Farm fresh super local food in the Tenderloin

by Patrick Heig

Local foodies and out-of-towners staying at the Mark Twain sink into chocolate-colored tufted booths at this Union Square-area restaurant surrounded by vintage boat oars, a giant clock, and paintings of fishermen and farmers. The New American menu changes daily, but one thing's certain: All ingredients originate from within 100 miles of the kitchen. Made-to-order, pan-cooked chowder--filled with plump seafood and a hint of smoky bacon--is perfect for chilly SF nights, while stellar entrees include a grilled pork chop, whose crispy edges give way to a super-juicy, salt-brined center, and a lovely grilled salmon gets paired with a variety of flavors, including tender squash, diced pancetta and housemade potato gnocchi. All-organic cocktails provide a chic spin on classics, such as the addictive Taylor St. margarita, served martini-style (sans salted rim) with sweet agave nectar.

07/16/09

very disappointing

by cactusberry

We recently spent 6 days in San Francisco, and overall had excellent dining experiences. Fish & Farm was the exception. It was recommended by the concierge at our hotel, and we did manage to get seated despite no reservations. Cocktails were OK, not great. The waiter was snooty (we are well dressed professionals who fit in with the image), and as soon as our order was taken disappeared altogether. No vegetarian options on the menu, and when I asked the waiter for choices he unenthusiastically suggested one thing. (Most restaurants will gladly offer up something for vegetarians if asked). I ended up having the salmon, which was average, not as good as what I'd make at home. The accompanying potatoes, however, were delicious. My husband had the steak, which was a special for the evening. After accidentally eating a gob of fat, he began the laborious process of trimming his meat. Ended up with a large (large!) pile at the side of his plate. A good quarter of his meat was fat. Eww. Our water glasses were refilled only once, at the very end of our meal. Unfortunately, the gratuity is included in the price of the meal, which means we ended up "tipping" 20% for this expensive and unpleasant evening.

• Pros: none
• Cons: overpriced, poor quality food, poor service

02/01/09

A very disappointing experience

by Littlebun

This was indeed a very disappointing dining experience for all six members of our party. Them menu was very limited. The portions served were inconsistent, and the quality of the food was mediocre to acceptable. While there was a Dining About Town set menu, none of the items that appeared there were availble on the regular menu. "Chicken and Dumplings" consisted of one very small chicken leg and gnocchi. The salmon served to another member of our party was so small that "there was no room to print 42 cents on THAT postage stamp". The short ribs were tasty, according to the member of our party who ordered them. "Fish and Chips" were served with an enormous mound of oily, soggy French Fries. The service, while timely and efficient, was rather cold. The dessert menu was disappointing as well, and when we inquired about ice cream (Which appeared on the Dine About Town menu), we were told that there was absolutley no possibility that we could order it. Six potential orders of simple vanilla ice cream, at $8.00 each, were lost at that pont. The total bill for six was $330, which while certainly not exorbitant, was certainly very expensive for the selection and quality of our meals. While I love the idea of a restaurant that seeks to use local products, sustainable and seasonal, it can most definitely be achieved in a more tasty, client-friendly way. It is a shame...we had heard such good things about this restaurant. We were with good friends, and were eagerly looking forward to a delightful dinner before the theater.

• Pros: Timely service, delicious complementary taste of soup from the kitchen
• Cons: LImited menu, pricey, mediocre food, inconsistent portions

08/27/08

Best everything

by brookesteve

I love this place, best food between Montreal and San Francisco!!! Recommended to all everyday of the week.

• Pros: all Good
• Cons: none

08/25/08

Like Arnold say's "I'll be back".

by Irishcop

Well I drove all the ways from El Dorado Hills, California after hearing about this 5 star restaurant. The drive was well worth it. The food was out standing. The service was second to none! I hope they expand to the foothills next. This was one of the best sea food restaurants I have ever tried. Two thumbs up. I can not say enough good about this restaurant. Like the Arnold say's "I'll be back".

• Pros: Thumb's up
• Cons: None that I noticed.

05/31/08

I love me some cocktails!

by sarahlane15

My bf and I were staying at the hotel mark twain which is where the restaurant is located. We had had prior dinner plans so we went for a few before we had a few more if you know what I mean. The young bartender (male) was so sweet, very engaging, great conversation. I loved the bar set up. Great inventive cocktails. Check this place out.

• Pros: Great drinks, good organic wine list, sweet bartender

01/30/08

Can be loud.

by finevine

Dinner on 1-26-07. Attentive service. Lamb was incredibly tender. oysters fresh. Great wine list and glassware. This place was full until closing time. I would go back anytime. Great vibe. And, if you can make these dishes at home, you should open your own restaurant.

01/21/08

you could cook it the same at home

by escarlata

Went here the other night and with high expectations - unfortunately it did not live up to standard. Food quality was average, taste was average - but nothing was exciting about it. I could make the dishes at home and they would taste the same. Very hard to recommend this place to anyone - I don't forsee it lasting too much longer in the SF dining scene.

• Pros: corkage fee $5!!!
• Cons: everything else

01/04/08

Great quality foods, professional wait staff and relaxing atmosphere!

by kenbutori

Being a native, and not a fan of "Foo-Foo-Trendy" food, I was more than pleasantly surprised with the dining experience I received when my family dined here one evening. We arrived around 6:00 and were greeted immediately by a young woman who welcomed us into the restaurant . She seated our pary at a rear corner booth, just a short distance from the kitchen, usually not he best seat in the house, but in this case it wasn't noticeable. It didn't take me long to settle into the mood, as a few moments later a young waitress approached and asked if we would care for a cocktail. Within a few minutes a smooth Belevdere over was quenching my thirst. It seems that within five-minutes of being seated, we had received beverages, of various type, outstanding French bread & creamed butter, as well a listing of that evenings spepcials. I selected the bone-in Rib Eye steak with mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables. My wife opted for the Fish & Chips. I ordered a tray of appetizers, which were quickly delivered, by a knowledgable, no-nonsense, friendly(and really cute) waitress.

These were soon devoured and were quickly followed by another order. There were four equally delicious items on the platter, two fish & two meat. I also ordered a special "Pork belly" appertizer with beans which was also delicious. A wine recommedation was made which was perfect with our meal. When our entrees arrived, they looked fabulous, reminding me of a Gourment magazine cover. My steak, done medium rare as ordered, was one of the best steaks I've eaten in years. The potatoes and vegetables were perfect accompanyment. My wifes fish was also perfectly cooked and lightly battered. Some little homemade breadstick things drove us wild! We were brought more as soon as I commented on them. There is also a small bar which was packed when I left. We had a great meal, in a friendly enviornment with great staff at a very reasonable price. Small & comfortable, I can't wait to return!

• Pros: Great fresh foods, excellent staff, owners on premesis, attention to details.

01/03/08

Fantastic

by finickyflower

With no reservations and a bit of a late start (around 8PM) we had read reviews for Fish and Farm and thought to give it a try. I was a little skeptical as it is attached (very peripherally) to a not so fancy hotel. Anyway we got lucky with street parking and walked up -it was packed. The host and hostess were very friendly and suggested to go to the bar where we could also order food. We walked through a bustling cozy restaurant and went to the bar area. Everyone of the employees was friendly and helpful,. Also- the food was GREAT! We will absolutely be back and most likely in the next two weeks. We had the fava beans (you can eat the whole thing) squid and fish and chips and asparagus. Really really great. Oh and the wine and rink list is good. I should be paid for this review- but It is sincere AND we are picky about good food and service. We were happily surprised and will absolutely go back.

• Pros: can eat at the bar too!