Prelude

"Pearl of the Quarter" I haven't heard much about this place, and my expectations were neutral. My wife and I were overwhelmed by the experience. It was an amazing evening. The decor is beautiful. The choice of music (soul/R&B) quietly playing was more than appropriate for the cuisine and decor. We had the price-fix menu. The food was superb and well accompanied by the wine pairing. The price, for fine dinning was very reasonable. Reasonable enough to consider repeat visits. The staff, from the hostess to the chef, were all outstanding.

How does one describe a masterpiece? Prelude was amazing and my new favorite restaurant. I went here with friends and had the best dining experience. Not only was the food amazing, the service matched. Our waiter Max made some incredible recommendations that we followed and they did not disappoint. I’m excited to return because the menu changes frequently with the seasons and what the chef finds in the farmer’s market. A true farm to table approach here! I’ve already made another reservation because since our meal here, it’s all I can think about!

Fine dining with a southern twist - we loved the journey through classic dishes from grits to ambrosia salad, all made with fresh local ingredients and a modern interpretation. The deconstructed quail was perfectly cooked and came with a nice chutney.

We had an unforgettable evening at Prelude — a southern fine dining experience that’s as warm and welcoming as it is elegant and composed. From the moment we sat down, it was clear this place is dialed in. The space feels intentional — intimate lighting, soft textures, and a calm, collected energy that lets the food take center stage. Every dish we tried was thoughtful and memorable. The stuffed chicken wing was one of the most visually striking plates of the night, and just as delicious as it looked. The biscuits were flaky, rich, and gone in seconds. The grits, though — those were a standout. Creamy, comforting, perfectly seasoned. Easily one of the best renditions we’ve ever had, especially with the playful mix of accompaniments on the side. For mains, the pork chop was beautifully cooked and sliced — simple, bold, and confident. The red snapper was light and balanced, rounding out the meal with ease. We closed with two desserts — the ambrosia salad and the banana upside-down cake — both nostalgic and elevated in just the right ways. A special moment was when Michaela, the GM, stopped by our table. Her warmth and care were palpable and made the experience feel even more personal. You can tell this place is led with heart. Prelude delivers on all fronts — food, service, atmosphere — and still manages to feel effortless. Can’t wait to come back.

Absolutely phenomenal dining experience at Prelude SF! From start to finish, everything about this place is exceptional. Executive Chef Celtin Hendrickson-Jones is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely welcoming. You can feel the care and thought he puts into every dish — the menu is beautifully crafted, full of flavor, creativity, and soul. Master Sommelier Morgan brings an outstanding wine selection to the table. His knowledge and passion for wine are unmatched, and his pairings elevate the entire dining experience. Whether you're a wine expert or just curious, Morgan makes it both educational and fun. And the service? Impeccable. General Manager Michaela goes above and beyond to make sure every guest feels cared for. Her attention to detail and warmth make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Prelude SF is the total package — amazing food, world-class wine, and a team that truly loves what they do. Highly recommend!

This restaurant experience is best described as a sexy vibe with food and cocktails that exceeded my expectations. Everyone that dines here is made to feel like a V.I.P. I was here last week Thursday with my coworkers after attending GDC. We all had amazing time eating and interacting with staff and even with chef. What a great dining experience all around. This place is an entire vibe.

One of the best new fine dining restaurants in the city serving refined Southern food. Well priced at $140 for an 8 course menu. The decor is sleek and moody, the service is warm, and the food is phenomenal. The pork chop was the best I’ve ever had. The catfish dumplings, stuffed chicken wing, and squash bisque were all fantastic too. The only disappointing dish was the white truffle rice supplement as the truffle tasted flat. The cocktails were creative but hit or miss. Highly recommend the Tempest and the sweet potato & brown butter based cocktail. The Hotel Largo and Magnolia Fizz were good but we couldn’t taste the ingredients much.

Took a weekend trip with the husband to SF and lived in the Jay, saw that Prelude was inside the hotel so decided to give it a try. Food is AMAZING - every dish was creative, delicious, and gorgeous. What more can you ask for in a fine dining experience? It was the perfect blend of southern American cuisine with a mix of Japanese fusion. Not surprising considering the chef came from Niku. Drinks - I tried three drinks: Tempest, Magnolia Fizz and the Martini. My husband had the old fashion and manhattan. All were decent, but not extraordinary. Does NOT match the food. Would highly recommend the bartender to rethink his drink making strategy. Service - I deducted one star because the entire meal took 3 hours and 15 minutes. That is two star Michelin speed….. please try to keep it under 2 and half hours for an 8 course tasting menu. But the service itself was actually very good. Anyways, the chef is amazing. The ingredients he uses are very basic, but the flavor is … superb!!! I’ve dined at Niku, Joel Robuchan, pineapple and pearl, countless Michelin restaurants in Washington DC, New York, and France, but this one actually surprised me. That’s why im leaving a review, I rarely do. And Prelude doesn’t even have a star yet!! I think the star will come, so I plan to come back and dine more before the price goes up.

Went here to celebrate a birthday and had the best experience! The food was impeccable and the service was exactly what I would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. We have been here for both happy hour and full dinner. Stand out dishes were the Stuffed chicken wings, seasonal pea shoot salad and belly and biscuit. Can't wait to go again!

Came with a group. We ordered shortly after being sat. The first appetizer came out pretty quickly, but it took more than 45 minutes for the second appetizer to come. No one checked in on us. No explanation, no apology. Finally flagged down the server to ask him to fire all the remaining appetizers and entrees at once. Still took another 30+ minutes for remaining items to come out. The pickle martini and the chicken wing were the best things about the visit. Experience was not worth the price. Wouldn't go back.

