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Birdsong
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Birdsong
8.9
Two-Michelin-star New American tasting menu where whole-animal cookery, wood fire, and precise technique define the experience. Locals book it for celebratory nights and a front-row look at aging and butchery in the open kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged duck service, Lacquered quail with Parker House rolls, Sea urchin cream puff
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Whole-animal, fire-driven tasting menu with meticulous aging and craft.
Who should go: Fine-dining fans and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for full kitchen show
What to order: Tasting menu; aged duck; quail course
Insider tip: Ask about counter seats for the clearest view of the hearth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Mid-Market is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Mission and 5th are the safest bet. No valet service currently offered.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—jackets and dresses common, dark jeans acceptable if paired with polished shoes.
Noise level: Moderate—lively open kitchen and conversation hum, but you can comfortably hear your table.
Weekend wait: Reservation required weeks in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
Weekday lunch: Not offered—Birdsong operates for dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—advance notice allows the kitchen to create a full vegetarian progression.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan substitutions are challenging given the focus on fire-roasted meats, but a modified tasting can be requested with notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff are well-versed and can adapt the menu for gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking to impress with a Michelin-starred experience. The intimate counter seats and thoughtful service make it memorable, though it’s more formal than casual date-night spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—Birdsong is tasting-menu only and books out weeks in advance. Same-day walk-ins are not accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—long tasting format and formal pacing make it better suited to adults and special occasions. Children’s menus or high chairs are not available.
Best For
Better for: Birdsong excels at whole-animal cookery and fire-driven precision, offering a rare mix of spectacle and technique that few other fine-dining rooms in San Francisco match.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer casual à la carte dining, shorter meals, or budget-friendly options—this is a long, high-commitment tasting experience.
Birdsong
9.0
Two-Michelin-star fine dining built around live fire, heritage ingredients, and meticulous technique. Locals book it for celebratory tasting menus where aged duck and pristine seafood are treated with reverence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged Roast Duck, Spot Prawns over Embers, Brown-Butter Brioche
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Two-star tasting menu centered on live-fire craft.
Who should go: Serious diners and special-occasion seekers
When to visit: Book weeks ahead; arrive early for pacing
What to order: Tasting menu, aged duck course, seafood course
Insider tip: Ask about counter seats for a closer view of the hearth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited street parking in SoMa, especially after 6pm. Best bet is nearby paid garages within a 5–10 minute walk.
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended—jackets or cocktail wear fit in. Business casual may feel underdressed.
Noise level: Low to moderate—hushed dining room where you can easily hold an intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations required weeks in advance; no walk-in availability.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; only dinner offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—advance notice allows the kitchen to prepare a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu.
Vegan options: Limited—possible only with advance coordination, not always available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—kitchen adapts tasting menu upon request with prior notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but best suited for serious, celebratory occasions. The intimate space, refined service, and multi-course format work well if you want to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—reservations are essential. Birdsong books out weeks in advance and does not accommodate walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The multi-course, high-end format is better for adults or mature teens.
Best For
Better for: Birdsong excels at heritage-driven ingredients and live-fire cookery, setting it apart from other luxury spots in SoMa that lean more modernist or French.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer à la carte dining, casual meals, or have very restrictive diets that can’t be adapted into a tasting menu.