Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge – San Francisco
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge - San Francisco
Photo from Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#1299 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#143 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
498
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cuisine
- Great service
- Vibrant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Loud environment
- Salty food
Overview: Introducting Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge offers a distinctive dining experience, often celebrated for its flavorful dishes and expertly mixed cocktails. Guests frequently commend the attentive service and the restaurant’s stylish ambiance, which includes a welcoming back patio.
However, some diners have noted concerns about dishes being overpriced or inconsistently seasoned. While the setting and hospitality generally impress, there are occasional reports of a noisy dining environment and questions about the overall value.
It appears to be a place where the atmosphere and service often shine, but the culinary execution can sometimes be a point of contention.
Good
7.4
out of 10
498
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
114
negative
19
neutral
365
positive
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge achieves a respectable overall score of 7.4, indicating a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 73.3%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial base of 498 customer remarks, with 365 positive observations outweighing 114 negative ones, painting a picture of a largely well-received establishment. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.3) truly stands out, creating a vibrant and appealing setting.
Service (7.6) also performs well, with staff often described as attentive and friendly. The Food (7.4) is generally good, though some find it occasionally inconsistent.
The primary area for improvement is Value (3.1), which many guests perceive as poor, citing high prices for the portions or quality received.
What people like
- Flavorful, creative dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Stylish, lively ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Excessively noisy atmosphere
- Inconsistent food seasoning
If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and attentive service, Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge is worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7.3, it generally delivers a pleasant experience, especially for those seeking a stylish setting for drinks and shared plates.
However, approach with an understanding that the value proposition might not align with everyone’s expectations, and the noise level can be a factor. It’s a suitable choice for an engaging night out where ambiance and service are key, but perhaps not for a quiet, budget-conscious meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.2%. Many diners raved about the creative and flavorful dishes, with particular love for the duck salad, truffle dumplings, and wasabi prawns. With 207 positive remarks out of 279 total, it seems many found the quality and presentation impressive.
However, not every dish was a winner. Some guests found certain items bland, overpriced, or overcooked, with a few mentioning excessively salty food. While the presentation was often praised, some felt the flavors didn't always live up to expectations, leading to 61 negative comments.
Food
279
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
61
negative
11
neutral
207
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, flavorful food
- Must-try duck salad
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Overpriced for taste
- Excessively salty
- Bland or overcooked
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, full of flavor, and great for sharing. I really enjoyed the modern feel of the inside dining area, and the back patio was a wonderful, open space perfect for brunch.
- duck saladsignature duck salad lives up to its reputation—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the excellent shareable dishes and the expertly mixed cocktails. The Japanese whiskey flight was a particularly interesting idea.
- dishesmost dishes had that one "twist" built into the concoction, like pomengrate in a salad with crispy duck, and they work out well.
- drinksThe Japanese whiskey flight was a particularly interesting idea. It's a great place for sharing delicious bites and sipping down drinks.
- cocktailOn my first visit, I had a fantastic experience. I arrived early and grabbed a cocktail in the bar; the cocktail menu is diverse with exciting flavors and ingredients, and my selection was absolutely beautiful (and delicious). Seated in the elegant dining room, I noticed similar attention to detail in design from Empress by Boon—brushed brass and blue velvet with thoughtful lighting.
- duck noodlesShe really made it a memorable experience for us. The food was amazing; we ordered the duck salad, truffle XLB (wow!), pumpkin puffs, sea bass, and duck noodles. Every dish was not only flavorful and exciting but also beautifully plated and fun.
- dumplingsThe food was amazing, and the staff were incredibly kind and generous. I could have spent hours here, ordering every appetizer and set of dumplings on the menu. The service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was great, contributing to a wonderful dinner experience.
- FoodFood:5
- braised beef ribbraised beef rib were amazing
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was severely overpriced for its lackluster taste
- dishesUnfortunately, the food was excessively salty to the point where it was nearly inedible. Despite bringing this concern to the chef's attention, they were unwilling to accommodate our request for less salty versions of the dishes, stating, “He is this famous chef that things this the way the meals should taste. ” While the restaurant's ambiance and service were exceptional, the disappointment from the overly salty food and the chef's refusal to adjust the seasoning left a lingering dissatisfaction.
- portionsbland food with small portions
- food qualitythe food quality falls short of expectations
- main coursethe main course was dry, bland, and without flavor
- sauceThe food was overpriced and bland with small portions. I was charged $52 for a few small pieces of overcooked steak that were drowning in a really off-putting sauce, which I found ridiculous. The fish was also overcooked and bland.