My review is a bit old but I dined for the first time on Valentine's Day. They had a really nice bar and open kitchen concept. I got the standard dining menu and my partner added a few upgrades to his. It was a nice experience and service was really attentive but I wasn't too impressed with the menu that day. Tasting menus change often so hopefully you get a menu leaning towards things you like. Prelude is a one time experience for me and I'm glad I tried it.

Looking for a date night spot or have something to celebrate? Consider dining at @prelude_sf for an amazing Michelin Guide experience! They offer Modern Southern Cuisines and we had the chance to try their tasting menu for $165 with supplements for additional costs. Each course that came out just got better and better, but the stars were definitely the Smoked Catfish Dumplinds and Fried Chicken (The Wing). With an open kitchen, you're also able to see Chec @celtin_andrew and his team make the magic happen.

The TLDR: The $165 tasting menu is worth it for special occasions. Would come back for the a la carte menu. Great ambience and demonstration of southern hospitality. It was a very welcoming fine dining experience. Food: The food was great and each dish had some sort of kick / unexpected component to it. I left feeling stuffed to the brim. See below for details of each dish. Drinks: good selection of cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic drinks. As someone who doesn't drink, it's sometimes difficult to find a decent non-alcoholic drink when most restaurants just do the cocktail minus the alcohol. I personally enjoyed the "Barley", which was a play on whiskey on the rocks. It had a spicy punch to it but was balanced out with floral notes. The "Agave" was also quite nice and had some froth to it. I liked how you could customize the drinks by letting the server know if you want it more floral, citrusy, fruity, etc. Service: One word - phenomenal. We were seated right in front of the service area so we got to see the chef in action. Our servers really took care of us and made us laugh every time they talked to us. When asked what we were celebrating, we just said that "we're here for a good time." Seconds later, our other server brings out a notecard that says "here for a good time" and props it on our table. Our server remembered that I didn't drink, so he brought out a non-alcoholic version of the dessert. Dishes served: 1. Welcome Snacks (7/10) - ham on toast, deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin, pimento cheese topped with salmon roe on salmon skin. 2. Asparagus (7/10) - asparagus had a nice crunch to it, not fibrous at all. 3. Griddled Cabbage (8/10) - like eating a mega brussel sprout. The lemon caper sauce paired well with the cabbage and the brassica chips added a nice crunch. 4. Smoked Catfish Dumplings (7.5/10) - catfish dumplings texture was like a fish sausage. My favorite part of the dish is the old bay toast and how the crayfish etouffee sauce clings to the buttery toast. 5. The Wing (8.5/10) - deboned chicken wing stuffed with chicken liver and minced chicken. Like eating a chicken nugget stuffed in a chicken wing. The wing was deep fried to perfection and had only a thin layer of batter. Seasoned perfectly. 6. Wolfe Ranch Quail (9/10) - quail 3 ways. The quail breast was delicate and had a crispy thin skin. The fried quail wing was packed with flavor and some sort of toasted ground rice seasoning was sprinkled on top. I really enjoyed the quail leg, as it was tender and juicy. They thoughtfully removed the thigh bone so that each bite was pure meat. They recommended using the quail leg as a shovel for the fermented fennel chow chow, which I don't think added to the dish since it was a little sweet and acidic for my liking. 7. Heritage Duroc Pork (9.5/10) - the star of the show. The smaller piece was fattier and had so much smokiness and was just melt in your mouth goodness. The bigger piece was more lean and you can taste more of the pork flavor. 8. Hominy Grits (7.5/10) - served with accoutrements like pickled shrimp, prosciutto chips, pickled onions, capers and shrimp gravy. There's no wrong way to do it. Very filling. 9. Creamsicle Ambrosia Salad (8/10) - solid dessert that was appealing to the eye and tasty. Good textures from the mandarins, candied pecans and hidden marshmallow bits. Had absinthe alcohol in it. 10. Bonus Dessert: peanut butter cookies with a side of cinnamon toast milk. Since I didn't drink they gave me a non-spiked version of the milk, which I really appreciated.

Being a huge fan of southern cooking ,(after visiting new orleans) I was very excited to try this spot. We ordered: 0. Complimentary jambon and cornbread 1. Fish skin with pimento cheese. This is really good! The fish skin is freshly fried and the pimento cheese was topped with fish roe. 2. Stuffed chicken wings. Very flavorful and piping hot when it came out 3. Smoked catfish dumpling. This was alright. 4. Smoked pork belly and biscuits. Very tasty and reminds me if a vietnamese sandwhich with the pickled carrots and cilantro. 5. Pork chop. A bit dry. 6. Carolina gold rice. For 45 dollars this was the biggest disappointment of the night. I do not recommend ordering this, expensive and lacking flavor. It's that meme where you go to resturant, order an expensive item and the item was just okay. 7. Pretzel and banana cre pie. Boy was this delicious. The crust was not any typical crust and it was very thin and Crispy. The banana creampie paired with the pretzels was a solid combo. Highly recommend this. 7a. Complimentary nutter butter and alcoholic horchatta milk. Thus was delicious! I saw some tables not finish thier milk and wa like what?!?!

Amazing take on upscale southern comfort food and friendly service - only downside was the prix fixe meal took around four hours, a little too paced out. Stuffed chicken wing, winter roots, catfish dumplings and appetizer bites were all standouts but everything had delicious punch of flavor! Pork chop was cooked well and ambrosia salad was the surprisingly delightful!

