Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » SSAL – San Francisco
SSAL - San Francisco
Photo from SSAL
SSAL at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#466 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
598
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Culinary innovation
- Attentive service
- Intimate setting
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Rude service
- Small portions
The restaurant SSAL invites you to experience a truly memorable fine dining restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic ambiance perfect for a special evening out.
Known for its great wine list, this cozy and trendy spot ensures you have an exceptional selection to complement your organic dishes. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a sophisticated gathering, SSAL promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting SSAL
SSAL offers a refined dining experience where the culinary creations truly shine. Guests often praise the thoughtful service and the intimate ambience, making for memorable occasions.
The chef‘s dedication to quality is evident, though some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value. This establishment is celebrated for its innovative approach to cuisine, with many highlighting the meticulous attention to detail in every dish.
While the atmosphere is generally well-received, a few experiences with rudeness from staff have been mentioned, contrasting with the otherwise attentive care.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
598
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
72
negative
37
neutral
489
positive
SSAL achieves a strong overall score of 8.2, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands at a healthy 81.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 489 positive remarks compared to 72 negative ones out of 598 total comments. The culinary aspect, or Food (8.5), is a clear highlight, consistently impressing diners with innovative dishes and thoughtful flavors.
The attentive Service (8.1) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, while the cozy Ambience (7.7) provides a pleasant setting. However, the perceived Value (5.6) is a weaker point, suggesting some find it a bit pricey for what’s offered.
What people like
- Innovative culinary creations
- Attentive, friendly service
- Intimate dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Occasional rude service
- Portion size concerns
With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, SSAL is certainly worth considering for those seeking an elevated dining experience. The focus on innovative cuisine and dedicated service creates a memorable visit, especially for special occasions.
While the price point and occasional service missteps might give some pause, the overall quality of the food and the pleasant atmosphere often outweigh these concerns. If you prioritize creative dishes and a refined setting, SSAL delivers a compelling experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SSAL
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With an impressive 8.5 score and a fantastic 85.1% customer satisfaction, diners consistently rave about the innovative Korean dishes and flavors. Many highlight the exquisite presentation, delicate flavors, and overall creativity, making each meal an exceptional culinary journey, as seen in 332 positive remarks out of 390 total.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of guests, 33 to be exact, noted some areas for improvement. Concerns included challenges with dietary accommodations, particularly for lactose intolerance, and some felt the portion sizes were too small.
A few also wished for a stronger traditional Korean menu presence and found certain main courses disappointing.
Food
390
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
33
negative
25
neutral
332
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Innovative Korean cuisine
- Exquisite presentation
- Exceptional flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Dietary accommodations missed
- Main courses disappointing
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Ssal was akin to a high-end tasting course, offering exceptional food at an affordable price in a friendly ambience. The attention to detail, the freshness of each ingredient, and the overall pleasant dining experience provided a glimpse into the brilliance of the mastermind behind this new Korean restaurant. The meal began with Lotus Chips and a surprisingly delightful Halibut Crudo, which had a light citrus taste from kumquat and swiss chard, perfectly balanced in sweetness and citrus.
- dishesEvery dish impressed more than the dish before. The service is on point, delivering 7-8 courses over the evening, with a wine pairing available. The vibe is modern but attentive rather than hyper formal.
- tasting menuI was totally amazed by the food here. We went on a whim after seeing their door open on a Saturday and were curious, so we looked them up and their tasting menu sounded intriguing. We decided to go on a Thursday for our anniversary and were absolutely blown away.
- flavorsI was really blown away by the quality and thoughtfulness of every dish. Ssal offers innovative dishes and flavors, crafting a cohesive experience from start to finish. The intimate setting, with its minimalist interior, was complemented by wonderfully attentive staff and meticulous execution.
- short ribThe short rib and jackfish were standouts
- FoodAmazing Korean cuisine
- croissantThe taste and texture were both excellent, and I noticed a thoughtful focus on incorporating nice, crunchy textures across the dishes. Standout dishes included the umami-rich oyster, king crab with sea urchin sauce, the amazing croissant from Arsicault, and the dessert ice cream with charred corn. These presented very interesting combinations of flavors and textures, and were light and approachable.
