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Firefly
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Firefly
8.4
Noe Valley stalwart (since 1993) for heartfelt California comfort with chefy touches. Warm service and neighborly energy make it a reliable weeknight or low-key celebration choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Seasonal Soup, Braised Short Rib
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood kitchen marrying comfort cravings with seasonal produce.
Who should go: Comfort-seeking California cuisine fans
When to visit: Tue–Thu dinner for easiest reservations
What to order: Fried chicken, seasonal soup, short rib
Insider tip: Street parking is friendliest on nearby side streets—arrive a few minutes early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—generally manageable within a few blocks in residential Noe Valley, though tighter after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sweaters are fine, but most diners lean slightly polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—lively hum but low enough for comfortable conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; only open for dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple seasonal vegetarian entrées and starters always on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—typically one entrée or can assemble from sides and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—clearly marked dishes and knowledgeable staff; several naturally gluten-free mains.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic but unpretentious. Soft lighting, attentive staff, and comforting food make it ideal for conversation without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally—walk-ins are accepted early in service (5–6pm) or late after 8:30pm. Bar seats fill first but turn over steadily midweek.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—welcoming staff and approachable menu, but space is intimate and not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Date nights, comfort-driven California cuisine, and a warm neighborhood feel that blends polish with sincerity.
Skip if: You’re looking for fast service, large group seating, or cutting-edge tasting menus—this is about relaxed, heartfelt dining.
Firefly
8.6
Neighborhood staple since the early ’90s serving refined, heartfelt California-American plates in a cozy Noe Valley room. Known for fried heritage chicken and seasonal, produce-driven mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Heritage Chicken with Biscuit, Moqueca Baiana (seafood stew), Cajun-Spiced Ocean Trout
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running contemporary American dining with a beloved fried chicken.
Who should go: Seasonal cuisine fans and anniversary dinners
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer, more intimate service
What to order: Fried chicken; seafood moqueca; seasonal dessert
Insider tip: Solo diners snag the bar for quick seating and full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Noe Valley is limited; give yourself extra time. No valet or lot, but side streets a block away usually have spots after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans and a nice top fit perfectly. Slightly dressier vibe on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but conversational. The bar area is chattier; tables stay intimate enough for a date.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–8pm peak.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weeknight dinners are calmer with minimal wait before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetable mains and several appetizers cater well to vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be made vegan with advance request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes are naturally gluten-free and staff are proactive about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Firefly is warm, low-lit, and genuinely charming without pretense. It’s ideal for a first or second date where you want conversation and great food over flash.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late evening on weekdays; weekends fill quickly. Bar seating is your best walk-in option for solo or duo diners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not primarily—best for adults and older teens. No kids’ menu, but early seatings welcome families familiar with quieter dining settings.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, seasonal dinners with personal service and elevated comfort food—more soul than trend.
Skip if: You want quick, casual dining or a loud social scene; nearby spots like The Front Porch or Chloe’s Café are better for that.
Firefly
8.4
Noe Valley’s long-running contemporary American restaurant (since 1993) focusing on seasonal comfort cooking with attentive hospitality. Families book early; pacing and portions make sharing easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pork Chop, Braised Short Ribs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Seasonal American classics with neighborhood warmth and long-term consistency.
Who should go: Families wanting elevated comfort food and service
When to visit: Early evening reservations for the smoothest experience
What to order: Fried chicken, pork chop, panna cotta
Insider tip: Note kids in the reservation—seating is tight and planned.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Noe Valley is available but limited; best options are along 24th Street or nearby residential blocks. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or nice blouses fit well; jeans are fine when neat.
Noise level: Moderate – lively dining room with warm buzz, but conversation remains easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially before 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinner seating fills by 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian entrées and seasonal sides are highlighted.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 adaptable dishes; confirm with the server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many entrées can be made gluten-free upon request, and staff are knowledgeable about cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Firefly’s lighting and friendly service create a cozy, relaxed setting that balances polish and approachability—ideal for a first date that feels thoughtful but not stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly early on weekdays, but weekend evenings book out; walking in right at open offers your best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-aged children. The staff accommodates high chairs and earlier reservations, though the compact space isn’t ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Polished neighborhood comfort dining and genuine hospitality—more refined than typical family restaurants without losing warmth.
Skip if: You want loud, casual energy or large-group seating—Firefly’s intimate layout favors smaller parties and calm pacing.