Saison Cellar & Wine Bar — Restaurant in San Francisco

Marketed as “affordable luxury,” Saison wine bar is a sleek space, with deep blue walls and taxidermy. I didn’t know I was into sexy modern, hunting cabin vibes, but I’m a new fan!

The wine menu has a large selection of wines by the glass, ranging from $11 to $90, many of which you would usually only be able to purchase by the bottle.

Along with the wine is a concise, but excellent French food menu. There’s a strong cheese and charcuterie selection including Maison Nico pâté en croûte. An instagrammable caviar parfait a la Mina has layers of créme fraîché, smoked salmon, and egg.

The traditional croque monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich) is perhaps the best I’ve tried, with an option to add shaved perigord truffle. And you can’t go wrong with classics like bread and butter, featuring Tarts de Feybesse levain bread, or truffle fries.

Dessert was also memorable – I loved both the cherry gâteau basque with cherry ice cream, and the stone fruit financier with sour cream mousse and vanilla ice cream.

I thought the service was impressively polished just a month after opening. Sommelier Paul Carayas and team were personable and made the affordable luxury experience very approachable as well!

Next to the wine bar is Saison Cellar, a private members club with access to climate-controlled personal wine storage. They are offering a founding cellar membership, with storage for up to 78 bottles and a $5000...

Saison is a hidden gem in the Mission Bay neighborhood, offering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere perfect for a night out. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm ambiance, soft lighting, and a curated selection of wines and champagne. To complement the exquisite wines, Saison offers a delectable menu of small bites and charcuterie. The caviar is a must-try, with high-quality caviar served with all the traditional accompaniments. The cheese selection is equally impressive, featuring carefully curated options of artisanal cheeses. The croque monsieur is so good you'll think you're in France. Beyond the food and wine, the service is impeccable. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. If you're looking for a luxurious and unforgettable night out, Saison is the perfect...

I love Saison and this side hustle of theirs did not disappoint. Love the decor, with old fashioned brass lamp pole lights mounted to the marble bar, nouveau-french inspired colors and trim, and though I normally don't love dead animals mounted to the wall, somehow they really pulled it off. Engaged and knowledgeable staff and as one would expect from Saison, lovely glassware. Food was absolutely delicious. Best fries I've ever had in my life, and the croque monsieur which features bechamel was just spectacular. Wine list is EXTENSIVE if ordering bottles with a nice selection of glasses as well. I had Claude AI read their entire wine list against my particular tastes and was lead to a $72 Wagner Riesling which was honestly one of the most interesting whites I've ever had. A+ wish it was...