Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » The Progress – San Francisco
The Progress - San Francisco
Photo from The Progress
The Progress at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- đ American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81â$90
mentioned by 112 of the guests
#614 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#26 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
964
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality dishes
- Great service
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Noisy setting
- Extra fees
- Hygiene issue
The restaurant The Progress, an American Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a truly upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an evening out.
Patrons consistently rave about the great dessert, making it a must-try highlight of your visit. This cozy and trendy spot offers a unique blend of sophisticated charm and culinary excellence.
Overview: Introducting The Progress
The Progress offers a dining experience where the culinary creations often stand out, with many appreciating the inventive and delicious dishes. Guests frequently highlight the duck and various small plates as particularly memorable.
The welcoming staff and cozy atmosphere contribute significantly to a pleasant visit. However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall price and occasional noise levels, which can detract from the experience.
Good
8
out of 10
964
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
141
negative
51
neutral
772
positive
The Progress earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 80.1%, indicating that most guests leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 964 customer observations, with a clear majority of 772 positive remarks outweighing 141 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (8.3) receives high praise for its attentiveness, closely followed by the quality of Food (8.1) and the inviting Ambience (8.1), both of which are consistently well-regarded.
The Value (4.8), however, is perceived as average, suggesting that while some find it reasonable, others feel the cost might not always align with the experience.
What people like
- Outstanding food quality
- Attentive, warm service
- Cozy, modern ambiance
What people don't like
- Loud dining environment
- Hidden charges
- Hygiene concern
If you’re seeking a restaurant with genuinely well-executed dishes and a welcoming staff, The Progress is certainly worth considering. The overall dining experience, supported by a strong Recommendation Score of 8.3, suggests it delivers on its core promises.
However, be mindful of potential noise levels and scrutinize your bill for any unexpected charges. While the food and service shine, these aspects could impact your overall satisfaction, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Progress
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.7%. Many guests rave about the inventive Californian cuisine, especially standout dishes like the potato caviar cloud and the Liberty Farms half duck dish, praising the unique flavors and creative combinations. This positive sentiment is echoed in 488 glowing remarks.
However, not every dish is a home run. Some diners found certain items, like the masa dumplings, to be underwhelming, and a few mentioned issues with portions being too small or dishes leaning a bit salty. These points, though fewer in number with 76 negative comments, suggest there's still a little room for fine-tuning.
Food
597
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
76
negative
33
neutral
488
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inventive Californian cuisine
- Unique, bold flavors
- Signature duck dish
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Some dishes underwhelming
- Dishes can be salty
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The ambiance was excellent, complemented by delicious drinks and incredible food. We opted for a late lunch and shared a handful of small plates, which offered an amazing variety without leaving us feeling overly full.
- duckI visit often and my experience at this restaurant is always great. The food is consistently excellent, with highlights including the off-menu hot dog, the runner bean burrata, the pigs head salad, and the duck. The atmosphere is also a strong point, rated a 5 out of 5.
- dishesI had the pleasure of dining at The Progress on a Friday night, and it was an exceptional experience. From start to finish, every dish was outstanding. What truly made the evening special was our waiter, Kai, who took the time to explain each dish in detail and helped us navigate the menu with ease, ensuring we had just the right amount of food without any pressure to overorder.
- cocktailsThree of us ended up eating mostly vegetarian as the meat options didn't appeal, but we still had a wonderful meal. The wine by the glass was good, and my companions reported they enjoyed their cocktails. It was a little noisy, and our waitress didn't project well, making it a bit hard to hear her.
- drinksWe enjoyed several delicious small plates, particularly the vegetarian options, which were inventive, well-balanced, and very tasty. The atmosphere was lovely, the drinks were excellent, and we received great service throughout our meal. The vegetarian selection is large and highly recommended.