- presentationthe decor, the atmosphere, the service, the presentation, the flavors…
- short ribseven more pleased with the stuffed morel mushrooms
- dishdish looks small portion but it is not small
Frequently criticized
- main coursesI visited last week and found the appetizers to be truly new and good. However, the main courses were quite disappointing. Quail is a challenging ingredient, and they seemed to have heavily smoked it to eliminate its characteristic odor.
- portion sizeleft hungry, and had to order more food at home
- quailHowever, the main courses were quite disappointing. Quail is a challenging ingredient, and they seemed to have heavily smoked it to eliminate its characteristic odor. The moment I took a bite, the smoky flavor overwhelmed the meat, creating a sense of aversion.
- GalchiGalchi is not the best to serve in broth of any kind.
- Injeolmi cakeInjeolmi cake didn't taste Injeolmi
- Korean alcohol beverageswish they had was more Korean alcohol beverages available
- Korean influenceNothing Korean about it
- Korean menuI wish they would have more Korean menu
- Korean touchput more Korean touch into the menu
- Liberty farm ducktheir main dish, the Liberty farm duck, only had 3 thin slices
If you're seeking an innovative and beautifully presented Korean dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit for its exceptional flavors. Just be sure to clearly communicate any dietary needs in advance, and be prepared for a modern take on Korean cuisine rather than strictly traditional fare.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 79.6%. With 82 positive remarks out of 103, guests frequently praise the attentive staff, personal service, and quick, impeccable, and friendly interactions. Many highlight the dedication of the team and even chef interactions as truly special.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 15 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered rudeness, staff indifference, and unprofessional wait staff, including instances of perceived lag in chef skill or poor email response. These isolated incidents suggest occasional inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
103
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive friendly staff
- Personal chef interaction
- Impeccable quick service
What people don't like
- Unprofessional wait staff
- Rudeness
- Staff indifference
Often praised
- serviceI went here with my boyfriend for date night, and it was one of the best meals we shared together. From the food to the friendliness of the wait staff to the immaculate 90s R&B jams on aux, it was one of my favorite chef course meals in SF.
- staffservers and chefs made sure we got to enjoy all of the dishes
- ServiceThe short rib and jackfish were standouts, but I wasn't a fan of the quail. Service was top-notch. A bit pricey for what you get, though.
- chefThe chef's choice to prioritize quality over local sourcing at every turn brought back many memories of my Korean childhood. The highlight of this beautiful evening was when the chef unexpectedly spent time with us, sharing rare behind-the-scenes insights. Many at our table, not being from the East Coast or Korean American, didn't fully grasp the backstory leading to this moment.
- Dorothy and AlfredDorothy and Alfred provided the best service
- Michelin starTheir new Michelin star is deserved
- ReservationsThere is no outside seating yet. Reservations are suggested.
- attentive staffSsal offers innovative dishes and flavors, crafting a cohesive experience from start to finish. The intimate setting, with its minimalist interior, was complemented by wonderfully attentive staff and meticulous execution. It's one of our favorite places in SF, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal and experience!
- booking a tableLuckily it was easy to book a table
- celebrationamazing celebration
Frequently criticized
- servicepaid a service fee for someone to belittle me
- Michelin star standardsnot what Michelin star restaurant chef or staff should do
- chefThen he sneered to us and and said that we should eat the food
- chef skilllag of skill chef
- email responsereceived no response even after 2 weeks
- menuI hadn’t known the menu that they gonna serve
- oyster rakeoysters didnt come with an oyster rake
- pause between courseextra 5 min pause between course
- responsehe said, "You're an adult, right? If you are, then you know how to eat food."
- rudenessThat’s really rude!
Overall, the service here is a major draw, often described as attentive and personal, making it well worth trying for a special experience. Just be aware that a few guests have reported isolated instances of rudeness or indifference, so while generally excellent, there might be slight inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.7 and boasting a 78.6% customer satisfaction rate. Many guests, accounting for 66 positive comments out of 84, rave about the interior design and intimate experience, describing it as a warm, calming haven with generous spacing between tables. The Japandi style decor and thoughtful tableware contribute to a cohesive and welcoming vibe, making diners feel right at home.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. With 15 negative remarks, some found the atmosphere bland or the design too minimalist. Concerns were raised about sub-par acoustics, limited parking space, and even a neon exit sign detracting from the aesthetic.
The unisex bathroom setup also proved inconvenient for a few.
