Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Anomaly – San Francisco
Anomaly - San Francisco
Photo from Anomaly
Anomaly at a glance
San Francisco Lower Pacific Heights
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#69 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
661
Reviews
91.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inventive food
- Personal service
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Dessert inconsistency
- Pricing clarity
The fine dining restaurant Anomaly in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood offers an experience you won’t soon forget. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a special evening.
You’ll discover a truly exceptional culinary journey, highlighted by their great dessert selections that provide a memorable finish to your meal.
Overview: Introducting Anomaly
Anomaly offers a truly distinctive dining experience, where guests consistently praise the inventive dishes and the personalized approach from the team. The atmosphere strikes a balance between elegant and comfortable, making it a welcoming space for a special evening.
While the culinary journey is largely celebrated for its creativity and balance, some guests have noted minor inconsistencies in service coordination and occasional dish preferences. However, the overall impression points to a restaurant that delivers a memorable and engaging meal.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
661
Reviews
91.8%
Satisfaction
37
negative
17
neutral
607
positive
Anomaly earns an impressive overall score of 8.9, reflecting an excellent dining experience. This is strongly supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 91.8%, indicating that nearly all patrons leave feeling delighted.
These high marks are based on 661 customer observations, with a significant majority of 607 positive remarks outweighing just 37 negative ones. The restaurant shines brightest in its Service (9.1), where the team’s personal touch is frequently highlighted, and its Ambience (9.0), which creates a comfortable yet refined setting.
The Food (8.9) is also highly regarded for its creativity and execution, while the Value (7.7) is considered good, especially given the quality offered.
What people like
- Inventive, balanced food
- Personalized, attentive service
- Excellent dining value
What people don't like
- Service coordination issues
- Inconsistent dessert quality
- Unclear pricing options
Anomaly presents a compelling case for a memorable meal, particularly if you appreciate creative cuisine and a highly personalized service style. The overall experience is designed to engage your senses, making it a strong contender for a special occasion or an adventurous culinary outing.
With a strong recommendation score of 9.2, Anomaly is certainly worth considering. While minor service hiccups and occasional dish preferences were noted, these are generally outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback, suggesting you’re likely to have an excellent visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Anomaly
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 91.7%. Out of 373 comments, a whopping 342 were glowing remarks about the culinary experience. Guests raved about the creative dishes, flavor profiles, and the overall tasting menu being a mind-blowing food adventure, often highlighting the beautiful presentation and inventive combinations.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 22 comments noting some areas for improvement. A few diners found certain dishes to be overly sweet, sour or salty, and some felt the portion sizes were a bit too small. There were also mentions of a final main dish occasionally lacking flavour compared to the preceding courses, suggesting minor inconsistencies in an otherwise stellar menu.
Food
373
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
22
negative
9
neutral
342
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, delicious dishes
- Mind-blowing food
- Exceptional tasting menu
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Flavor inconsistencies
- Overly seasoned dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was the best dinner in SF after trying similar places weekly for a year. The food was punchy as promised, and the team matched that energy. I'm excited to be back in the fall and dreading how much harder it will be to book a table for everyone else.
- dishesWe had a blast, and the attention to details was superb. Most of the dishes were excellent. Some items, like the mint chocolate, weren't to my personal taste, but they were still beautifully presented, and my date enjoyed them immensely.
- tasting menuMike and the team have achieved something special here. It was an elegant AND fun tasting menu, served in a comfortable dining room with awesome music. This made for a Michelin-star level meal without breaking the bank or my brain!
- presentationMy experience at this restaurant was a fantastic dinner with an excellent wine pairing. The fixed menu was both delicious and artfully presented. I'd recommend planning for about 2 hours, which begins with a sparkling wine upon seating.
- wine pairingMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent, making it a top choice for a special night out. I've dined here three times and have been impressed by their inventive tasting menu and wine pairing. The food and service are truly Michelin level.
- FoodFood:5
- menuThe menu showcased incredible creativity and precision
- coursesnot one of the 11 courses was the same in any way
- dietary restrictionsaccommodate the main dietary restrictions (vegans, pescatarians...)
- duckAnd the duck (pictured) was incredible.