- FoodFood was outstanding
- BBQ Liberty Farms Half DuckThe standout dish was the BBQ Liberty Farms half duck, served with crispy peanut fried rice and smoked chile vinegar. This dish was a visual showstopper as it moved through the dining room.
- brown butter seaweed noodlesThe duck was incredibly tender, and the crispy thighs were absolutely delicious, offering a truly memorable taste. I also particularly enjoyed the light and crispy tofu in the asparagus salad and the al dente texture of the brown butter seaweed noodles. However, the service was a significant letdown.
- halibut crudowe had several dishes including the halibut crudo
- wine listlooked at the wine list they have exquisite wine taste
Frequently criticized
- foodIt was astonishing how even the burrata was rendered unappetizing, buried under mealy, flavorless beans, a spicy sauce, and an unidentifiable crunchy element. The five small plates we received were aggressively spicy, salty, and sour, with random ingredients that clashed. We ultimately canceled the rest of our order and left.
- appetizersMy experience at this Michelin-starred restaurant was relatively affordable, which was a pleasant surprise. While I was underwhelmed by a couple of the appetizers, specifically the potato cloud and the corn thingies, I was absolutely blown away by the burrata. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, contributing to an overall enjoyable dining experience despite the appetizer shortcomings.
- dessertpushed us to order a dessert, only to not comp
- duckThe duck arrived in less than 10 min...It was served cold!
- masa dumplingsThe masa dumplings were the only dish we ordered that we found a bit underwhelming
- portionIt was creative and interesting, though a little too sweet for our taste. If I had one wish, it would be for slightly larger portions. Overall, the food was excellent, and I'm already looking forward to coming back to try more dishes.
- portionsWell, letâs just say theyâd make even Squidward smile! Only giving four stars because a few dishes couldâve used a bit more zing, and the portions were a bit smaller than a sea squirrel's acorn stash. But overall, The Progress is definitely worth diving into for a fin-tastic night out!
- riceWe ordered the duck and it was beyond delicious: a portion good for 2 people. We recommend pairing it with the French wine, although the rice cut off a lot of the flavor of the duck because of the spices, but it was indeed the best dish of this place. The sommelier made us taste several options until we settled for a red Italian wine.
- "Stir-Fried" Pork Sausage & Monterey Squid"Stir-Fried" Pork Sausage & Monterey Squid (6/10): This one fell flat for us, flavor was pretty average
- Doughnut and Rosemary Ice Cream dessertDoughnut and Rosemary Ice Cream dessert (1/5) ... It was truly horrible. Like actually bad.
If you're seeking an adventurous culinary experience with inventive dishes and unique flavors, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Be aware that while many dishes shine, a few might not hit the mark, and portions can sometimes be on the smaller side.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and leaving 80.6% of customers satisfied. With 154 positive remarks out of 191 total, guests frequently praise the attentive and impeccable service, highlighting the knowledgeable staff and their seamless fluidity in managing the dining experience. However, not every interaction was perfect.
A smaller number of 27 comments mentioned issues like feeling rushed, slow service, or occasional rude servers. Some also found menu explanations confusing, suggesting there's a little room for refinement in certain areas.
Service
191
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
27
negative
10
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Impeccable service
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Slow service
- Rude servers
Often praised
- serviceComing from Los Angeles, where the food scene is incredibly competitive, this meal felt bland and uninspired, certainly not living up to the hype. I would have given zero stars for the food if possible, but I'm awarding one star for the genuinely great service and another for the cocktails, which were better than the food, though still not exceptional. For those looking to save money and find more flavor, I recommend exploring SF's many authentic Chinese or Japanese restaurants, which offer more satisfaction for a fraction of the price.
- staffFor dessert, we enjoyed the floating island, which had very creative flavors and a nice sweetness with a hint of mint. I'm just really happy to have chosen this place; we had an amazing dinner, and the staff made us feel at home. I would 100% come again.
- ServiceService was absolutely first class.
