Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » LAUREL COURT – San Francisco
LAUREL COURT - San Francisco
Photo from LAUREL COURT
LAUREL COURT at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#2227 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#115 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
586
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Grand Ambience
- Attentive Service
- Good Breakfast
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Inconsistent Service
- Bad Afternoon Tea
The restaurant, an inviting American eatery in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill, offers you a memorable dining experience. At LAUREL COURT RESTAURANT, you can indulge in delicious American cuisine, known for its exceptional desserts.
This upscale, historic, and cozy spot is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re seeking a delightful breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or an elegant dinner. You’ll find a warm atmosphere awaiting you.
Overview: Introducting LAUREL COURT
LAUREL COURT offers a grand setting with generally well-regarded cuisine. Many guests appreciate the attentive server interactions, contributing to a pleasant dining experience within its historic walls.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies in service, with occasional long waiting time, and concerns about the overall price point. The establishment presents a mixed picture for diners.
Average
5.6
out of 10
586
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
252
negative
35
neutral
299
positive
This establishment holds an overall score of 5.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 51%. This assessment is drawn from 586 customer observations, showing a fairly balanced sentiment with 299 positive remarks against 252 negative ones.
The Ambience (7.2) stands out as a strong point, often described as elegant and grand. Food (5.7) receives an average rating, with some dishes praised while others fall short.
Service (5.2) also lands in the average range, experiencing both commendable moments and notable lapses. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.1), which customers frequently find challenging.
What people like
- Grand, elegant atmosphere
- Attentive, kind staff
- Delicious breakfast items
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Subpar afternoon tea
With a recommendation score of 5.6, this venue offers a distinctive setting that appeals to many. If you prioritize a grand atmosphere and potentially some well-executed breakfast dishes, it might be worth considering.
However, be prepared for a mixed experience regarding service consistency and overall value. It’s a place that could satisfy if expectations are managed, but it may disappoint those seeking consistent excellence across all aspects.
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Verdict: Our expert take on LAUREL COURT
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to savor! With 135 positive remarks out of 262 total, many guests found the delicious food and generous portions quite appealing. Highlights include amazing dishes like perfectly poached Eggs Benedict and delectable treats.
While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 51.5%, the food itself earns an average 5.7. However, not all experiences were stellar, with 106 negative comments. Some diners encountered cold food, poor quality food, and a general lack of flavor.
There were also mentions of a limited menu and disappointing breakfast options, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
262
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
106
negative
21
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Amazing dishes
What people don't like
- Cold food served
- Poor food quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodThe first time I tried high tea, the service was great but the food caused stomach issues. The second time, the food was delicious, but the service was lacking. Laurel Court, however, excelled in both areas!
- Eggs BenedictThe panna cotta did not taste like panna cotta, but instead tasted like yogurt, which was a letdown. For breakfast, I would recommend the Fairmont Classic and Eggs Benedict. The pastries were also decent.
- drinksget a few drinks before going out
- teaThe room is elegant without being stuffy. We each ordered a different tea and were all happy with our choices. Our server, Jun, was friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
- bottomless champagneThe experience was very kid friendly, and the service and food were excellent. While the price was hefty, the bottomless champagne made it worthwhile. The magical atmosphere truly immersed us in the holiday spirit.
- breakfastWe had breakfast for few days over here and it did not cease to please
- cheeseburgerthe cheeseburger was a perfect medium rare with delightful, butter, lettuce, tomato, validation, Rhodes, and the softest, most buttery, tastiest brioche bun
- cocktailscocktails are generous
- dessertsThe third tier had desserts
- dishesThe dishes are in good and standard portions
Frequently criticized
- foodFurthermore, our children did not receive the promised cookie gift set and we had to ask for it after observing other parties leave with goodie bags. To top it all off, the food was below average. For $129 per person, including gratuity, I expected much better service and food quality.
- food qualityHowever, I do agree with other reviewers regarding the quality of the food for the price. The food quality was woefully lacking. If they improve the food/price point, this would be an annual tradition because the waiters and “elves” were fantastic!