Frequently criticized
- ScallopsScallops- not cooked to my liking
- Tomato PopsicleTomato Popsicle- not the biggest fan
- bread with butter coursethere was no bread with butter course
- coursesnothing new with any of the courses
- dessertsmall problem with my desert
- dessertsall the desserts... a miss in my book
- drink selectionselection was just your typical wine list
- final main dishThey offer many great innovative and creative dishes. The only reason I rated the food 4/5 was because we both felt the final main dish was somewhat lacking, especially compared to the preceding flavors. This place is definitely Michelin star worthy, and I imagine they will achieve that soon.
- flavourLacks flavour for what you would expect
- foodThe food was overly sweet, sour or salty
If youre looking for an unforgettable culinary journey with creative, delicious, and beautifully presented dishes, this is definitely a place to try. While a few minor critiques about seasoning or portion size popped up, the overwhelming sentiment points to an exceptional dining experience thats well worth it.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here is truly something special, scoring an impressive 9.1 and boasting an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92.8%. Based on 142 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the attentive wait staff, friendly service, and the chefs passion and attention to detail, making every dining experience memorable. The teams hospitality and knowledge shine through, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 9 negative comments mention minor hiccups like occasional communication/coordination issues, a forgotten dish, or slight delays in ordering drinks. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread problem, with the overall sentiment still strongly in favor of the dedicated staff.
Service
153
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable chefs
- Personalized experience
What people don't like
- Minor coordination issues
- Occasional forgotten items
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant for an early Valentine's dinner was amazing. The industrial yet comfortable space created a welcoming atmosphere, and the service was personable, making it feel like we got to know the team. The dishes were creative and for the most part excellent.
- staffThe atmosphere was lovely, with a thoughtful layout that made our party feel cozily enclosed. It was an open, friendly environment where the staff are ready to answer all of your questions and receive all of your involuntarily profuse praises with grace. Just me?
- ServiceService was flawless but unfussy and personal
- chefEvery dish was not just delicious, but beautifully balanced between spice, salt, and texture in a way that felt almost magical. The vegetables stood out the most—they were done with such incredible skill and finesse that I actually looked up the chef mid-meal. Chef Mike Lanham, who not only crafted these amazing dishes but was also part of the service, created such a welcoming and personal vibe that it felt more like being in a friend’s kitchen than in a high-end restaurant.
- chefsthe chefs including Mike himself are engaged and thoughtful
- Chef MikeThe tasting menu was both unique and exquisite. Chef Mike and our sommelier were extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the meal. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- sommelierThe tasting menu was both unique and exquisite. Chef Mike and our sommelier were extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the meal. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- teamAnomaly and the team are a Gem
- attention to detailThe whole experience lives up to the name. Prepare to have all of your senses titillated and thoughts provoked as you delight in the surprises the chefs have built into the atmosphere, attention to detail, and connection throughout the evening. I committed to taking some photos this time because I wanted to leave a helpful review, but most of the evening I enjoyed being immersed in the moment.
- hospitalityThe service and hospitality were good and attentive.
Frequently criticized
- servicesurprisingly overall service was not smooth and quite disruptive
- chefschefs when introducing the dishes also omitted a lot of details
- communication/coordinationstill working out some communication/coordination stuff
- drinksnobody asked me if I had wanted to buy any drinks
- forgot one dishthey forgot for one dish
- ordering drinksleft hanging to order drinks until we flagged the host
- staffone was downright unpleasant
- supplementsNobody asked me if I wanted to buy any of the additional supplements
If you're looking for a dining experience where the staff goes above and beyond, this place is definitely worth trying. You can expect truly excellent service that enhances your meal, making it a standout choice for a special occasion or just a fantastic night out.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot absolutely nails the atmosphere, boasting an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 96.3% customer satisfaction. With 104 glowing remarks out of 108 total, guests consistently rave about the modern chic ambiance, the captivating open kitchen view, and the thoughtful, intimate setting that makes every visit feel special.
While nearly perfect, a couple of minor points popped up in the feedback. Just two comments mentioned that parking can be a bit tricky, and one guest noted the early evening playlist wasnt quite hitting the mark. But honestly, these are tiny blips on an otherwise stellar radar.
Ambience
108
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern chic ambiance
- Open kitchen view
- Intimate thoughtful setting
What people don't like
- Parking can be tricky
- Early playlist misses mark
Often praised
- atmosphereWe were greeted with champagne and promptly taken to our table. The atmosphere is really nice, with tables facing a completely opened kitchen, allowing us to see the preparation of the amuse-bouche. Among the dishes served, the egg yolk with white foam, the hot and cold soup, and the baby pork rib were definite highlights.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- experienceThe presentations were artistic, the flavors amazing, and the service top notch. The restaurant itself is small and inviting, contributing to a unique and amazing experience. I eagerly look forward to our next visit!
