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Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
8.2
Chef-led modern Chinese with a seafood tilt—think oven-baked Chilean seabass, lobster noodles, and braised seafood bowls—in an elegant indoor-patio setup. It’s a polished Cow Hollow choice for date nights and celebratory small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oven-Baked Chilean Seabass (red miso), Stir-Fried Lobster with Pumpkin Noodles, Braised Seafood Noodles (laksa broth)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Chinese plates executed with fine-dining polish.
Who should go: Upscale seafood and cocktail crowd
When to visit: Weeknights early to snag patio or lounge
What to order: Chilean seabass; lobster noodles; crab siu mai
Insider tip: Ask for the patio; it’s quieter and feels intimate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $15 after 5pm; limited metered street parking nearby fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs, dresses, or elevated denim; most guests dress for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music and chatter from the bar, but patio tables stay conversational.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several wok-fried vegetable dishes and tofu plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable options can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partially—many seafood dishes can be adjusted; alert the server for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the chic design, seafood-forward menu, and quieter patio setting make it ideal for a polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early in the evening or on weeknights; after 7pm, reservations are highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu and ambiance skew adult, though older teens comfortable with upscale dining will fit fine.
Best For
Better for: Elegant presentation and refined seafood preparations make it a step above most neighborhood Chinese spots for date-night dining.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual dim sum or quick takeout experience—this is a sit-down, fine-dining format.
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
8.5
Modern Chinese cooking with polished plating, cocktails, and a stylish patio-lounge. Guests come for refined Cantonese-leaning flavors and a setting that works for dates, celebrations, and small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
XO duck noodles, Crispy duck salad, Pork & shrimp dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Upscale Chinese plates with a cocktail-forward lounge and patio.
Who should go: Date nights and small celebratory groups
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm or late lunch weekends
What to order: XO duck noodles, crispy duck salad, dumplings trio
Insider tip: Request patio seating for the quietest experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available after 5pm for $15; limited metered parking on Union Street fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts or stylish blouses recommended; jeans acceptable if neat.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; quieter on the patio and earlier seatings, but bar area buzzes after 8pm.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; reservations not required.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several small plates and noodles feature tofu or vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – soy sauce alternatives available for select dishes; inform server when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s one of the more stylish Chinese spots in the Marina, with moody lighting, craft cocktails, and enough buzz to feel social without shouting across the table.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends. The bar and patio sometimes hold walk-in spots, but booking online is strongly advised for peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu and ambiance skew adult, though older teens might enjoy the food and setting for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Stylish ambiance and polished Chinese fare with a cocktail-forward twist make it stronger for date nights and small group dinners than for casual takeout.
Skip if: You’re seeking traditional, family-style portions or quick casual service—opt for nearby dim sum or noodle houses instead.