0 Followers
Kiln
Master Critic Review
Kiln
9.1
Chef John Wesley’s two-Michelin-star tasting room channels Nordic preservation—curing, drying, fermenting—into elegant, deceptively simple courses. Locals book it for milestone dinners where service precision, pacing, and technique lead the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puffed beef tendon snack, Squab lacquered with burnt honey & truffled jus, Seasonal preserved seafood course
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Two-star Michelin tasting menu with Nordic-leaning preservation techniques.
Who should go: Fine-dining devotees and celebratory nights
When to visit: Late seatings for a calmer dining room
What to order: Chef’s tasting; squab course; curated beverage pairing
Insider tip: Book counter seats to watch plating and fire moves up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is very limited; most guests use the nearby Franklin St. or Gough St. garages. No valet service currently offered.
Dress code: Formal to smart casual—jackets are common, dresses or upscale separates fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation is easy even during peak seatings, with a hushed fine-dining atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—advance notice ensures a fully composed vegetarian tasting menu.
Vegan options: Limited—can adapt some courses, but full vegan menu not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Yes—kitchen accommodates gluten-free requests with advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a serious and memorable first date—it’s refined, intimate, and shows effort, though the formality may feel intense for casual beginnings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—tables are typically booked weeks in advance. Always reserve online; cancellations are rare.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children; the multi-course format and quiet room suit adults and teens comfortable with fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Kiln excels in precision tasting menus with Nordic preservation techniques, offering a Michelin-level dining theater few Bay Area peers match.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer casual à la carte dining, flexible menus, or a more budget-friendly night out.