*in no particular order
3RD COUSIN
Located in Bernal Heights, this place is a hidden gem! This restaurant feels more intimate and cozy and the kitchen is open so you can see the chefs preparing your meal! For special occasions, they alway have a little handwritten card waiting for you at your table.
3rd Cousin offers a few different types of menus - A la carte, chefs tasting menu (everyone at the table has to order this if you want the tasting menu), vegan tasting menu, and a 3 course meal menu. I usually go for the a la carte because I like to choose what I want to try.
One of their signature dishes is the Uni Crème brûlée. If you're an uni fan, this dish is for you! It's topped with caviar and served with crostini. Very unique and definitely a must try.
The menu changes but they always have some sort of creamy soup on their menu, ORDER IT. I tried their creamy corn soup and I've been wanting it again since I left but it was a different creamy soup when I went back and it was still delicious but I wish I could order the corn one every time!
I don't currently see the duck breast on the menu but if it's there when you go, this is another dish you should order too. The duck is super tender and flavorful.
Another star dish at 3rd cousin is their Lobster Risotto. That sounds good enough already on its own but did you know they also have a secret "animal-style" one?? The "animal-style" one is topped with uni and caviar! Of course when I heard about it I had to go back and try it! See my reel below!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
PRICE | Tasting Menu $165
Wine pairing $99
A La Carte $7-$64 per dish
PAYMENT | cash and card
HOURS | Tuesday - Thursday 5pm to 8:30pm
Friday & Saturday 5pm to 9:30pm
PARKING | metered street parking or residential street parking
KID FRIENDLY | ok for older, well-behaved kids. leave the babies/toddlers at home
SEATING | indoor/intimate
RESERVATIONS | yes, via Tock
NEIGHBORHOOD | Bernal Heights
GARY DANKO
I cannot say enough good things about Gary Danko! I have been there 3 times and it never disappoints. I would give this place 5/5 stars for every single category I can think of - taste, presentation, service, ambiance and so on.
When you first walk in, you're greeted by someone who takes your coat to store somewhere. I didn't even pay attention to where they put it but they somehow have your coats ready on your way out after your meal.
After the host seats you at your table, they bring you delicious warm bread with butter and a menu full of AMAZING food with the option of 3-5 courses depending on how hungry you are. I always get the 5 but not only because I'm always really hungry but also because I want to eat everything on their menu! Another cool thing to mention is that you can choose whatever you want for your 5 courses. It does not have to be one from each category. You can choose 5 desserts if you really wanted to!
The one dish I absolutely HAVE TO order every time is the Glazed Pacific Oysters with Osetra Caviar, Leek Fondue, Zucchini Pearls, and Lettuce Cream. This is THE BEST thing I have tasted in my entire life. I think their menu changes occasionally but luckily this has been available for all of my visits!
Two other must try items I recommend are the Lemon Pepper Duck Breast and the Baked Chocolate Soufflé. You honestly can't go wrong with any of their dishes.
If you're a fan of caviar or truffle, they also offer add ons for any of your dishes. I added truffle shavings to my lobster one time and it was so worth it! The last time I visited, I only saw caviar add ons so I'm not sure if this is a seasonal offering.
After your last course, they also bring you a plate of complimentary mini desserts!! (see the first instagram reel on this post). We usually can't even finish them and have to take them to go. As if that wasn't enough, they also send you home with a nicely packaged coffee cake for each person! This is also shown in the first reel above. This meal basically extends to the next morning when I have their coffee cake for breakfast and for all the amazing reasons explained above, Gary Danko is one of my TOP 3!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
PRICE | 3 courses $122, wine pairing $90
4 courses $150, wine pairing $110
5 courses $170, wine pairing $130
PAYMENT | cash and card
HOURS | Wednesday - Monday 5pm to 10pm. Holiday schedule varies, check website for holiday hours and closures
PARKING | metered street parking or nearby parking garage
KID FRIENDLY | no, get a baby sitter for this one
SEATING | indoor
RESERVATIONS | yes, via OpenTable
NEIGHBORHOOD | Fisherman's Wharf
HOUSE OF PRIME RIB
HOPR should really be called House of No One Leaves Hungry! In addition to prime rib, they also include bread and butter, salad (mixed tableside), mashed or loaded baked potato, creamed spinach or corn, and Yorkshire pudding with any cut. I used to get the House of Prime Rib Cut which is what you would imagine standard prime rib to be but in the recent years, I started ordering the English Cut which is 3 thinner slices of prime rib. The thinner cuts are supposed to be more flavorful and absorb the au jus better and I definitely noticed a difference! I also end up taking home leftovers and next day prime rib also tastes better when it's thinner.
For sides, I usually get the loaded baked potato and the creamed corn. YUM. I think one reason I end up always having leftovers is because their bread and butter is also delicious and I end up filling up on it before I even get to the main course. Or maybe it's because I'm saving room for dessert! You must try the Strawberry Shortcake!
TIP #1 - if you finish your prime rib (doesn't matter which cut you order), they will offer you an extra English Cut slice at the end!
TIP #2 - There is a bar area where you can order drinks while you wait for your table or even dine at if you didn't make a reservation. Bar area is first come first serve, best for small groups.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
PRICE | $54-$64
PAYMENT | cash and card
HOURS | Monday - Friday 5pm to 10pm
Sat & Sun 4pm to 10pm
PARKING | metered street parking or valet
KID FRIENDLY | yes, they have a Children's Prime Rib Dinner (8 and under) for $17 that comes with milk and ice cream!
SEATING | indoor
RESERVATIONS | yes, via OpenTable or call 1-415-885-4605
NEIGHBORHOOD | Nob Hill