Merchant Roots - San Francisco

My experience at Merchant Roots in San Francisco was an expedition, unlike any other restaurant. It's a blend of fine dining, immersive art, and theater. The current theme, "Feast of Moss Woods, " is magical, offering a deep, sensory exploration of mushrooms. From arrival, the table transformed into a moss-covered landscape with lanterns and cottages. I navigated a 16-plus-course tasting journey using a map and compass, where dishes were discovered, some hidden in mossy boxes with secret buttons, others nestled into the forest. Each dish was breathtakingly imaginative and delicious, including the Black Truffle “Pop Tart” and Tempura Maitake with House-Cured Duck Prosciutto, as well as the Savory Chanterelle French Toast and whimsical fairy-inspired desserts. Every plate told a story, with bites layered in creativity, balance, and harmony. Meeting Chef Ryan Shelton was a privilege; he explained the inspiration behind the dishes, stemming from his fascination with nature, decay, rebirth, and fungi. His passion and artistry are evident in every detail, from the decor to the garnishes. Merchant Roots is a living art form, with every element choreographed into a seamless narrative. Dining here felt like stepping inside a dream built from imagination, craftsmanship, and culinary brilliance. It was a truly unforgettable experience where food, storytelling, and art became one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I had been following their rotating menu and was excited to try their 'bedtime stories' theme. The food was both fun and delicious. I was particularly impressed with the alcohol and n/a pairings, which were spot on and creative. This is definitely a place to celebrate a special occasion and have a fun time!

My wife and I have been coming here for years, and their new place is absolutely amazing! We experienced creative dishes and gourmet food, making it an amazing experience every time!

I would give zero stars if I could. I made a prepaid reservation at this restaurant, paying the full price up front. Unfortunately, both my friend and I came down with COVID right before our reservation. Out of respect for public health and their own staff and fellow diners, I contacted the restaurant immediately to cancel and asked for a refund or even a credit toward a future date. I spoke directly with Ryan, the head chef, and his response? A cold, unapologetic refusal. No refund. No reschedule. He pushed me to find others who could take me and my friend’s spot after he said they find it nearly impossible to fill spots the day before. No consideration whatsoever. Essentially: “Thanks for your money, too bad you’re sick. ” I even asked if he would prefer if my friend and I show up with covid and he said “that’s a choice you would have to make. ” It contradicts what he has on his site which says: “Merchant Roots has heavily considered the current health climate due to recent variants and trends, as presented by COVID-19. We are ensuring that our staff continues to remain current with their vaccinations; and we are additionally requesting that all guests continue to do the same. ” But coming into the restaurant testing positive for Covid is okay? I understand restaurants have policies, but good businesses also have compassion and common sense. Penalizing customers for doing the responsible thing and staying home while contagious is not only heartless, it actively encourages people to show up sick just to avoid losing hundreds of dollars. That is dangerous, irresponsible, and frankly shameful. This place clearly values profit over people. I won’t be back, and I’ll be warning others to steer clear of a business that treats its patrons with such disregard. There are plenty of restaurants that understand hospitality means more than just taking your money.

My experience at this restaurant has been nothing short of amazing. I've visited three times, and each visit has been better than the last. The food, wine, overall experience, and service are all top notch.