Kiln - San Francisco

My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, though not without its minor disappointments. I'd rate it a solid 1 star, perhaps leaning towards 2, for the overall experience. While there wasn't a single "wow" moment, many of the 20-ish servings were quite interesting. The bread and butter was a standout, the simplest yet the best executed item on the menu for me. I was a bit disappointed with the quality and taste of some products, specifically the langoustines and truffes. However, the squab and ribeye were fantastic. The wine menu is predominantly European (France and Italy) with a few US options, and the prices were reasonable. I was surprised to find only an americano coffee offered 😢. The service was great – efficient, pleasant, and not overly obsequious. The setup and vibes were not particularly memorable, described as quite rough, minimalist, or factory-style, but the overall experience remained largely positive.

My experience at this restaurant was a culinary rollercoaster, starting with high hopes and ending with a strong desire for something different. While the aroma of the food was promising, the execution fell short. Many dishes were excessively salty, and a recurring taste profile made it overwhelming after a few courses. It felt as though the chefs were overly reliant on fat without any apparent purpose or balancing elements, which I attribute to inexperience or a lack of refined taste, especially when compared to my experiences with Nordic, French, and Japanese Michelin-level cuisine. The initial intrigue quickly turned into a plea for variety, a plea that went unanswered throughout the meal. However, credit is due for the surprisingly good scallop and sturgeon, though they were exceptions among over 20 memorably disappointing courses. On a positive note, the service was awesome, though the pre-applied 20% discount felt like a mandatory inclusion rather than a reward. Ultimately, even with good plating, ambiance, and attentive service, bad food remains bad food at its core.

My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with delicious food and superb service. The food was delicious, and I'm still thinking about the wagyu ribeye. The service was truly superb, making it a memorable experience and worth going. The atmosphere also received a perfect score. However, the wine pairing presented a significant issue regarding value. The wine pairing price was $165, with a retail value of $27, resulting in a 615% markup. This was the second-worst value of the 68 wine pairings I've calculated. The pairing included 10 different drinks, with the oldest vintage being 2019 (outside of a 2005 dessert wine). Most expensive bottle retailed for $60 and seemed easily acquirable. The menu mentioned Krug, but it's only included with a supplemental caviar course. While the pairing itself was pretty good, personally, my partner and I would opt for a bottle or half bottle of wine next time, as the food was coursed fairly evenly with seafood and savory meat dishes, and the wines, while nicer/higher quality, had a smaller markup. It's also worth noting that the wine pairing automatically includes a 20% gratuity, bringing the total closer to $200 before taxes. Despite the wine value concerns, the overall experience was memorable and worth going.

I recently celebrated my birthday at Kiln SF, and it was truly unforgettable. We indulged in their 20-course tasting menu, which was a culinary journey from start to finish. Each course was beautifully presented, thoughtfully explained, and absolutely delicious; an experience that went far beyond just a meal. What really stood out was the level of detail and personalization. At the end of the evening, the staff surprised me with a Polaroid photo of my husband and I, and a customized menu with our names and celebration printed on it. It felt so special and added such a personal touch to the celebration. The atmosphere was intimate yet lively, with Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Kid Cudi, and similar artists playing softly in the background, creating such a cool and personal vibe that elevated the entire evening. The service was impeccable, and every bite showcased the creativity and passion of the kitchen. Kiln SF exceeded all expectations and made my birthday feel incredibly memorable. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for an extraordinary dining experience in San Francisco! Thanks again, Kiln! 🎉🥂

My husband and I came here for his birthday dinner and absolutely loved our experience. The staff was extremely friendly and checked in on us often. Every dish was beyond delicious and beautifully presented. Especially the Hakkaido scallops, Kaluga caviar, squab and abalone! We can’t wait to come back. ⭐️⭐️ Michelin is well deserved.