Bar Crenn — Restaurant in San Francisco

After a brief but delicious early dinner at Anchovy Bar, I decided to try and get a seat at Bar Crenn up Fillmore over in the Marina. The opaque black windows and unmarked facade looks similarly anonymous to its famous next door 3 Star Michelin restaurant, Atelier Crenn.

Once I got to the door, I saw the fantastic remodeled interior and curved wooden backbar. The hostess seated me toward the end of the bar, a couple seats over from the center. There are nice arm chairs and corners for couples and groups near the front window.

Marcos, the bartender was friendly and we chatted about cocktail bars and the bar program at Bar Crenn, which was innovated by Director of Mixology Florian Thireau, who has written two cocktail books and worked at Buddha Bar and The Cheval Blanc in Paris, Palmer & Co in Sydney, The Zetter TownHouse and The Peninsula in London.

When I told him about the carbonated Margarita Ji Bol I had just had at the Daisy Margarita Bar in LA, Marcos recommended the Mizuwari, an interpretation of a Japanese Highball with elderflower, peach, olive oil, lemon, and Toki whisky. I was sublimely blended with a floral fruit essence reminiscent of champagne. Marcos said that the ingredients had to be clarified so that they blended into the carbonation without getting coagulated on the bubbles. An enjoyable and light drink.

Having had a light dinner, I was still keen on ordering a choice appetizer. So I ordered the house-made pretzel with a side of mustard. The pretzel was extremely hot. I had to wait a bit before I could tear it apart. The server poured a light cheese fondue on the side of the mustard. It was tasty and baked with the quality you might get next door.

For my second and final drink for the evening, I ordered their signature drink, the Gospel, an espresso martini containing salted coffee, orange, ginger, picon and St. George vodka. It had a burst of flavor between the ginger and orange atop the coffee elements and spirit. Creative approach to elevating an espresso martini.

Everything about Bar Crenn exudes class but it is still approachable and somewhat casual which was not the case at Clemente Bar in NYC. The drinks were also superb. Seems like a perfect spot for a date. Look forward to returning to try more of the...

I would like to start by saying the service was phenomenal and this rating does not reflect the hard work of those that serve here.

This rating is for the overhyped, over priced meal. The food was subpar and the portion sizes were a joke. The only items that were worth eating were the Brioche and the Tomato Tarte everything else fell short of “fine dining” by a long shot. I have dined at many of the Bay Area’s Michelin Star restaurants and Ben Crenn by far was the worst one yet. Quince and many other places may be more expensive but much more worth it.

The mushroom carpaccio was made up of one finely sliced flavorless mushrooms. At first we thought it was shaved Parmesan cheese for our child sized Mushroom Raviolis (we ordered THREE servings). We also paid $36 for a 2oz serving of Halibut. IT LITTERALLY LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE TRYING TO MAKE MINIATURE MEALS.

For $500 I would expect way more from a restaurant. It make me question why they add a mandatory 20% gratuity to all bills, my assumption is that no one wanted to tip due to the sham of a dining experience Bar Crenn exhibits.

After paying a ridiculous amount of money for this unsatisfactory food($350) and over priced bottle of Cabernet($150 that normally costs $35) we went next door to Tacko to enjoy a true San Fran dining experience. Save your money, save your time and skip this place at all cost. I really don’t see how anyone could rate this place 5 stars. We had a good laugh about the experience on the ride home so the humor of the situation earned this...

As soon as we stepped foot into the tiny path that felt like a hidden alley, the door began to open. "Welcome" said the Maître d', and soon we were whisked away to the far corner of the restaurant.

Upon entering it felt like a secret Parisienne hideaway that only exists for locals, but after settling down I felt much more at home. Books lined the shelves against the wall, with familiar art hung subtly in leftover nooks. The bar light shimmers from exquisite crystal chandeliers and seated patrons fill the marble counter at capacity. The soft sounds of chatter from people on dates, others catching up and discussing recent travels, and some just taking in the scene.

The staff couldn't have been more friendly and welcoming as if we were guests or friends. What made it even more special was to have Dominque herself join our dining section while her lovely wife and friend were seated next to us engaging in pleasant conversation. I'm sure we scared her away with all of our praises, but they were well deserved.

The food was incredible (as expected). The caviar in egg starter is always a favorite and should be enjoyed with a glass of divinely-paired wine. The avocado "ravioli" was out of this world, with fresh and delicate flavors that packed a meaningful punch. I could've enjoyed that dish again and again. Salmon and dessert followed next but my personal bread and butter has to be her own Brioche and whipped beef fat spread. Simply heaven.

Thank you again to the entire Crenn family. This won't be our last...