Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Birdsong – San Francisco
Birdsong - San Francisco
Photo from Birdsong
Birdsong at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 61 of the guests
#1266 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#56 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
528
Reviews
71.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cuisine
- Engaging ambiance
- Personal service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Location concerns
- Service issues
The restaurant Birdsong, an American restaurant located in the vibrant West SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, offers an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover a truly upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out.
Known for its great dessert, this spot promises a culinary journey that delights the senses. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a trendy night, Birdsong provides a sophisticated setting.
Overview: Introducting Birdsong
Birdsong offers a culinary journey where the food truly shines, often described as innovative and thoughtfully executed. Guests frequently commend the delightful ambiance , noting the beautiful decor and engaging open kitchen that creates an intimate dining experience.
However, the experience isn’t without its considerations. Some patrons have found the surrounding location to be less than ideal, and the overall value proposition can be a point of contention for others, despite the high quality of the dishes.
Good
7.4
out of 10
528
Reviews
71.2%
Satisfaction
126
negative
26
neutral
376
positive
Birdsong achieves a solid overall 7.4 score, indicating a generally good dining experience, complemented by a 71.2% customer satisfaction rate. This positive reception is built on a substantial body of feedback, with 376 positive remarks against 126 negative ones across 528 customer observations.
Delving into specifics, the Food truly stands out with an excellent score of (8.1), consistently impressing diners. The Ambience also contributes positively, rated as good at (7.4).
While Service is generally seen as acceptable at (6.9), the Value proposition registers as poor at (3.8), suggesting that the cost-to-experience ratio is a significant concern for many.
What people like
- Innovative, creative food
- Engaging open kitchen
- Warm, personal service
What people don't like
- High price, low value
- Challenging exterior location
- Service inconsistencies
With a 7.7 recommendation score, Birdsong is certainly worth considering if you prioritize an inventive culinary experience and an engaging dining atmosphere. Be prepared for a significant investment, as the Value aspect is a common point of concern for many patrons.
Ultimately, if you’re seeking a memorable meal where the dishes are the star and you don’t mind the surrounding area or the price tag, Birdsong delivers a distinctive experience. However, those sensitive to cost or expecting flawless service might find aspects less appealing.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Birdsong
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a solid 79.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the creative and well-executed tasting menu, describing it as a true culinary journey with unique food and thoughtful presentation. With 210 positive remarks out of 264 total, it seems many find the dishes to be a delightful experience.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 39 negative comments. Some diners have encountered inconsistencies, mentioning undercooked quail or bland flavors. There were also instances where dishes were described as too sweet or made with what felt like cheap ingredients, suggesting that while often brilliant, the kitchen can occasionally miss the mark.
Food
264
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
39
negative
15
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Culinary journey
- Unique food
- Thoughtful presentation
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland flavors
- Dishes too sweet
Often praised
- foodYou're too close to your neighbors for that ultimate third star. However, their loss is our gain: you get 3-star food for a 2-star price. I highly recommend it, unless an intimate atmosphere for a date is your priority.
- dishesWe do dine out often, but it’s rare for a restaurant to leave such a lasting impression. The food was innovative, creative, and deeply thoughtful; every dish felt unique and perfectly executed. The staff made us feel so warmly taken care of, with service that was professional yet personal.
- tasting menuThe tasting menu started off great and we were blown away by some of the simpler looking dishes.
- mealWe had a member in our party with a shellfish allergy, and the staff were able to make substitutions that were easily as wonderful as the original menu. Everything about the meal was perfect.
- sea urchin cream puffthe sea urchin cream puff (a sweet and savory umami bomb)
- wine pairingThe wine pairing was well chosen and really complimented each dish.
- FoodFood was fantastic
- presentationThe food, presentation, synchronized service - everything was impeccable!
- Journey menudo the Journey menu, and escape for three hours to one of the best meals of your life
- Sea Urchin Cream PuffMy second favorite! The uni was incredibly fresh, and pairing it with a cream puff added a unique twist
Frequently criticized
- dishesthe last 3 dishes before dessert were too heavy, getting us to saturation
- foodThe food was bland, made with cheap ingredients, and completely uninspired.
- quailserved the quail (their star dish) ... at room temperature.
- BBQ CarrotBBQ Carrot was off the menu (huge highlight).
- Michelin starThe dishes were way too sweet, and the meat had an excessive amount of salt. It was definitely a Michelin star let down!