Southern fine dining is the theme at Preclude and my friend and I came here for our TGIF dinner at the end of a really stressful week. As soon as you walk in, you immediately get the vibe that they are aiming for a Michelin-star level of experience. My friend and I decided to get the tasting menu and one of us got the A4 Wagyu supplement to share. The amuse was interesting - it consisted of deviled eggs, salmon skin chip with roe and a financier with some ham. All three were good but they were more substantial than what I'd normally expect for quick bites. The vegetable courses (spring shoots and griddled cabbage) came out next and both were fabulous. I really appreciate restaurants that are able to make vegetables shine like this. The next course was the smoked catfish dumplings and the texture of the dumplings were a bit off for me but I appreciated the old bay toast that came with it. The last appetizer was "the wing" and it's above average. The entrees were the quail, pork and the A4 wagyu striploin. We both loved the pork and the wagyu striploin but we were not fans of the quail. I would have preferred a seafood dish in its place. The meats came with grits with some garnishes and these were wonderful. The dessert was what they called a creamsicle ambrosia salad and it's basically a mousse with some chewy bits. I like the playfulness and inventiveness of this dessert. The final bite is a cookie with some milk (not really what I would consider a traditional mignardise). Service and hospitality were impeccable and consistent with what you'd expect from a Michelin level restaurant. The space itself is warm and elegant. With tax and tip, this was around $270 per person - consistent with what you'd expect to pay for this level of experience. Definitely worth a trip if you are looking for a unique fine dining experience.

Great dining experience! We got the tasting menu and it was PLENTY of food. The head chef is wonderful, he walked around the restaurant saying hi to all the tables as we were dining. My favorite dish on the tasting menu was the stuffed chicken wing. There were no bones, but shaped as if it were an actual chicken leg! Super flavorful. Ambience is a mix of upscale and casual, and by that I mean you won't feel weird if you wore a cocktail dress or jeans.

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a phenomenal experience. Prelude is part of the Omakase group which includes restaurants like Niku Steakhouse, Rosemary & Thyme, and Dumpling Time, to name a few. Prelude is located inside the Jay hotel in the Financial district. Valet parking is available on site for $80+. Paid lots are plentiful nearby. SFMTA Portsmouth Garage has a weekend evening rate of $8 after 5 pm and is a 8 minute walk. The ambiance of the restaurant is dark and modern. I love the open kitchen and hopen they do kitchen counter dining in the future. Our meal started off with the complimentary cornbread, jam, and aged ham which was fantastic. The aged ham was super fragrant! The chicken wing that Yelpers were raving about was decent, but I felt was the weakest item of the evening as the spice I felt was too pedestrian and overpowering. The chicken wing concept I've eaten at numerous other restaurants around the world before. The cheese fish skin crisps I felt were world class as the fish skin were huge and made in house! The pimento cheese was decent and not too strong and it was spreadable. The dry aged pork chop came out a phenomenal smokey flavor and it was excellent. Our pork chop was cooked to a medium rare and it was super flavorful. The gulf snapper was presented well and cooked to perfection although the flavor profile was more on the muted side. The grits were tasty and came with a wide variety of sides including fried ham, shrimp, and some gravy. Meal ended off with the banana cream dessert which was phenoenmal. It was light, fresh, and a crispy way to end dinner! Service throughout the evening was decent although both the front of the house and back of the house staff felt understaffed and our entrees came out below ideal temperature. ~$125/head after tax, gratuity and 5% SF employer mandates.

4.5 STARS Name alone, Prelude reminds me of the rice rockets in high school bumping Stevie B, Kai, and One Voice. Those were the days, but any ways... There's no shortage of fine dining restos in the city but a Southern fine dining resto that won't break your wallet...too much? I'm here for it! Opening in late August 2024, Prelude is inside The Jay Hotel (remodeled Le Méridien) from the Omakase Group (Omakase, Niku, Rosemary & Pine, Dumpling Time etc.). Executive Chef and Bar Manager are from Michelin-starred Niku. Indoor dining only. M E N U Southern Fine Dining Cuisine using seasonal California ingredients. Full bar. 5% Employee benefits surcharge. D R I N K S * P.F.C. Martini: Meili vodka, black pepper + garlic, buttermilk, pickle brine, vermouth ($18) // 3.5 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/29fzfjvy Inspired by the Nashville Hot Chicken, the spirit forward martini was stiff but too briny and salty for me. Our server overheard that I like it "Hot" and had the bartender add chili oil for some heat. * Smoke On The Water: Bloom Gin w/ shiso, roasted tomato water, vermouth ($18) // 4.5 Stars https://tinyurl.com/pp5zydjp Savory cocktail with fresh herby notes and a natural sweetness from the tomato. * Shortstack: Rye, rum, pecan, brown butter, kokuto black sugar, absinthe ($18) // 4.5 Stars Not my cocktail but I had a sip...smooth buttery goodness. Not too sweet. * Country Pie: John Barr blended scotch, apple, cinnamon, all spice, clove ($18) // 4.5 Stars Legit tastes like a spiced apple pie...in a natural, not too sweet way. F O O D * Amuse Bouche: Cornbread w/ prosciutto, blackberry jam // 3.5 Stars Nice salty sweet combo but the cornbread was on the dry side. * Deviled Egg w/ crispy chicken skin ($4 each) // 3.5 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/3aw3dy6f Standard creamy deviled egg; I was anticipating more crunch from the chicken skin. * Dirty Rice Stuffed Chicken Wing w/ prelude dry spice (2 pc - $14) // 5+ Stars: https://tinyurl.com/mvs7e988 Standout of the night - filled with richly savory dirty rice, the deboned wing was incredibly crispy, light, and juicy. So bomb, you'll even eat the tip. * Smoked Catfish Dumplings w/ crayfish étouffée gravy, old bay toasted bread ($23) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/y8brwyuh Seared gnocchi-style dumplings bathing in a richly complex crayfish étouffée gravy. Dipping the toasted, fluffy soft milk bread into that decadent gravy was the best part. * Special of the Night: Raw Spot Prawn Roll w/ huitlacoche ($26) // 3 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/k7nfxmff Conceptually sounded good but the ratio of spot prawn to bread was off (two small prawns). We mainly tasted buttery bread and earthiness from the huitlacoche (corn smut). * 12 oz Dry Aged Pork Chop w/ fermented stone fruit bbq, herb salad, hominy grits, kimchi, pickled okra, country ham ($54) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/4pbzp8pu Perfectly medium rare, the pork chop was fine (accompanying gravy was too salty) BUT what stole the show was the amazing grits. So rich and creamy...and when you pair it together with the acidic kimchi, pickled okra, and crumbled crispy ham...it was hit all the right flavor notes and textures. * Pretzel & Banana Cream Pie w/ vanilla cream, dark chocolate ($15) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/4hpx3yrn Dark chocolate dusted crispy phyllo shell that you shatter to expose a banana cream filling with pretzel bits. Light, satisfying, and not too sweet. * Mignardise: Mini Peanut Butter Cookies & Cereal Milk // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/nhecnd3s So cute and tasty...dipping the cookies in cold milk evoked childhood nostalgia. S E R V I C E Wonderful hospitality and polished service. Our server, Josue was knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. The busboys were great about whisking away plates, providing fresh plates + utensils, and keeping our water glasses filled (free sparkling water). Staff will walk you towards the elevators to the restroom (2nd level) and fold your napkin while your away...all the little fine dining touches. A M B I A N C E Sophisticated with two dining areas, one with an open kitchen. Separate bar/lounge area (separate food menu). Warm lighting throughout. 70s Soul music playing. P A R K I N G Easy parking with two garages less than 1/2 block away. Embarcadero Center garage around the corner is $3 per hour after 5 pm. Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner at Prelude. While not everything was a hit with the food, it was solid overall with a strong cocktail program. 4.5 Stars rounded up for the concept, creative dishes, and awesome hospitality.

