Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Rotunda – San Francisco
The Rotunda - San Francisco
Photo from The Rotunda
The Rotunda at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 126 of the guests
#1031 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#41 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
716
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Stunning ambiance
- Attentive service
- Afternoon tea
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Food inconsistency
- Crowded space
The restaurant The Rotunda offers a quintessential American dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square. You’ll discover a truly memorable meal, whether you’re starting your day with their great coffee or enjoying a leisurely brunch.
This iconic spot provides an upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for any occasion where you seek quality and comfort.
Overview: Introducting The Rotunda
The Rotunda offers a truly memorable setting, with its gorgeous decor and elegant ambiance creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the attentive and excellent service, making for a pleasant dining experience.
It’s a spot where the surroundings often leave a strong positive impression. However, some aspects of the culinary offerings can be a mixed bag, with mentions of tasteless dishes and prepackaged-like desserts.
The value proposition also raises concerns, as some find the experience to be quite pricey, especially with automatic service charges. It’s worth considering these points before your visit.
Good
7.6
out of 10
716
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
131
negative
42
neutral
543
positive
Overall, The Rotunda holds a respectable 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a solid 75.8%. This indicates a generally positive reception, supported by 543 positive remarks against 131 negative ones out of 716 total observations.
While not without its critiques, the dining experience largely resonates well with patrons, suggesting a reliable choice for many. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.1) truly shines, often cited as a major draw.
The Food (7.8) and Service (7.6) also perform well, contributing significantly to the positive experience. However, the Value (4.6) score stands out as a clear area for consideration, falling into the average range.
This suggests that while the experience is enjoyable, some guests find the pricing to be a point of contention.
What people like
- Stunning ambiance, views
- Attentive, professional service
- Delightful afternoon tea
What people don't like
- High prices, automatic tip
- Inconsistent food execution
- Crowded, noisy environment
The Rotunda offers a distinctive dining experience, particularly if you prioritize a beautiful setting and attentive service. With a solid 7.8 recommendation score, it’s a place worth considering for special occasions or when the ambiance is a key factor.
Be prepared for a premium experience that comes with a corresponding price tag. If you’re seeking an elegant backdrop for lunch or afternoon tea and don’t mind the cost, you’ll likely find it rewarding.
However, those on a tighter budget or expecting consistently flawless culinary execution might find certain aspects less appealing. Manage your expectations, especially regarding value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Rotunda
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a solid customer satisfaction of 78.8%. Out of 340 comments, a significant 268 commend the culinary offerings. Guests frequently rave about the complimentary consommé, the exquisite Lobster Bisque, and the delightful popovers with strawberry butter.
The afternoon tea service also receives high praise for its quality and presentation. However, not every culinary experience is perfect, with 46 negative remarks among the 340. Some guests found the kid's meal disappointing, citing dry chicken and un-fresh fruit. While often praised, some popovers were noted as cold or lacking flavor, and certain savories were described as dry.
A few also felt the tea selections could be improved.
Food
340
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
46
negative
26
neutral
268
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exquisite Lobster Bisque
- Delicious complimentary popovers
- Outstanding afternoon tea
What people don't like
- Disappointing kid's meal
- Subpar Burrata Salad
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodWhen I spoke to the manager, Christine, about whether this was a common practice, she responded, "if you cant tip your servers this conversation is over" and then hung up on me. The food itself was rated a 4, but the service and atmosphere were rated a 1, making the overall experience one I will never repeat.
- afternoon teaafternoon tea and everything was spectacular!
- teaTea, food, service and atmosphere all were excellent.
- truffle friesI would highly recommend the truffle fries! They are not to be missed.
- FoodFood is great!
- chicken consomméand chicken consommé in a small tea cup to start
- lobster bisquesome lobster bisque that did not upset
- menuI enjoy going during the weekdays. I must say they have an excellent service and an exhilarating menu. I love their Afternoon tea-time.
- popovera golden popover, airy and crisp, paired with strawberry whipped butter
- popoversthe popovers and strawberry butter being the highlight.
Frequently criticized
- foodIt was tasteless and served on a bed of mixed greens that seemed to come right out of a bag. Despite a very nice waiter, the food was awful.
- popoversthe complementary popovers definitely need a bit of work… lack flavour, it felt like eating cardboard
- chicken saladI won’t be going back. The popovers were cold and not crispy, and the chicken salad left so much to be desired. It was tasteless and served on a bed of mixed greens that seemed to come right out of a bag.
- dessertsThe desserts on the tray looked and tasted like prepackaged treats.