- afternoon teaWorst afternoon tea I ever had
- breadthe bread was practically inedible
- breakfastrefused to seat us for breakfast
- coffeeMy experience at the restaurant was that it was expensive, and the buffet was only decent. The coffee wasn't great, and the service was rather unattentive.
- potatoesThe way they cook their potatoes is interesting but I am not a fan.
- sandwichesThe sandwiches were unforgivably stale and old
- sausagethe sausage was cold and rubbery and bland
- wineThis is a nice place to grab a drink without too much ambient noise, perfect if you want to focus on a good conversation. We ordered a half bottle of wine that did not feel optimally stored, but we still had a nice evening. The Fairmont parking is super expensive, but validation goes a long way.
If you're looking for a meal with potential for delicious highlights and generous portions, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, as consistency in quality and temperature can be an issue.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2 putting it squarely in the average range and customer satisfaction at a 45.9% mixed rating. Many guests praised the friendly server, attentive service, and knowledgeable staff, noting that food came out fast. Out of 157 total comments, 72 were positive, highlighting moments of great care and professionalism.
However, there were also 78 negative comments, indicating areas needing improvement. Some experienced long wait times and subpar service, with mentions of staff shortage and feeling rushed. It seems consistency is key here, as some found the service to be quite disappointing.
Service
157
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
78
negative
7
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly servers
- Attentive service
- Knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Subpar service
- Staff shortage
Often praised
- serviceI decided to dine here since Tonga Room was booked for the evening. My experience was positive; the food was great, and the service was nice.
- serverTony as our server, he was exceptional and went out of his way
- staffEveryone was so kind with our very busy toddler
- serversTo make matters worse, the presentation was messy, and the portions were laughably skimpy. Although the servers were nice, the service was slow and inattentive. The entire experience reeked of laziness and greed.
- Erin CallahanErin Callahan taking the lead on helping organize the event
- Jeshua and EduardoJeshua and Eduardo are very proffesional warm people.
- Laurel CourtLaurel Court has high marks on both service and food
- ServiceService was pretty good
- William or SeanMy experience at the Fairmont's Laurel Court was a treat. I was warmly greeted by William or Sean at the door, and I enjoyed seeing what was new on the menu. The service was excellent, and the menu offered interesting new options.
- allergies or dietary restrictionsHe ask about allergies or dietary restrictions right away
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe Brussels sprouts were hard as rocks, and the fish was dry and stringy. The service was completely unprofessional; they threw the cutlery at us three times. To top it off, the dining room was unbearably cold.
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely terrible. Our waiter, Rami, was awful. He made us feel rushed, provided incorrect recommendations for decaffeinated tea, and despite our children having allergies, the plates still contained food they were allergic to.
- managerFor $129 per person, including gratuity, I expected much better service and food quality. We spoke to the manager, Brian, about our dissatisfaction, but he did nothing to appease our unhappiness. I strongly advise you to do yourself a favor and not waste your money.
- serverConfused, we asked for clarification from another server, who speculated that maybe our server “preferred his tip in cash. ” When we requested a corrected bill to include the automatic gratuity, our server sighed loudly, dramatically ripped the original receipt in front of us, and said, “I’ll bring you another one then! ” For an establishment like the Fairmont, such behavior was not only unprofessional but utterly appalling.
- bartenderbartender refused to make me a whiskey sour
- customer servicethe worst customer service I have ever experienced
- waiting timeit took so long to get that we almost left
- 45 minutesTook 45 minutes
- ServiceService was not what I expected
- apologizednot apologized to
If youre looking for consistently stellar service, you might find it hit or miss here. While many appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential delays or less-than-ideal experiences, especially during busy times. Its worth a try if youre flexible, but dont go in expecting perfection every time.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score, indicating a good experience, and a solid 77.4% customer satisfaction. Out of 106 customer observations, a whopping 82 were positive, frequently praising the elegant atmosphere and Belle epoque decor. Many loved the live piano music and historic interiors, creating a truly magical atmosphere that feels both grand and inviting.