- Asian foodAsian yet is bland, non dimensional, uninteresting and sadly sweet
- Asian fusionTypical Asian fusion in that it would taste best in original cuisine style
- FoodFood:1
- Pork & Truffle Xiao Long BaoI couldn't taste the truffle on the Pork & Truffle Xiao Long Bao and I was a bit disappointed for that.
If you're looking for a place with creative, flavorful dishes and a generally good dining experience, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, a few might miss the mark on seasoning or value.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Overall, the service here shines brightly, earning a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.3%. Many of the 67 positive remarks out of 94 total rave about the incredibly friendly staff and their excellent, attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the warm hospitality and knowledgeable waiters, making for a truly pleasant dining experience.
However, it's not always perfect, with 22 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few guests encountered slow service, curt servers, or issues with the hostess upon arrival. While generally good, there are occasional reports of disengaged staff or long wait times that can detract from the experience.
Service
94
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
22
negative
5
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent hospitality
- Knowledgeable service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Curt server
- Hostess issues
Often praised
- serviceIt's a great addition to the neighborhood. The food is spectacular and the service is excellent. I highly recommend this place!
- staffThe decor was stylish, and the ambiance was lively, making it an ideal spot for a night out. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who added to the positive experience. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and well taken care of, contributing to an overall enjoyable atmosphere.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. It's a great new spot with great customer service and a modern ambiance. I really enjoyed the super cocktails 🍸 and the super tasteful music 🎵, which made for a chilling atmosphere.
- excellent serviceJohnny delivered excellent service
- serverAndreu was an awesome server
- waitressYou would never have known it, though! We were grateful that we had time between courses to talk and discuss our business; when the waitress apologized for being "slow", we assured her it was more than fine. I'd also recommend the tiger prawns, which were delicious, and the salt and pepper cauliflower.
- Elliot and NayIt's a wonderful addition to San Francisco! Elliot and Nay were especially great!
- RunRun and our serverWe followed with the Roasted Eggplant (served in a light sauce) and then the Thai-style crispy chicken, which was our favorite! RunRun and our server were very attentive to our every question and critique. Our group will enjoy The Blue Whale again!
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceUnfortunately, our server appeared noticeably curt and disengaged, giving the impression that our presence was more of an inconvenience than a welcome. The food itself was passable, but given the elevated price point and the underwhelming service, it’s unlikely I’ll be returning in the future.
- serverI made a reservation for two, but upon arrival, we were seated in a location that felt uncomfortably positioned in the midst of heavy foot traffic, which detracted from the overall dining experience. Unfortunately, our server appeared noticeably curt and disengaged, giving the impression that our presence was more of an inconvenience than a welcome. The food itself was passable, but given the elevated price point and the underwhelming service, it’s unlikely I’ll be returning in the future.
- chef's refusalDespite bringing this concern to the chef's attention, they were unwilling to accommodate our request for less salty versions of the dishes, stating, “He is this famous chef that things this the way the meals should taste. ” While the restaurant's ambiance and service were exceptional, the disappointment from the overly salty food and the chef's refusal to adjust the seasoning left a lingering dissatisfaction. It's a place to consider for its vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, but caution is advised for the meals.
- hostessWe were greeted by the hostess looking us up and down and saying “name?”
- issuesit does not seem their issues will be fixed.
- managerthe manager (or staff), was giving me a cold or hard look
- policyterrible policy to allow reserving lounge spots
- reservationWe were seated for our reservation but then left at our table for about 20m
- staffstaff clearly being short staffed which is not their fault but asking for water or just being able to order food shouldn’t be this hard
- wait staffI want to especially point out the roasted eggplant with tofu and black bean sauce - I don't even like eggplant, and I had second helpings! They were very understaffed the night we went; apparently a couple of the wait staff either hadn't shown up, or were out, so there was one waitress for the entire dining area. You would never have known it, though!
If you're looking for a place where the staff generally goes above and beyond, this spot is definitely worth trying. While there might be an occasional hiccup with wait times or a less-than-stellar first impression, the overwhelmingly positive service makes it a solid choice for a pleasant meal.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and delighting customers with 87.1% satisfaction! Guests frequently rave about the beautiful outside dining areas, modern ambiance, tasteful music, and the relaxed vibe, making for a memorable dining experience. With 88 positive remarks out of 101 total customer observations, it's clear the atmosphere is a major draw.
