The Rotunda — Restaurant in San Francisco

We visit San Francisco two to three times a year, and over time, The Rotunda has become our farewell tradition. After packing our suitcases, we pack our bellies , reminiscing over the trip. It's our way of saying "until we meet again" with gratitude, champagne, and one last great meal in our favorite food city.

This is hands-down one of my fave rooms to dine in. Set beneath the iconic stained-glass dome, once the crowning feature of the historic City of Paris department store, it feels like stepping into a more refined era of San Francisco. White table cloths, floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in natural light and offer panoramic views of Union Square below. It's especially magical during the holidays when the huge Christmas tree is alit with red and green twinkling.

The menu is a blend of refined California cuisine and French influences . You'll see it in the beurre blanc, the béarnaise, and other sauces. At the same time, the kitchen highlights NorCal tradition with staples like the Dungeness Crab Melt and Crab & Shrimp Louie.

Every meal begins with a warm amuse-bouche of chicken consommé, served in a porcelain demitasse. Warm, savory, and sooo comforting. Especially on a cold SF day. Then it's followed by a golden popover, airy and crisp, paired with strawberry whipped butter that's as light and airy with a wonderful strawberry fragrance

A few of our long-time favorites: The Lobster Club - Decadent, layered with bacon, avocado, and lemon-herb aioli. Served with crisp fries, it's both luxurious and deeply satisfying. The Seafood Tower - A chilled Poseidon's jewel box of oysters, shrimp cocktail, tuna poke, and Dungeness crab, beautifully assembled over crushed ice. Best enjoyed with a champagne flight--particularly the Laurent-Perrier Rosé.

The Dungeness Crab Melt - Rich, creamy, and undeniably good, though I can barely finish half. (No waste though, I always pack it to go and gift it to someone on the street who can enjoy a good meal)

*The Dungeness Crab Risotto - Delicious, but a bit rich for my taste. It's basically a big plate of creamy starch. Best shared family-style as a side. It's a lot for one person unless you're a black belt in starch.

They also offer rotating daily specials that highlight seasonal ingredients.

The service is consistently excellent. Attentive, professional, and warm. I'd even say it rivals that of some Michelin-starred restaurants. And as a bonus: no surprise fees like healthcare or employee surcharges tacked onto the bill.

Revoir, lovely city by the Bay. See you in December, when the tree across the way glows and the city once again is bathed in holiday...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Rotunda Restaurant in San Francisco, and it was an experience to remember. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted by a sophisticated and elegant ambiance that perfectly complemented the delectable menu offerings.

To start my culinary adventure, I decided to indulge in the classic Aperol Spritz. The refreshing blend of Aperol, sparkling wine, and a hint of citrus was the ideal way to awaken my palate and set the tone for the rest of the meal. It was a delightful and well-crafted cocktail that left me craving for more.

Next up was the Lobster Bisque, and it was a true masterpiece. The rich and creamy texture combined with the luscious flavors of the lobster created a soup that was both comforting and indulgent. Each spoonful was a delight, showcasing the chef's expertise and dedication to culinary excellence.

The Tuna Tartare was another highlight of the meal. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the dish immediately caught my attention. The tuna was beautifully diced and paired with a medley of complementary ingredients, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It was a true testament to the restaurant's commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients.

As a seafood lover, I couldn't resist trying the Lobster Risotto, and it did not disappoint. The risotto was perfectly cooked, with each grain retaining a delightful bite. The tender chunks of lobster were generously portioned throughout the dish, infusing it with a decadent and savory flavor. It was a true feast for the senses that left me completely satisfied.

The attentive and friendly staff at the Rotunda Restaurant also added to the overall experience. Their knowledge of the menu and genuine passion for ensuring guests' satisfaction was evident in their exceptional service.

While my dining experience at the Rotunda Restaurant was undoubtedly exceptional, I feel compelled to withhold the final star due to a slight delay in the service during peak hours. Nonetheless, this minor setback did not overshadow the overall quality of the food, ambiance, and service.

In conclusion, the Rotunda Restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience that showcases the best of San Francisco's culinary scene. From the enticing Aperol Spritz to the sumptuous Lobster Bisque, Tuna Tartare, and Lobster Risotto, each dish was crafted with precision and care. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a memorable and indulgent dining...

Totally agree with one of the yelp reviewers, “With all the hustle and bustle in the city it’s nice to have tranquility up on the fourth floor of Neiman Marcus floor.” We came here for our tea service but were starving hungry that we decided to order from the lunch menu.

First of all, I highly recommend making reservation at this place. After we sat down, they gave us popovers with strawberry butter. It was delightful. After they cleared our table, they served us chicken broth which had an intense smell that overpowered the table and our nostrils. We were reluctant to taste. I made an attempt to sample but it was strong that we quickly requested the server to remove from our table. Overall the broth was rejected by the six ladies. We all agreed and were on the same page that it did not have fragrant smell. Every time, they served on other table we could smell it. I strongly urge the managers, to remove this from their menu.

Service – I was totally disappointed with our server. It was hard to get he’s attention. And whenever we requested anything it took time before he could deliver, forgot and most of the time it appeared he neglected our table. We were in a party of six; he automatically received a 20 percent gratuity. I wish restaurants ban this 20% gratuity policy because most of the time it’s seen that servers take full advantage and neglect their customers. And the server was sweating and smelling. He’s smell was not pleasing when he came to our table.

Ambiance – They have beautiful celling, open space and big windows. The stained glass ceiling is breathtaking and stunning.

Food– Though, it was pricey but it was worth every penny. We ordered salmon filet with kale, lobster sandwich, crab melt, burger, and turkey sandwich. I was pleased with their selections and the taste of food. The waiter asked one of the girls, what type of cheese you prefer with the sandwich. When we received the bill, we realized he charged $1.50 for the cheese. Please inform your guests that it’s not included or don’t offer without them asking. We ordered cocktails from the menu too. I loved my elegant mule.

Overall we had a wonderful time minus the service. I would highly recommend people to come and...