What is better than a story told through food? It's my absolute favorite thing about the San Francisco dining scene. And Prelude is a showcase of a beautiful and unique Northern California story. The Bay Area often doesn't have a lot of ties to the American South in food tradition. Chef Celtin gets to display his flavors of his upbringing from his grandmother, and ties together the tradition of utilizing the highest quality ingredients that the Bay Area has to offer, with fine dining techniques and execution. I came here on a weekday night to celebrate my partner's birthday in our favorite manner, using our special dates as a means to explore a new fine dining restaurant. But with so many restaurants doing a variation of Asian fusion, Japanese omakase, Italian or French or New American, it was such a find to discover a new restaurant that is willing to venture into trying something completely new and seldom if ever done. The comfort and warmth of the American South. Right away we were shown two tables that we could choose from, as our front of house host gave us the option to pick our favorite view of the ambience, decor, and open kitchen. They immediately took our bottle of sparkling to put onto ice, and went over a few of the favorite cocktail options and to highlight the supplements for our course. When it comes to ambience, you feel a modern take on the classic SF or New York bistro/steakhouse vibe with plush leather booths, and beautiful matte cedar finishes. Modern Jazz is being played lightly in the background to give a sense that you're in New Orleans. And then the food comes out. 3 initial small bites to start, cured ham and blackberry jam on a financier, a deviled egg with a salt level that makes it feel perfectly brined all the way within the egg white (if that's even possible?) and a crispy salmon skin with pimento cheese and trout roe. Next came a root vegetable dish with a horseradish cream that perfectly passes through your sinuses following all of the combination of textures. The grilled cabbage has a beautiful visual look and the lemon caper sauce provides a beautiful acidity. The smoked catfish dumplings were probably the star of the show to me, though the dirty rice stuffed chicken wing has to be a close second. The flavors and aromas are so intense and impactful. The service was impeccable from start to finish. They were so carefully attentive of our water and wine glasses, and plateware and silverware. The server was entertaining us with our unique questions like "who gets to pick the playlist at a restaurant is it front of house or back of house?" Chef Celtin came out to serve most of our main dishes and loved to get our feedback on what dishes and specific ingredients stood out for us and we loved to share. If you're looking for a fine dining restaurant. Prelude is a hit. If you're looking for a romantic date spot, if you're looking to feel taken care of, if you're looking for a restaurant that provides a unique flavor set and cuisine that allows you to branch out of your comfort zone of Japanese French Italian and American meets California New American, then Prelude is your spot. I can't wait to continue following along their journey. Wonderful time. Thank you to the team!

Service was amazing. Ambience was good. Food was on point. It was great, but I wish I wasn't surprised more. Flavors were exactly what you expect but I always like to be surprised which I wasn't and I always like to end dinner with a cappuccino which they didn't have a machine for which really made me sad because I haven't been to a fine dining restaurant that couldn't give me a cappuccino with my dessert.

One of the newest restaurant in the city. Located inside the jay hotel. The restaurant is really really beautiful. I love the interior and open kitchen. The restaurant run by chef Celtin Hendrickson-Jones's fine dining approach to Southern food. Which rarely find in sf. I'm really excited to try the food now. So we got to order many dishes but I started off with cocktail gin and smoked tomato . Great! They served us with an amuse little bite that wasn't anything special. But then the food that we ordered was a hit! Started off with the chicken wings that was crispy and light with perfect saltiness that would be so great with a beer! And then the sweetbread that first bite just reminded me of chicken nuggets but then gamey flavor hit at the end. The dish that I was surprised with was the catfish dumpling that looks like a gnocchi but very mind fish taste and sourness bring the dish together. Tomato melon salad was refreshing and very nice palette cleanser dish before our main Which was the beef and duck. The steak was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly. And all the side dishes were all good especially the grits !!!!! For the duck I just expected to be more crispy on the skin. The dessert were all good , the banana creamy flavor and the top crispy thin was really good. The waffle was warm and crunchy that goes well with the ice cream. And love the ending with cookies and milk with brandy. I think this place is really classy and great for night out. Definitely recommended and probably will be back for the chicken wings and steak !!!!

