Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Blackwood – San Francisco
Blackwood - San Francisco
Photo from Blackwood
Blackwood at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 130 of the guests
#1531 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#182 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
761
Reviews
69.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Service issues
- Loud environment
The restaurant Blackwood in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District offers you a memorable dining experience. As a top-tier restaurant, it stands out with its great wine list, inviting you to explore a curated selection.
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re seeking healthy options or enjoying happy hour drinks.
Overview: Introducting Blackwood
Blackwood offers a dining experience where the food truly shines, often described as fresh and flavorful with thoughtful presentation. The ambiance also contributes positively, providing a modern and relaxed setting, sometimes with appealing outdoor seating.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly with automatic gratuity practices and perceived pricey items. There have also been occasional reports of inattentive service and issues with noise level or even an unpleasant aroma.
Good
7.1
out of 10
761
Reviews
69.6%
Satisfaction
180
negative
51
neutral
530
positive
Blackwood achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.6%, suggesting a mixed reception among diners.
This contrast is worth noting, as while many find it good, a significant portion expresses reservations. These insights are drawn from over 760 customer opinions, with 530 positive and 180 negative.
The Food (7.2) is a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality. Ambience (7.8) also scores well, contributing positively to the dining experience.
While Service (7.2) generally performs well, it receives a notable number of negative comments. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.9), which is consistently rated lower, reflecting concerns about pricing and additional charges.
What people like
- Delicious, well-presented food
- Inviting, modern ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Questionable value, high price
- Inconsistent service quality
- High noise, parking issues
Blackwood presents a compelling option if you prioritize well-prepared dishes and a pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s generally a place worth considering, especially for its culinary offerings and atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the potential for a less-than-stellar value proposition and occasional service hiccups. If you’re sensitive to noise or concerned about parking, these aspects might temper your experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blackwood
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score, indicating a good culinary experience. Many rave about the delicious and flavorful dishes, with highlights like the signature stone pot, millionaires bacon, and generous portions. With 328 positive remarks out of 470 total, theres a lot to love about the menus variety and creative Thai-American fusion.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 69.8%, which is a mixed bag. Some diners found the food lacking in flavor, overly sweet, or experienced issues like dry chicken and inconsistent quality. There were 105 negative comments, suggesting that while many enjoy it, theres room for improvement in consistency and execution.
Food
470
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
105
negative
37
neutral
328
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Flavorful dishes
- Creative menu
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Lacking flavor
- Overly sweet dishes
Often praised
- foodWhen our food and drinks arrived, they completely blew us away. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. This is definitely a must-visit brunch spot in San Francisco, and I’ll be recommending it to anyone looking for great food and amazing vibes!
- FoodFood:5
- menuThe menu includes good ol’ Thai to kids menu burgers
- drinksMy experience at Blackwood was excellent. It's a fantastic Thai-Western fusion place with great drinks. I highly recommend the samosas with your meal; they are just delicious.
- portionThe portion felt like it was big enough for two people to share
- presentationThis restaurant in San Francisco offers an impressive fusion of Thai and American flavors. The dishes were thoughtfully prepared, showcasing a great balance of spice, presentation, and texture. The service was prompt, and the atmosphere felt both modern and relaxed.
- stone pottalking up the stone pot here from when he lived in SF. It did not disappoint.
- dishesdishes were thoughtfully prepared, with a great balance of spice, presentation, and texture
- portionsThe portions are generous
- Dinner Stone Potgot the 24hr Beef Noodle Soup and the Dinner Stone Pot - all we can say is WOW
Frequently criticized
- foodAfter about 10 minutes without an update about the rest of our food
- food qualityfood quality was disappointing
- curryI enjoyed the tasty Thai food. The curry was yummy, although it was a little too watery. The people and service were nice.
- drinkswhat we had (the hot spiced almond beverage & dragonfruit bellini) didn't match the caliber of the food
- cheeseburgerI asked for Medium temp & for millionaire bacon to be on the crispy side which I make myself. The tuna tartare was good and my niece liked her dish but the cheeseburger arrived medium well to well done. I pointed out to the server when I was able to get her attention.
- flavorfood quite lacking in flavor other than salt
- food poisoningwe ended up with food poisoning
- fried chickenI was very excited about them, but ultimately, I give it a 3/5. The waffle was not as crispy as I would have liked, and I wasn't too big a fan of the fried chicken; the batter was too close to what you'd find on fish and chips. It felt pricey overall.
