PlumpJack Cafe
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 563-4755
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Filbert Street
- Specialties:
- Business Dining
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for PlumpJack Cafe – by Patricia-Anne Tom
The Scene
Beige--with copper- and taupe-toned accents on the walls, floor and custom seating--blanket this fine dining spot. Cushy banquettes, crisp white linens and dim lighting add to a quiet, classy ambience. Vested servers--knowledgeable about the menu without being intrusive--are standouts. Diners include a mix of 40-something Marina professionals and wine aficionados.
The Food
California cuisine is consistent, with small variations due to seasonally driven ingredients, while the 20-page wine list with its half bottles is world-class. Dishes have a hint of tartness, whether it's a chicory salad or the blackened cod with butter beans, fennel and Parmesan cheese. Yet the chef clearly understands a complex palate. Filet of beef with pureed potatoes is seasoned and grilled perfectly, though slightly rarer than gourmands might request. A daily selection of cheeses, fruits and jams are an appropriate way to end a meal. Equally refreshing, however, is the Meyer lemon souffle, which can be topped with creme fraiche at the table.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitWith only 55 seats in the restaurant, the most private spot for two is the table nestled next to the wine rack, behind the hostess's stand.
ParkingIf fighting for street parking is a pain and it's after 6pm, valet at the corner of Greenwich and Fillmore Streets (in front of the Balboa Cafe).
When to GoMondays are corkage-free if you bring in a screw-top bottle of wine.
Look GoodDiners will be more comfortable in business casual rather than blue jeans.
The ExtrasPrivate parties can be arranged.
User Reviews for PlumpJack Cafe
03/07/2008 Posted by Paddyb62
I was nervous going into dinner after reading some of the reviews, however, some of these reviews were written several months ago when they had a different chef. We started with an amuse- bouche of green garlic soup that had hints of creamy vanilla ice cream. I ordered the mushroom soup that was a well portioned creamy river of intensely roasted wild mushrooms . We also ordered the crab cakes and tuna tartare cones as appetizers. Presentation was great and the flavors were fabulous - and I am pretty fussy about crabcakes. They had sweetbreads on the menu as well as a quail appetizer that I was unable to eat because it was Friday during lent which prevented me from eating meat (poor planning on my part.). For main course, we had the salmon which was cooked to perfection and the sea bass which had a mustard beurre blanc sauce that was so light and tasty it made me stop and think how I can replicate it at home. We ordered the cheese plate which was very good - all the cheese selections were listed in the menu so you know what you are getting before you order it. Other dessert seletions looked delicious - apple bread pudding, chocolate cake, creme brulee. We had Kay as our server who turned out to be very knowledgeable about the wine, the food, and the wine/food pairings. She said that all the wait staff have been there for 14 years so they do have a vested interest in the restaurant and are very knowledgeable. This appears to be a great find for us and we will definitely be back on out next visit to San Francisco.
Pros: Great food, excellent wine list, knowledgable staff
Cons: None
12/21/2007 Posted by blkestin
Been here twice now and I must say, I just don't get it. I think they try way too hard to incorporate ingredients that even a true foodie has never heard of. The prices are extraordinary for what you get. There are plenty of other better restaurants where I would be much happier to drop $150 for two to eat dinner.
Pros: Candle lit atmosphere, service
Cons: The food, the prices