- sconesThe bread was soggy and squished, and the popovers tasted like they were microwaved. The scones were laughably small. They struggled to explain what would be on the tea platters beforehand.
- CheeseFresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for a burrata salad, and these simply did not meet the mark. Cheese: The cheese presented was not true burrata. Burrata should have a creamy, soft interior and a delicate outer shell.
- Fresh Burrata Saladdeeply disappointed by the Fresh Burrata Salad
- Lobster Fry'sPlease bring back the Lobster Fry's!!!
- Tomato QualityWhile I enjoyed other aspects of my experience, this dish fell far short of expectations and is not representative of the quality I anticipate from Rotunda, located in one of the most expensive shops in San Francisco. My concerns are threefold: Tomato Quality: The tomatoes used in the salad lacked flavor and had an unpleasantly firm texture, reminiscent of plastic. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for a burrata salad, and these simply did not meet the mark.
- Unidentified SauceThis cheese lacked those characteristics. Unidentified Sauce: A green sauce was drizzled over the salad, and I was unable to discern its ingredients. For a $19 salad, I expected a dish showcasing high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
For a generally good food experience, especially with highlights like the Lobster Bisque and afternoon tea, this spot is worth considering. While many dishes impress, be aware that some items, like the kids meal, might not always hit the mark. Its a solid choice for a pleasant meal, but manage expectations for every single dish.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
It seems the service here generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.9%, many guests rave about the attentive server, friendly staff, and amazing service. Based on 128 positive comments, the professionalism and welcoming nature of the team often make for a delightful experience.
However, not every interaction is perfect. Out of 36 negative comments, some diners encountered rude staff, slow service, or an unwelcoming attitude. A few mentioned unprofessional behavior or a noticeable wait, suggesting there's still room for improvement in consistency.
Service
171
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
36
negative
7
neutral
128
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive servers
- Friendly staff
- Professional service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere was lavishly comfortable, complemented by a great view of Union Square. The service was also excellent, and they were very accommodating of dietary restrictions, graciously ensuring appropriate servings for our food allergies after we called ahead. It was definitely worth the visit.
- staffIt’s such a perfect setting for a lovely lunch. The service is impeccable with uber attentive and friendly staff. The food is very good with appropriate prices.
- waiterWe ordered the caviar service and duck pappardelle, both of which surpassed our expectations. They even accommodated us two hours before our reservation, and our waiter was very attentive. While it's not for a tight budget, it's perfect for a fancy brunch.
- wait staffThe maître d' was very accommodating when we requested a window seating. The wait staff was very knowledgeable and attentive. The food was well presented and delicious.
- StaffStaff were friendly and very attentive.
- attentive serverThis was on Friday the 13th. I hope that future visits will be met with a more attentive and gracious server, one who is willing to offer thoughtful recommendations and engage more warmly with guests.
- reservationmade the reservation online about 3 weeks in advance. Super easy and seamless.
- reservationsI had such a positive experience here! We made reservations for High Tea and they seated us immediately. The ambience was so great - a really beautiful space with glamorous seating.
- serverOur server is on point, gracious, professional, and so welcoming.
- serversWhat truly stood out, however, was the exceptional service. The servers went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our meal was perfect. Their attentiveness and professionalism made the dining experience truly memorable.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen I spoke to the manager, Christine, about whether this was a common practice, she responded, "if you cant tip your servers this conversation is over" and then hung up on me. The food itself was rated a 4, but the service and atmosphere were rated a 1, making the overall experience one I will never repeat.
- managerChristine the manager said " if you cant tip your servers
- serverWe recently visited the Palo Alto Stanford Shopping Center location and loved it. However, I felt our server was a bit uptight, as if we were bothering him. Aside from that, everything else was very good.
- waitthere is a 45-minute wait if you walk in
- waitressthe waitress kathleen said " 10? That's it?
- Eye rollsEye rolls and constipated grimaces were her go-to reactions
- MeganWhile the food and vibes were all good, the service was not welcoming at all. Megan, specifically, gave us attitude and did not go over any of the food we ordered. The rest of the experience was good.
- birthday acknowledgmentthey didn’t give any candle or anything special which was very disappointing
- constipated grimacesEye rolls and constipated grimaces were her go-to reactions
- conversationthis conversation is over
If youre looking for a place where service usually shines, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there might be an occasional hiccup, the overall sentiment suggests youll likely enjoy attentive and friendly care. Just be prepared for the rare chance of a less-than-stellar interaction.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good 8.1 score and delighting 83.6% of customers. Many rave about the stained glass dome, historic setting, and luxurious interiors, often highlighting the amazing views and Instagrammability. With 138 positive remarks out of 165 total, guests consistently praise the beautiful, elegant, and unique atmosphere, making for a memorable dining experience.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. A smaller number of 24 negative comments point to some areas needing attention, such as worn out faux chairs, chipped paint, and tight space. Some found the noise level to be an issue, and a few felt the interior lacked personality or was not as pristine as expected, detracting from an otherwise grand setting.
