Super Refined and Affordable Michelin Experience in San Francisco

I managed to book a table for the first seating on the day they opened, and we were seated by the window. We enjoyed the view from sunset until the twinkling lights on the Bay Bridge. The dishes are not expensive but are incredibly well-made, with attention to detail evident in both the tableware and the presentation. 🐚 Scallop: The scallop was huge and melted in the mouth. The sauce was right up my alley. 🦪 Abalone: The tenderness of the abalone, paired with abalone liver sauce, completely changed my perception of this ingredient. I used to think abalone was tough and flavorless, but this dish was a revelation. 🐟 Grilled Fish Cheeks: The fish cheeks were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Surprisingly, they were flavored with Sichuan spicy and numbing sauce, which was unexpectedly refreshing and delicious. 🥔 Accordion Potatoes: These were quite unique—thin layers of crispy dough paired with a creamy white sauce, very aromatic. 🍱 The $90 Grilled Eel: This dish was a bit overrated. While the eel was firm and chewy, it tasted a bit bland compared to the Japanese-style eel I’m used to. I even thought my $12 instant eel felt superior in comparison. Also, the lettuce seemed more suited for wrapping pork belly. 🍦 Dessert: The dessert left a lasting impression. The signature soft serve, drizzled with sweet but not cloying caramel sauce and sprinkled with sea salt and walnut pieces, was a perfect balance of flavors. I couldn’t stop eating it. Comparing it to other restaurants’ versions, Angler truly excels in balancing the salty and sweet elements. Overall, it was a great experience. The bowls, plates, and utensils were adorable, and the service was attentive and thorough. Apart from the two main courses, all the other dishes were memorable. The only downside was the music, which was too rock-and-roll and retro. The restaurant’s theme is a rustic hunting lodge, with lots of animal heads and antlers on the walls, which didn’t match the fine dining atmosphere and the beautiful sea view at all. #TheUltimateEndIsFood #SanFranciscoFood #BayAreaEats