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Why did we dine here? – Sorrel occupies the space that once housed Nico. Alexader Hong (Quince, Jean Georges) started doing popups in 2015 and moved to this spot in 2018. James Beard Rising Star Finalist. They received One Michelin Star in 2019. Our last visit was in the middle of 2025 for a meal at the bar.
They switched to a prix fixed menu with a la carte served only at the bar.
You walk in and find another nice looking restaurant serving New American cuisine with fancy local ingredients, Upscale diners in the 40-60’s. Sounds like a formula for half the new spots in SF. Surprisingly the restaurant is very good, far better than we found the previous tenant: Nico.
Insider Tip – A la Carte menu gives flexibility at the bar
Cuisine – New American
Location – San Francisco Laurel Heights
Opened – 2018
Service – Sorrel had decent service, a little lower key than some spots. They knew their stuff, pacing was fine, and we did not have to push to get things done.
Verdict – Sorrel impressed us. We were not expecting top notch food.
Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe.
Sorrel Signature Dishes – Focaccia, Hamachi Crudo, Aged Duck, A5 Wagyu
Sorrel’s Menu has 2 directions, a tasting menu and a la carte. Ample options for vegetarians. Every changing menu.
Sorrel Food Picks 2025:
Aplos Ease ($12) is a fancy bubbly non alcholic drink. Sublte flavors. 6/10
Sourdough Focaccia cultured butter • whipped lardo ($12) comes with 4 different spreads. Hot out of the oven and a must get! We liked the honey spread. 10/10
BBQ Duck Legs five spice • sesame One ($24) is not a big dish, hence they offer the option of 2. Confit soft meat with nice flavor. Price is nice too! 9/10
Loup De mer (Sea Bass) ($28) is a great value and cooked perfect. 9.5/10
Thai Tea black sesame • salted cream • popcorn ($14) was adjusted to be eggless and has a blend of soft/crunchy – sweet/savory – warm/cool. Very nice. 9.5/10
Previous Visit
Sourdough focaccia ($8) with cultured butter • sorrel ($3) is fantastic. Hot out of the oven. We wanted another one.
Chilled pea soup ($10) grana padano • sourdough crouton • thyme oil is perfect for vegetarians or the rare hot summer day. Very strong flavors.
Hamachi crudo ($21) cherry • buttermilk • elderflower seems to be on every menu yet they the twist with a sweet elements makes it nice.
Duck Liver brulee ($25) is on their instead of the banned Foie. This hits the spot with its light creamy texture and nice apple and cherry. Very well done brioche.
Cavatelli ($19) baby artichoke, Buffalo milk ricotta, guanciala is a top notch house made pasta. The chef has learned a lot from Quince! Really good.
Risotto ($34) has some sweet notes, but the dish with its many complex flavors is just fine.
king salmon ($34) miso mustard • baby corn • lobster jus is a must order. Not too large a portion, but done just right.
squab ($38) black garlic • spring onion • chewy beets is also spot on. Very tender, great flavor and just enough quantity. The chef is a big duck, poultry fan, so be sure to try this. Alas you cannot get the dry aged duck a la carte.
OK: (Order if you like this dish)
None
Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None
Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?
Restaurant Map:Sorrel Overall Rating: 
(Excellent
Come Back? 
| Food Rating: | (Excellent) |
| Service Rating: |  (Very Good) |
| Atmosphere Rating: | (Very Good) |
| Value Rating: | (Good) |
Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary
| Alcohol: | Beer, Wine |
| Attire: | Casual |
| Parking: | Street |
| Reservations: | Yes |
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