Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » 1601 – San Francisco
1601 - San Francisco
Photo from 1601
1601 at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍚 Sri Lankan Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#254 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Sri Lankan Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
388
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Creative Cuisine
- Intimate Ambience
Frequently criticized
- High Price Point
- Small Portions
- Understated Flavors
The restaurant 1601 is a captivating Sri Lankan Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly romantic atmosphere here, perfect for an intimate dinner or a cozy evening out.
This spot offers a unique culinary journey, inviting you to explore authentic flavors in a trendy setting. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive dining experience.
Overview: Introducting 1601
1601 offers a distinctive dining experience, with many guests praising its authentic flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The intimate setting contributes to a special evening, complemented by attentive staff who ensure a smooth visit.
This establishment aims to deliver a memorable culinary journey. However, some diners found the experience to be quite pricey, questioning the overall value for money.
A few also noted that certain understated flavors didn’t quite hit the mark, and the small plates left some feeling less than satisfied. It seems there’s a balance to be struck here.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
388
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
36
negative
13
neutral
339
positive
Overall, 1601 garners a strong 8.5 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 87.4%, reflecting that most diners leave pleased with their experience.
This positive outlook is largely driven by 339 positive remarks, outweighing the 36 negative ones among 388 total opinions. It suggests a consistent quality that resonates well with a significant portion of its clientele.
Delving deeper, the Service (9) truly shines, often described as exceptional and attentive. The Food (8.7) also receives high marks, with many appreciating its unique culinary approach.
The Ambience (8.3) contributes significantly to the dining experience, creating a pleasant atmosphere. However, Value (5) presents a more mixed picture, with some finding the offerings expensive for the experience, despite others seeing it as reasonable for the quality.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Creative Cuisine
- Intimate Ambience
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Small Portions
- Understated Flavors
For those seeking a distinctive culinary journey with attentive service and a refined atmosphere, 1601 is certainly worth considering. The creative Sri Lankan-inspired dishes often impress, offering a unique taste experience.
However, be prepared for a higher price point, as some guests felt the portions were modest for the cost. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, this establishment generally delivers a high-quality experience.
If you prioritize innovative flavors and excellent hospitality over strict budget considerations, you’ll likely find your visit rewarding. It’s a place for a special occasion rather than a casual, everyday meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on 1601
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a good score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction hitting a good 89.7%. Many of the 218 positive comments highlight the exceptional tasting menu, authentic food, and the delightful Sri Lankan fragrances and flavors, often praising the creative twist on traditional dishes. It seems the culinary journey here is a memorable one.
However, not everyone was entirely won over, with 14 critical remarks among 243 total expressions. Some found the portion sizes to be quite small, while others felt the quality of food was sometimes lacking or that the Sri Lankan tones were surprisingly understated. A few also mentioned that the wine pairing didn't quite hit the mark.
Food
243
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
11
neutral
218
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional tasting menu
- Authentic Sri Lankan flavors
- Inventive dishes
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Mediocre flavors
- Understated Sri Lankan tones
Often praised
- foodI took my sister here for her 21st birthday, and it was honestly one of the most meaningful dining experiences we’ve shared. We’re Sinhalese American, and the food here authentically reminded us of our childhood—even more so than more traditional Sri Lankan restaurants in the U. S.
- tasting menuIt was an intimate setting, and the food was delicious. I found it to be perhaps the most filling tasting menu I’ve ever had, as we were already stuffed by the second course! I highly recommend it.
- dishesS. Many dishes creatively reinterpreted classic Sri Lankan flavors in refreshing ways, like presenting kiri bathe (milk rice) as an airy foam or using coconut milk to accompany raw scallops. It also thoughtfully addressed common culinary pitfalls (at least in the area we grew up); for example the meat dishes retained their signature bold flavors while being perfectly cooked and remarkably tender, and the majority of the meal wasn’t rice 🫠) Nostalgic standouts like the cutlets and egg hoppers felt like elevated versions of our favorite childhood classics—beautifully executed and deeply nostalgic.