- ambianceI found that everything on the supplements menu is a must-try, and I was tempted to keep it all to myself! The entire food experience, coupled with the ambiance and Chef Mike's engaging introduction of each course, was thoroughly enjoyable. I surprisingly left feeling full.
- open kitchenHalf the dining room has a view of the open kitchen, which I loved.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambienceThe wine pairing was exceptionally worthwhile, featuring a generous selection of wines, sake, and cider. The food was delicious, complemented by great service and a wonderful ambience. It was definitely worth the visit, and I would be surprised if they don't receive a Michelin star soon.
- date nightGood place for the date night
- dining experienceThe food incorporated modern techniques without being overwhelming; the flavors and ingredients truly shined. The chefs, including Mike, were engaged and thoughtful in explaining the dishes and shaping the dining experience. Considering the price point, the experience is unbeatable.
- dining roomMike and the team have achieved something special here. It was an elegant AND fun tasting menu, served in a comfortable dining room with awesome music. This made for a Michelin-star level meal without breaking the bank or my brain!
Frequently criticized
- early evening playlistWine and beverage pairings are unexpected and delightful. There was an artfulness to just about everything (other than the early evening playlist 😆). You will experience flavor combinations you never dreamed of.
- parkingsave time on finding parking
If youre looking for a place where the atmosphere truly enhances your dining, this is it. Expect a beautifully designed space with an engaging open kitchen and a special, intimate feel. Just plan a little extra time for parking, and youre in for a treat!
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 7.7 and 70.4% customer satisfaction, its clear many feel they get what they paid for. Out of 27 remarks, 19 rave about the value for money and reasonable price, often calling it a bargain for a Michelin-level experience without breaking the bank.
However, a few of the 4 negative remarks, out of 27 total, point to some minor hiccups. Concerns arose around unlisted pricing options and confusion regarding the bill and included service charges. While not widespread, these suggest a slight room for improvement in transparency around the final price'.
Value
27
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional value
- Fair price point
- High quality, low cost
What people don't like
- Unlisted pricing
- Billing confusion
Often praised
- priceWe’ve been to a lot of incredible restaurants in San Francisco and around the world, but this one absolutely blew us away. For the quality and creativity of the 11-course tasting menu, the price is more than reasonable by San Francisco standards. Every dish was not just delicious, but beautifully balanced between spice, salt, and texture in a way that felt almost magical.
- price pointat the price point for the experience you cannot beat it
- valuemost attractive value positions
- value for moneyWe enjoyed our dinner here. It's one of the best places in SF where you get what you paid for. We loved everything besides the music selection, but it wasn't too loud or bothering.
- price rangerestaurants in a similar price range in SF Anomaly is one to have on the list
- pricesPrices are very fair
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was truly impressive, especially considering the high number of expensive and less remarkable establishments. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and it was all offered at a reasonable price (around $200 per person, excluding drinks). I was particularly struck by how much value we received, especially when compared to other places aiming for Michelin stars that are far more costly and less satisfying.
- walletIt was an elegant AND fun tasting menu, served in a comfortable dining room with awesome music. This made for a Michelin-star level meal without breaking the bank or my brain!
Frequently criticized
- billA big recommendation! A bit of confusion was that the bill at the end had a line for the tip, even though a service charge was already included, and you paid for the main tasting course in advance anyway, including a service charge. So I assumed it's European style already included.
- places like thisPlaces like this are never worth it
- pricefor the price and type of place
- pricing optionsashamed of their pricing options that they arent listed on the menu
If youre seeking a high-quality dining experience that wont completely empty your wallet, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Most diners find it offers exceptional value for money, though a quick check on pricing details beforehand might save you a minor billing surprise.
How are the prices at Anomaly?
You’re looking at roughly 102 per person – reported by 75 diners. That puts it in the $101+ category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
What’s interesting is that all 75 guests consistently spent in this higher price bracket, indicating a very focused and premium experience across the board.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
Comparing value for money with similar restaurants in San Francisco.