My better half and I made reservations here for their prix fixe valentines dinner with wine pairings. I wasn't expecting to have my mind blown. The level of service, quality of the food / bev and the atmosphere were all above the mark. We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 course meal, which was paced perfectly. The highlight was the Australian wagyu, which is in the top 2 that I have ever had. Having had similar experiences at Sons and Daughters, Trestle, Lord Stanley, Mijote and Lazy Bear I can tell you with confidence you are going to get a great experience.

This review is for the elegant and intimate bar at Prelude, which delivers on both craft cocktails and top-notch service. Stopped by on a weekday evening and was pleasantly surprised--it's the perfect spot to unwind, whether you're a couple looking for a cozy date night or a solo business traveler in need of a refined escape. Located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Jay Hotel, the ambiance strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort. If you're in the Financial District and looking for an upscale yet welcoming place to enjoy a well-crafted drink after work, Prelude is definitely worth a visit!

You eat at enough amazing restaurants in a place like SF, and you start to think you can't be delighted any more. Enter Prelude, the best new restaurant experience I've had in years. From the ambiance, to the creativity and playfulness of the dishes, to the service, to the deliciousness (not an easy or common feat for a creative fine dining spot ime), Prelude just nails it. 10/10.

This is a fantastics happy hour option in Fidi, I only wish it ran a little later than 5:30! The deals are really great, and all of us loved our wine. Not super busy at all, and the vibes were very cozy and appropriate for the rainy day we visited. I felt a little underdressed, but no one seemed to mind! Will definitely be back to take advantage of this beautiful setting and excellent prices.

Not so hot the second time, unfortunately. Immediately after notifying our server of a severe allergy, we were brought a dish containing it. The wing remains very good. Less so the caviar lost in a gloopy sea of nothing much. Wagyu should have been a showstopper but was a chewy slog. We asked to have our final dishes boxed, and had asked to skip dessert thanks to it also containing the allergen. The kitchen kindly replaced it -- with a cheese board containing the specific allergen. I've never eaten somewhere that took anaphylaxis so lightly. The martini continues to be outstanding, and the service is very friendly and warm.

I know this place just got acknowledged as a Michelin Guide spot, but they truly deserve a star! They weren't lying when they said this is an "elevated southern dining" experience. The ambiance is swanky, perfect for a date night, with R&B hits playing as a nod to the southern vibe. The deviled eggs, prosciutto cornbread, pork chops, and surprise Cinnamon Toast Crunch milk at the end- truly made this an unforgettable dinner. To top it off, the service by Rashad and Max made us feel like VIPs (and they both kept us laughing too!). We canNot wait to come back.

A really nice addition to the neighborhood. Prelude brings an intimate space that offers both a tasting menu and a la carte. Our dining today was through a la carte. Food: Our first starters were the heirloom johnny cakes and deviled eggs. Both were fantastic and I really recommend them. The johnny cakes had a light but delightful mushroom flavor. The texture of the fried bits also really heightened the meal. Deviled eggs here were a no-brainer and I would repeat getting this in a heartbeat. Single bites that were just full of flavor and tiny bits of crunch just made these great Next 2 items we were served were catfish dumplings and the chicken fried sweetbreads. These were surprisingly more disappointing. It felt like catfish dumplings were just missing a bit of seasoning and just lacked some texture you would normally get from dumplings. It was closer to like sausage bites. As for the chicken fried sweetbreads I think you can skip these and save room for other things on the menu. Decent flavor but really nothing to stand out. Last 2 dishes were the hominy grits and the dirty rice stuffed chicken. Hominy grits were presented beautifully with plenty of pickled options. Honestly you can just dump all the toppings in the grits because they're all great. Nice acidity and texture from this dish. A simple but lovable plate. I'd repeat this. The dirty rice stuffed chicken was also great. At the price of $10 i'd recommend 2 orders if you want. Full of flavor and eating with hands, you forget a moment you're in such a beautiful room. For desserts we got all 3 options available that night: Pretzel and banana cream pie: This was great. I loved the flavor from the banana and the crust that is inverted also the pretzel added a nice crunch each bite. This was a fantastic start to desserts. Ambrosia salad: I loved the mellow but floral flavor of this. I was a bit hesitant hearing it had marshmallows but they did work in nicely. A fun and flavorful dish I would happily get again. Sorghum waffles: Probably the least favorite of the 3, but not to say it was bad, it just was trying to follow up 2 really unique dishes. Waffle had like a brulee of sugar so it wasn't anything too exciting, ice cream probably stole the show since there were really tasty prune bits at the bottom. Drinks: I'm not an alcohol drinker so I opted for the zero proof libation creations. These are more subjective and based on what you tell the server, but I really enjoyed these thoroughly. I ended up getting 2 of them for myself. Always happy to see zero-proof drinks on the menu Service: I really loved each and every interaction. I think my problem was the timing of the dishes. We arrived earlier than our reservation and seated, but by the end of dinner it was over 2.5hrs, often we were just waiting for one dish and at one point it was 30 minutes just for the next 2 dishes after we finished our current. This feels quite off. All said, it's a really exciting place that has some really great hits but some other dishes were a bit lackluster (maybe because being outshined by other dishes), but tying it together with really long service times is a bit unfortunate for me.

We had the best experience at San Francisco's newest upscale downtown restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by a gracious host who checks you in. Since we arrived a little early, we opted to start with a cocktail at the bar. I must say, their version of a dirty martini was in a word "magnificent!" They call it the P.F.C. Martini and it's nothing short of perfection, with a creative blend of black pepper, garlic, buttermilk, and a pickle brine. I loved it!!! Next we were seated for dinner in a beautiful dining room with full view of a traditional French style kitchen, with all the bells and whistles. Chef Celtin and his culinary team made magic that night. We ordered the Chef's tasting menu and added the A5 Wagu ribeye. The assistant GM, Michaela Krampert personally served our table, and gave us her thoughts about each course, which she colorfully described with excitement and humor. We genuinely enjoyed the entire experience. Then to top off the meal, we were surprised with a wonderful "mini" peanut butter cookie dessert, which melted in our mouth. It was a great finale to a remarkable symphony of southern cuisine inspired dishes. It was fantastic! So, if you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to splurge a little on yourself, loved ones or friend(s), please pick Prelude and enjoy! You will not be disappointed. It's a must go! Cheers!!