However, a few guests did note some minor issues among the 10 negative comments. Concerns included the presence of gnats, the restaurant being quite loud at times, a drafty environment, and some uncomfortable seating locations. While these are isolated incidents, they are worth keeping in mind for your visit.
Ambience
101
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful modern design
- Relaxed vibrant atmosphere
- Charming outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Pest presence reported
- Drafty, uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereFor drinks, we tried the Zen Kooler, Whale's Tale, and High Noon—both well-presented and solid in taste, with an Instagram-worthy appeal. Considering the overall quality of the food and the atmosphere, the final bill was a pleasant surprise. It was a 10/10 experience, and I'll definitely return when I'm back in the area.
- ambianceWe all loved the incredible atmosphere and its vibe, which set the perfect tone for a memorable evening. The decor was stylish, and the ambiance was lively, making it an ideal spot for a night out. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who added to the positive experience.
- patioThey have a patio out back
- back patiothe back patio has been redone. Looks awesome
- ambienceThe ambience was absolutely perfect—elegant yet cozy
- decorWe all loved the incredible atmosphere and its vibe, which set the perfect tone for a memorable evening. The decor was stylish, and the ambiance was lively, making it an ideal spot for a night out. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who added to the positive experience.
- dining experienceI had a high-quality dining experience at Blue Whale. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night out, this place won’t disappoint.
- heatersThe staff went out of their way to accommodate us, even though we were the only ones who wanted to dine outside. We were kept warm and cozy under blankets they provided, surrounded by heaters, beneath the inky sky. The perfect food, drinks, service, and ambiance made us feel thoroughly spoiled.
- placeI had a high-quality dining experience at Blue Whale. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night out, this place won’t disappoint. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- restaurantGorgeous restaurant, handsomely appointed wood interior
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit is very loud
- conversationTo have a conversation we had to yell
- draftyrestaurant was drafty which made dinner ultimately get a bit uncomfortable
- empty restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying delicious food, shared tapas-style. I was shocked how empty the restaurant was on a Friday night. While it was a bit pricy, I found it was worth trying.
- foot trafficI made a reservation for two, but upon arrival, we were seated in a location that felt uncomfortably positioned in the midst of heavy foot traffic, which detracted from the overall dining experience. Unfortunately, our server appeared noticeably curt and disengaged, giving the impression that our presence was more of an inconvenience than a welcome.
- gnatspresence of gnats in the restaurant was quite off-putting
- insidethe inside is so noisy you can’t hear at your own table
- lounge spotsterrible policy to allow reserving lounge spots
- mousethere was a mouse inside that got VERY close
- seating locationI made a reservation for two, but upon arrival, we were seated in a location that felt uncomfortably positioned in the midst of heavy foot traffic, which detracted from the overall dining experience. Unfortunately, our server appeared noticeably curt and disengaged, giving the impression that our presence was more of an inconvenience than a welcome.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. The overall vibe is welcoming and stylish, perfect for a night out or a special occasion. Just be aware that a few past visitors have mentioned it can get a bit noisy or drafty, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
Based on a few comments, some diners found the final bill to be a pleasant surprise, especially considering the overall quality and atmosphere. A couple of folks felt it was worth trying and offered solid value for the price paid, even if it leaned a bit pricy for some. However, the general sentiment around value is quite low, with a score of just 3.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 12.5%.
Many felt the restaurant was pricy and overpriced, citing small portion sizes and an unjustified service charge. Out of 24 opinions, a significant 21 pointed to poor value, suggesting the experience often doesn't justify the cost.
Value
24
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
21
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Final bill pleasant
- Worth trying
- Solid value
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Portions small
- Service charge high
Often praised
- final billFor drinks, we tried the Zen Kooler, Whale's Tale, and High Noon—both well-presented and solid in taste, with an Instagram-worthy appeal. Considering the overall quality of the food and the atmosphere, the final bill was a pleasant surprise. It was a 10/10 experience, and I'll definitely return when I'm back in the area.
- pricesolid for what you pay for
- worth tryingI was shocked how empty the restaurant was on a Friday night. While it was a bit pricy, I found it was worth trying.
Frequently criticized
- priceThey did comp one glass of wine. For the price and quality, the service is not worth it. I would avoid this restaurant, as there are many others on Union Street with better service at this price point and ambiance.
- bowl of riceThe duck noodles were comparable to instant noodles, and the Szechuan spicy chicken tasted obviously like laoganma seasoning. There’s a joke somewhere about a $5 bowl of rice. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 4.