- egg hopperhighly recommend trying the egg hopper. It’s a special and tasty side.
- chicken curryOther standouts include chicken curry and friend potatoes.
- dish👌😍. Every single dish was a hit! Thanks Brian and team!
- flavorsMy experience at 1601 Bar & Kitchen was amazing from start to finish. The dishes offered bountiful flavors of Asian originality, perfectly balancing spice and sweet. The ambiance, service, and plate presentation, especially with the chef's explanations, made the evening five stars.
- presentationBeautiful presentation
- EverythingI highly recommend getting the tasting menu and you won't be disappointed. The egg hopper and duck wild rice curry were my favourites, but honestly, EVERYTHING was sooo good. Go.
- cuisineUnique cuisine I have never had anywhere else
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the service was great, the food was horrible. Additionally, it was so expensive.
- tasting menudo not opt for the tasting menu which is a terrible selection
- wine pairingThe wine pairing felt like a bit of a miss
- Sri Lankan foodThe food was very mediocre, the flavors were not there
- Sri Lankan tonesSri Lankan tones are incredibly understated/barely tasted
- bite of foodwish that it wasn't only a bite of food
- other dishessome of the others I didn't like as much
- platesThe plates are very small though
- portion sizesthe portion where very small
- quality of foodMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was good, fitting for a Bib Gourmand. However, the prices were too high for the quality of food and service received.
If youre looking for an inventive culinary experience with authentic Sri Lankan influences and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this place is definitely worth a try. The tasting menu comes highly recommended for a unique and flavorful journey.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic 94.4% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel well taken care of. Out of 71 comments, a whopping 67 rave about the good service, attentive staff, and friendly staff who often add a personal touch to your visit.
However, a few voices (3 out of 71) did point to some concerns, specifically around management and customer care. While these are isolated incidents, they suggest there might be occasional hiccups behind the scenes that could impact a guests experience.
Service
71
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized service
- Knowledgeable about allergens
What people don't like
- Poor management
- Bad customer care
Often praised
- serviceIt also thoughtfully addressed common culinary pitfalls (at least in the area we grew up); for example the meat dishes retained their signature bold flavors while being perfectly cooked and remarkably tender, and the majority of the meal wasn’t rice 🫠) Nostalgic standouts like the cutlets and egg hoppers felt like elevated versions of our favorite childhood classics—beautifully executed and deeply nostalgic. The atmosphere was intimate, and the service matched Michelin-level tasting menus I’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s pricey, but absolutely worth it if you’re in the market for a fine dining esque experience.
- staffWe tried almost everything on the a la carte menu, and every dish was superb! The setting was intimate and chic, and the staff was so kind and accommodating. I could not recommend this place more!
- hostsWe attended a private event at this beautiful cozy restaurant. The hosts were so welcoming, generous and attentive. We had a set menu which made ordering easy.
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was marked by amazing food and amazing people. Currently, they are only open for larger dinners booked in advance.
- serverthe server is polite and always taking care of your need
- teamthe team behind it treats customers extremely well, like friends.
- Brian and his teamBrian and his team deserve not just a Michelin bib gourmand but a star.
- DeannaDeanna is the best host & server ever!
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- NezNez is amazing
Frequently criticized
- customer careworst customer care I’ve ever witnessed
- managementAbsolutely horrible management
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was good, fitting for a Bib Gourmand. However, the prices were too high for the quality of food and service received.
If you value exceptional hospitality, this spot is definitely worth trying. You can expect a warm welcome and attentive care that elevates your dining experience, making it a standout choice for service.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3, indicating a good experience, and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.9%, its clear guests adore the atmosphere. Many of the 46 positive opinions highlight the intimate and quiet setting, praising the decor and vibe for creating a wonderful dining experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 3 negative opinions mentioned issues like being seated at a high table with a loud group, which impacted their experience. One also noted the area as a bit strange, suggesting it might not be ideal for every occasion.