- main courseHowever, the food lacked flavor. To make things worse, they served our main course without rice because, according to them, it was still cooking—we had to wait 15 minutes for it. The worst part of the experience was finding a hair in both the fried calamari and the salmon while my partner was eating.
- pad ThaiSpecifically, the chicken curry dish consisted of fried, dried, burnt small pieces of chicken tossed in Thai spices, lacking any discernible taste. The vegetarian curry and pad Thai were barely edible. On a positive note, the service was good.
If youre looking for creative Thai-American fusion with often generous and flavorful dishes, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences point to inconsistency in flavor and quality, so manage your expectations.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.2 score and a solid 70.6% customer satisfaction. With 108 positive remarks out of 146 total, many guests rave about the friendly service, attentive staff, and quick delivery of food. They often feel welcomed and well-cared for, highlighting efficient and accommodating experiences.
However, not everyone has had a seamless experience. The 38 negative comments point to occasional inattentive servers, slow service, and even some rude staff interactions. Issues like long wait times to order or unorganized management have sometimes left guests feeling frustrated and overlooked.
Service
153
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
38
negative
7
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Accommodating needs
What people don't like
- Inattentive, rude staff
- Slow service, long waits
- Poor management
Often praised
- serviceThe food was absolutely delicious, with flavors that were on point and every dish beautifully presented. Lily provided exceptional service, ensuring our table was well taken care of with warmth and professionalism. I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for great food and impeccable service.
- staffComing from the east coast for vacation, this is exactly what we needed! The staff were extremely pleasant from the start. Very attentive to the needs of the table.
- ServiceOn my sixth visit, the Smoky Cashew was again just wonderful. Cooper gives Blackwood 5 Wags. It's a great place to hang out after a run on the beach.
- StaffAbsolutely recommendable. The staff is very friendly and very attentive. The price is absolutely okay for the quality of the dishes and you can of course pay by credit card.
- food came outVery attentive to the needs of the table. The food came out lightning fast. The selection made it impossible to pick because I wanted to eat it all!
- ServersServers were nice and very accommodating
- accommodate usable to accommodate us for dinner
- accommodatingSo, the first day I landed back, I went there for my first meal. We went with two dogs, and they were really accommodating and nice to us and the dogs, even though we arrived 30 minutes prior to closing time. The meal was as delicious as I remembered.
- allergiesstaff asked about allergies
- booking a tablerecommended to book a table in advance
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis felt exasperating as we were leaving. Adding to the lackluster service, a default 20% gratuity was added for our party of 5. While I understand New Year's Day can be busy, the poor service and food quality made this a place I would never recommend.
- managerWhen we received the bill, we noticed a $70 auto-gratuity had been added. Upon questioning the manager about this, she became argumentative. We asked if she would take responsibility for any health issues my partner might face due to the contaminated food, but she outright refused.
- reservationMy experience was disappointing due to poor management. We had a reservation for 2: 30 PM, but a technical issue meant we weren’t on their list. We were asked to wait 5–10 minutes and to place our brunch order quickly as brunch was ending at 3 PM.
- serverEvidently she also did not ask the server as I watched her scold the server too. Then the server angrily dropped the new check on our table. I don’t know why I left a tip, I used to be a server I guess so I was a bit emphatic to the server.
- staffThe staff were inattentive and unbothered.
- Servicecharged us for the beef even though it was their mistake
- Uber Eats serviceactivated their Uber Eats service, allowing me to place my order.
- ableistplace is blatantly ableist
- answering questionsanswering annoyed at our questions
- explanationcalled back for an explanation
Overall, the service here leans positive, making it a good choice if you value a friendly and efficient dining experience. While some hiccups with attentiveness or speed can occur, the majority of guests leave happy. It's worth a try for generally good service.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8 and leaving 81.7% of customers satisfied. With 85 positive remarks out of 104, guests frequently praise the cute spot and modern and relaxed atmosphere. Many adore the walls blanketed in flowers, outdoor seating, and the great vibe that makes it a truly beautiful and unique place to dine.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 13 comments. Some found the noise level to be extremely loud, making conversation difficult. A few also mentioned the interior felt worn or that the restaurant could be cold due to an open door, and one even noted an unpleasant aroma.
