Spruce
San Francisco
In breve
Recensioni
Looking back at my photos from a weekend brunch here in May of 2021, it stands as a really memorable snapshot of San Francisco's hybrid dining era. This visit was back when Spruce was still holding its Michelin star, and the kitchen's technical execution completely reflected that status. We sat out on the sidewalk parklet space due to the restrictions at the time—and while the temporary outdoor street setup was just okay compared to their famous, moody indoor dining room, I deeply appreciated the fact that they were able to pivot and let us dine safely. Every single course tasted absolutely great. We started with a pastry basket of house-baked scones and muffins paired with a rich raspberry jam and sea-salted whipped butter, which set a fantastic baseline. Next was a vibrant spring pea velouté soup, which had an incredible texture and a beautiful layering of crisp radishes and croutons. For the main, the Maine Lobster Benedict served over thick, house-made English muffins with an airy hollandaise and soft quail egg yolk was a total knockout. We finished with two desserts: a remarkably precise chocolate opera cake with hazelnut crumble and dark ganache, alongside a light strawberry panna cotta ringed with white chocolate and macerated fruit. Given the sheer quality of the ingredients, the execution of the seafood, and the generous pacing of the menu, it felt like an incredibly good value at the time. A really excellent experience from start to finish.
We stopped in for after-dinner drinks at this bar and really enjoyed the cool Californian ambiance. The vodka martini was delicious (nice and dry). Service was also good. A great spot for a relaxed drink with a nice vibe!
#refinedexploring YouTube We had great service and vibe. However, food is not impressive, at least for the three-course dinner that the three 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 spare rib that was dry and frankly horrible- not to mention a $25 up charge!
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.
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.