- New American cuisine“New American” isn’t a real cuisine, but rather a chef’s excuse for science experiments.
- Purple CornbreadPurple cornbread is no longer the same ingredient
- Roasted CarrotUnfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. Despite the elaborate preparation, the carrot didn’t shine
- aged pork radicchioaged pork radicchio (tough, chewy)
- bbq carrotbbq carrot (burnt
If you're seeking a creative and often exceptional culinary adventure, this restaurant is definitely worth exploring. Be prepared for a few potential inconsistencies, but the overall experience promises unique flavors and memorable dishes.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 6.9, though customer satisfaction is a bit more of a mixed bag at 65.7%. Many guests raved about the attentive and professional staff, highlighting the synchronized service and personal touch that made their experience special. With 94 positive remarks out of 143 total, it seems many appreciate the accommodations and seamless flow of the evening.
However, not everyone had such a smooth experience, with 47 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Issues like an inflexible restaurant manager regarding reservations, a perceived lack of attention to details, and instances of slow service or arrogant staff left some feeling disappointed. The restaurant's flexibility on booking changes also came under scrutiny.
Service
143
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
47
negative
2
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, professional staff
- Synchronized, seamless service
- Personalized guest touches
What people don't like
- Inflexible booking policies
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude, arrogant staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by an incredibly inventive menu in both flavor and presentation. The service was highly attentive and well-informed, especially when answering questions. However, their efforts to coordinate the timing of dish drop and retrieval left something to be desired, feeling somewhat clumsy.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was amazing, featuring top quality ingredients. The staff was extremely nice and understanding, contributing to a wonderful dining experience. The kitchen was beautiful and the interior design was gorgeous, creating a stunning atmosphere.
- ServiceService is top notch as well.
- head chefyou could tell how much he truly cared about each patron
- personal touchadding a personal touch to our menus
- serversThey were all friendly and warm especially Caitlin.
- sommelierThe sommelier was also great and recommended some really good wines
- Chris BleidornChris Bleidorn was there and cooking
- LaylaWhat made the evening even more remarkable was the outstanding service provided by Layla. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for hospitality shone throughout the entire meal. Layla and Logan were incredibly informative, sharing fascinating insights about each dish with enthusiasm and expertise.
- Layla and LoganHer warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for hospitality shone throughout the entire meal. Layla and Logan were incredibly informative, sharing fascinating insights about each dish with enthusiasm and expertise. Their knowledge and dedication added a personal touch that made the experience even more memorable.
Frequently criticized
- serviceInitially, our table was ready after our reservation, which is not uncommon, but the maître d' made us feel pressured by clearly signaling to her staff and us to speed through the courses. Additionally, the service was slightly messy at times, such as forgetting to pour our coffee with dessert. I've never encountered this kind of issue in a Michelin Star restaurant before, especially a 2*.
- staffFor example, when my dad asked what the concentrated brown substance at the bottom of the prawn dish was, she responded, “its…the…prawn…” in a condescending tone, without any further description. The staff knew we were feeling uncomfortable, and that did not make them act any warmer towards us. Early on, I asked Alex if everything was okay since he seemed irritated.
- reservationI’ve never encountered a situation like this before, and I feel it’s important to share for others to be aware. We had a reservation for two at Birdsong, but due to a series of unfortunate coincidences, I mistakenly booked it for the wrong weekend while I was out of town. I realized the error the following day and reached out to the restaurant in hopes of rescheduling or recovering a portion of the $800+ prepaid meal.
- waiting timeThe service was even worse—slow, inattentive, and unprofessional. It took 4 hours to finish the meal, with 30-minute gaps between courses. Waiting that long for mediocre food was infuriating.
- experienceit’s a long experience so next time I’d wait until I could have got an earlier booking
- COVID-19possible spreading of COVID-19 through their restaurant
- alternative datedeclined to offer an alternative date
- attention to detailsThe most shocking thing is I didn't touch the dessert at all and pushed it to the side and not one person check in asking how the meal was or if there's anything wrong. Clearly shows the staff lack attention to details. Lesson learned and to never dine here again.
- booking dateswe got the dates mixed up
- cancellation windowwithin the cancelation window
If you're looking for a dining experience with generally attentive and personalized service, this place is worth considering. Just be aware that while many praise the staff, some have encountered issues with booking flexibility or occasional lapses in attentiveness, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 7.4 and leaving a strong impression with 75.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 67 positive observations out of 89 total, guests frequently highlight the engaging open kitchen layout, the vibrant atmosphere, and the unique touch of classic rock music, especially when seated at the chef's table. It sounds like a thoughtfully designed and lively space.
