I brought visiting family from out of town with some special dietary restrictions (gluten/red meat) to Gardenias for a final dinner out before they headed out. Iâve dined there in the past and the food, ambience and service never failed to impress. The experience this time exceeded all expectations. Our waiter worked with us to ensure that our menu choices, shared family style, could be enjoyed by all of us. They were all deliciously prepared. He helped curate the perfect wine and dessert choices to finish off the meal.
Corn chowder was superb. Duck was wonderful but too many competing spices to taste the flavor of the duck. Brown butter plum tart was perfect sweet ending.
The overall experience was drenched in too much: fat, dressing, butter, shouting guests, oil. Short ribs are a high fat choice, however they are made unpleasant when the neighboring vegetables are submerged in oil. Butter is nice with Salmon, which was perfectly cooked, but the dish was swimming in butter. The salad was described as a Little Gem, but the majority of the greens were frisee. We did not leave smiling. We loved Woodwardâs Garden, but the attention to detail seems lacking here.
The space is beautiful. The waiter was extremely pleasant. Food presentation beautiful but lots of items super spicy and was not aware when ordering of the spiciness'. If known we would have chosen a different option. Hubby wanted a diet coke but they do not serve any sodas. He does not drink alcohol and the other drink choices for him were sparkling or tap water. The food does not measure up to the prices of the entrees. But we understand prices are up due to current shipping and product availability. Hope to return to try a different item and give another shot but probably not with hubby. Hope to have the same waiter. He was great! KW
It was our anniversary and the server only came twice (one to take our order and one to get our check). He seemed more focus on the family of 5 and the other couple that he ended up chatting with them and not checking on us. We were going to order more drinks but the experience has soured so much that we couldnât wait to leave
As always, a fabulous dining experience. The food is delicious and they always have new, creative dishes on the menu. The service is wonderful.
Adorable place, very nice little patio w/a heater. Nice for an intimate meal.
I come to Gardenia's for quiet conversation in a casual setting. Their food tastes like it comes from someone's home kitchen, which is nice. But sometimes, it's almost too much like something I can make at home. After a recent dinner, I felt their dishes could use a bit more punch/flair. Also, I'd love if hot dishes came out hot rather than lukewarm. The service is efficient and friendly and it remains a sweet neighborhood spot.
Fabulous neighborhood restaurant worthy of leaving your neighborhood! Everything I love about San Francisco dining--vegetable forward, charming, delicious.
The food was delicious but there was so little of it. $38 for about 2 oz of lamb and I am not kidding. I had the black cod and there was about 6 oz of fish, but there were 2 fingerling potatoes and about 6 peas on my plate. I will not go back. I feel we weee cheered out of a meal. We had to go get more food because we were hungry when we left.