Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » State Bird Provisions – San Francisco
State Bird Provisions - San Francisco
Photo from State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 137 of the guests
#1423 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#78 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1106
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique concept
- Inventive food
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- Loud atmosphere
- High price
The restaurant State Bird Provisions offers a unique American dining experience in the vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy yet upscale atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening.
Known for its innovative small plates, this American Restaurant also boasts a great dessert selection that you won’t want to miss. Prepare for an exceptional culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions offers a truly unique dining experience, blending traditional menu ordering with a dynamic, dim sum style service. Guests often praise the inventive dishes and the generally seamless service that keeps the meal flowing.
It’s a place that aims to surprise and delight with its culinary approach. However, this distinctive approach isn’t without its quirks.
Some find the atmosphere can be quite loud, making conversation a challenge. While many appreciate the creativity, there are also discussions around the overall price point, suggesting it might not always align with expectations for everyone.
Good
7.2
out of 10
1106
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
264
negative
84
neutral
758
positive
Overall, State Bird Provisions earns a solid 7.2 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.5%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion finds areas for improvement.
This assessment is drawn from over 1100 customer remarks, with 758 positive observations balancing against 264 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.4) and Service (7.4) are clearly strong points, consistently receiving positive feedback.
The Ambience (6.7) also contributes positively to the dining experience. However, the perception of Value (5.9) is more average, indicating that some guests feel the experience doesn’t always justify the cost.
What people like
- Unique dining concept
- Inventive, tasty food
- Seamless, warm service
What people don't like
- Loud, crowded atmosphere
- High price perception
State Bird Provisions offers a distinctive culinary adventure that many find rewarding, especially for its creative dishes and engaging service style. If you’re seeking an unconventional meal and don’t mind a lively, bustling environment, it’s certainly worth considering.
With a solid recommendation score of 7.5, it’s clear this spot resonates with many. However, be prepared for a potentially energetic atmosphere and consider if the unique experience aligns with your expectations for the price point.
It’s a place for those open to a different kind of dining.
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Verdict: Our expert take on State Bird Provisions
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Diving into the food experience, its clear theres a lot to love! With a solid score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 70%, many diners rave about the creative combinations, delicious flavors, and the fun dim sum style small plates. Out of 649 comments, 454 were glowing, praising the culinary adventure and variety.
However, not every bite was a hit. Some found the signature quail underwhelming, others noted issues with trout dip texture, and a few mentioned salty dishes or a general lack of flavor. With 134 critical remarks, it seems consistency can sometimes be a challenge, leaving some dishes falling short.
Food
649
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
134
negative
61
neutral
454
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative small plates
- Delicious unique flavors
- Fun dim sum style
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish execution
- Salty dishes
- Quail often disappointing
Often praised
- foodLast night, my daughter treated me to dinner at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we walked in, the cozy yet lively atmosphere set the tone for an evening of exceptional food, seamless service, and genuine warmth from the staff. I had the best seat in the house, with bar seating next to where food emerged from the open kitchen, but what truly amazed me was the sheer variety of dishes emerging from such a small, yet incredibly efficient kitchen.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was a super unique dining experience, offering a blend of menu ordering and dim sum style service where waiters bring specials to your table. I thoroughly enjoyed every dish that was offered. The price was relatively reasonable, especially considering it's a one Michelin star establishment.
- trout dipMy favorite was a beef dumpling in a delicious consommé, reminiscent of a birria taco. Other good dishes included the duck liver mousse with cornbread, duck andouille sausage, and trout dip with potato chips. However, the "Caesar" salad was mostly avocado, and the A5 wagyu okonomiyaki, while tasting okay, had a grotesque presentation and took over 30 minutes to arrive.
- dim sum styleState Bird Provisions offered a unique experience, though the price is high (over $60 per person) for the overall experience and food quality. The Californian Japanese fusion with a dim sum style is served in a cool, relaxed atmosphere. It could be great for friends but might not be the best choice for a date.
