Merchant Roots
American restaurant · South of Market
1148 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Highlights
Immersive themed tasting menus with wine pairings
Immersive themed tasting menus with wine pairings
"Plan ahead to secure tickets to this intimate den, where there are just a handful of seats and dinner is served only four nights a week. Dining here is a singular experience—though simple, the room flaunts an impressive fiber piece from a local artisan, custom-made tableware, and other hand-hewn furnishings.Chef Ryan Shelton arranges each of his meticulously-planned menus (which change seasonally) around a central theme, as in spring flowers or fall mushrooms. You might be enchanted by an alpine cauliflower meadow, featuring tiny crunchy florets with date hummus, before entering a fungi-laden forest. The latter is laden with canapés, including an oyster mushroom jambalaya encased in a maltose sphere--it's a feast for the eyes as well as the palate." - Michelin Inspector
"Whimsical fine dining restaurant Merchant Roots replanted itself in SoMa, opening a grand, new space in the former City Beer Store location. Here, the team will stretch its legs and utilize a full kitchen for its themed, multicourse dinners — such as the recent Color Theory dinners which feature monochromatic dishes — with a bar set to open in the next few months. Reservations are required." - Dianne de Guzman
"One of the city’s hottest new restaurants also happens to be a great splurge. Chef Ryan Shelton recently relocated to a newer, bigger space in SoMa, where he hosts a monthly themed dinner party of multiple courses. While the space is large, the dinner is kept intimate by capping attendance at 12. Until January, diners can enjoy a menu titled Color Theory for which each dish features one color only. Then it’s time for Humpty Dumpty, which explores the English nursery rhyme through 15 egg-centric courses. It’s never a dull moment, priced at roughly $180 per person." - Flora Tsapovsky, Eater Staff
"After a brief closure, Merchant Roots is back—this time in SoMa, with themed, ten-course meals ($180 per person) in the massive former City Beer Store space. The seasonal fine dining spot is starting out with a “color theory” menu with blue, pink, and yellow courses. Aside from the food, prepare for a full-on experience that includes wall projections, a tour of the restaurant, and interactive art." - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1
"Merchant Roots offers immersive tasting menus, moving to a new location in SoMa with a 'pseudo-secret bar' featuring low-proof and nonalcoholic cocktails and plant-based bar snacks." - Dianne de Guzman
