Tadich Grill — Restaurant in San Francisco

Update: I sent an email to the restaurant's info@ email address and their facebook page with details about our experience.

Do not use this venue for your investor or donor dinners.

Tonight (2/28/24) our party had a terrible experience with this restaurant's manager (not our server Fabian who was an absolute gift) for a dinner which our organization had reserved well in advance. Our 154-yr-old non-profit organization's original reservation was made on 2/21 for a table for 10. Although we had originally reserved for a count of 10, we had confirmed twice beforehand with the reservation team that we could still have space for 10 even if fewer people arrived, because we knew that our guests might be slightly late and we were willing to pay for no-shows so that we could have enough space in a quiet booth room. The reservation team confirmed ahead of time that this would be fine. However, when only 6 of our guests had arrived by the designated time of 7:00, the manager insisted that we be assigned to a table for 6 at the loudest table next to the kitchen. The 7th confirmed guest (a pediatric NICU nurse late for her elevator) and 8th confirmed guest (an 80-year old retiree who took BART from Richmond) arrived 5-10ish min late. We asked for some accommodation for our extra guests and yet still we were belligerently denied the original table reserved for us weeks beforehand.

And so, from 7-9:30pm we 8 guests sat at a table for 6, while the 4 additional empty chairs originally reserved for us remained empty and within our view, generating $0.00 revenue for the rest of the evening.

Nevertheless, being the species of guests who can and will persevere optimistically, we persisted and pressed our knees together (despite being mostly strangers) and made the best of the ridiculous circumstances avariciously allocated to us by the haughtily oblivious manager on duty.

Our spirit of camaraderie was aided by the compassionate sympathy of our attuned, situationally-aware, and tactful server Fabian, whom we tipped well.

Afterwards, the 3 women who were collectively responsible for providing OUR GUESTS with a positive experience (one of whom was me) asked for a sincere apology or even a contrite acknowledgement from the manager.

He denied any accountability whatsoever and we were subsequently and shockingly dismissed from the premises for being too loud and opinionated.

I jest not.

And therefore, if you plan for anything at all, I recommend that you plan for a more accommodating venue. There are...

I came her 13 years ago and it was incredible. So, incredible in fact, that I’d since gotten married and the first place I wanted to take my wife in SF was Tadich Grille. I was excited to show her what an exceptional place it was. We walked in and asked for a table for 2. There were 4 visibly empty tables an hour before the place closed but they said it would be 10-15 min before we were seated. 4 more couples walked in after us and all were seated before us without reservations. I inquired if we were going to be seated next and the expressionless guy seating people said, 10-15 min. We’d been there almost 30 already, standing right in front of him the entire time. Hit #1 Finally seated and greeted by a very nice waiter but, seemed terribly in the weeds and it was like pulling teeth to get him to come by to take our order. I had the Cioppino and my wife had the Calamari platter. Her food was simply inedible. Came with steamed vegetables which consisted of 3 large pieces of out of the garden hard and cold cauliflower pieces and one little piece of zucchini. The rest of the plate was covered with seemingly previously frozen potato wedges which were refrigerator cold and 2 pieces (TWO!) of calamari tentacles, also cold and utterly tasteless. My wife tried to put on a happy face and eat it but finally said she couldn’t stomach it and pushed it away. My cioppino was an embarrassment. I had had it many times there over a decade ago and every time I did, I couldn’t wait to go back! This time, an absolute abomination. First, they put it in a much smaller bowl than it used to come in. I counted, there were 2 muscles, 1 grilled shrimp and the rest was just white fish and celery, as well as the most anemic, tasteless, celery tomato broth. I was floored! Never in my life have I been so duped at a restaurant. Absolutely horrendous food. To add insult to injury, this soup kitchen quality food was absurdly expensive. Each of our dishes were approaching the $50 mark. I will never be back. Not if they gave us a free meal with anything we wanted. Such a sheer disappointment. The founders of this former SF institution would be horrified at what has become of their beloved place. Whomever is running and/or owns it now, had better get a handle on what’s going on or it will be involuntarily closed in the very...

A Culinary Journey Back in Time at Tadich Grill

Visiting Tadich Grill, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, was like stepping into a culinary time machine, where classic dishes are celebrated and served with a side of history. The ambiance is a delightful blend of old-world charm and vibrant city buzz, providing a cozy yet lively dining atmosphere.

The moment you step in, the rich aroma of seafood wafts through the air, promising a feast of flavors. Opting for their renowned Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that San Francisco takes pride in, was a decision well made. The dish, brimming with fresh, succulent seafood, simmered in a robust tomato base, was a melody of flavors, harmoniously blending the sweetness of the sea with the tangy, rich sauce.

Service here is not merely a process but an experience. The staff, adorned in classic white attire, navigate through the bustling space with effortless grace, ensuring each patron is attended to with care and genuine warmth. Our server, embodying the spirit of true hospitality, enriched our dining experience with not just attentive service but also with tales of the Grill’s storied past.

However, it's worth noting that while the charm and service are unparalleled, the pricing leans towards the steeper side. The dishes, though delectable, might feel a tad scant for hearty eaters, especially considering the premium price point.

In conclusion, Tadich Grill isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a piece of San Francisco’s rich tapestry, weaving together culinary classics with timeless tradition. Whether you’re a tourist seeking to savor a piece of the city’s history or a local looking to bask in the nostalgic ambiance, Tadich Grill serves up a dining experience that transcends the plate, leaving you with...