Slanted Door
San Francisco, CA 94105-1521
Phone: (415) 861-8032
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- The Embarcadero
- Best of Citysearch:
- Vietnamese Food 2007
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Slanted Door – by Wendy Weiden
The Scene
Dominated by a wall of glass overlooking the Bay Bridge, the clean-lined dining room is large enough to hold the ever-present crowds. A blue-green color scheme plays off the waterside location, and large tables made from cypress trees give a warm, cozy feel to the otherwise minimalist space. The sizable bar area has low-slung seating on one side and a sleek granite bar down the other. Knowledgeable servers guide diners through the menu.
The Food
With his insistence on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Chef Charles Phan's Vietnamese-inspired menu appeals to diners unfamiliar with Southeast Asian fare. Starters such as spring rolls--crisp bites filled with shrimp, pork and fresh green herbs--and green papaya salad are consistent crowd-pleasers. Meat dishes are well-prepared if unadventurous, from succulent lamb chops accompanied by tamarind sauce to shaking beef, which is surprisingly bland. Seafood dishes stand out, such as halibut enlivened by a tangy ginger sauce.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe bar menu is designed to complement the Asian flavors, and with juices squeezed to order, the cocktails are worth the $9 splurge. The "Summer in the Danube"--sparkling wine with a hint of elderflower essence--is refreshing.
Know Before You GoNo reservation? No worries--spots on the waiting list are available by calling the hostess, beginning each night at 5:30pm.
The ExtrasParties of eight or more are required to set a prix-fixe menu in advance--diners choose one of three pre-selected appetizers, entrees and desserts.
User Reviews for Slanted Door
02/29/2008 Posted by syp
It was the BEST meal we had during our trip in SFO. I made an earliest reservation but the restaurant was already packed! Ribs/ Ribs/ Ribs... every table I can see. we ordered 2 appetizers, ribs and dungeness crab. portions were almost like a meal for 2. ribs was so tender and juicy but the sauce a bit on salty side, crab was cook perfect, still a bit translucent. drink was fantastic too... Real friendly services, food comes quick. This is a keeper, I would love to come back and try everything!!!!
12/31/2007 Posted by gefre808
We have heard so much great reviews about Slanted Door and we were very excited to try this restaurant, however this restaurant did not live up to the hype. To preface this review, our home base is in Honolulu and Boston- 2 cities with excellent Asian cuisine. Slanted door is supposedly "fine Vietnamese food", however at best, the food tasted like your average Chinese fare. Nothing spectacular, no wow factor, just mediocre. I have eaten Chinese food from stands off the side of the road that were tastier than the food served here. On a positive note, however, the interior is beautiful- sleek and modern. Plus, there is a great view of the waterfront as well. The service was slow, but our waitress was very friendly and helpful.The bill was overpriced in my opinion for lunch- 2 people for 3 dishes at $70. I am glad that we got to try this place since we have heard so many great things about it, but we will not be returning here again or recommending it to friends.
Pros: Beautiful waterfront/bridge view
Cons: Average tasting "chinese-type" food although it is supposed to be Vietnamese fine-dining, overpriced
