Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Sorrel – San Francisco
Sorrel - San Francisco
Photo from Sorrel
Sorrel at a glance
San Francisco Pacific Heights
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#1155 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#52 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
649
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Elegant Ambience
- Memorable Experience
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Inconsistent Food
- Service Lapses
The restaurant Sorrel, an exquisite American Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s upscale Pacific Heights, offers you a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an evening out.
Known for its great wine list, Sorrel also provides a full bar with hard liquor, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. You can expect a sophisticated setting where dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your seating.
Overview: Introducting Sorrel
Sorrel offers a dining experience where the food often leaves a lasting impression, with many appreciating the thoughtful presentation and diverse tasting menu options. The atmosphere also contributes significantly, creating a tranquil and sophisticated setting for guests.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall value for the price, and occasional issues with service attentiveness or communication. The physical space can sometimes feel a bit cramped or noisy, impacting the otherwise pleasant dining environment.
Good
7.5
out of 10
649
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
134
negative
43
neutral
472
positive
Sorrel generally performs well, with a solid overall score of 7.5. Customer satisfaction also stands at a respectable 72.7%, indicating that most diners leave content with their experience.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 649 customer observations, providing a comprehensive view of the restaurant’s performance. The Ambience (8.1) and Food (8) are clear strengths, frequently praised for their quality and execution.
While Service (6.7) is generally good, it occasionally falls short for some. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.5), which receives a notably lower score, suggesting that some guests find the pricing less justified.
This is reflected in 472 positive remarks versus 134 negative ones.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Elegant, Sophisticated Ambience
- Memorable Dining Experience
What people don't like
- Perceived Poor Value
- Inconsistent Food Execution
- Service Communication Lapses
With a recommendation score of 7.8, Sorrel presents a compelling option for those prioritizing refined dining. If you appreciate a sophisticated setting and innovative dishes, it’s certainly worth considering for a special occasion.
However, be mindful of the value proposition; some guests find the pricing steep for the overall experience. If budget is a primary concern or you expect flawless service, you might want to manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sorrel
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it's clear guests are generally delighted! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 79.5%, the culinary experience here is definitely good. Out of 375 comments, 298 rave about the delicious tasting menus, creative use of caviar and duck, and spot-on wine pairings.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 51 critical remarks. Some found the portions a bit small, and a few noted repetitive flavors or dishes that were unfortunately overcooked. The vegetarian tasting menu also left some feeling underwhelmed.
Food
375
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
51
negative
26
neutral
298
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exquisite flavors
- Creative dishes
- Excellent wine pairing
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Repetitive flavors
- Underwhelming vegetarian
Often praised
- foodWow, Sorrel absolutely blew me away. I’ve been once before a few years ago and I remember enjoying everything; but on my recent visit every bite was surprising, delicious and memorable. I opted for the smaller tasting menu and added all the additional items.
- wine pairingThe wine pairing was also really interesting and delicious
- dishesOne person with me made a request for more savory rather than sweet dessert, and they were very accommodating and concocted a beautiful savory dessert just for them! The service was ridiculously great as well, and everyone at the table was very full, despite the seemingly "small" dishes. We got the 5 course tasting menu plus had to try all of the additions as well.
- tasting menuI’ve been once before a few years ago and I remember enjoying everything; but on my recent visit every bite was surprising, delicious and memorable. I opted for the smaller tasting menu and added all the additional items. I believe their menu is constantly changing so I don’t want to leave too many specifics because it may be different on your visit—although I was told by a friend that the cheesecake with caviar was life changing.
- duckWe also added on the oysters, half duck, and I opted for the Wagyu instead of the halibut. It was an incredibly filling meal, and looking back, we probably didn't need the duck, but it was delicious nonetheless. Everything was good, but the best parts for me were the sunchoke snack, Hiramasa, Quince Cappelletti, Rabbit Angolotti, Wagyu, and the sorbet snack.
- FoodFood was also awesome
- dessertThey were good in a sense that we tasted the original taste of the tripe bass and squab, which is a focus of "California Cuisine. " However, the savory taste of the soup and the sauce did not go into the body of the main course, so each bite of the main felt bland compared to the savory cappelletti pasta before it and the dessert after it. After reading all the 5-star reviews, I think I must have ordered the wrong food.