However, not everyone was swept away. There were 20 negative comments, with some mentioning a run down restaurant feel or issues like stained seats and a dingy smell in certain areas. A few even reported being freezing cold inside or noted a lack of vitality in the bar area, suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Ambience
106
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live piano music
- Elegant, historic decor
- Magical atmosphere
What people don't like
- Mice sightings
- Stained seats
- Uncomfortably cold
Often praised
- atmosphereThe historic interiors are stately and very grand benefitting the heritage hotel's ico ic status in the city of SFO.
- ambianceThe tea, food, service and ambiance were relatively good
- ambiencePeaceful ambience, a beautiful dining room
- pianistenjoyed a pianist playing during the whole experience
- settingspectacular and historical setting
- decorThe decor was lovely
- placeGreat place, I would highly recommend this place
- restaurantBeautiful restaurant to top it off
- Belle epoque decorvery lovely Belle epoque decor
- European feelextravagant European feel would be very classy
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereNo waiter checked on our food, and we were not greeted upon leaving. The service felt very cold and rushed, and the atmosphere was not welcoming at all. I would 100% not recommend wasting your money here.
- AtmosphereOverall atmosphere was dry
- ambienceIt feels and kind of smells dingy
- bar areabar area would be closed during the high tea
- coffee barused to have a coffee bar in the basement and that is now closed
- dining roomThe service was completely unprofessional; they threw the cutlery at us three times. To top it off, the dining room was unbearably cold. They desperately need a complete renovation; it felt like they held us at gunpoint.
- energy of the lobbythe energy of the lobby restaurant ( Laurel court) lacks the vitality
- experienceAlthough the servers were nice, the service was slow and inattentive. The entire experience reeked of laziness and greed. For this kind of money, we expected at least basic quality and effort.
- freezing cold insidewas freezing cold inside
- health departmentThe health department should really look into this hotel
If you're seeking a place with a grand, historic, and often elegant atmosphere, especially with live piano music, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. However, be aware that some guests have reported issues with cleanliness, temperature, or a slightly dated feel in certain spots, so manage your expectations for perfection.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, the feedback is quite a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards disappointment. Despite an overall poor score of 3.1 and poor customer satisfaction at 16.4%, a few guests did find some positives. They appreciated discounts on lunch and dinner, felt certain experiences were worth it, and noted a good deal or convenience when staying at the hotel, based on 10 positive remarks.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 48 negative remarks out of 61 total, points to significant concerns. Many found the experience pricey or the food overpriced, often citing unexpected gratuity or service charge as major drawbacks. Guests frequently felt it simply wasn't worth the price, leading to a sense of being overcharged for the quality received.
Value
61
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
48
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Discounts available
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Automatic gratuity
- Not worth price
Often praised
- priceYes, it's above average cost for a breakfast but was worth it!
- worth itbut worth it because we didn't HAVE to go elsewhere
- convenienceit is very convenient when staying in the hotel
- costThe service was impeccable and very courteous. The spread was delicious and worth the higher than average cost. The teas were actually delicious, which is a pleasant surprise as many high tea rooms don't emphasize this.
- dealit's a really good deal
- discounts on lunch and dinnergot discounts on lunch and dinner
- pricingPricing was the same as other restaurants in the area
- validationWe ordered a half bottle of wine that did not feel optimally stored, but we still had a nice evening. The Fairmont parking is super expensive, but validation goes a long way.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was that the afternoon tea was very small compared to other Bay Area locations and also pricier. While the decor was lovely and the seating nice, we ultimately left hungry and had to find lunch elsewhere.
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food tasted good, but it was very over priced, including the wine and spirits. I hope they pay their staff well considering the prices!
- automatic gratuityThe food was cold on the inside and had mold spots. To add to the issues, a 20% automatic gratuity was applied. Furthermore, there were attempts to add nearly $100 in fraudulent charges to our room.
