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Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar
8.1
Fairmont’s grand lobby restaurant serves polished California fare with upscale bar bites like truffle fries and steak frites. Come for the elegant room; stay for well-executed classics and attentive service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Fries, Steak Frites with Aioli, Prime Burger & Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Elevated steak-frites and truffle fries in a historic, domed lobby.
Who should go: Classic-hotel dining fans and celebrants
When to visit: Evenings 5–7pm for a relaxed, unhurried pace
What to order: Truffle fries; steak frites; prime burger
Insider tip: Piano hours add ambiance—time your visit to catch a set.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available at the Fairmont ($15–$20 for dining guests); limited street parking on Mason and California, often full after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—jackets and dresses fit in; dark jeans are acceptable if styled neatly.
Noise level: Moderate—piano music and lobby buzz, but easy to hold conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Reservations recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–60 minutes depending on hotel occupancy.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately except during conference events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including salads, pastas, and truffle fries.
Vegan options: Limited—kitchen can adapt some dishes on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrees and sides available; staff are familiar with gluten-free needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic setting with candlelight, piano music, and polished service makes it ideal for an elegant first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends or holidays; weekday evenings are more flexible, especially at the bar area.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or family celebrations; formal service and quiet ambiance may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion dining in a grand historic setting—few Nob Hill venues match its atmosphere and service polish.
Skip if: You’re after a casual or budget-friendly fry fix—try Roxanne Café or Good Luck Deli instead.
Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar
8.3
Fairmont San Francisco’s grand lobby restaurant serves classic American plates and afternoon tea in a historic Nob Hill setting. Service is formal yet warm, with a focus on polished comfort and special-occasion appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Afternoon Tea tier, Dungeness crab cake, Prime rib (select evenings)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Historic Nob Hill dining room with white-glove service and tea.
Who should go: Celebration diners and hotel classicists
When to visit: Weekend afternoons for traditional tea service
What to order: Tea tier; crab cake; prime rib (when offered)
Insider tip: Book tea well ahead during holidays when demand spikes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available through the Fairmont Hotel garage (approx. $15–$20 with validation); limited metered street parking on Mason and California, especially challenging on weekends.
Dress code: Business casual to elegant; jackets encouraged for men, dresses or upscale separates for women. Avoid athletic wear.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate; suited for conversation, even during afternoon tea or weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: Typically no walk-in availability; reservations required well in advance.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait for hotel guests and early arrivals before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several composed salads, vegetable sides, and afternoon tea items are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify select dishes upon request; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff accommodate with advance notice; gluten-free bread and pastries available for tea service.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – if you’re aiming for a refined, timeless setting. The historic lobby and attentive service create an elegant backdrop for conversation without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for off-peak breakfast or lunch, but dinner and afternoon tea are almost always reservation-only, particularly around holidays and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children; staff are accommodating with high chairs and tea options for younger guests, though the formal atmosphere favors ages 8+.
Best For
Better for: Formal celebrations, afternoon tea, and elegant hotel dining with heritage ambiance.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual meal, trendy crowd, or modern small-plate concept – nearby spots like Bouche or Wayfare Tavern fit those better.
Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar
8.3
In the Fairmont’s grand lobby, Laurel Court serves modern American fare with a polished, quiet room suited to confidential conversations. Reliable lunch service and hotel-level hospitality make it a Nob Hill standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Laurel Court Caesar, Burger with fries, Clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Gilded Age room with discreet, efficient lunch service.
Who should go: Execs needing quiet and polish
When to visit: Noon–1pm; reservations recommended
What to order: Caesar; burger; seasonal soup
Insider tip: Valet available; confirm current lunch hours before booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is available at the Fairmont (typically $12–$15 for lunch validation); nearby Nob Hill street parking is scarce during weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual; jackets and dresses fit the room but not required.
Noise level: Quiet and discreet; conversation is easy even at peak lunch hour.
Weekend wait: Not a primary dinner destination; expect light crowds, generally no wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with reservation; walk-ins may face 10–15 minutes during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – seasonal soups, salads, and vegetarian mains available.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options, often customizable on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – dishes like salads and proteins can be prepared gluten-free; servers accommodate requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for professional or discreet lunches than romantic first dates, though the elegant room can work for a quiet, formal meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are often possible, but for peak weekday lunches it’s safer to book ahead, especially if meeting clients.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially – the room is formal and geared to business diners, though older children are welcome at hotel restaurants.
Best For
Better for: Confidential business lunches or polished meetings where service and discretion matter.
Skip if: You want buzzy energy, casual atmosphere, or trend-driven dining – other Union Square spots may suit better.