For a Fine Dining Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It seems to deliver a consistent premium experience, which is what guests expect at this level.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Anomaly
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Michelin Calibre Tasting Menu Experience
I finally understood how this restaurant earned its high ratings. The service and hospitality were good and attentive. What really stood out was the tasting menu.
Every dish was full of flavours and interesting. The chef even came out to explain his dishes. There were about 8 dishes, and all were well executed with finesse and taste.
It was definitely Michelin calibre.
- service8
- hospitality8
- tasting menu10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Innovative Flavors with a Minor Main Course Flaw
My girlfriend and I visited for her birthday and had a great time! The restaurant plays with different temperatures in their food, which was a fun experience and set them apart from other tasting menus I've encountered. They offer many great innovative and creative dishes.
The only reason I rated the food 4/5 was because we both felt the final main dish was somewhat lacking, especially compared to the preceding flavors. This place is definitely Michelin star worthy, and I imagine they will achieve that soon.
- different temperatures8
- innovative and creative dishes9
- Michelin star worthy9
- final main dish4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Birthday Fine Dining Experience
I celebrated my birthday at Anomaly and had a truly wonderful experience. The food was top notch with so many interesting flavors. The presentation, the ambience, and the friendly service made it a very memorable evening.
They were incredibly accommodative of my dietary restrictions, thoughtfully preparing a substitute that became my favorite dish! Being seated near the kitchen allowed me to watch the chefs at work, and I was impressed that the Head Chef personally served dishes and engaged with guests. Unlike typical fine dining, I felt perfectly satiated without feeling stuffed due to the perfectly sized portions.
I'm eager to return when the menu changes and highly recommend Anomaly for anyone seeking SF fine dining. This experience is not to be missed!
- food10
- interesting flavors9
- presentation9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Michelin Star Experience
My experience at Anomaly was incredible. My wife and I were finishing up our vacation, and this restaurant served as a fantastic bookend to our trip. This was our first Michelin star experience, and it certainly won't be our last.
I highly recommend checking this place out!
- experience10
- Michelin star experience9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible 11-Course Culinary Journey
My experience at this restaurant was truly incredible, offering an 11-course menu that was unlike anything we can get back in Ohio. It's a perfect spot for a fancy date night for two, especially if you can snag a seat in front of the kitchen to watch the chefs at work. The staff was exceptionally attentive, and we appreciated the detail in each dish they presented.
Even though we only had water, they were quick to ensure our glasses were never empty. I would definitely return if we visit SF again! Regarding the Summer 25 Menu: - Tomato Popsicle: Not my favorite, but I did enjoy the dry tartlet it was served with.
- Egg Emoji: Incurably flavorful and delicious. - Onion Soup and Cheese ball: The cheeseball was my favorite bite of the entire evening, and the soup was so cool with the dry ice effect. - Beef Tartar: Such fun textures with everything mixed together.
- Tomatoes: So fresh and tasty of bacon. - Crab and corn soup: Incredible mixture of flavors. - Scallops: While not cooked to my liking, the flavors and overall combination were excellent.
- Quail/Blossom: The zucchini bread with fruit was incredible, though the texture of the mixture inside the blossom wasn't my favorite, the flavor was great. - Basil Slushie: Incredible blend of flavors. - Smores: I'm not a fan of the jalapeno ice cream, but I loved the warm sauce mixed with the cold chocolate.
- Mini Treats: Incredible bite-sized desserts; I wish I could've had a larger portion of each as they were so good!
- 11-course menu10
- fancy date night9
- staff10
- Tomato Popsicle4
- Scallops5
- jalapeno ice cream3
What Anomaly offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Anomaly?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at Anomaly. Dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your table at this popular fine dining establishment, ensuring you can enjoy your evening without a wait.
Is Anomaly SF accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Anomaly SF is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms to ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience for all guests.
What makes Anomaly stand out?
Anomaly is highly praised for its inventive and balanced food, personalized and attentive service, and an elegant yet comfortable ambiance, creating a unique dining experience.
How does Anomaly score overall?
Anomaly achieves an excellent overall score of 8.9. Its Service (9.1), Ambience (9.0), and Food (8.9) are all rated excellent, with Value (7.7) also scoring well.
Are there any common issues at Anomaly?
Some guests have noted occasional service coordination issues, particularly around ordering drinks or forgotten dishes. There were also mixed opinions on dessert quality and some confusion regarding pricing options on the bill.