- serverKai D. as our server and he was absolutely delightful
- serversHowever, I was a little underwhelmed by the duck, though it was still tasty. The service was pretty good; we had a lot of servers, and some were fantastic. The vibe is good, but I found it a bit rowdy for the price.
- waiterThe noodles were a little difficult to eat with the tiny spoon, but I made fifteen dollars! The waiter also found it amusing and would cheer me on when they walked by our table and saw me trying to cut and eat toast with a mini utensil. Really great vibe, 10/10!
- waitressThe dressing had a hint of fish sauce. My waitress was very helpful, and the food came out fast. The vibes and decorations are Indochinese, tropical, and cool.
- bartenderthe bartender guided me through the menu
- hospitalityimpressed by the level of hospitality
- impeccable serviceMy experience at The Progress was truly extraordinary, exceeding all expectations. The chic ambiance and impeccable service created a perfectly curated evening. The menu offered a diverse array of dishes, each a masterpiece in flavor and presentation.
Frequently criticized
- serviceFinally, there was a cold noodle dish with king oyster mushrooms and radish, which had a radish flavor. It's great that you can order it individually, but the service was very ordinary~ BBQ Liberty Farms Half Duck, peanut fried rice & smoked chile vinegar caviar potato cloud, riverdog farm pig head fennel, shinko pears & fermented chile-garum, brown butter seaweed noodles Oyster mushrooms, tomato-kale dashi & bonito.
- serverOur server didnât have the best friendly attitude
- serversShe tried to prematurely take my food and drinks away twice and kept ignoring us. The food was great tho, but I shouldâve listened to the other reviews that the servers here are all insanely rude and entitled. A Michelin star doesnât mean you get to treat us like this!
- adviceMore importantly, her explanations of the menu were at times more confusing than helpful regarding dish sizes and how many to order. Her advice was conflicting, but we were happy with our choices. All in all, a great experience and great ambience.
- beveragepoured my party another glass of beverage in the wine glass for us without asking
- disheach dish took 30 mins to come
- employeeDuring our meal, a rat was seen scurrying around the dining area by myself, my partner, and several other diners. An employee also witnessed the rat and apologized, but no action was taken to address the situation. When I informed our waiter, nothing was done to improve our experience or ensure our well-being.
- entreeEntree came 48 minutes after ordering
- explanations of the menuI deduct one star for the service: our server was way too familiar in tone and attitude, as though we were long-time friends. More importantly, her explanations of the menu were at times more confusing than helpful regarding dish sizes and how many to order. Her advice was conflicting, but we were happy with our choices.
- feeling rushedwe felt like we were being rushed out
Overall, the service at this spot is a major highlight, consistently delivering a great experience. While a few minor hiccups like feeling rushed or occasional slow moments can occur, you can generally expect attentive and knowledgeable staff who aim to make your meal special.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, earning a solid 8.1 score! Customers are clearly loving the vibe, with a fantastic 83.8% satisfaction rate based on 119 positive comments. Guests frequently praise the beautiful interior, cozy atmosphere, and chic ambiance, often noting the lively and welcoming feel of the place.
However, it's not all quiet corners and perfect lighting. Out of 142 total opinions, 18 point to some drawbacks. Some find it can get quite noisy and crowded, making conversation a challenge.
A few also mentioned tables being too close, impacting the overall intimate experience.
Ambience
142
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
119
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful interior
- Cozy, chic vibe
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Gets crowded
- Close tables
Often praised
- atmosphereI particularly enjoyed the BBQ Liberty Farms Half Duck, which was perfectly cooked, and the Caviar Potato Cloud was a delightful surprise. The atmosphere was warm and modern, creating a perfect setting for a special night out. While the service was attentive, it was a bit slow at times.
- ambianceThe ambiance at The Progress integrates rustic charm with contemporary elegance.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was also great
- vibeI am enamored at the fact that this place can be just as good as next door but be a totally different experience. While the vibe has its similarities, this experience is perfect for also any occasion and is impressive to bring out-of-towners to. It feels so cozy, and service is pristine without all the white table cloth stiffness and etiquette.
