|
|
Why did we dine here? – Birdsong is a nature and heritage inspired restaurant, that is currently focused on the Pacific Northwest region. Its located in AQ’s old spot. Dishes highlight key ingredients from this region; such as cold-water shellfish, wild game, berries and mushrooms. They serve prix fix menus that are not cheap.
Highly rated with 4.5 stars on Yelp, they received one Michelin star in 2019. Chef Chris Bleidorn’s solo debut restaurant, he was previously at Atelier Crenn and Saison. A dish with fired up pine branches reminded us of Saison.
birdsong is a block and a half away from Golden Gate Theater, just do not walk down scary 6th street!
Insider Tip – Reserve ahead, try cheaper menu if you are on the fence.
Cuisine – New American
Location – San Francisco
Opened – May 2018
Service – birdsong has a strong service program. It left little undone. Kudos for top notch work.
Verdict – birdsong is not a cheap restaurant. No one is going to walk off the street and pay $185 for a long and complex Tasting menu. SF has gotten so rich that restaurants like this can exist. The restaurant is beautiful, New American food stellar, and service top notch. The 5 course menu just filled us up. More hearty eaters may not be 100% full! No amuse or petit fours here.
Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe.
birdsong’s Menu includes a 5 course menu ($130) or a larger full Tasting menu. ($185)
They are happy to accommodate pescatarian, vegetarian, gluten free or dairy free menus with notice ahead of time.
5 Course Tasting Menu – We had it for 2 people, so you will see more options.
succulents, shigoku oyster, seaweed vinegar, dill – Small starter with lots of sea flavor.
fish & chips, halibut, pomme soufflé – Fantastic ‘fish & chips’ interpretation.
giant clam, buttermilk whey, pork fat – parker house roll – Another nice dish although the clam was pretty small. Cool parker house roll made in a different style.
trout
aged duck, innards ragout, chestnut, winter greens, huckleberry – peruvian purple cornbread, grilled butter – Hit the mark with 2 nice slices of medium rare duck. Weird black colored cornbread was stellar.
sonoma lamb, grilled olive & nettle stew – Had bone marrow reduction poured tableside. Reasonable quantity of tender, high quality lamb cooked to medium rare. Interesting nettle stew.
black cod, sunflower seed fat, spinach – The spinach cooked to a cool crispy texture and hid the seared cod.
dandelion chocolate, cocoa nib, husk – Crispy cocoa crackers topped off a 72% dark sorbet. More liberal a portion.
Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?
Restaurant Map:birdsong Overall Rating: 
(Excellent
Come Back? 
| Food Rating: | (Excellent) |
| Service Rating: | (Excellent) |
| Atmosphere Rating: | (Excellent) |
| Value Rating: | (Good) |
Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary
| Alcohol: | Beer, Wine |
| Attire: | Dressy |
| Parking: | Street |
| Reservations: | Yes |
No Comments