Ambience
165
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
138
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning glass dome
- Historic, elegant setting
- Amazing Union Square views
What people don't like
- Worn interior elements
- Occasional noise levels
- Tight seating space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe kid’s meal was quite disappointing: the 2 piece chicken tenders were dry, the fries were overcooked and small, and the “fresh” fruit cup wasn’t fresh at all. The service was great, and the atmosphere is Instagrammable.
- locationThe place is gorgerous! In the heart of downtown San Francisco, next to Union Park. I can't rate the food because it was private catering.
- settingperhaps San Francisco's finest settings for lunch or afternoon tea
- placea beautiful alluring classy exquisite place
- ambianceDespite the efforts, I ended up suffering from heartburn and a heavy feeling in my stomach, which detracted from the overall experience. While The Rotunda certainly excels in ambiance and presentation, it's crucial for them to ensure that their efforts to cater to dietary restrictions translate into a comfortable dining experience for all patrons. Nonetheless, with its stunning location and impeccable decor, The Rotunda remains a noteworthy destination for those seeking an elegant dining experience in the heart of Union Square.
- viewThe food was of high quality, delicious, and beautifully presented, with plentiful portions. The atmosphere was lavishly comfortable, complemented by a great view of Union Square. The service was also excellent, and they were very accommodating of dietary restrictions, graciously ensuring appropriate servings for our food allergies after we called ahead.
- ambienceThe ambience was so great- really beautiful space
- experienceThe experience felt I was on vacation
- restaurantThe restaurant is beautiful. Always spotless and on point.
- viewsMy experience at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco was incredibly amazing. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the elegant ambiance and stunning views. The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWhen I spoke to the manager, Christine, about whether this was a common practice, she responded, "if you cant tip your servers this conversation is over" and then hung up on me. The food itself was rated a 4, but the service and atmosphere were rated a 1, making the overall experience one I will never repeat.
- seatingThe seating between people is quite packed so I felt little stuffy and no space
- bill in an envelopebill in an envelope that’s both crushed and dirty
- chair wobblychair wobbly for a high elevated tea place.
- chipped paintchipped paint on walls
- cleanlinessIt’s not clean and gone down hill.
- interiorAn interior which is reminiscent of a cheap hotel conference room
- kidsDon’t bring kids.
- menusGenerally shabby menus
- noiseIt's nothing special but it's special because of its location in a top brand mall. It's difficult to get tables, very noisy, and somewhat expensive for what they offer, but it must be said that everything is expensive in SFC.
If you're seeking a visually stunning and elegant dining experience, especially for those iconic photo opportunities under a magnificent dome, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some guests have noted minor wear and tear or occasional noise, which might slightly temper the otherwise grand atmosphere.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found pleasant surprises, noting that certain tea sets and food items were reasonably priced. They appreciated the transparency, with no surprise fees appearing on their bill, making some experiences feel truly worthwhile. However, with a score of 4.6, the overall sentiment is quite mixed, especially considering the low customer satisfaction of 22.5%.
However, a significant number of comments, 25 out of 40 total, point to concerns about value. Many felt the experience was overpriced, citing issues like expensive tea and the addition of a mandatory tip or service fee. Guests often found the overall price steep for what was offered, leading to disappointment.
Value
40
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable tea sets
- No surprise fees
- Good value items
What people don't like
- Mandatory high tip
- Overpriced experience
- Hidden service fees
Often praised
- priceI thought my lunch would be more expensive but for a huge portion of swordfish, big margarita, large bottle of Perrier and those yummy complimentary popovers, it came to $55 before tip.
- PricePrice is righ on with other high teas
- afternoon teathe Rotunda's afternoon tea seems like a very good value
- billthey still fixed it in our favor even though we were fine with the misunderstanding.
- foodthe food is not expensive!
- no surprise feesno surprise fees like healthcare or employee surcharges tacked onto the bill.
- priceswith appropriate prices
- tea setThe tea set was reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe beautiful setting is perfect for enjoying the afternoon. It is on the pricey side at $64 per person, plus a 20% service fee. For me, this one-time experience with the afternoon tea set was sufficient.
- pricesThe prices are outrageous for what you get
- tipleft a 10$ tip on a 107$ bill
- $19 saladUnidentified Sauce: A green sauce was drizzled over the salad, and I was unable to discern its ingredients. For a $19 salad, I expected a dish showcasing high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Sadly, this was not the case, and I was unable to finish it.