- pork bellyIt's advised to make reservations, but we took a chance and were able to get in. We opted for a variety of "pass arounds" including oysters, trout dip with chips, scallops, custard with mushrooms, bread with topping, and pork belly. We also tried the Japanese pancakes with ricotta, halibut and strawberries, pork katsu, hand cut noodles with mint and eggs, and carrot cake.
- duck liver mousseWe ordered the red trout and cheese pancake and then explored the dim sum style options. Our culinary journey included oysters, Caesar salad, steamed egg, shrimps with soft tofu, duck liver mousse with biscuits, duck dumplings, spicy cauliflower, crispy Brussels sprouts, garlic bread with burrata cheese, and an eggnog ice cream sandwich with chocolate sauce. My husband's favorites were the pancakes, duck dumplings, and red trout, while I particularly enjoyed the duck dumplings, spicy cauliflower, and soft tofu shrimps.
- mealMy experience at this restaurant was a 10/10 meal and such a unique dining experience. A special shout out to the host who ran next door to give us some of the martini olives to try!
- FoodFood:5
- dishThe service was outstanding, with a waiter proactively marking up the menu for vegetarian options and suggesting half portions. Every dish was inventive and incredibly tasty. The concept was novel, combining an a la carte menu with a dim-sum style cart service.
- drinksThe best approach is to order two items from the menu and then try the other dishes that the waiters bring around. The drinks were also good; we tried a yuzu soda (I don't remember how to spell it) and it was a completely new and unexpectedly pleasant flavor. The cherry on top is that the dishes change periodically, allowing you to experience this place as if it were new on multiple occasions.
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, I became sick a few hours after dinner. Having eaten very plain foods all day, I'm fairly certain something at dinner caused it. I'm hopeful it was a fluke, but I'm disappointed considering how excited I was for the meal.
- menuhanded us a single menu with essentially apps, entrees, and desserts
- quailIt's a good idea to book in advance or you'll be disappointed. The food flavors were great, but we do not recommend the quail unless you enjoy more breading than bird! An on-the-lees dry white wine goes well with the tasty fare.
- dim sum dishesDishes came at a pace that made it so we just didn’t get to enjoy them all at the appropriate temperature
- dishesHowever, the food was just okay. Some of the dishes didn't make sense, with some tasting bad or being too salty. While the attempt to implement dim sum style carts was interesting, I don't think it worked.
- food preparationmost of the food was overly rich
- oystersThe oysters were also a major fail, which ties into the disappointing service.
- pancakespancakes were underwhelming and I’d not order it again
- vegetarian optionsextra difficult to gauge what to pick from the "dim sum" section
- "Caesar" saladLackluster dishes were a "Caesar" salad comprised mainly of an avocado
If you're up for a creative culinary adventure with unique small plates and a fun dim sum style, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies in execution and flavor, as not every dish hits the mark.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 70.5%, its clear that many diners have had a good experience. Out of 241 customer remarks, a significant 170 were positive, often praising the "attentive staff, " "friendly service, " and "amazing service, " especially regarding dietary needs and the unique dim sum-style delivery.
However, not everyones experience was seamless, with 62 negative comments highlighting areas for improvement. Some guests encountered rushed service, inattentive servers, or felt there was a lack of explanation about the dining concept. There were also mentions of long wait times for drinks or dishes, suggesting consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
241
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
62
negative
9
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Accommodates dietary needs
- Unique dim sum service
What people don't like
- Service can feel rushed
- Inattentive servers
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceLast night, my daughter treated me to dinner at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we walked in, the cozy yet lively atmosphere set the tone for an evening of exceptional food, seamless service, and genuine warmth from the staff. I had the best seat in the house, with bar seating next to where food emerged from the open kitchen, but what truly amazed me was the sheer variety of dishes emerging from such a small, yet incredibly efficient kitchen.
