Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

This is our go to place when we have the opera or concert. Used to alternate between Absinthe and Monsieur Benjamin, but the latter is sadly no more. We can always expect very cozy, Paris-like atmosphere at Absinthe, as well as wonderful personalized service and outstanding food. We usually start with the oysters which are truly outstanding - fresh and tasty with wonderful sauce on the side. Their French onion soup is authentic and wonderful. The escargot appetizer is wonderful and creative, and the main courses - scallops (wife) and boef bourgignon with sweetbreads are always delicious. This restaurant is a San Francisco treasure.

Wonderful restaurant. Great service, great food, amazing ambiance. Highly recommend.

Another festive evening at Big. I introduced a colleague and he loved the vibes, craft cocktails and menu. The staff was attentive and accommodating.

Wow, Nisei was fantastic! I think the service was a real highlight for me - the staff and chef were so personable. The food was gorgeous and delicious. I’m a huge fan of soups, so the ichiban chowder and the pine nut miso soup were definitely my favorites. The chowder foam was somehow light and hearty at the same time. Sourdough mochi was a great compliment- so delicious that I’d buy them by the dozen if I could. If you can, would definitely recommend the wine pairing - I found a new favorite wine (Lumier Winery, “Mitsuki” 2023) and learned so much from the sommelier. Overall, a 11/10 experience. I love going out to Michelin star spots for a special treat, but this will be the first time I return to a spot once they move to the next seasonal shift in their menu:)

From the moment we stepped inside Saison, we knew we were in for something extraordinary. The atmosphere was both intimate and elegant, setting the perfect stage for what turned out to be one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve ever had. Even before our visit, the Saison team reached out to inquire about any dietary restrictions or personal preferences we might have. Their willingness to accommodate and even modify the menu to suit our tastes was a testament to their dedication to providing an unparalleled dining experience. Each course demonstrated a meticulous balance of flavors and textures, with every bite revealing a delightful new surprise. The highlight of the evening for me was their trout—by far the best I’ve ever tasted. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture along with that "crisp" skin, it was just flawless. Also the desserts stole my heart. Nasir, a friend who works as a pastry chef there, crafted sweet creations that felt more like edible art than simple treats. His imaginative flair and precise execution turned each dessert into a decadent escape to a world of pure delight. The staff was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive, guiding us through each course with thoughtful explanations. From the careful consideration of dietary needs to the seamless execution of every dish, Saison delivered an impeccable, artful experience I would recommend to any food lover. I can’t wait to return and see what new culinary wonders await.