Ambience
84
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, cozy atmosphere
- Thoughtful, modern decor
- Generous table spacing
What people don't like
- Sub-par acoustics
- Limited parking options
- Inconvenient unisex bathroom
Often praised
- atmosphereAs someone who travels frequently for work and dines at various Michelin Star establishments, I can confidently say this is my favorite so far. The atmosphere is small and intimate, and the staff was incredibly friendly. They made a point to engage in conversation with me, recognizing I was dining alone.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- decorTheir brassware, dinnerware and all the little details were just beautiful and super classy
- ambienceMy experience at Ssal was akin to a high-end tasting course, offering exceptional food at an affordable price in a friendly ambience. The attention to detail, the freshness of each ingredient, and the overall pleasant dining experience provided a glimpse into the brilliance of the mastermind behind this new Korean restaurant.
- experienceoverall the experience is very good
- plates and silverwareAll the plates and silverware are really pretty too
- vibeThe vibe is cali-convivial, in the best sense of laid back
- 90s R&B jamsthe ambience was cozy and warm
- Japandi stylesort of a Japandi style - very light and airy.
- ambianceThe ambiance is modern yet cozy
Frequently criticized
- acousticssub par acoustics
- atmosphereatmosphere, which is as bland and generic as it could be
- blinking camerasthe blinking cameras pointed at me from every corner
- designI love a modern, minimalist design, but this was taken a bit too far
- intimateNot very intimate
- neon exit signthe huge neon exit sign suggesting I might be eating in a nail salon
- outside seatingNo outside seating yet
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- place heatingOnly wished the place was heated more in the winter
- porcelain table plateditch the teetering porcelain table plate that was supposed to be a sophisticated substitute for a table mat.
If youre looking for a dining spot with a generally good vibe, this place offers a cozy, intimate setting that many adore. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and the acoustics if youre sensitive to noise. Overall, it's worth checking out for its unique atmosphere.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite split, with a score of 5.6 indicating an average perception and customer satisfaction at a mixed 42.9%. Many diners found the experience to be value for money or worth the price, especially for special occasions, praising it as reasonably priced for the quality and unique offerings. Based on 9 positive remarks out of 21 total, some even felt it was totally deserving of its cost.
However, an equal number of 9 negative comments suggest a different story. Some guests felt it was pricey for Korean food and not worth the cost, particularly when factoring in a mandatory service charge. A few even left feeling swindled, indicating that the overall meal cost didn't align with their expectations.
Value
21
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Worth the price
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Mandatory charge
- Feeling swindled
Often praised
- priceMy experience at Ssal was akin to a high-end tasting course, offering exceptional food at an affordable price in a friendly ambience. The attention to detail, the freshness of each ingredient, and the overall pleasant dining experience provided a glimpse into the brilliance of the mastermind behind this new Korean restaurant.
- PricesPrices are very fair
- pricedIt's a great new addition to Polk, offering a great modern twist on Korean cuisine. I found it to be reasonably priced.
- valuebut worth it, especially for a special occasion.
- value for moneyit’s a very price worthy place
- value for the priceMy experience at this restaurant was one of incredible value for the price. The tasting menu was delicious, surpassing several Michelin-starred places in the city.
Frequently criticized
- priceService was top-notch. A bit pricey for what you get, though.
- costthis one is not worth the cost
- feeling swindledI left feeling a bit swindled overall
- mandatory service chargepay for the meal + mandatory service charge beforehand
- meal costThe meal cost 275$ per person
- pricey for Korean foodfeel a bit pricey for Korean food
- weekend ratewould definitely not recommend this even at the normal weekend rate
So, is it worth it? If youre seeking a unique, high-end dining experience and are prepared to splurge for what some consider exceptional quality, it could be a fantastic choice. However, if youre sensitive to price or expect traditional Korean food at a more modest cost, you might find the value proposition a bit challenging.
How are the prices at SSAL?
You’re looking at roughly 104 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it squarely in the $101+ category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, it’s comfortably high-end.
Looking at the reviews, nearly all guests spend in this top bracket, so prices definitely cluster around this higher average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. Its a solid choice if youre looking for a quality experience that delivers on its promise.
Customer Reviews: what people think about SSAL
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing $1,000 Meal for Two
My experience at this restaurant for a $1, 000 meal for two did not meet my expectations. While the food portions were bite-sized, we did end up feeling full. However, for the price, I expected every dish to be out of this world and the service to be outstanding.
