Ernest
San Francisco
At a glance
Located at 1890 Bryant Street, Suite 100, Ernest in San Francisco offers a refined dining experience characterized by contemporary creativity and keen attention to detail. The venue presents itself with a focus on elegantly prepared dishes, capturing the varied tastes and techniques of contemporary dining. It offers a casually sophisticated atmosphere, best suited for those looking to enjoy a night out over a well-crafted meal.
Ernest strikes a balance between modern style and welcoming comfort, making it an appealing choice for diverse occasions ranging from intimate dinners to small group gatherings. Its convenient location at the intersection of Florida and Mariposa adds to the accessibility, providing a stylish escape for culinary enthusiasts. The interior invites with its minimalist yet tasteful decor, while the menu often reflects the chef's innovative approach to familiar flavors.
Reviews
Stepping into Ernest in San Francisco begins with a charming journey through a small, intimate garden, instantly setting the tone for an extraordinary dining experience. This delightful pathway prepares guests for a unique, highly diverse culinary adventure, and opting for the tasting menu proved to be nothing short of phenomenal. Every single dish delivered an incredible harmony of vibrant flavors and stunning visual presentation that effortlessly exceeded expectations on every level. The culinary team has mastered the art of balancing creativity with approachability, making each course feel like a new discovery. What truly sets Ernest apart from other fine dining establishments, however, is the remarkable speed and precision of their kitchen. Courses arrive with a seamless, well-paced rhythm that maintains momentum without ever feeling rushed or overwhelming. This exceptional efficiency elevates the overall hospitality, allowing diners to simply relax and savor the moment. From the serene garden entrance to the final exquisite bite, this unforgettable meal was a masterclass in modern dining. Ernest is a stellar culinary destination that earns my highest recommendation for anyone looking for an extraordinary gastronomic experience in the Bay Area.
One of my all-time GOAT spots. Tucked into one of the best locations in the city, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy an incredible meal and then spend the rest of the day wandering the neighborhood. Every visit feels special. The food is consistently flawless. I especially love how the menu seamlessly blends Asian flavors with California cuisine. As an Asian living in California, it feels like the perfect balance—familiar yet exciting. The way Korean, Thai, Japanese, and other Asian influences are layered together is incredibly thoughtful, never overpowering, and always harmonious. It’s a true testament to the chef’s creativity. My absolute favorite dish is the banana bread with caviar. it’s insanely good. The uni brioche toast is also amazing, but for me, the banana bread is the one that feels truly unreal. The meat is always cooked to perfection, every single time. And don’t skip the Basque cheesecake. It’s not included in the $139 tasting menu, but it’s absolutely worth ordering as an extra. The caramel ice cream is also so good.
Excellent meal. Each dish highlighted sweet, perfect seasonal produce, prepared with close attention to detail, in bold flavored sets. Not subtle but not overpowering the great ingredients. Very friendly service and I really love the ambiance: not too minimalist but still clean cool decor. Among my 3 favourites in sf for their cocktails. Heavenly kakigori full of textures. Can’t wait to go back!
Ernest was nothing like I was expecting, but in the best way haha. My coworker suggested checking it out, and she always has the best recs, so of course I said yes. It’s such a cute restaurant with its own charm. The whole experience felt fun and special. The only intimidating part for me was the menu haha. I’m a very visual person, so I had a hard time picturing some of the dishes at first. Shoutout to our kind & patient server, plus all the Yelp photos I studied beforehand lol. Everything was delicious. The quality of every dish really stood out, and I’d happily order all of them again, but here were my favorites: • Sushi Rice: SO good. Definitely a must order. The beef somehow almost tastes like tuna haha. • Fried Rice: I’m obsessed with corn, so this was a must for me. • Maitake Tempura: A must for mushroom lovers. Also, the ranch was incredible. • Kakigori: Absolutely mandatory for dessert. No further notes lol. • Lamb Kofta: Really flavorful and delicious, though next time I’d probably try some other dishes instead. • Avocado: A great option if you want something fresh and green on the table too. • Parker House Rolls: These were good, but probably not my favorite. I think I’m biased because I don’t really love rolls in general, and the other dishes felt more unique and memorable to me. These were just the items we had, but the menu changes often, so you may see different dishes when you go. The Sushi Rice is one of the staples though, and I definitely think it’s a must try. Overall, such a great experience. Our server was so attentive, and the whole meal felt really memorable. Already planning to bring my boyfriend here for a date night. What a special place!