- billthe real shock came with the bill
- gratuityHowever, at $150 per person (nearly $200 after tax and the required 20% tip), it didn’t feel worth the price. The service was also nothing special, and for the 20% required gratuity, it was pretty subpar. We noticed other tables received timers for their tea, which we never got.
- price tagThe sandwiches were stale and old, with bread that was practically inedible. The sweets were mediocre at best, forgettable, and certainly not worth the $155 per person price tag, plus a mandatory 20% gratuity. To make matters worse, the presentation was messy, and the portions were laughably skimpy.
- 15% service chargeDisappointed that there was a 15% service charge on the bill
- 20% gratuity20% gratuity was automatically included
- Fairmont parkingWe ordered a half bottle of wine that did not feel optimally stored, but we still had a nice evening. The Fairmont parking is super expensive, but validation goes a long way.
- Grey Goose MartiniCost of a Grey Goose Martini was $26!!
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for potentially high costs that many feel dont match the value. While some find specific discounts or convenience worthwhile, the general consensus suggests you might find it overpriced, especially with added gratuities. Proceed with caution if budget and perceived value are top priorities for you.
How are the prices at LAUREL COURT?
Expect to pay about 69$ per person, based on 54 reviews. That places it in the $61–$70 category. For an American Restaurant, thats definitely on the higher end, suggesting a more premium experience.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is 69$, theres a notable spread, with many guests spending over 100$, indicating a mix of dining experiences from mid-range to truly premium.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 54 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a premium American Restaurant experience in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair, especially considering the range of spending we see from guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about LAUREL COURT
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Fairmont Dining Experience
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing, especially considering it's a Fairmont. The food was very mediocre, and I suspect the wine was watered down. While the soup was acceptable, it lacked flavor.
The herb-seasoned chicken was only notable for being cooked, which is a low bar. The atmosphere received a low rating of 2, and service was rated a 3. The food quality was rated a 1.
- soup5
- food2
- wine2
- herb seasoned chicken3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Breakfast Buffet Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was a significant letdown. It feels like the shadow of what it once was. The breakfast, which I assume was once a highlight, has been turned into a regular buffet.
Unfortunately, the food quality was poor, and it was offered at a ridiculous price.
- food quality1
- price1
- breakfast1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Brilliant Soup and Service!
My experience at this beautiful hotel and restaurant was fantastic. The Butternut squash and roasted pear soup was brilliant, and I also loved the non-alcoholic Bloody Mary. The service was great.
While it is $$$ pricey, the quality of the food and service made it a worthwhile experience.
- Butternut squash and roasted pear soup10
- non alcoholic Bloody Mary9
- service9
- price4
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst Service Ever Experienced
My experience at this restaurant was quite literally the worst service I have ever encountered. If I could give negative ratings, I absolutely would.
- service1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! Wu was incredibly attentive and friendly during our two morning breakfasts. The entire staff was so kind to our very busy toddler.
Thanks to Wu and Yong for starting our mornings off right! The food was delicious and exactly what we needed.
- food9
- service10
- staff9
What LAUREL COURT offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
FAQs
What dining options and services can you expect at LAUREL COURT RESTAURANT?
At LAUREL COURT, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences throughout the day. You’ll find delicious options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. Don’t forget their great dessert selection. Reservations are accepted, with dinner and brunch reservations highly recommended for your convenience.
What accessibility features and family amenities does LAUREL COURT offer?
LAUREL COURT is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit. For families, there’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, making it a great spot for children. Plus, your furry friends are welcome in the outside areas.
How does this restaurant generally perform?
This establishment has an overall score of **5.6** out of 10. Its **Ambience** (7.2) is a strong point, while **Food** (5.7) and **Service** (5.2) are average, and **Value** (3.1) is a notable concern.
What are common observations about the service?
While many guests praise the attentive and kind staff, some experiences highlight issues like slow service, inattentiveness, and occasional unprofessional conduct from servers.
Is this restaurant considered good value for money?
Customer feedback often points to concerns about the pricing, with many finding the offerings, particularly afternoon tea, to be expensive and not always commensurate with the quality or portion sizes.