Ambience
49
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, quiet setting
- Beautiful decor
- Welcoming, casual vibe
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable high tables
- Loud group noise
- Unappealing location
Often praised
- atmosphereIt also thoughtfully addressed common culinary pitfalls (at least in the area we grew up); for example the meat dishes retained their signature bold flavors while being perfectly cooked and remarkably tender, and the majority of the meal wasn’t rice 🫠) Nostalgic standouts like the cutlets and egg hoppers felt like elevated versions of our favorite childhood classics—beautifully executed and deeply nostalgic. The atmosphere was intimate, and the service matched Michelin-level tasting menus I’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s pricey, but absolutely worth it if you’re in the market for a fine dining esque experience.
- ambianceThe ambiance, service, plate presentation coupled with chef explanation of dishes made the evening five stars
- parkingLots of parking as a result
- decorI really liked the decor as well.
- dining experiencemaking an exceptional dining experience
- experienceAn experience everyone should enjoy
- intimate settingThe intimate setting offers for a personal touch
- quietThe restaurant was quiet
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- back roombeautiful back room perfect for private parties
Frequently criticized
- areaWe still paid quite a bit for a very below average experience, though, making me definitely NOT recommend for a meal. It's also in kind of a strange area, with not much going on.
- high tableWe made a reservation for 5 to try the Sri Lankan food and were for some reason seated at the high table with high chairs. This became noticeably terrible when another group was seated at the other end of the table, and their group was being very loud and clearly there for drinks.
- loud groupWe made a reservation for 5 to try the Sri Lankan food and were for some reason seated at the high table with high chairs. This became noticeably terrible when another group was seated at the other end of the table, and their group was being very loud and clearly there for drinks. Not sure why we didn't get seated at the tables, as they were never filled up.
If youre seeking a restaurant with a fantastic, intimate atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of your seating preference, especially if youre sensitive to noise, to ensure a perfect evening.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found delightful surprises, praising best value tasting menus and appreciating reasonable prices for high quality food with a variety of price points. These positive remarks, accounting for 8 opinions out of 25, contribute to an average score of 5 for value. However, a more substantial number of guests, 16 to be exact, felt the experience was pricey and expensive, often finding it overpriced for what they received.
Concerns about not getting much food for the cost were frequently mentioned, leading to a poor 32% customer satisfaction.
Value
25
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best tasting menus
- Quality justifies cost
- Variety of price points
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Small food portions
- High price point
Often praised
- priceThe atmosphere was intimate, and the service matched Michelin-level tasting menus I’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s pricey, but absolutely worth it if you’re in the market for a fine dining esque experience. The portions are generous (come hungry!), and each course genuinely feels too good to miss.
- best value tasting menusone of the best value tasting menus
- dining ala cartedining ala carte is typically $65 with drinks included
- pricesThe prices were reasonable for high quality food
- qualityConsidering the quality, time we spent there, and number of dishes
- variety of price pointsvariety of price points that's tailored for taste
- wine and food pricesReasonable prices on the wine and food.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was mediocre at best, and I found it to be overpriced. The Sri Lankan flavors were incredibly understated, to the point of barely being tasted.
- pricesthe prices on the menu may have mislead google to think it's a $$ place when it should probably be a $$$ place
- priceyvery pricey for what it is
- $250ppfor $250pp it did not work well
- $50 lighterleft still hungry and $50 lighter
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was positive overall. It's a nice place, though I found it to be a little expensive. I need help paying for all these places for me to rate for you guys.
- experienceThe only saving grace for this place was the decent service. We still paid quite a bit for a very below average experience, though, making me definitely NOT recommend for a meal. It's also in kind of a strange area, with not much going on.
- foodyou’re not really getting much food
- location and pricecombination of the location and the price is going to deter a lot of people
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a mixed bag on value. While some find the quality justifies the cost for a fine dining experience, a significant number of guests felt it was overpriced for the portions and overall experience. Go in with clear expectations, especially regarding the price point.