Ambience
104
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful floral decor
- Relaxed, modern atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be very loud
- Worn interior elements
- Unpleasant odors
Often praised
- atmosphereThe dishes were thoughtfully prepared, showcasing a great balance of spice, presentation, and texture. The service was prompt, and the atmosphere felt both modern and relaxed. It's a must-try for anyone seeking a fantastic dining experience in the Marina District.
- AtmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was excellent, offering a great escape from the East Bay temp. I highly recommend the Oscar Benedict.
- ambiancethe cozy yet stylish ambiance
- decorThe Blackwood decor was modern and chic
- restaurantI really pretty restaurant, decorated with lots of flowers
- ambienceReally nice ambience.
- outdoor seatingI love that they have outdoor seating not on the sidewalk.
- outside seatingNice outside seating with heating did not disappoint
- vibesEverything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. This is definitely a must-visit brunch spot in San Francisco, and I’ll be recommending it to anyone looking for great food and amazing vibes!
- ADA-compliantare ADA-compliant
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking can be challenging
- aromaShe had done a lot of research on places for brunch and this was one that was recommended. As soon as we walked in, there was an aroma of old, stale urine. We are both very accustomed to this since we both are in the medical field.
- atmosphereExtremely loud
- doorThey had the door open
- forks and knivesForks and knives are dirty
- hearingNot able to hear the person in front of me
- interiorInterior felt worn
- noise levelQuite loud due ro other patrons
- parkingParking may get tricky!!
- place closesplace closes at 21:30
If you're looking for a visually stunning and generally relaxed spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud, and some minor interior details might not be perfect.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, a handful of diners (9 out of 34 opinions) found some pleasant surprises, highlighting reasonable price points and even bottomless options that felt like a steal. They appreciated getting quality for the money, making their experience feel worthwhile, and noted the convenience of paying by credit card. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a score of 3.9 and only 26.5% customer satisfaction.
Many of the 24 negative comments frequently cited pricey dishes, unexpected gratuity and auto-gratuity charges, and inflated food prices, often feeling the price point wasnt justified, especially with extra fees like the SF Employee Benefit Mandate'.
Value
34
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
24
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable price points
- Good quality for money
- Bottomless options
What people don't like
- Unexpected gratuity charges
- Overpriced food/drinks
- High price point
Often praised
- pricesprices were also reasonable
- PriceThe staff is very friendly and very attentive. The price is absolutely okay for the quality of the dishes and you can of course pay by credit card.
- bottomlessThe $26 bottomless per person was a STEAL
- credit cardThe staff is very friendly and very attentive. The price is absolutely okay for the quality of the dishes and you can of course pay by credit card.
- priceThe service was incredibly friendly and attentive. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone in search of an incredible meal and experience at a price that seems like theft.
- pricingPricing is reasonable
- quality for the moneygood quality for the money
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was pretty good. I found it to be a good brunch spot with reasonable prices and great service. While the location itself wasn't the most comfortable or cozy, it was still a great overall experience.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant felt a bit overpriced for the food I received. The drinks were also very expensive.
- gratuityThe food was good, and the prices were also reasonable. However, they have a rather frustrating practice of automatically including a 20% gratuity in the bill, and then still asking if you want to leave an additional tip. This lack of transparency regarding the bill is something to beware of.
- billgave me a bill of $343 plus $70 in auto tips
- priceyAdditionally, it is QUITE pricey
- Apple Paythe only thing I don’t like is they don’t have Apple Pay
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- SF Employee Benefit Mandate6% SF Employee Benefit Mandate (highest I've encountered at any SF restaurant).
- auto-gratuityShe apologized, removed the item from the bill, and offered us two free drinks. When we received the bill, we noticed a $70 auto-gratuity had been added. Upon questioning the manager about this, she became argumentative.
- breakfastFor a $80 breakfast, this place is a waste.
- checkEven to place the dessert order took longer that I asked for the check anticipating the delay. I saw they charged me for the burger and when I asked to remove it. Another older lady with glasses who may be an owner loudly scolded me for not saying anything in the beginning in front of my niece and the table next to us noticed it as well.
If value is a top priority, proceed with caution. While a few found reasonable prices or bottomless deals, the majority felt it was pricey with unexpected gratuity and inflated food prices. Be prepared for potentially higher costs and scrutinize your bill.