We visited for my friend's birthday, expecting a memorable experience, but left feeling frustrated and disappointed. Both the service and food were far below expectations. Service: The server was overly pushy about our orders and, despite clear communication on dietary needs, made a mistake with our restrictions. When we brought it up, she responded with a noticeable attitude. First two dish was quick with in 20mins and then We had to wait over 40 minutes for our thrid dish, turning what should have been a smooth, 1.5-hr dinner into a long 2.5-hour ordeal, mostly spent waiting. It was surprising to receive such little attention on a relatively quiet night. Billing Issues: When the bill arrived, I noticed an overcharge on the grits, which was disappointing. Make sure to double-check your bill! Takeout Packing: When I asked to take my leftovers, I received the snapper, sweetbread, and grits all packed together in a tiny box, without the sauces or sides. This careless packing made the food look unappetizing and hard to enjoy at home. I've never had this happen at any food place before--especially not one with a high-end reputation restaurant. Zero-Proof Libations: Sugar Cane: The taste was unexpectedly strong, almost resembling alcohol, which made it difficult to enjoy as a non-alcoholic option. Agave: This drink was refreshing, with a nice balance of cucumber and jalapeño, creating a pleasant, subtly spicy twist. Food Deviled Egg: Unfortunately, this dish was underwhelming. The taste was sour and lacked complexity--something that could easily be made at home. Stuffed Rice Chicken Wing: This was the highlight of the meal. Perfectly executed with a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful filling. Catfish Dumplings and Milk Bread: Both were enjoyable and well-prepared. The dumplings were flavorful, and the milk bread had a pleasantly toasty texture. Sweet Bread: Overcooked and burnt, resulting in a bitter taste with overly large, unappetizing chunks. Vegetarian Grits: The texture was inconsistent; the top layer had dried out, while the lower portions were too soft, making it difficult to enjoy. Snapper: Unfortunately, the flavor was overly fishy, making it hard to enjoy. Despite dietary restrictions, I declined the dish, but the waitress continued to insist on the dish, which added to the overall disappointment. Overall, this was a frustrating experience, and for a restaurant of this caliber, I expected much better treatment, food quality, and attention to detail. I hope they'll address these issues to improve their service for future guests.

This gem of a restaurant has me feeling emotions! My friends had to cancel so I said F it and came alone. I made a really good choice as I would have had to share the food. The service was warm and attentive, but still friendly and casual. This place could easily feel stuffy--they have the merits to do that, but they don't. Every single person was down to earth, funny, and intuitive. The chef even came by to chat. The dirty rice stuffed chicken wing is the best G Damn chicken wing I've ever eaten in my entire life. I was nibbling on pieces of the wing that I have never nibbled before. It felt dirty in all the right ways. The catfish dumplings seemed like they were cooked by a wizard. They were so delicious I laughed out loud because I couldn't believe it: buttery and savory but with a slight sour/onion finish. The hardest part was remembering to chew. I got the pork chop with grits and couldn't believe how much I liked the grits. I don't love grits but these blew my socks off. With pickled shrimp, ham, shrimp head gravy, and pepper relish with tons of butter, what's not to love. The cocktails were strong, well balanced and not overly sweet--a master class in cocktail alchemy. I didn't even have room for dessert but she talked me into the banana cream pie: which had a thin crispy shell and bits of pretzel which gave it this immaculate crunchiness that I never knew I needed. Every dish was a carefully studied evolution of the traditional recipe, the result breathing new life into southern cuisine. This restaurant truly gave me faith that San Francisco is slowly but surely getting its swagger back, with this restaurant and its brilliant staff leading the way. Bravo!

Really good concept of fine dining souther food. Space is really well designed, food is original and tasty. Service is really good but can be slow.

I feel bad about leaving this review since service was impeccable and decor was very nice...but a member of my party got pretty bad food poisoning and we traced it back to the pretzel banana cream pie dessert that Prelude's known for. He hadn't eaten anything all day and was looking forward to this meal, and the rest of the table had eaten and drank the exact same thing he had and the rest of us were fine. He said the pie was delicious and definitely enjoyed eating it, but within an hour he had pretty severe symptoms. The rest of the food was ok but not worth risking food poisoning for. Hopefully, the kitchen will figure out what happened and make changes so that it's an isolated incident.

Had a drink for happy hour at the bar; amazing drink and such a cute atmosphere. The drink menu is so creative and stopping in for happy hour is a must. SF has no shortage of bars, but this little hidden gem is a must visit.

We were looking forward to dining at Prelude, but our hopes were dashed when they said that they can't really work with a dairy allergy at the last minute, causing us to leave the restaurant. . I reached out to them 2 weeks before my reservation and they confirmed they can accommodate a dairy allergy. I then double checked whether they would omit ingredients completely (an issue I've had before) or be able to substitute them so that the dish tastes cohesive. They responded saying that they will mostly substitute, but may have to omit in some cases, which is quite reasonable. When we arrived at the restaurant, the sever checked with us about the allergy. Then he returned mentioning some details about substitutions, but didn't seem too sure. Then he came back and said don't worry, we got it. And then eventually the manager Jade came and let us know they can't support allergies as "they didn't know butter is part of dairy allergies". I understand if you can't support allergies, but it's pretty ludicrous to use the excuse that a restaurant doesn't know that dairy includes butter. They offered 3-4 dishes I could have, but without the sauces because for example, "the Cajun chicken was good enough on its own without sauces or accompaniments". That was not the dinner we came for, so we were pretty upset and decided to leave. That's when Jade was super nice, she personally checked with their sister restaurant upstairs (it's called the Third floor) and personally walked us to the table upstairs. In addition, she gave us her card and let us know to reach out to her when we visit next for a meal on her which would be allergen free. The gesture was definitely appreciated. In the end, we lost an hour of dinner time and our date night was pretty ruined, just because a high end restaurant from the famous Omakase group did not know what a dairy allergy consists of. Do better.