- presentationThe staff was on point throughout service, and the kitchen staff worked like a military unit. Everything was prepared and presented with care and class. I especially loved the focus on ingredients over flash, with no over-the-top garnishes like gold flake or out-of-place caviar for the sake of a price hike.
- breadThe oysters and bread were great.
- caviarWe also tried the caviar which was paired with sunchoke ice cream
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food unfortunately didn’t meet expectations
- dishesThe opening courses were interesting, and there were a few great dishes. However, towards the end, the flavor profiles became repetitive, and many dishes were overly salty. The entrees were also questionable; the bass and the add-on BBQ duck were extremely overcooked.
- portionsThe portions across the courses were also quite small, leaving me unsatisfied
- American WagyuMy experience at Sorrel was truly memorable. With the exception of the American Wagyu, the food was impeccable, making it one of the best meals I've had in a long time. The service was also really excellent.
- BBQ duckthe bass and add-on BBQ duck were extremely overcooked
- FlavorsFlavors were missing
- Michelin-star experiencesWe visited Sorrel to celebrate my husband’s birthday and a close friend’s engagement. As vegetarians, we found this to be one of the most disappointing Michelin-star experiences. The vegetarian tasting menu was underwhelming, with courses that felt like random ingredients rather than thoughtfully designed dishes.
- Wagyuthe Wagyu is not worth it
- abalone and tofu dishabalone and tofu dish that felt scattered and was very bland in flavor.
- bassthe bass and add-on BBQ duck were extremely overcooked
If you're looking for an inventive and flavorful culinary journey, especially with a tasting menu and wine pairing, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the portions modest and flavors occasionally repetitive, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score sits at a respectable 6.7, indicating a good experience, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 59.9%. Many guests raved about the attentive staff, impeccable service, and personalized experiences, often highlighting their menu knowledge and attention to detail.
However, based on 152 customer remarks (91 positive against 53 negative), some diners encountered awkward service, long waiting times, and a perceived lack of empathy or professionalism from management. Issues like slow pacing and a feeling of being monitored also cropped up, suggesting areas where the team could improve.
Service
152
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
53
negative
8
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable, attentive service
- Personalized guest experience
- Knowledgeable, kind staff
What people don't like
- Awkward, cold service
- Long waiting times
- Lack of empathy
Often praised
- serviceThe caviar and lamb upgrades were well worth it. Coupled with great service, Sorrel delivered a memorable dining experience. I heavily recommend and will definitely be back.
- staffAlso, wine pairing for $50 is a steal! Service was impeccable, all of the staff were knowledgeable and could speak well about the food and wine presented. Will be back again soon!
- ServiceAlso, wine pairing for $50 is a steal! Service was impeccable, all of the staff were knowledgeable and could speak well about the food and wine presented. Will be back again soon!
- chefheaded by young chef with great talent
- attention to detailHowever, the dish with gnocchi and peas fell flat for me; I wish it had been given more color or livened up flavor-wise. The service was great all around, with excellent attention to detail.
- experienceloved every moment of the experience
- teamThanks Thomas, Natalie, Roanin and all the rest of the Sorrel team!
- waitstaffThe waitstaff was professional, pleasant and excellent
- EveryoneEveryone was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive
- StaffStaff were knowledgeable
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe unfortunately couldn’t get our server’s attention to give the feedback.
- managementAfter asking our server to retrieve him, we were informed he had left the premises, though the server did remove the fee. This incident was less about the $45 and more about the poor management and the resulting feeling of exhaustion and disappointment. It's a shame, as the restaurant was empty on a Thursday.
- serverWhat made things worse was the awkward moment at the end. After I expressed that I didn’t enjoy the food, the server took the bill immediately after I signed it, while I was still at the table, and looked at the tip amount right in front of me. This felt intrusive and made me extremely uncomfortable, as if I was being monitored or judged.
- staffstaff brought out a small chocolate/dessert for three of the guests, leaving me
- General Managerdismissive attitude, stating he couldn’t do anything
- asking for everythingwe have to ask for everything
- callsmy calls went unanswered
- celebration treatthe “celebration treat” was handled
- contacting customerThey had my number so the waiter or staff could have easily called or texted me
- credit cardone of the waiters ... just had my credit card in his pocket
If youre looking for a place where service can truly shine with personalized touches, its worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have experienced inconsistencies, so your mileage may vary.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a fantastic score of 8.1 and a high 83.9% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the elegant atmosphere, beautiful decor, and thoughtful lighting, creating a cozy and sophisticated vibe. Many of the 73 positive remarks highlight the inviting dining experience and even the charming open kitchen.
