Firefly Restaurant — Restaurant in San Francisco

My roommate wanted to eat in Noe Valley, and Firefily popped up first on my search. I promptly made a reservation as I've seen in the reviews that one is needed.

We got there about 1.5 hrs before the reservation. Though the place was empty, they were full of reservations, so we were seated at the bar. The place quickly filled up afterwards.

We ordered the Japanese sweet potatoes with duck sauce to share, and we each got our own fried chicken. Those sweet potatoes and homemade duck sauce were delicious! I could eat a whole bag of them. The fried chicken was good, and I especially liked the cole slaw. I don't like it when cole slaw is packed full of mayo. This one had a light dressing. The biscuit was so soft and fluffy, and really good with the butter and honey that comes on the side.

I also got a pinot noir from Oregon (Cooper Mountain Willamette Pinot). So good!! I want to get a bottle of my own.

I don't know the exact term for the dessert I ordered, but it's like a tart. It came with seasonal fruits and ice cream. It was delicious!

The bartender was very helpful and enthusiastic about the dishes. I really appreciate that! I usually don't have any questions when I order, but it's nice to know that there was someone who is happy to help.

Since it is Noe Valley and dinner service, prices are high. I usually don't have a budget when dining out, but I certainly wasn't expecting to put down $60. This restaurant is the type of place where you slowly enjoy food, wine, and company. So I say take as much time as you need.

I would love to come back here once spring comes around to see what seasonal things are...

We went on New Years when the place was packed and the servers had every right to be harried and the cooks had every right to be behind. Instead, the servers were warm and friendly and all food and service was promptly taken care of before we would have even thought to ask. Although there was some delay in being seated despite having a reservation, this was because the previous reservation for our table remained seated not leaving, and the staff failed to kick them out - that the biggest flaw of the staff is being too nice (to someone else) does reflect well on them. They gave us free appetizers without us having requested or even mentioned it as an apology, which is fair enough in my book.

As for the food, it was amazing. It fuses ingredients and methods from around the world, including many unique combinations of Latin, Asian, and European elements which consistently worked incredibly well together. The price is a bit on the higher end of what someone of my social class might expect to pay, but by no means do they charge beyond the quality of what they serve, and the quantity is also just right to leave you full without needing to leave anything behind.

Finally, the decor was relaxed and comfortable, and we felt right at home immediately (but there were still decorations enough to catch the interest). Because it was New Years, they had decorated and dressed just a bit flashier without sacrificing class or taste, and the atmosphere managed to be lively as well as amiable, conveying a pervasive vibe of cheerful celebration without hindering anyone's chill. After a bit of stress earlier in the day, it...

This has been one of my stable/consistent neighborhood favorites for about 15 years! They have been around for about 30 years now. The entire menu is gluten free for those who need it. And menu items rotate on-off for seasonal variance with a core set of items always staying! They even do Jewish high holiday specific menues!

Overall, the service is super friendly, quirky, and super accommodating.

The food has always been outstanding. From the core items, two things I ALWAYS get are the Daikon radish cake (yeah, that doesn’t sound good but my god, it’s amazing, trust me) - the broth, mushrooms and scallions all blend to make such the perfect bite. The other thing I get is the fried chicken. Yep, you heard me correctly. It’s fantastic, as is the biscuit with honey and the mashed potatoes. I will warn you, it comes with a small side of hot sauce that is tasty but hits like you ate the center of the sun. lol!!! You have been warned.

Bar is beer and wine only. They do allow corkage but don’t be a jerk and bring something they have on the menu and make sure it’s an elevated bottle (and off a tasting to the server or bar team if it is a special bottle) - I hate when people bring a cheap bottle to avoid buying from the restaurant.

Anyway, this place is always worth a stop and has never let me down in 15 years. Good food, not Michelin quality but flavors that will make you happy, and an environment that feels comfortable, homey/warm. (Plus, they have a nice outside parklet on the two days it’s...