How are the prices at Blackwood?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 130 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty interesting mix! While the average hovers around 37, a good number of guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, and another significant group opts for more premium experiences, spending $41–$50. So, there’s a nice spread, catering to different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 130 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in this category, especially given the variety of price points available to guests. It offers flexibility for different dining preferences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blackwood
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Awesome Food, Friendly Staff, Great Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was awesome! We got lucky walking in and beating the rush, though reservations are probably a better bet. The place is cute with lovely decor, and the staff were super friendly and welcoming.
The food was delicious and served in big portions, and the drinks were also fantastic! If we have the chance to visit town again, we would definitely come back!
- place9
- staff10
- food9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
4
Mixed Brunch Experience with Good and Bad Points
It was a beautiful day in SF and my bestie and I stopped in here for brunch. The wait staff kept coming and asking to take our order, which felt borderline rushed. I had the drunken noodles with chicken and it was good.
However, they got my friend's order wrong, and it was cold when it arrived, which was not good. I don't think I will be back. The nice outdoor seating and clean bathroom were positives.
- drunken noodles with chicken7
- outdoor seating8
- clean bathroom8
- friend's order2
- cold when it arrived2
- wait staff4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Impressive Thai-American Fusion in the Marina
My experience at Blackwood was truly memorable. This restaurant in San Francisco offers an impressive fusion of Thai and American flavors. The dishes were thoughtfully prepared, showcasing a great balance of spice, presentation, and texture.
The service was prompt, and the atmosphere felt both modern and relaxed. It's a must-try for anyone seeking a fantastic dining experience in the Marina District.
- fusion of Thai and American flavors9
- dishes8
- balance of spice8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
An Unexpected Culinary Gem!
We stumbled upon this restaurant by chance while walking around and were absolutely thrilled we did. The flowers and decor that adorn every square inch of this place are amazing, with no detail left untouched, even featuring little birds and bees amongst the flowers. We started with the Meing Kum Kung, which was only the beginning to the incredible flavors that followed.
For mains, we enjoyed the 24hr Beef Noodle Soup and the Dinner Stone Pot – all we can say is WOW! The service was incredibly friendly and attentive. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone in search of an incredible meal and experience at a price that seems like theft.
- flowers and decor10
- Meing Kum Kung9
- 24hr Beef Noodle Soup10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Meal in Years!
This is hands down the best food I have eaten in YEARS. I’ve been to a variety of states and even Italy, and I’d say this is the best meal I’ve eaten in ages. I can’t recommend it enough.
Coming from the east coast for vacation, this is exactly what we needed! The staff were extremely pleasant from the start. Very attentive to the needs of the table.
The food came out lightning fast. The selection made it impossible to pick because I wanted to eat it all! We began our journey with the Mieng Kim Kung.
Next, we treated our palette to the Dinner Stone Pot and the 24 Hour Beef Soup, which were immaculate. The environment speaks for itself - with the walls blanketed in flowers, it’s truly stunning as every inch of the wall is covered in beauty. A refreshing twist to the city-atmosphere it derives from.
- food10
- staff9
- needs of the table9
What Blackwood offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Blackwood?
At Blackwood, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with dessert options also available. Table service and comfortable seating ensure a pleasant dining experience for you.
Does Blackwood cater to specific dietary needs and offer a variety of beverages?
Absolutely! Blackwood provides healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options to suit your preferences. For beverages, you can choose from a great wine list, beer, coffee, cocktails, and hard liquor, including happy hour drinks. Small plates are also available for you to enjoy.
What are the main strengths of Blackwood?
Customers frequently praise Blackwood for its food, often described as fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The ambiance is also a highlight, noted for its modern and relaxed atmosphere, sometimes with appealing outdoor seating.
What are the common concerns at Blackwood?
The primary concerns revolve around value, with some finding it overpriced or questioning automatic gratuity practices. There are also occasional reports of inattentive service and issues with noise levels or challenging parking.
How does Blackwood score overall, and what are its key topic ratings?
Blackwood holds an overall score of 7.1, with customer satisfaction at 69.6%. Its strengths lie in Ambience (7.8) and Food (7.2), while Service (7.2) is generally good but has mixed feedback. Value (3.9) is the lowest-scoring aspect.