3rd Cousin - Reviews

My wife treated me to a birthday celebration at this restaurant, and while the staff were kind and engaging, and the service was great, the food was generally lackluster to not good. I appreciate restaurants offering vegan options, but for nearly $200 per person, the tasting menu fell far short of my hopes and expectations. The courses were mostly vegetables without much seasoning. One dish featured beans, radishes, zucchini, and mushrooms, all cooked until their flavors were faint, with a vegan dashi that tasted only of salt. An heirloom tomato, fig, and balsamic vinaigrette was pleasant, though the tomatoes lacked flavor, and the vegan option was simply the vegetarian dish without cheese. The main course consisted of a single fig, three Brussels sprouts without discernible sauce, a nicely cooked piece of tofu with a faint teriyaki taste, and a small amount of a pleasant date and tamarind sauce. The most flavorful dish was pasta with broccolini, but it was overwhelmed by tahini, giving the pasta a texture like creamy peanut butter and an overpowering sesame taste. The dessert was the only truly bad dish: while the vegetarian option was a nicely plated panna cotta, the vegan choice was a single scoop of freezer-burnt chocolate almond milk ice cream, with noticeable ice crystals and a stronger almond milk flavor than chocolate. I did not finish it. The best dish was the initial salad with an interesting basil vinaigrette. I mentioned my underwhelm to the server, who was gracious and comped a juice, but I would have preferred better food at full price. My impression is that the vegan menu was developed by subtracting ingredients from other menus rather than building a plant-based option from scratch. At a price point nearly double that of Dirt Candy, this review felt merited. For those seeking a special occasion restaurant with vegan options at a lower price point, I recommend Besharam, Aiso, Cha Ya, Shizen, and Greens. I hope 3rd Cousin reconsiders their vegan menu, as everything but the food was wonderful.

My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was creative and well-executed, earning a high rating. However, the price was a significant issue, with a 20% gratuity automatically added for a party of two, which I found outrageous. Another major flaw was the atmosphere; the space was packed with too many tables, making it feel cramped and very loud. While the service was excellent, the overall value was diminished by the high cost and uncomfortable seating arrangement.

My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The service felt very rushed, which detracted from the overall dining experience. While the food used good ingredients, it was ultimately very average for the price and lacked taste. I was also unhappy with the extra added gratuity and city mandate charges, which felt like an unwelcome surprise.

My husband and I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday at Third Cousin! The food was really delicious. We especially want to thank our server, Oceano, for the excellent service and thoughtful wine pairing suggestions.

A group of us celebrated September birthdays at 3rd Cousin and we’re so glad we did. The food was outstanding, and our server, Oceano, introduced us to some absolutely delicious wines and helped us with pairings. We had an amazing night and tried a lot of new things! We’re so lucky to have this place in the neighborhood.

I’ve been dining at Third Cousin since 2019, and it’s a delightful experience every single time. I appreciate that the menu has signature dishes amongst seasonal offerings, to offer a delicious taste of something familiar with something new. Every summer I appreciate how they transform and utilize corn, this year a delicious corn soup. Uni Creme Brûlée is not to be missed, and is available year round. In particular, I find their desserts to be seasonal and well thought out given what is most fresh (like peaches and strawberries for summer, chocolate during the winter). Every bite is delicious, with perfect wine pairings should one want them. Service is on point, and everyone is friendly and helpful. Third Cousin is a local staple I will always return to!

What a fantastic experience! We celebrated a birthday at 3rd Cousin, and everything from start to finish was perfect. The food was not only delicious but also very creative. We especially loved the crème brûlée and the caviar—truly memorable dishes. The service was top-notch, with the staff being both attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, and the decor was gorgeous. They've really paid attention to every detail, even making the restroom feel like a luxurious spa. We'll definitely be back!

My experience at Oceano was exceptional. The sommelier was perfect, and the entire staff was incredibly professional and welcoming. The cuisine was outstanding, featuring a balance of flavors and textures that truly deserved at least two Michelin stars. The space was warm and beautifully designed, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

My girlfriend and I had an incredible surprise during our visit! We spontaneously decided to try the 5-course chef’s menu, and it absolutely blew us away. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. The wine pairing was not only spot-on but also very generous. Our server, Oceano, made the entire evening unforgettable. This restaurant is a true gem in Bernal Heights, and we are already planning our return!

Our party of 6 had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. We enjoyed a multi-course meal that included a salad, soup, macaroni with a selection, a main dish (with choices of fish, beef, or vegetarian), and a dessert with options. Three of our dishes were perfectly complemented by a glass of wine. We had a very good time and enjoyed the food a lot!