How are the prices at 1601?
Alright, lets talk numbers! On average, you’ll spend around 102 $ per person here, based on what 18 guests have reported. That places this spot firmly in the $101+ price category.
For a Sri Lankan Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, thats definitely a premium experience. Most diners are opting for this higher price point, showing a clear lean towards a more upscale offering.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 18 most recent reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
From a pricing perspective, wed say 102 $ per person for a Sri Lankan restaurant is quite a significant investment. It suggests a very elevated dining experience, so wed expect the quality, ambiance, and service to truly shine and justify that premium price point.
Customer Reviews: what people think about 1601
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Spot for Relaxed Dining
My experience at 1601 Bar & Kitchen was great for a relaxed meal. The dishes were flavorful and well-prepared, ranging from fresh salads to hearty mains. I also enjoyed the creative cocktails.
The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a laid-back dinner.
- dishes8
- cocktails7
- vibe8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Kept Secret in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's truly the best kept secret in SF, as I rarely have had such good food in the city. Every single dish was a highlight, making it a fantastic choice for celebrating my boyfriend's birthday.
It's a great place if you have something to celebrate.
- good food10
- every dish10
- great place9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Sri Lankan Gem!
I celebrated my birthday dinner here, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. The food was absolutely incredible, hands down the most authentic Sri Lankan cuisine I've tasted outside of my home. Each dish was a burst of flavor, served in a beautifully coursed manner, leaving us completely satisfied.
The service was warm and attentive, and the ambiance created a truly special atmosphere for the entire evening. It was a perfect experience, and I will definitely be returning!
- food10
- authentic Sri Lankan cuisine10
- dish10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Perfect Tasting Menu and Service
My experience at the restaurant was nothing short of perfect. I couldn't find a single thing to fault regarding the food or the service. The tasting menu was perfect, and the overall experience was amazing.
👌
- food10
- service10
- tasting menu10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Phenomenal Food, Pricey Experience
My experience at this restaurant was defined by its phenomenal food. The meal was a multi-round affair, featuring 3 rounds of dishes plus dessert, with each round offering several items. The bites and appetizers were particularly memorable, showcasing some of the best fine dining dishes I've ever had.
Everything was incredibly delicious and inventive, especially a standout spicy coconut cream soup cappuccino that I'll remember forever. While it was a lot of food, and some went unfinished, it was satisfying to not feel hungry the next morning after a fine dining experience. However, the restaurant is very pricey, and I believe the combination of the location and price might deter many from trying or returning.
Despite the cost, the food was amazing!
- food10
- bites and appetizers9
- fine dining dishes10
- pricey3
- location and price3
What 1601 offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit 1601 Bar & Kitchen?
When you plan your visit to 1601 Bar & Kitchen in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, you’ll be pleased to know that free street parking is available. There’s usually plenty of parking, making your arrival and departure smooth and stress-free for your dining experience.
Can you make reservations at 1601 Bar & Kitchen, and what dining options are offered?
Yes, 1601 Bar & Kitchen accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot, especially for a romantic evening. You can enjoy a full dinner with table service, and be sure to explore their delightful dessert menu.
What is the overall dining experience like at 1601?
1601 offers a generally good dining experience, with an overall score of **8.5**. Guests particularly praise the **Service** (9) and **Food** (8.7), complemented by a pleasant **Ambience** (8.3). However, opinions on **Value** (5) are more mixed.
What kind of cuisine does 1601 offer?
1601 is known for its unique Sri Lankan-inspired cuisine, featuring creatively reinterpreted classic flavors. Many dishes are described as having bountiful, authentic flavors, though some found certain flavors understated.
Is 1601 considered good value for money?
Opinions on value at 1601 are divided. While some guests found it pricey and felt portions were small for the cost, others considered the prices reasonable given the high quality of food and the overall fine dining experience.