We had an unforgettable evening at Prelude -- a southern fine dining experience that's as warm and welcoming as it is elegant and composed. From the moment we sat down, it was clear this place is dialed in. The space feels intentional -- intimate lighting, soft textures, and a calm, collected energy that lets the food take center stage. Every dish we tried was thoughtful and memorable. The stuffed chicken wing was one of the most visually striking plates of the night, and just as delicious as it looked. The biscuits were flaky, rich, and gone in seconds. The grits, though -- those were a standout. Creamy, comforting, perfectly seasoned. Easily one of the best renditions we've ever had, especially with the playful mix of accompaniments on the side. For mains, the pork chop was beautifully cooked and sliced -- simple, bold, and confident. The red snapper was light and balanced, rounding out the meal with ease. We closed with two desserts -- the ambrosia salad and the banana upside-down cake -- both nostalgic and elevated in just the right ways. A special moment was when Michaela, the GM, stopped by our table. Her warmth and care were palpable and made the experience feel even more personal. You can tell this place is led with heart. Prelude delivers on all fronts -- food, service, atmosphere -- and still manages to feel effortless. Can't wait to come back.

The city has limited choices of Southern restaurants, and Prelude is the probably the only one fine dining southern food option. Located at the bottom floor of the newly renovated The Jay hotel, the restaurant has a separate street entrance to avoid being the "hotel" restaurant. The decor is extremely sleek and inviting. The lightly crusted wing stuffed with dirty rice is a must try. The fried sweetbreads with plum sauce is to die for. The catfish gnocchi "sausage" is a soft and creamy nod to chicken and dumplings. It's all fantastic, served a la carte and priced on par with many upscale places around town. The signature cocktails are amazingly handcrafted and well made. One night we came back at around 9pm for a drink before our dinner reservation at 10pm somewhere else - the side bar still open but the kitchen was unfortunately closed already as I would love to have drinks and get their small bites like the amazing salmon skin cheese dip. Service is spot on attentive and Michelin worthy. Come check it out!

5-course NYE tasting menu was perfect! Service so impeccable yet comfortable and chef made his way over to check in. Could not have asked for better evening.

I visited Prelude first on New Year's Eve and could not have had a better meal. The food is beyond description and the service was perfect - very attentive, upscale friendly, but not overbearing. I am really looking forward to my next visit (tonight) to celebrate one of my best friend's birthday. Could not pick a bettter spot!

We had dinner at Prelude last night with a party of four. We had read about the place, including its emphasis on Southern ingredients and flavors, and were really excited to try it. I did like the design and atmosphere of the restaurant. Unfortunately, that is the only positive comment I can make about our experience. We arrived about ten minutes before our 6:45 reservation. They did not seem particularly busy yet, but the hostess asked that we go to the bar while our server got ready for us. We had just been seated in the dimly-lit bar when a blinding light came on -- another person at an adjoining table who had a large and VERY bright LED light attached to her iPhone was apparently taking photos. The bartender was standing right there taking our orders and I asked him whether he could ask the guest to turn off the light. He said he had previously asked her to do so, but she was apparently disregarding him and he seemed to think that was all he could do. The light stayed on for several more seconds. I like to take photos at restaurants myself, but using an external light is, in my view, way out of bounds, and is the sort of behavior that a restaurant should control. Sadly, things did not improve. We moved to our table which was very nice. One of the servers brought us an amuse-bouche of ham and jam on a piece of cornbread. She told us the ham was a "Benton's ham." I had never heard of that so asked where it was from. She said she didn't know, but would find out. She never returned. If they are going to go out of their way to emphasize the provider of their products, why not be ready to answer the most basic questions about it? For any who are interested, a quick follow up Google search suggests it was likely from Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Madisonville, Tennessee. I had read various reviews and comments about Prelude's dishes, and had seen photos which all looked great. We ended up ordering some of the items that had been highly praised - Deviled Eggs Topped with Crispy Chicken Skin, Dirty Rice Stuffed Chicken Wing, Smoked Catfish Dumplings with Toasted Bread, Dry Aged Pork Chop, and Hominy Grits. Deviled Eggs: I have to agree with Cherry W's review of this dish from a few days back. It was just underwhelming (if it had any chicken skin on it, I missed it), and something that could easily be made at home. Plus, while I know deviled eggs call for a bit of spice to give them a kick, this was over the top - I think Cayenne Pepper? Dirty Rice Stuffed Chicken Wing. The server's explanation of how they make this dish sounded quite complex and time consuming. However, again, I was underwhelmed. It just tasted like a plain chicken meatball without any depth of flavor. I did like the crispy skin. However, it was coated with the same spice (Cayenne Pepper?) that had made an appearance in the Deviled Eggs, something that was not indicated at all on the menu. My partner, who had a low spice tolerance, simply could not eat hers. Apart from the issue of disclosure, why have exactly the same spice note on two dishes? Smoked Catfish Dumplings. I am beginning to sound like a one-note band, but again, this dish was not particularly interesting. I like fish, but this was nothing special. Plus, the toast served with the dish was coated with -- wait for it -- the same Cayenne Pepper spice we had already had twice before. Again, no indication of that on the menu, and nothing mentioned about it by the server. Pork Chop. The "best" dish by far, although the chop was very fatty and was not hot when served. At least they did not use Cayenne Pepper on it! Grits. They were OK, although for my taste overcooked. They were served with an assortment of sides -- dried ham chips (very salty), and pickled okra, green beans and, of all things, shrimp. They also brought a small container of an extremely fishy sauce made from shrimp heads. It was just an odd combination of flavors. The grits and pickles combination reminded me of the rice and pickles combinations one finds in Japanese cuisine. I like it there, but it did not work for me here. Service. Overall, poor. Again, I hark back to Cherry W's earlier review, as our experience was almost exactly the same. Our first two dishes were served quickly, and then we had to wait a long time for the next dish to arrive. What should have been a 1.5 hour dinner, was turned into a 2.5 hour ordeal, mostly spent waiting. They finally brought the dessert menu, but then the server disappeared again. We had intended to have some dessert, but decided we just really didn't want to just sit around much longer. That proved to be a good decision since just getting the bill took enough time. I certainly wish Prelude well, but would never return and would never recommend it. I appreciate that restaurants may have off nights and deserve second chances, but the issues we ran into last night appeared far more systemic.