- decorI highly recommend the duck. The decor is unique. I recommend this place!
- environmentWhen we got there, it was late and the outside was a bit concerningđ. But once you step inside, itâs a whole different environment. The food and the service were great.
- restaurantThe progress is such a cute intimate restaurant
- ambienceFrom the moment I walked in, I felt like I was stepping into a gourmet wonderlandâshiny, modern, and just fancy enough to make a sponge feel special! The whole place has that perfect blend of swanky and cozy, like a kelp garden under a full moon! Now, letâs talk about the grub!
- cozy atmospherea cozy atmosphere
- entire experienceThat level of awareness and care for guestsâeven the four-legged ones not in attendanceâis just unheard of. Between the phenomenal food and the thoughtful, world-class service from people like Christian and Dylan, The Progress isn't just a meal; it's an entire experience. We will be back, 100%.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe food was also excellent, receiving a perfect score. However, I didn't rate the atmosphere a 5 due to the excessive level of music sound. While the wine list is very exhaustive, the price point for a basic Bordeaux and Loire Valley wine was excessive.
- crowdedThe service was great, and I liked the atmosphere. However, it was too crowded and loud to have a conversation. I was not really impressed by the food, and everything was super slow; each dish took 30 minutes to come, though it was Saturday night peak time.
- loudtoo loud to have a conversation
- health and safetya significant health and safety concern: a rat infestation
- intimate dinnerno real privacy if you are looking for a intimate dinner
- noisyThe wine by the glass was good, and my companions reported they enjoyed their cocktails. It was a little noisy, and our waitress didn't project well, making it a bit hard to hear her. However, despite the minor service and noise issues, it was otherwise a great evening.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- rat infestationa rat infestation. During our meal, a rat was seen
- special nightthey ruined it
- special occasionsDefinitely not a place for special occasions
If youre looking for a lively, stylish spot with a great buzz, this restaurants ambience is definitely worth experiencing. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud and crowded, so it might not be your top pick for a quiet, intimate dinner.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience surprisingly affordable, especially for a Michelin-starred spot. Many felt the prices were well priced for what you received, offering good value and often feeling worth it. With 11 positive remarks, theres a sense of affordability for the quality, contributing to an average score of 4.8.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with a poor customer satisfaction of just 32.4%. Many found the experience to be quite expensive and even overpriced, especially considering the portion sizes. Concerns were also raised about hidden fees and the overall cost to portion size, with 20 negative comments highlighting these issues.
Value
34
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Michelin star value
- Good quality for price
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Hidden charges
- Small portions, high cost
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this Michelin star restaurant lived up to its reputation, offering an exceptional meal at a friendly price. The service was incredibly welcoming, and the environment was cozy and warm, creating a delightful atmosphere.
- pricespretty good prices for having a michelin star
- affordabilityRelatively affordable for a Michelin starred restaurant
- good valueyou get a pretty good value
- price tagthe accompanying price tag (which, notably, didnât break the bank too much)
- well pricedreally well priced for what you get
- worth itbut worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's pricey but worth every bite, cooked beautifully and paired perfectly with the rice. The "Stir-Fried" Pork Sausage & Monterey Squid was a 6/10; the flavor was pretty average and not worth the price, so I'd skip this dish. For dessert, we tried the chocolate cake with ice cream and Sichuan sauce.
- Michelin star statusnot up to par given the cost and Michelin star status.
- SF mandate chargeAn entree for $80 is unbelievable, especially when this isn't the French Laundry. To further obscure price increases, they bury a large 'SF mandate' charge in the bill. While the service was great, the rubbery $46 cod was unacceptable.
