm not a typical "foodie" but I do enjoy a fine meal and don't mind paying for it. Service was excellent, as they're known for. Our server and the chef were very accommodating to a gluten and egg free diet and my girlfriend was happy with their inventive substitutions. Only slightly strange thing was even though I put the restrictions on the reservation, and told the person who seated us, the server came over and had no clue and we had to explain everything again. Drinks from Linden Room were decent, if not a bit muted in flavor. The only one that was memorable was the Rodriguez, so definitely get that one if you like mezcal and they still have it. Heck even if you don't like mezcal give it a shot as it has a very interesting taste. Wine pairings did complement the food well. The food was all solid, but nothing spectacular. At this price point I expect to be wowed, especially if most courses are just a bite or two. The standouts were some crispy sunchokes on the squab dish, and the final course's beef steak (I forget which kind it was). Overall, the whole experience was enjoyable but on this particular day, with this particular tasting menu, the food wasn't outstanding for me personally. I'd consider coming back in a year or so when they've had a chance to get back in their groove and up the creativity.

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I made a reservation on January 20th for my girlfriend and I for Valentine's Day, which required a credit card with a 7 day cancellation notice. The restaurant calls me on February 9th to confirm my reservation. After I say, yes, we still want to go, they tell me that they cannot accommodate my girlfriend's dietary restrictions, which I made a note of on January 20th. This completely leaves us in the lurch just shy of 6 days before Valentine's Day, which doesn't even abide by their own cancellation policy.I would've spent at least $1000 on this meal for us and they treat us with such lack of respect, given that we will now not be able to get any reservation at any other nice restaurant for Valentine's Day because they told us so last minute when I planned this well in advance, not to mention they were not apologetic, nor did they try to make up for it in any manner whatsoever. We will not be going there in the future. Just aware that they might be inconsiderate to you.

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Simply the best in the bay, possibly in all of Northern California! This has been my second visit to NightBirdSF and I only wish I lived closer so i could enjoy it more often. I can't rave enough about this restaurant and it's a matter of time until they receive a Michelin star. The food and ambiance speaks for itself. Each item on the menu is DELICIOUS and I leave here full and happy each time. I came here the first time for a date night in 2020 and the second time in 2022 for a birthday with guests and each time I was blown away-as were my guests. The Chef is Amazing and her creative flair shows in each dish. Also, it's so nice and refreshing to see an amazing and successful female chef-you go girl. The night before we went to 'Lazy Bear' a two star Michelin star restaurant in SF and Nightbird was sooooo much better, not to mention more affordable & Filling. No matter your walk of life, Nightbird is worth EVERY dollar. We had a wonderful meal and experience, and I can't wait to be back here again! And my guests were so thrilled with their experience and also want to bring their friends and family ! Thank you NightBird for yet another wonderful dining experience!

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Nightbird is definitely a splurge, but the experience is worth it. The food is incredibly well done and a feast for the eyes and the palate. Everything is just another level of fancy but with a very relaxed vibe, what an amazing experience to be able to enjoy a very well thought out menu.

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