However, not every aspect of the environment hits the mark. A few of the 9 critical comments point to issues like a lack of a waiting area and a somewhat narrow space. Some also noted distracting kitchen noise, and unfortunately, there were a couple of mentions regarding disappointing bathroom cleanliness.
Ambience
87
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant atmosphere
- Intimate dining
- Thoughtful decor
What people don't like
- Narrow space
- Kitchen noise
- Bathroom issues
Often praised
- atmospherefood and atmosphere. Made a special day feel more special
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was very great
- ambienceFood, wine, service, ambient: everything was just perfect
- decorThe atmosphere and decor are tranquil and relaxing
- vibeThe vibe of the establishment is elegant and sophisticated
- experienceIt was a 2 hour experience that breezed by
- open kitchenLoved the open kitchen
- parkingEasy to find parking. It was a Sunday so free parking around.
- all-aroundMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful all-around. It was a memorable evening, and even the bathrooms were the nicest I've ever seen!
Frequently criticized
- spaceThe service was almost too attentive; we experienced so many check-ins that it was difficult to have a quiet conversation. The constant back-and-forth of waiters in the small space was a distraction. The bread was the best part of the meal, and I absolutely loved it.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bathroom cleanlinessBathroom cleanliness is disappointing
- experiencewithout the service and without the experience
- loudit was a bit loud
- noise in the kitchenChef made so much noise in the kitchen
- toilet seatThere was pee on the toilet seat!
- waiting areathere is no waiting area and have to wait outside until they are ready
If you're seeking an elegant and intimate dining experience with a great atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the space can feel a bit snug, and while generally well-maintained, a few guests have noted minor issues with bathroom upkeep.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience well worth it, especially for special occasions. Many appreciated the pricing as reasonable for a Michelin-starred spot, with the wine pairing often hailed as an excellent deal. Based on 10 positive opinions, there's a sense of good value for money if you know what to expect.
However, the overall picture is quite challenging, with customer satisfaction at a poor 28.6%, despite an average score of 4.5. A significant 21 opinions out of 35 total highlight concerns about the final bill, citing numerous extras and feeling like a money-grab. Many felt the experience was simply not worth the price due to unexpected charges and mandatory fees.
Value
35
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable Michelin pricing
- Excellent wine pairing
- Good for special occasions
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Overpriced overall experience
- Mandatory service fees
Often praised
- priceMy dining experience at Sorrel was truly wonderful. We opted for the 5-course menu, which offered exceptional quality at a very reasonable price. The wine pairing was spot-on, and the service was both attentive and friendly.
- wine pairingThe wine pairing was an excellent deal
- pricingWhile the fruti di mare was my least favorite plate, the overall food quality was high. For a Michelin star establishment, the pricing is reasonable. The atmosphere was rated a 4, service a 4, and food a 4, with a quiet noise level conducive to easy conversation.
- special occasionsspecial occasions for us, but well well worth it
- valuecreative food with great value
- value for moneyI did not leave hungry and would eat here again without hesitation. For an upscale restaurant, I found it to be very good value for money. My recent return visit reaffirmed my previous sentiment; it was fantastic again, with minimal menu overlap and every dish earning an A+.
- well worth the $$$Well worth the $$$
- worth every pennyWorth every penny
Frequently criticized
- priceFor a fine dining establishment, this lack of empathy in the face of a guest's illness seems like a severe lapse in customer service that should cost them a star. Beyond the disagreeable incident of being charged for nothing, the meal was not exceptional, and the price was not justified. I do not recommend it.
- billThe restaurant was notably empty, with only a couple of tables occupied. The bill included a $45 fee for the fourth person who did not attend. I requested to speak with the general manager regarding the unanswered calls and the lack of upfront notification about the charge.
- chargeweren't informed about this unexpected charge upfront
- city chargesthe city charges were also a surprise
- extrasso many extra that requires extra pay
- feethe server removed the fee
- final billWhile the waitstaff was very attentive throughout the night, they dropped a used utensil on one of our coats and did not provide additional napkins to clean up the oil stains 😵. For a lower price point, Sorrel might be a place I'd revisit, but overall, we left extremely disappointed and feeling like we got robbed.
