Canteen
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 928-8870
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Jones Street
- Hours:
- Tue 6pm, 7:30pm, 9:15pm, Wed-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 6pm, 7:30pm, 9:15pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm, 6pm, 7:30pm, 9:15pm
Editorial Review for Canteen – by Karen Solomon
The Scene
Rubicon's much-praised former chef, Dennis Leary, is at the helm of this adorable 20-seat house. Decor is stunning and sparse: Gray walls and natural wood tables give way to modern touches like bright apple green counter tops and retro kitchen canisters. The crowd is a strange brew of foodies and the unsuspecting hotel guest.
The Food
The kitchen churns out a tiny menu of ever-changing, exquisitely prepared California cuisine. Start with an unforgettable deviled crab salad or the sumptuous escarole salad of white anchovies and a mustardy gribiche dressing. Mains are also a creative exercise in excellence: The Blanquette de Veau is a memorable pot pie of veal, artichokes, almonds and pearl onions in a rich broth, and the halibut with olive tapenade, ham and mashed potatoes comes perfectly cooked and salted. Desserts are not to be missed: Tangerine jelly with cranberry sorbet and candied zest packs the perfect after-dinner pucker, and the tarte tatin, though chewy, was a wafer-thin, rich caramel confection.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoTables are tiny, and can only sit two people comfortably.
What to DrinkDon't miss the house-made chai or ginger ale.
User Reviews for Canteen
09/07/2008 Posted by spot11
Poor service. We waited for a two-top table for nearly two hours while larger parties were seated before us. Overall experience, AWFUL.
11/27/2006 Posted by apersonofinterest
This past Saturday night (11/25/06) I was joined by four other friends for a fantastic and creative 3-course meal at Canteen. Service was excellent, as was the food. Everyone had something different and delectable. I highly recommend the vanilla souffle, it's served with creme anglaise and is the best I've ever had. I'll definitely return and try other dishes.
Pros: Creativity of the food, wait service, portion size,
Cons: Noise, cramped seating