However, there are a few areas that could use some attention, with 20 negative remarks. Some diners expressed concerns about the surrounding neighborhood and the tricky parking situation. A few found the music selection not to their liking, and a small number felt the overall vibe leaned towards being pretentious.
These points suggest that while the interior is great, the external factors can be a drawback.
Ambience
89
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open kitchen view
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Classic rock soundtrack
What people don't like
- Questionable neighborhood
- Difficult parking
- Intrusive music
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was wonderful
- kitchenWe were impressed by all the wait staff and how they worked in unison. It was fun being able to see into the kitchen and watch everyone working together to prepare our dishes. It was an intimate experience, and I was very impressed with the whole experience.
- ambianceappreciated the relaxed ambiance
- experienceIntimate experience very impressed with the while experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bar seatingI celebrated my birthday here back in March and had a great time! The service was excellent, and if you’re dining alone, they’ll seat you at the bar where you can see the staff in the kitchen, which I really enjoyed. Standouts for me were the lacquered quail and sea urchin cream puff.
- decorThe dishes and decor were beautiful
- interior designthe interior design was gorgeous
- open kitchenThe open kitchen and locally sourced ingredients are a highlight
- vibeeven the vibe made me forget I was in the middle of a major city
Frequently criticized
- locationthis location is very questionable especially after hours
- parkingThe location also felt a bit unsafe. You definitely need to park in a garage, and even then it didn’t feel totally secure. That part kind of took away from the experience too.
- ParkingParking is tricky! Street parking is limited
- ambienceinteresting ambience. There were multiple parties that cycled through that came prepared with influencer gear.
- area right outsideThe area right outside the restaurant is off putting
- atmosphereBirdsong is a little crowded, a little cramped.
- decorDecor lacks investment
- disparity of a scene changeIt's quite the disparity of a scene change from inside and outside
- homeless aroundthere are a lot of homeless around
- homeless folksencountering the homeless folks on both sides of the street
If you're seeking a dynamic dining experience with an exciting open kitchen and a unique soundtrack, this restaurant is a strong contender. Just be mindful of the surrounding area and potential parking difficulties, and ensure the music style suits your taste for a truly perfect evening.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to Value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. While customer satisfaction is quite low at 15.6%, some diners, in 5 positive opinions, genuinely felt the experience was worth the price of entry and money. They even described getting 3-star food for a 2-star price, suggesting moments where quality truly justified the cost.
However, the overall score of 3.8, which is average, points to significant concerns. With 20 negative comments, many felt the price was excessive, leading to poor value. Strict prepaid meal policies and a lack of refund flexibility also left some feeling like they wasted money or were charged unfairly.
Value
32
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Quality justifies cost
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Strict refund policy
- Excessive pricing
Often praised
- priceYou're too close to your neighbors for that ultimate third star. However, their loss is our gain: you get 3-star food for a 2-star price. I highly recommend it, unless an intimate atmosphere for a date is your priority.
- moneyWorth the money.
- price of entryis alone worth the price of entry
- price per personThe experience worth $400 per person price tag
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was bland, made with cheap ingredients, and completely uninspired. For the price, I expected so much more. The service was even worse—slow, inattentive, and unprofessional.
- valueoffer far more value
- $1,200lose $1,200 that we had to pay in advance
- $1200most wasteful $1200 I’ve spent
- $450 chargeCharged us $450
- affordEverything was wonderful, from the food to the staff who saw to our every need. I would go again if I could afford it.
- chargedMy experience at this restaurant was marked by poor value and rude staff. A bizarre situation occurred where we were charged the same as our neighbours, but they received additional dishes because they were 'friends of the restaurant. ' This was particularly strange as it was their first time dining there.
- cheaplooking for CHEAP, this is not for you
- depositkeeping the deposit
- missold wineMissold wine where it was younger than stated at the same price
If youre weighing the value here, be aware that while some find the experience truly worth the price, many others feel its not justified. Expect high costs and strict policies, especially for prepaid meals, which can lead to disappointment if things go awry. Proceed with caution, as the perceived value is a real mixed bag.
How are the prices at Birdsong?
On average, you’ll spend around 104 per person – from 61 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $101+ category. For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, thats definitely a higher-end experience.
