Restaurant Michael Mina
San Francisco, CA 94102-1804
Phone: (415) 397-9222
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Geary Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Restaurant Michael Mina – by Jane Tunks
The Scene
Though no expense was spared when the St. Francis Hotel gave Michael Mina carte blanche to create his namesake restaurant, it still feels like a staid hotel dining room. Pillars punctuate the minimalist space, with widely spaced tables and neutral color scheme. Service shows growing pains--dishes can be given to the wrong diner and wine often arrives after food.
The Food
Diners build their own three-course menu, with each "course" offering three preparations of a theme element. Though some patrons may find the panoply of flavors akin to a culinary land mine, others will be dazzled by its unbridled creativity. Highlights include lobster salad with a trio of heirloom tomato seviches and Kobe beef rib roast played against truffle fries, horseradish-flecked mashed potatoes and a gooey Asiago potato gratin. Several of Mina's signature dishes from Aqua also make appearances, such as airy black mussel souffle and flaky lobster pot pie.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasCulinary thrill seekers should splash out on an seven-course menu. Choose between the "seasonal" menu and Michael's Classic tasting menu.
What to DrinkAn impressive wine list highlighting top-notch wines from around the world is available. For oenophiles breaking out a special bottle from the cellar, corkage is $35 (two bottle limit).
User Reviews for Restaurant Michael Mina
08/26/2008 Posted by bunheads
This is one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. My husband and I splurged on our trip to San Francisco this past June. I was feeling silly about spending that kind of money on a dinner, but it was soooo worth it! I thought I had tasted a great cut of beef before. Then I ate at this restaurant and realized what I had been missing. Really the whole experience was pretty superb. Service was very attentive. Almost too attentive! I get a little nervous when my server asks me if everything is to my liking too much. It is a very playful dining experience because of the three different preparations of each dish. The scallops were especially divine! It definitely feels a little stuffy there, but I guess that was to be expected. We were the youngest couple in the room and I think we got a few stares because my husband was dressed pretty casually. Although the bar crowd is more lay back than the dining room. You will pay a hefty price for your meal at Michael Mina's, but I can safely say to you that you should not hesitate. If you only get the chance to splurge a handful of times in your life on great food, this should be one of them!
Pros: Amazingly playful dining experience.
Cons: Expensive but worth it!
02/17/2008 Posted by heavensake
this is my first time to dine at MM and i can say it is definitely not the last for a special occasion at least (pricey but worth it), a bit surprised that it is actually at a hotel lobby but that did not overshadowed how impressed i am with the service, the ambiance was nothing but romantic, and the food, food was just spectacular. the complimentary appetizer was just to die for, the oyster just melts in your mouth, (best tasting oyster i've ever had). love the idea of each course prepared in three different preparations, which gives you different flavors, very tasty!!! love the duck breast i ordered and the lamb my boyfriend ordered are both tender, just perfect! and to top it, the dessert was just delicious!!! yum!!! you can't go wrong with a chocolate, and yes, you can't go wrong with Michael Mina! overall, this whole experience was topnotch! it was a wonderful night...
Pros: food, food and food...
Cons: restroom
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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