- staffLast night, my daughter treated me to dinner at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we walked in, the cozy yet lively atmosphere set the tone for an evening of exceptional food, seamless service, and genuine warmth from the staff. I had the best seat in the house, with bar seating next to where food emerged from the open kitchen, but what truly amazed me was the sheer variety of dishes emerging from such a small, yet incredibly efficient kitchen.
- ServiceEnded the meal off with a lovely cardamom “ice cream” sandwich from the main menu. Service was wonderful, and the dining experience enjoyable.
- serversservers coming by with carts of single serving plates
- dim sum-style serviceBut the surprise standout for me was the Pork Belly Salad—a perfect balance of richness and brightness that I’d go back for in a heartbeat. The ever-evolving dim sum-style service makes every bite feel like a little adventure, and even dining alone, I never felt out of place. It’s absolutely worth the effort to snag a reservation—this place is a gem for any serious food lover, solo or not.
- reservationsThe overall quality of the food and service doesn't align with its Michelin star status. Despite relatively alright pricing and easy reservations, the experience falls short compared to other restaurants. The next day reservation was a positive, but the service was not high-end.
- serverOnly our server deserves 5 stars
- waiterOur waiter gave great recommendations on what to order
- allergiessuper accommodating for allergies (nut and shellfish)
- dim sum style serviceService is dim sum style: servers come through with carts and trays
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service wasn’t in keeping with a Michelin Star restaurant.
- serverMy server vanished like she was in witness protection
- reservationSecuring a reservation can be tricky (it books up 30 days in advance)
- server explanationour server did not take much time explaining
- serversMy main critique is that the servers did not allow me the time to translate the entree items to my mom who only speaks Spanish. They just rushed off while I was trying to explain each dish to her.
- ServiceService overall wasn’t great — bad timing when checking in
- birthday cakebrought out a birthday cake and candle for a table next to us
- birthday celebrationthey did not acknowledge her birthday at the end
- conversationwalked away several times mid-conversation
- difficulty to orderingThe service was just okay. A point of difficulty arose with their “dim sum” dishes, as we weren’t informed about what was available beforehand and couldn't order on demand, which added some difficulty to ordering.
Overall, if youre looking for a unique dining experience with generally attentive and friendly staff, this place is worth a try. Just be prepared that service can sometimes feel a bit rushed or require patience, especially if youre new to their dim sum-style approach.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot scores a solid 6.7, suggesting a generally positive experience, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 65.8%. Many guests rave about the lively atmosphere, the dynamic open kitchen, and the overall fun dining experience, often highlighting its unique concept. With 106 positive remarks out of 161 total comments, there's definitely a lot to love about the energy here.
However, 46 negative comments point to some challenges. Some find the atmosphere overwhelmingly loud with noisy acoustics, making conversation difficult. Others mention issues with the seating arrangement, particularly for two-person tables, feeling a bit too crowded for comfort.
Ambience
161
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
46
negative
9
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Open kitchen concept
- Fun dining experience
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Difficult conversation
- Crowded seating
Often praised
- atmosphereState Bird Provisions offered a unique experience, though the price is high (over $60 per person) for the overall experience and food quality. The Californian Japanese fusion with a dim sum style is served in a cool, relaxed atmosphere. It could be great for friends but might not be the best choice for a date.
- vibeThe food doesn't seem super authentic or healthy. However, it's fun and charming inside, sort of like a night market.
- conceptMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of hits and misses. The atmosphere was great, and I found the concept interesting. When it came to the food, the dim-sums were a bit of a hit or miss.
- dining experienceMy experience at this restaurant was a super unique dining experience, offering a blend of menu ordering and dim sum style service where waiters bring specials to your table. I thoroughly enjoyed every dish that was offered.