The pricing is quite consistent, with almost all reported prices clustering firmly in this premium bracket, showing its not a place for budget dining.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 61 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Given the premium pricing, wed say it feels fair if the quality and overall dining experience truly match a higher-end American restaurant in San Francisco. Its an investment for a meal, so we expect the value to be there.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Birdsong
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Solid Choice for Special Occasions
My experience at Birdsong was definitely a great one for celebrating a special day. The service was outstanding, truly on par with the best I've experienced, even in Japan. I appreciated the open kitchen and the focus on locally sourced ingredients, which were a highlight.
The dishes are prepared to allow the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, meaning they aren't heavy on spices. While you shouldn't expect bold flavors, the food is still very tasty and well executed. The presentation was elevated and thoughtful.
Nothing truly exceeded my expectations for a Michelin-starred restaurant until dessert, which was a pleasant surprise, especially since I'm not typically a dessert person. Overall, Birdsong is a solid choice for special occasions, particularly for someone who appreciates novelty and healthy, ingredient-driven dining.
- service10
- open kitchen8
- locally sourced ingredients8
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
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Birthday Dinner at Birdsong
We celebrated my husband’s birthday at Birdsong last night, and honestly, we were blown away. We do dine out often, but it’s rare for a restaurant to leave such a lasting impression. The food was innovative, creative, and deeply thoughtful; every dish felt unique and perfectly executed.
The staff made us feel so warmly taken care of, with service that was professional yet personal. The ambience was cozy but elegant, and everything flowed seamlessly from start to finish. We’re not usually the type to chase Michelin stars or fine dining for the sake of it, but Birdsong is different.
It’s one of those rare restaurants that truly delivers on every level. Definitely a must-try in San Francisco.
- food10
- staff10
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Experience Despite Great Service
I really tried to like this place, but unfortunately, it disappointed. While I don't normally seek out seafood, I've had pleasant surprises at other restaurants, so I decided to give this place a chance. I'd recommend skipping this one for now, as there are many other places to try first.
One surprising dish I genuinely enjoyed was the wild antelope. The service was excellent, and it was a true pleasure seating kitchen-side, watching the staff create art. However, the overall experience just wasn't for me.
EDIT: Both my partner and I woke up stomach sick. I just don't think the whole experience is acceptable at the price point and for a 2-star restaurant.
- wild antelope8
- service10
- staff9
- price point3
- stomach sick1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
An Unforgettable Michelin Star Experience
My experience at this restaurant was one of my favorite, if not my favorite, Michelin-starred experiences of all time, even after dining at numerous acclaimed establishments in San Francisco and New York City, such as 11 Madison and Le Bernardin. This place truly deserves more recognition. Dining at the chef's counter made me feel right at home.
The food is elevated, yet every single bite is delicious and something almost anyone would enjoy. The staff are not pretentious or arrogant; instead, they are kind and happily engage in conversation while serving dishes or walking around. The head chef, whom I could see from my seat, was soft-spoken, and it was evident how much he genuinely cared about each patron and his team.
I highly recommend going for the Journey menu and escaping for three hours to enjoy one of the best meals of your life. It was a 10/10 experience.
- food10
- people10
- head chef10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
An Unforgettable Culinary Journey
My experience at this restaurant was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Head chef Christopher Bleidorn masterfully blends a hip, energetic vibe with dishes that are both incredibly creative and well-balanced, ensuring smiles throughout the entire meal. The staff is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, demonstrating a deep understanding of each dish when answering questions.
This was easily a three-star experience, and I highly recommend planning a trip here as soon as possible. We're already looking forward to our next visit!
- dining experiences10
- dishes10
- staff10
What Birdsong offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Birdsong?
At Birdsong, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening. You can enjoy dinner with table service, and be sure to save room for their highly-rated dessert offerings.
Are reservations required at Birdsong, and is the restaurant accessible?
Yes, reservations are required and highly recommended for dinner at Birdsong. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How is Birdsong rated overall?
Birdsong holds a good overall score of 7.4 with 71.2% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.1) and Ambience (7.4) are highly regarded, while Service (6.9) is acceptable, but Value (3.8) is a notable weakness.
What are the standout features of the dining experience at Birdsong?
Diners frequently praise the innovative and thoughtfully executed food , often highlighting its presentation and unique flavors. The restaurant’s intimate ambiance and engaging open kitchen also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Birdsong?
Yes, some guests express concerns about the surrounding location and parking difficulties. Additionally, the value for money is often cited as a drawback, and some have experienced inconsistencies in service .