1601 - Reviews

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.

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.

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!

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. 👌

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!

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a hidden gem in San Francisco that you absolutely should not miss. The prefix tasting menu was perfectly timed, offering a diverse and delicious selection of dishes. The portion size was just right – not too much, not too little – guaranteeing you'll walk out very satisfied. The service was incredible as well.

My recent visit to San Francisco for the weekend led me to this restaurant, discovered through the Michelin website. My experience was truly exceptional, with food, wine, and service all being world class. In a city brimming with excellent dining options, this establishment stood out as the highlight of my trip. I absolutely loved it!

I 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. 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. 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. The portions are generous (come hungry!), and each course genuinely feels too good to miss. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience that truly captures the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.

My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves: food and service versus price. The food and service were truly excellent. I was impressed by the great flavors, the great presentation, and the great fusion of culinary styles. However, the price was a significant drawback. At $150 per person, I found it to be too high. If you're not concerned about the cost, the food itself is definitely great.

My experience at 1601 Bar & Kitchen on New Year’s Eve was truly amazing, especially as it coincided with my daughter’s 3rd birthday. The restaurant offers a Prix Fixe menu inspired by Sri Lankan cuisine, and each dish was remarkably flavorful and unique. The staff provided exceptional service, going above and beyond to make us feel incredibly special. A highlight was their thoughtful birthday surprise for my daughter, which made her day unforgettable. The combination of warm gestures and delicious food created a perfect evening. I highly recommend it for a special occasion!