- experienceAll tables begin their dinners together as the dim sum shuttle needs to start simultaneously. We had a wonderful experience with the creative and delicious cuisine.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great ambiance and nice service. The food they bring around was fun, and I found the overall meal to be fairly priced.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibesThe food and vibes were great
- ambienceReally great ambience
- fun dining experiencereally fun dining experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHowever, our server didn't take much time explaining the dining experience, which was initially overwhelming but we eventually caught on. The atmosphere was lively but incredibly loud; the building echoed conversations, and the music was so loud it was difficult to hear the person next to me. The experience is dim sum-esque, with a menu to order from and several items brought to the table every few minutes.
- loudit does get quite loud in there
- noise levelReservations are a must as the place is buzzing. Unfortunately, this popularity leads to an insane noise level, making conversations practically impossible, even for the server to be heard. The menu was a bit confusing, particularly regarding how the dim sum plates were tracked and billed, making it difficult to tally the final cost.
- 2 topsall the 2 tops are seated next to another table
- ambianceOur server was infrequently available, requiring us to call for attention multiple times. Towards the end of the night, the kitchen staff's activity in the dining room detracted from the ambiance and made service nonexistent. At these prices, I don't want to witness kitchen cleaning or dining area preparation.
- ambient musicIt's not particularly pricey as SF restaurants go. My only knock is the ambient music is a little too loud. Just outstanding!
- conversationimpossible to have a conversation
- crowdit's really packed
- crowdedand a bit crowded
- datenot ideal for a date
If youre looking for a vibrant, energetic spot with a unique dining concept and dont mind a bustling environment, this place is definitely worth checking out. But if quiet conversation and intimate seating are your top priorities, you might find it a bit overwhelming.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot gets a lot of buzz! Out of 55 total remarks, 28 are positive, with many guests praising the amazing value and reasonable cost, often calling it a great value for a Michelin experience. Its frequently highlighted as one of the most affordable Michelin restaurants, making it a definite "worth a visit" for many budget-conscious foodies.
However, its not all sunshine and savings, with 22 negative comments. Some diners found it expensive or even overrated, pointing to a pricey menu and concerns about a hefty bill. The overall score of 5.9 (which is average) and a customer satisfaction of 50.9% (indicating a mixed bag) suggest that while some find the value fantastic, others feel the quality doesn't quite justify the price tag.
Value
55
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
22
negative
5
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable Michelin prices
- Great value for money
- Budget Michelin experience
What people don't like
- Quality didn't justify price
- Some dishes overpriced
- Not worth the price
Often praised
- priceFor the level quality, the price can’t be beat
- billthe total bill with tip was around $75 per person, I've never had food quite like this and we agreed it was worth every penny.
- pricesDespite its Michelin star, the prices are reasonable
- Michelin star experiencetry a Michelin star experience without spending too much this is a great place
- Michelin star on a budgetit is a Michelin star on a budget
- affordable Michelin restaurantsone of the most affordable Michelin restaurants out there.
- amazing valuedefinitely an amazing value for the relativly inexpensive prices
- great valueOverall, I think this restaurant is worth visiting. It is a great value
- least expensive Michelin star mealthis was the least expensive Michelin star meal we’ve had so far
- overall mealoverall meal was fairly priced
Frequently criticized
- priceState Bird Provisions offered a unique experience, though the price is high (over $60 per person) for the overall experience and food quality. The Californian Japanese fusion with a dim sum style is served in a cool, relaxed atmosphere.
- absurd pricesSuddenly, I became flush when I took a look at the menu! The prices are absurd
- cost of carnivorous livingthe cost of carnivorous living
- dim sum platesall the dim sum plates that we ordered were listed as dim sum with different price points
- expensivehow expensive it is
- extra junk feesextra junk fees added to the bill
- foodFood is expensive
- hefty billpaying the hefty bill, which I don’t feel was worth it.
- overratedThe food was good and adventurous, and the ambiance was nice. However, considering how expensive it is and how hard it is to get a table, I found it largely overrated. It's a good place for showing friends from out of town or to impress a date, but I don't think I would go back regularly.
