Hayes Valley really needs this healthy food restaurant alternative! There are so many great venues in the neighborhood - Italian, French, Chinese, Mexican, Booze - however, I wouldn't characterize any of the current slate of restaurants/bars as being focused on health and wellness.
I was pleasantly surprised to come across Rad Radish - it occupies the corner spot on Hayes/Franklin that has been vacant ever since The Grove shut down during the pandemic. I was looking at the menu, posted on the outside wall, when a very cheerful woman invited me to come in and give it a try. I was impressed with her enthusiasm and neighborhood-friendly manner. I discovered later that her name was Scarlett, one of the restaurant managers. She is an excellent ambassador for the restaurant - so professional and polite - it is people like Scarlett who create loyal customers.
The food was fantastic! Everything was fresh, crisp, tasty and nourishing. I sampled a wide variety of dishes so that I could get a sense of the cuisine. I had the following: Smokey Bean Hummus with Carrots and Radishes; Green Falafel with Tzatziki, Red Onion, and Cilantro; Spicy Curry with Forbidden Rice, Ginger, Turmeric, Kale, Yams, Carrots, Chickpeas, Squash, Peppers, and Herbs; and, for my beverage I had a Ginger-Turmeric Tonic. Note: They do serve wine, vermouth cocktails and beer.
Every single dish was perfectly prepared. The Mediterranean and Asian influences in the dishes I ordered were authentic - the falafel, dips and curry was as good as it gets. Also, I loved the heat in the Spicy Curry dish - they were not holding back to accommodate bland palates - this was the real deal!
The environment was bright and cheerful - all of the employees seemed happy to be working in this new and vibrant restaurant. The kitchen was opened up to the dining area. Also, there was a unique food ordering model which may soon become the norm - when you enter the restaurant, there are terminals where you can self-order. I liked this because it provided pictures of the food and it was a quick process. For people who want a more traditional ordering process, they have a register and I imagine anyone can ask for assistance.
I am sure this place is going to be a neighborhood favorite! Please share these positive comments with Scarlett, the entire staff, and any other relevant managers/personnel. They deserve to be recognized for their...
Read moreCan't say enough good things about this place, and it has been a while since I have dined-in at a restaurant and enjoyed it (probably since before the pandemic). Okay, so I am just going to go for it in this review with the intent that the owners see this and know that I recognize all the effort they put into this place to making it amazing. First of all, great staff. I went in with my small (pug) service dog my first time there, and a customer was very upset that I would be dining-in with her. He went on a tirade and stormed off after a staff member let him know that it's legally allowed (seemed like he didn't know about service dog rules and in all fairness, she didn't have her vest on at the time - though I did have it with me). In any case, once I settled in, the same staff member approached me and thanked me for staying in spite of that guy, which I found very cool. The food was excellent and comes out quick!! It's tough to find good vegan food in general AND I'm also gluten free; I was so pleased to see many options for GF as well. This next part is specifically meant for the owners/concept designers of this establishment - I really enjoyed the ample spacious, cozy seating for solo dining (I'm a frequent solo diner) and the streamlined approach to dining. I don't think they offer a traditional sit-down dining experience (I may be wrong though). I like how this place blends self-service with the sit-down atmosphere, it is the first time I have experienced this and I hope more restaurants follow suit. I think the whole having a server take your order, establish a phony rapport in hopes of big tips, then get stressed if a mistake is made, and guest waiting around for the check if it's slammed at a restaurant (traditional sit-down dining experience) needs to die. I was a server for roughly a decade and in all honesty, I think it's awkward for everyone involved and not that fun. The pandemic may have identified this pain point in the restaurant experience across the board and The Rad Radish took notice, well done!! If you are a diner that loves that song-and-dance, you may want to just do take-out from this place, or be brave and try a new (and in my opinion, better) way to dine. Oh, and the prices are VERY reasonable, gotta love that in these trying times!!! Thanks Rad Radish, for being... RAD!!! Will definitely return, keep on...
Read moreI had dinner at Rad Radish yesterday and was thoroughly impressed by this 100% plant-based gem in Hayes Valley. The restaurant immediately catches your eye with its vibrant, colorful signage and welcoming storefront that perfectly captures the energy of the neighborhood. I ordered the Impossible Burger with avocado and fries, and it absolutely delivered. The burger was expertly prepared with a great balance of flavors and textures - the Impossible patty was juicy and satisfying, complemented perfectly by fresh avocado and crisp lettuce on a sesame seed bun. The fries were golden and crispy, served alongside a delicious ketchup that tied the meal together beautifully. What really sets Rad Radish apart is the atmosphere. The space is stunning with its modern industrial design, featuring exposed ceilings, warm wood floors, and an abundance of lush greenery throughout. The hanging plants and natural elements create such a fresh, inviting environment that makes you want to linger. The lighting is perfect for both casual dining and catching up with friends. The restaurant strikes that perfect balance of being trendy yet comfortable, with a layout that feels both spacious and intimate. It’s clear they’ve put thought into creating a space that’s as beautiful as their food is delicious. Rad Radish proves that plant-based dining can be both satisfying and stylish. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of their menu - this place is a real winner in the Hayes Valley dining...
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