SSAL - Reviews

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

My experience at this restaurant was truly special, especially for our first anniversary. Despite some ANNOYING reviews mentioning inconsiderate staff, we found the staff to be truly special and deserving of respect. The menu was absolutely delicious, and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable. Thank you! 🙏

My experience at SSAL was an amazing Korean fine dining experience. While it is on the more expensive side, the quality totally justifies the price and the 1 Michelin star. The food was incredibly tasty and original, and the service was delivered with expert attention. The only aspect that could be improved is the atmosphere, which was rather bland and generic.

My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The fine dining dishes beautifully incorporated Korean staples like fish cakes and kimchi. We particularly loved the short ribs and were even more pleased with the stuffed morel mushrooms that accompanied the dish. Despite being in a rush, the servers and chefs ensured we enjoyed all our desired dishes within our 2. 5-hour timeframe. I would definitely return if in SF again. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

My experience at this restaurant was easily among the top 5 most memorable dining experiences of my life. The chef masterfully brings nostalgic and traditional Korean flavours to an elevated and contemporary setting. Everything served was both accessible and elevated. The scallion pancake with caviar was particularly outstanding, easily the best bite of food I’ve ever had. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, contributing to an exceptional dinner.

I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. The food did not disappoint, and the chef was incredibly considerate, taking into account my wife's dietary requests (pescatarian) and making the necessary accommodations. Our servers, Jason and Nate, were wonderful, and the service in general was impeccable. The food was not only delicious but also plated and presented wonderfully. We celebrated our anniversary here, and while it is definitely pricey, it was worth it, especially for a special occasion.