- price markersbeware of the price markers in the trays
If youre hoping for a Michelin-starred meal that *might* be surprisingly affordable, this place could be worth a try. Just be aware that while many find it a great deal, a significant number of diners felt the cost didnt quite match the experience, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at State Bird Provisions?
On average, you’ll spend around 86 per person – from 137 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s on the pricier side, leaning towards higher-end.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the average is 86, a good chunk of diners are spending over 100 $, suggesting a premium experience is quite popular here.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 137 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, where quality often comes with a price, wed say the pricing feels fair for a higher-end experience. Its a good spot if you’re looking to treat yourself.
Customer Reviews: what people think about State Bird Provisions
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Creative Dim Sum with a Modern Twist
My experience at this restaurant was a fun and memorable dining adventure! I loved the creative dim sum–style service with a modern twist. From the cart, the trout dip and duck lover mousse were both excellent — rich, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
The CA State Bird with Provisions from the à la carte menu totally lived up to the hype — crispy, juicy, and unique. However, the pork milanesa was a bit underwhelming compared to everything else. Overall, it's a dining experience worth trying!
- dim sum–style service9
- trout dip9
- duck lover mousse9
- pork milanesa4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Interesting Concept, Mixed Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The service was great, and the atmosphere was nice, though it was a bit loud. However, the food was just okay.
Some of the dishes didn't make sense, with some tasting bad or being too salty. While the attempt to implement dim sum style carts was interesting, I don't think it worked. Usually, dim sum is fresh and hot from the steamer, but this felt more like tapas on carts.
- service8
- atmosphere7
- food5
- noise level3
- dishes3
- dishes taste2
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Underwhelming Anniversary Dinner
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming and confusing. I regret choosing it to celebrate our anniversary. The food was cold and tasteless; we tried about twelve different dishes, and none were good.
Our waitress was rude and walked away mid-conversation, leaving us hanging. The overall energy of the place felt off. I couldn't understand the many positive reviews until I noticed many didn't seem genuine, with some being one-sentence reviews that felt inauthentic.
Something felt fishy. While it might have been great before, it's not anymore. I'd recommend The Anchovy Bar instead, which has the same owners and provided a beautiful, delicious experience.
- food1
- dishes1
- waitress1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good vibes, decent food
My experience at the restaurant was marked by good vibes and friendly service. The food was good, though not mind-blowing. We particularly enjoyed the rendang steak the most.
The price per person was $100+.
- vibes8
- service8
- food6
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great food, consider small plates!
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great food. Next time, we might skip ordering from the menu and just eat the small plates they bring in carts, like dim sum.
- great food9
- small plates8
What State Bird Provisions offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at State Bird Provisions?
At State Bird Provisions, you’ll find a blend of upscale, cozy, and casual atmospheres, making it a trendy spot in San Francisco. It’s designed to offer a comfortable yet refined dining experience for your dinner plans.
Are reservations necessary for dining at State Bird Provisions?
Yes, reservations are required and highly recommended for dinner at State Bird Provisions. Given its popularity as an American Restaurant in San Francisco, securing your table in advance is essential for a smooth dining experience.
What is the overall verdict on State Bird Provisions?
State Bird Provisions holds a good overall score of **7.2**. Its **Food** (7.4) and **Service** (7.4) are highly regarded, while the **Ambience** (6.7) is also positive. The **Value** (5.9), however, is considered average.
What makes the dining experience at State Bird Provisions unique?
The restaurant is known for its **unique dining experience** that blends traditional menu ordering with a dynamic, **dim sum style** service, where waiters bring various specials to your table.
Is State Bird Provisions a good choice for a quiet dinner?
Many guests describe the atmosphere as **loud** and **crowded**, making conversation difficult. While lively and fun, it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet or intimate dining experience.