Less than half of the courses were 'great, ' and nothing truly stood out, neither the food nor the service.
- food5
- service5
- portion size6
- price3
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
- Moderate
9
Memorable Korean American Culinary Journey
My experience at 썰 was truly memorable. Every dish was beautifully executed, and for a Korean American, the ingredients evoked an emotional process. While each dish highlighted the high quality of ingredients, the flavors presented a nuanced balance between Korean and Western cultures.
The chef's choice to prioritize quality over local sourcing at every turn brought back many memories of my Korean childhood. The highlight of this beautiful evening was when the chef unexpectedly spent time with us, sharing rare behind-the-scenes insights. Many at our table, not being from the East Coast or Korean American, didn't fully grasp the backstory leading to this moment.
I deeply appreciate the honesty, which validated the constant struggle of balancing Korean/American expectations, especially in today's context. The chef's ability to connect such a diverse audience through their culinary execution is commendable.
- dishes10
- ingredients9
- flavors8
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Korean Fine Dining Experience!
We visited Ssal for a special family dinner the night before our wedding. While we were excited, we were also unsure of what to expect from Korean fine dining and their tasting menu. However, having enjoyed their fried chicken and kimbap during COVID, we were confident it would be good.
As anticipated, every single dish was absolutely DELICIOUS! The dishes were familiar, clearly inspired by Korean ingredients and meals, yet presented in a novel and creative way. While we loved them all, my personal favorites were the raw beef tart, sweet potato pancake, flounder mul hwe, and juk.
The only issue was the generous portion size; we were so full we couldn't finish every bite, which made us sad lol. The service was incredible. The chef personally explained each dish and checked in throughout our meal to ensure we were enjoying ourselves.
To our surprise, the team even printed "congratulations on your wedding" in Korean on our dessert! We were deeply touched, and it made our wedding experience even more special and memorable. Thank you to Chef Junsoo and the Ssal team for curating such a special and tasty experience and celebrating our happy occasion with us.
It was truly a treat!
- dishes10
- Korean ingredients9
- raw beef tart10
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
8
Outstanding Fried Chicken, Lacking Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was truly exceptional, especially the fried chicken. Every single piece was juicy, crunchy, and outstandingly delicious.
The combination of fried chicken, caviar, and champagne was a definite winning combination. All other food servings were also incredibly well done, including the tteokbokki, but of course, the chicken is the star. On the other hand, the most disappointing part of the meal was the restaurant aesthetic.
While I appreciate a modern, minimalist design, this was taken a bit too far; it felt very cold and almost off-putting. The service was impeccable, receiving a perfect score, and there was no wait to be seated. However, finding a parking space was difficult.
- fried chicken10
- chicken10
- tteokbokki8
- restaurant aesthetic3
- design3
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Unique and Memorable Culinary Experience
My experience at the restaurant was truly unique and memorable. The food was excellent, with every dish being beautifully presented. I particularly enjoyed the beef tartlet, kombucha ceviche, egg rice porridge, salmon, and squab, all of which were fantastic.
The desserts were also delicious and visually appealing. The service was impeccable, with the perfect amount of food served at the perfect pace. The photo at the end was a unique touch that added to the overall great experience.
- food10
- service10
- dishes10
What SSAL offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Organic dishes
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at SSAL?
Yes, reservations are required to ensure you secure your table at SSAL, especially for dinner. It’s highly recommended to make your dinner reservations in advance to guarantee your spot in this popular San Francisco fine dining establishment.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at SSAL?
At SSAL, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a trendy night out in Polk Gulch. You’ll find a menu featuring organic dishes, complemented by a great wine list, beer, and other alcoholic beverages for your enjoyment.
What is the overall dining experience like at SSAL?
SSAL offers a highly rated dining experience with an overall score of 8.2. Guests particularly praise the Food (8.5), Service (8.1), and Ambience (7.7), though Value (5.6) is a lesser point.
What kind of cuisine can I expect at SSAL?
SSAL is known for its innovative Korean cuisine, featuring creative dishes and unique flavor combinations. Diners often highlight the thoughtful presentation and fresh ingredients, with standout items like the short rib and tasting menu.
Is SSAL considered good value for money?
While many find the experience at SSAL to be worth it for special occasions, the Value score of 5.6 suggests some patrons perceive it as pricey. Opinions vary, with some calling it reasonably priced and others feeling it’s not worth the cost.