- actual total costput the actual total cost up front please
- costclearly not up to par given the cost
- cost to portion sizesurprised by the ratio of cost to portion size
- credit cardrequires you to enter a credit card, which will be charged automatically
- drinkthe drink clearly wasnât âfreeâ and was double charged
- expensiveit's expensive
- hidden feestaking 6.5% off my review for hidden fees
If you're seeking a Michelin-starred experience and are prepared for potentially high costs, you might find some dishes worth the splurge. However, be wary of the overall price point and hidden charges, as many diners felt it was overpriced for what they received.
How are the prices at The Progress?
On average, youâll spend around 89 per person â from 112 guests. That places this American Restaurant in the $81â$90 category, which is quite high-end for its type. Interestingly, while the average is 89$, a significant number of diners actually spend over 100$, suggesting a premium experience is quite popular here.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 112 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Wed say the pricing feels fair if the restaurant delivers a truly premium American dining experience. Its clear many guests are willing to pay for that higher-end offering, so expect quality to match the price tag.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Progress
Price per Person
- $51â$60
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Unique and Fantastic Food Experience
My best restaurant experience while visiting San Francisco. It wasn't wildly loud like most places, and reservations are likely necessary. The food is unique and fantastic!
Don't hesitate to go!
- food10
- atmosphere9
- reservation7
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Californian Food Experience!
My first time trying Californian food was an amazing experience! Although we didn't have a reservation, we were seated at the bar. The bartender was incredibly nice and attentive, and the cocktails were superb.
All the food we ordered was stunning; I was absolutely shocked by the taste and preparation. I'm definitely coming back to explore the rest of the menu.
- Californian food10
- bartender9
- cocktail9
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Family Favorite with Delicious Food
This restaurant is always a family favorite! Everything Iâve tried here is delicious. If youâre hungry, donât miss the duck.
And I canât leave without a glass of peanut milk.
- food10
- duck10
- peanut milk10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
7
Mixed Experience: Great Dessert, Underwhelming Mains
Our evening was delightful, marked by 20 pieces of silverware. The cucumber dish and quail eggs were excellent and truly stood out. However, the Halibut dish and the Tofu were underwhelming, with similar flavors to other dishes and just didn't taste right.
Thankfully, dessert saved the night and was delicious! As a top critic, I rate the taste of this restaurant a 3 out of 5. The decor and ambiance were fantastic.
- cucumber dish9
- quail eggs9
- Dessert10
- Halibut dish3
- Tofu3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6â15 min.)
5
Great Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was marred by the waitstaff. The waitresses/servers ruined my experience here. She tried to prematurely take my food and drinks away twice and kept ignoring us.
The food was great tho, but I shouldâve listened to the other reviews that the servers here are all insanely rude and entitled. A Michelin star doesnât mean you get to treat us like this!
- food10
- waitresses/servers1
- servers1
- service1
What The Progress offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at The Progress?
At The Progress, you can anticipate an upscale and romantic dining experience in a cozy, trendy setting. You’ll find a bar onsite offering hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for enjoying small plates before your dinner. The table service ensures a refined and attentive evening.
Does The Progress accommodate dietary preferences and special occasions, and what about reservations?
Yes, The Progress thoughtfully provides vegan and vegetarian options, alongside organic dishes, catering to various dietary needs. For special events, a private dining room is available. Given its popularity, reservations are required and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your seating.
How does The Progress generally rate among diners?
The Progress holds a strong overall score of 8, reflecting a good dining experience. Its Service (8.3), Food (8.1), and Ambience (8.1) are particularly well-regarded, though Value (4.8) is seen as average.
What should I know about the atmosphere at The Progress?
Many guests describe the atmosphere as warm, modern, and cozy, creating a delightful setting. However, some have noted that the restaurant can become quite loud and crowded, which might affect the dining experience.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing or additional charges at The Progress?
While some patrons appreciate the relative affordability for a Michelin-starred establishment, others have expressed concerns about the overall price, including additional “SF mandate” charges and other hidden fees on their bill.