- experiencesubpar experience that does not justify the cost
- overpricedfood was severely overpriced for its lackluster taste
- portion sizeBlue Whale charges hefty prices and gives small portions
- price per personThe restaurant is stunning but I was left underwhelmed when it came to the food. Spent over 100 dollars per person and wouldn’t do it again.
- price pointUnfortunately, our server appeared noticeably curt and disengaged, giving the impression that our presence was more of an inconvenience than a welcome. The food itself was passable, but given the elevated price point and the underwhelming service, it’s unlikely I’ll be returning in the future.
- priceshigher prices don't align with the culinary experience
- pricyA bit pricy
- service chargecharge a default 22% service charge for a "large group"
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially steep bill that many feel isnt justified by the food or experience. While a few found it worth trying, the overwhelming feedback suggests it's often overpriced with small portions. You might want to look elsewhere if value is a top priority.
How are the prices at Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?
On average, you’ll spend around 68 per person – from 68 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Restaurant, that’s comfortably in the higher-end mid-range.
While there are some options for less, the prices tend to cluster around this average and even higher, indicating a more premium dining experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the pricing, we think it feels fair for a higher-end restaurant experience in San Francisco. It’s not a budget spot, but the pricing suggests quality and a memorable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Family-Style Meal!
Our experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed a family-style meal featuring Szechuan chicken, melt-in-your-mouth Chilean sea bass, and tender stir-fried ribeye beef. We absolutely loved it, and we're confident you will too!
- Szechuan chicken9
- Chilean sea bass10
- ribeye beef9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Hidden Gem with Exquisite Flavors
This restaurant is a true hidden gem. The signature duck salad lived up to its reputation—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. A standout for me was the roasted sea bass, slow-cooked to an excellent texture and full of depth.
It's clear the chef's previous experience at Hakkasan shines through in the execution. My friend especially enjoyed the truffle dumplings, which had delicate wrappers and a rich truffle aroma. The wasabi prawns added a sharp, satisfying kick.
For drinks, we tried the Zen Kooler, Whale's Tale, and High Noon—both well-presented and solid in taste, with an Instagram-worthy appeal. Considering the overall quality of the food and the atmosphere, the final bill was a pleasant surprise. It was a 10/10 experience, and I'll definitely return when I'm back in the area.
- duck salad9
- roasted sea bass10
- truffle dumplings9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Amazing Seafood Noodles
I'm surprised this restaurant isn't packed! Beyond the well-known duck salad, the seafood noodles are a must-order. The broth is vibrant in both color and flavor, perfectly complementing the prawns.
The noodles themselves have a fantastic texture, making it a very well-rounded and balanced dish. We ended up ordering a second bowl for the table! Unlike other places that overload dishes with competing flavors, Blue Whale allows the seafood to shine.
The staff are all friendly and time their visits perfectly. Even as someone who doesn't drink much, the new Yellow Submarine cocktail is a 10/10!
- seafood noodles10
- broth9
- noodles9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Phenomenal Food and Amazing Staff
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal. The food was outstanding, and the back patio was pristine. The staff was amazing.
It’s our favorite spot ever.
- food10
- back patio10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Upscale Chinese Dinner
I met a friend for dinner here last night and had a fantastic meal. We started with a cocktail at the bar, which is well-stocked, and my 'Old Fashioned' was perfectly made. For our meal, we enjoyed the Duck Salad, Thai Chicken, Veggie Rice, and Beef Dumplings.
We enjoyed every dish, but the Duck Salad was my favorite of the night. The main dining room was active but quiet enough to have easy conversations. If you're looking for a healthy, artfully-plated, upscale Chinese restaurant, this is your place.
- cocktail9
- Old Fashioned10
- Duck Salad10
What Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge generally perform?
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge holds a good overall score of 7.4 with 73.3% customer satisfaction. Its Ambience (8.3) and Service (7.6) are particularly strong, while Food (7.4) is also well-regarded, though Value (3.1) is a notable concern.
What are the standout features of Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?
Customers frequently praise the restaurant’s stylish decor and lively atmosphere, especially the inviting back patio. The attentive staff and expertly mixed cocktails also receive consistent positive feedback.
What should I be aware of before visiting Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?
Be prepared for a potentially noisy environment, as some guests found it difficult to converse. There are also concerns regarding the value for money, with some finding dishes overpriced or inconsistently seasoned.