- griftbiggest grift I’ve experienced
- money-grabjokey money-grab
- overall experiencenot good for the overall experience
If you're looking for a special occasion splurge and are prepared for a premium experience, some find the value acceptable, especially for the wine pairing. However, be wary of potential hidden costs and mandatory fees, as these frequently lead to disappointment and a feeling of being overcharged.
How are the prices at Sorrel?
On average, you’ll spend around 97 per person – from 91 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $91–$100 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 97, the majority of diners (86 out of 91) actually spend 101 $ or more, indicating a strong lean towards a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
A comparison of value for money for this American Restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given that most guests are choosing to spend over 101 $, wed say the pricing reflects a more premium American dining experience in San Francisco. Its not your everyday burger joint, but rather a place for a special occasion or a higher-end meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sorrel
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional 5-Course Menu at Sorrel
My dining experience at Sorrel was truly wonderful. We opted for the 5-course menu, which offered exceptional quality at a very reasonable price. The wine pairing was spot-on, and the service was both attentive and friendly.
It's a great spot for a date night!
- 5-course menu10
- quality10
- price9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Michelin Vegetarian Experience
We visited Sorrel to celebrate my husband’s birthday and a close friend’s engagement. As vegetarians, we found this to be one of the most disappointing Michelin-star experiences. The vegetarian tasting menu was underwhelming, with courses that felt like random ingredients rather than thoughtfully designed dishes.
Flavors were lacking, portions were extremely small, and the overall experience lacked the specialness and satisfaction we expected. We anticipated creativity, depth, and balance, which were unfortunately absent. The handling of the "celebration treat" further detracted from the evening.
A small dessert was brought out for three guests, excluding me, one of the hosts. This felt incomplete and thoughtless, causing discomfort. While we appreciate fine dining efforts, this fell below the standard of other Michelin-star restaurants.
For vegetarians, we cannot recommend Sorrel; other establishments like Bird Song, Californios, Merchant Roots, Lazy Bear, and Anamoly offer more creative, flavorful, and inclusive tasting menus.
- vegetarian tasting menu2
- courses2
- Flavors2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Mind-blowing cheese and tomato dish!
My experience at the restaurant was incredible. They served a whipped Mt Tam cheese and tomato dish that absolutely blew my mind. The food was outstanding, and the overall experience was highly positive, with perfect scores for service, atmosphere, and food.
- whipped Mt Tam cheese and tomato dish10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Superb Fine Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a superb fine dining experience. I had the privilege of enjoying the summer tasting menu. The staff was on point throughout service, and the kitchen staff worked like a military unit.
Everything was prepared and presented with care and class. I especially loved the focus on ingredients over flash, with no over-the-top garnishes like gold flake or out-of-place caviar for the sake of a price hike. It was just quality cuisine prepared with passion.
- staff10
- ingredients9
- quality cuisine10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Food poisoning and tasteless food
My experience at Sorrel was unfortunately very negative. I got food poisoning from what I ate there, and the food was also tasteless and terrible. It was a shame because I heard the restaurant is great, but this experience ruined our day.
- food poisoning1
- tasteless1
- terrible1
What Sorrel offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trending
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Sorrel?
Yes, reservations are required at Sorrel, especially for dinner. It’s highly recommended to book your table in advance to ensure you get seating at this popular American restaurant in Pacific Heights.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Sorrel?
Sorrel offers an upscale, cozy, and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a trendy night out. You’ll find a full bar onsite with a great wine list, and the venue is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom.
How does Sorrel generally perform according to customer feedback?
Sorrel holds an overall score of 7.5 with 72.7% customer satisfaction. Its Ambience (8.1) and Food (8) are highly rated, while Service (6.7) is good, and Value (4.5) is an area for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Sorrel's dining experience?
Diners frequently praise Sorrel for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere and decor , often highlighting the open kitchen . The food itself is a major draw, with many finding the dishes surprising, delicious, and beautifully presented.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by guests at Sorrel?
Some guests have expressed concerns about the value for money, citing unexpected charges and a feeling that the price isn’t always justified. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent food execution, such as overly salty or bland dishes, and some service communication issues.