Merchant Roots - Reviews

My experience at Merchant Roots in San Francisco was an expedition, unlike any other restaurant. It's a blend of fine dining, immersive art, and theater. The current theme, "Feast of Moss Woods, " is magical, offering a deep, sensory exploration of mushrooms. From arrival, the table transformed into a moss-covered landscape with lanterns and cottages. I navigated a 16-plus-course tasting journey using a map and compass, where dishes were discovered, some hidden in mossy boxes with secret buttons, others nestled into the forest. Each dish was breathtakingly imaginative and delicious, including the Black Truffle “Pop Tart” and Tempura Maitake with House-Cured Duck Prosciutto, as well as the Savory Chanterelle French Toast and whimsical fairy-inspired desserts. Every plate told a story, with bites layered in creativity, balance, and harmony. Meeting Chef Ryan Shelton was a privilege; he explained the inspiration behind the dishes, stemming from his fascination with nature, decay, rebirth, and fungi. His passion and artistry are evident in every detail, from the decor to the garnishes. Merchant Roots is a living art form, with every element choreographed into a seamless narrative. Dining here felt like stepping inside a dream built from imagination, craftsmanship, and culinary brilliance. It was a truly unforgettable experience where food, storytelling, and art became one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I had been following their rotating menu and was excited to try their 'bedtime stories' theme. The food was both fun and delicious. I was particularly impressed with the alcohol and n/a pairings, which were spot on and creative. This is definitely a place to celebrate a special occasion and have a fun time!

My wife and I have been coming here for years, and their new place is absolutely amazing! We experienced creative dishes and gourmet food, making it an amazing experience every time!

I would give zero stars if I could. I made a prepaid reservation at this restaurant, paying the full price up front. Unfortunately, both my friend and I came down with COVID right before our reservation. Out of respect for public health and their own staff and fellow diners, I contacted the restaurant immediately to cancel and asked for a refund or even a credit toward a future date. I spoke directly with Ryan, the head chef, and his response? A cold, unapologetic refusal. No refund. No reschedule. He pushed me to find others who could take me and my friend’s spot after he said they find it nearly impossible to fill spots the day before. No consideration whatsoever. Essentially: “Thanks for your money, too bad you’re sick. ” I even asked if he would prefer if my friend and I show up with covid and he said “that’s a choice you would have to make. ” It contradicts what he has on his site which says: “Merchant Roots has heavily considered the current health climate due to recent variants and trends, as presented by COVID-19. We are ensuring that our staff continues to remain current with their vaccinations; and we are additionally requesting that all guests continue to do the same. ” But coming into the restaurant testing positive for Covid is okay? I understand restaurants have policies, but good businesses also have compassion and common sense. Penalizing customers for doing the responsible thing and staying home while contagious is not only heartless, it actively encourages people to show up sick just to avoid losing hundreds of dollars. That is dangerous, irresponsible, and frankly shameful. This place clearly values profit over people. I won’t be back, and I’ll be warning others to steer clear of a business that treats its patrons with such disregard. There are plenty of restaurants that understand hospitality means more than just taking your money.

My experience at this restaurant has been nothing short of amazing. I've visited three times, and each visit has been better than the last. The food, wine, overall experience, and service are all top notch.

My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the service was good and the atmosphere was beautiful, the food quality did not quite match the menu pricing. Thank you, team!

It had been too long since I last went to Merchant Roots. Still AMAZING! Thanks for the incredible experience tonight.

I don't usually post reviews, but this was honestly one of the most disappointing tasting menus I’ve experienced, not just in SF but anywhere. A coworker had hyped this place up as one of the best in SF, and my expectations were high. I booked this for Valentine’s Day, hoping for something special, but if anything, my partner and I ended up bonding over just how underwhelming the food was (she flew in from NYC for this). Throughout the meal, not once did anyone on staff ask how the food was. Dishes were simply served and cleared away, and we were guided to the next part of the “experience, ” which was surprising for a spot that bills itself for good food. I understand the intent behind the “Humpty Dumpty” theme, but this particular execution just didn’t land. While I can imagine they’ve pulled off more successful concepts in the past, this menu was almost entirely breakfast-themed, and there’s only so many egg-centric dishes you can serve at dinner before it starts to feel repetitive and uninspired. By the end, we were completely over the endless parade of “breakfast takes. ” Overall, it was a big letdown; there was very little creativity, and the lack of engagement from the staff made the whole thing feel flat. Would not recommend.

My experience at Merchant Roots was outstanding! The creative and beautiful presentation of the food was a feast for the eyes, and the delicious food itself was truly different from other restaurants. If you're deciding between Merchant Roots and another fine dining establishment in San Francisco, this is the obvious choice if you're looking to be WOWed!

My partner and I visited for the In Bloom Edible flower experience. It was definitely more of an experience than a place for a large quantity of food, but we left feeling full and satisfied. The chefs, who also served us, were delightful and very good at answering our questions. The space was beautifully curated. We would definitely recommend it.