- automatically add 20 percent tipthey automatically add 20 percent tip to your ticket
- billExpect 20% more on your bill. Without notice!
- budgetIt's not for a tight budget
- dinner prices for lunchthere is no reason a restaurant should charge dinner prices for lunch
- everythingIt's nothing special but it's special because of its location in a top brand mall. It's difficult to get tables, very noisy, and somewhat expensive for what they offer, but it must be said that everything is expensive in SFC.
- expensive teaReservations were made, and we arrived on time, but it took forever to be served. I purchased the most expensive tea and was extremely dissatisfied and disappointed with the quality and quantity of tea, sandwiches, and desserts. The service was slow, and I left hungry and spent $$$$$ (a lot of money).
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high bill, especially with automatic gratuities. While some find specific items a good deal, many feel the overall experience is overpriced for what you receive. It might be worth it for the ambiance, but perhaps not for the value-conscious diner.
How are the prices at The Rotunda?
On average, you’ll spend around 66 per person – based on 126 guests. That places this American Restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end side for an American spot.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the average is 66, prices are quite spread out. Youll find a good number of diners spending in the $41–$50 range, but also many opting for the $71–$80 and even $101+ brackets. So, you have options, but be ready for a premium experience!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 126 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an American restaurant in San Francisco, 66 per person puts it in a more premium bracket. Wed say the pricing feels fair if the quality of ingredients and the overall dining experience truly deliver on that higher-end promise. Its definitely a place for a special occasion or when youre ready to treat yourself!
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Rotunda
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Lobster Bisque and Pleasant Lunch
My wife and I had a wonderful experience stopping in for some lobster bisque that did not disappoint! It was creamy, rich, and steaming hot. We also appreciated the accompanying pop bread for dunking.
Although there were many other items on the menu, we opted to eat light. The atmosphere was a perfect 5, and the service was equally impressive at a 5. The food also received a perfect score of 5.
It was a quiet and easy to talk environment, making it ideal for lunch.
- lobster bisque10
- creamy9
- rich9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Outstanding Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was top-notch! The servers were incredibly attentive. The food was simply outstanding, and the atmosphere was unlike anything I've ever seen.
It was a truly memorable dining experience.
- servers10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Food Despite Gorgeous Location
My experience at this restaurant was one of disappointment. While the location is just gorgeous, the cuisine has never been a standout, and this last visit was a total failure. I won’t be going back.
The popovers were cold and not crispy, and the chicken salad left so much to be desired. It was tasteless and served on a bed of mixed greens that seemed to come right out of a bag. Despite a very nice waiter, the food was awful.
- waiter5
- location5
- cuisine2
- popovers1
- chicken salad1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Perfect Lunch Spot with Impeccable Service
My wife and I love this place. It’s such a perfect setting for a lovely lunch. The service is impeccable with uber attentive and friendly staff.
The food is very good with appropriate prices. Always happy to dine here.
- setting9
- lunch8
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Beautiful Ambiance, Mediocre Food
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The ambiance was truly wonderful, with a light and airy circular open dining space featuring a beautiful dome overhead and plenty of windows. It's an experience to be sure.
However, the food was only so-so. The popovers did not look appealing; they appeared dull and dry, though they tasted "ok. " My hamburger was plated plainly and looked rather petite for the size of the plate, with my dining partner commenting that it was small, period.
It tasted like a hamburger, and not much more. The fact that all five of us didn't comment on the food as we ate was very telling. On a positive note, the coffee at the end of the meal was good.
It's a shame the food didn't stand out given the setting.
- ambiance9
- food5
- coffee8
- popovers3
- hamburger4
What The Rotunda offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at The Rotunda?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, brunch, and lunch, to ensure you secure your preferred seating at this popular San Francisco American restaurant.
Is The Rotunda accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. The Rotunda provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive dining experience for all guests.
How does The Rotunda generally perform according to customer feedback?
The Rotunda holds a good overall score of 7.6 out of 10. Its Ambience (8.1), Food (7.8), and Service (7.6) are rated well, though Value (4.6) is considered average.
What makes the ambiance at The Rotunda stand out?
Guests frequently praise The Rotunda for its stunning and elegant ambiance, often highlighting the gorgeous decor, beautiful setting, and great views, making for a memorable experience.
Is The Rotunda considered good value for money?
While some find the afternoon tea to be a good value, many opinions suggest that the overall pricing is on the higher side, with concerns about automatic gratuity and the cost for what is received.