My wife and I celebrated our birthdays here the other night and had a wonderful experience at Prelude. The interior is really swanky yet welcoming. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful in our food and drink decisions. My wife had the PFC martini and she said it was the best martini she'd every had. I had the Short Stack and it was really good as well. We had the pimento cheese (a must have and both of our favorites of our entire meal), catfish dumpling (yum), chicken wings (wow), and for our main meal we had the pork chop and duck. While the entrees were good we felt the rest of the meal was more satisfying. For dessert we had the banana chocolate and it was delicious. Prelude isn't a cheap meal but it's a great spot for a special celebration!

Perfection! My husband and I had a date night there tonight and it was amazing. Exceptional customer service and the food was delicious. Everything we tried was fresh, creative, flavorful and the perfect size. We didn't know what to expect when we made last minute reservations before attending a comedy show and this was truly the highlight of the night. The servers were on point and everyone seemed to be genuinely interesed in taking excellent care of us! We will be back!

Overall, food was kind of disappointing. I was expecting a lot, since I really like southern food. Influencers definitely hyped this place up too much. Food can be heavy so I would add a salad or vegetables or something light to help balance out the heaviness of the food Service: 10/10 - super attentive staff! My glass was never empty and they kept the tables very clean in between meals Ambiance: Cute art deco / mid century Food: 6/10 Catfish dumplings: worst thing we got. I was not a huge fan of the texture of the dumplings, and the flavor was decent, but my main gripe was the deep fried milk bread. I literally could push on it lightly and end up squeezing oil out of the bread. Way too heavy. Would've been a whole lot better with a medium toast and light butter or oil Pork belly and biscuits: decent, had a BBQ banh mi flavor profile. Biscuits were really good by themselves Chicken wing: fabulous, one of the best things you can order here Pork chop: good flavor and well cooked. Needed more of the sauce, as I think the sweetness would've added more to the overall flavor. Know pork can be salty so I would recommend getting it on the side so you can add as much as you want Pretzel banana cream pie: this was okay and I like the concept of the thin croissant layer crust, but I think a salty cookie or pretzel crust or something thicker would've added a nice texture. Also needed more bananas Peanut butter cookies and cinnamon toast milk: the best. Highlight of the meal!

Had an incredible experience at Prelude at the Jay Hotel. The menu consists of really inventive upscale renditions of southern fare. The wine list and cocktails are top notch. The ambiance is warm approachable and intimate yet also modern and smart. The staff and service were friendly, proactive and knowledgeable about the menu, an impressive feat given there were a lot of new dishes on the menu. One real standout on the food menu was the chicken wing dish. Chef Celtin really earned himself and Prelude a spot at the top of the lengthy list of creative takes on chicken wings in SF that seem to have become so popular recently. The prelude rendition takes obvious inspiration from LihoLiho and Mission Chinese and elevates it to a level of addicting and crave-able that LihoLiho never quite achieved with Preludes incredible flavorful dirty rice stuffing. They've also paid homage to Mission Chinese's Sichuan peppercorn rub with their own in house "Prelude dry spice" that feels like a grown up, and more mainstay-than-novelty versus the Mission Chinese version. 10/10 must get.

The food and service were absolutely incredible! Definitely do not leave without ordering the catfish dumplings and pork chop. HUGE thank you to Ressard for making our dining experience one to remember! His service, attention to detail, and light heartened personality made dining so much fun

The ambiance was lovely, the setting beautiful, the drinks phenomenal The food felt overall below average, but especially for its price. So so. Nothing memorable or yummy enough to bring me back.

Amazing food, amazing ambiance and amazing service! Went here to catch up with a friend after work in FiDi and we were so impressed, we want to come back! The server really helped us decide on what to order and gave us a clear breakdown on each dish. We got the gem salad, oysters, rice stuffed chicken wings, and banana pie + 3 other drinks. Their take on a martini with a Nashville hot chicken taste was so unique! Their cocktail menu is out of this world. We had a couple complimentary dishes that were amazing like the home made nutter butters in bourbon cereal milk. The chef came out to speak with us and we had multiple people on their staff be so attentive. Can't wait to bring more of my friends, family, & coworkers here!

Delicious food, excellent service, and very chic setting. The quaint cocktail lounge is a perfect setting for a quiet drink or a date. Dessert is a must, especially the banana cream pie.

Overall, the service was pretty nice and the staff were genuinely trying their best. Most of the dishes were decently done, but when the main pork dish came in as mostly fat, and even on the second try from the kitchen came is as 70% vs 95%, from the initial servicing sent back, pure fat, given the price of the check, we decided wouldn't come back. To us, that speaks penny wise, pound foolish philosophy of the chef, which is unacceptable for the $$$$ price range with add ons of truffles, etc.

I have watched this place being built under The Jay Hotel - thought it was going to be crazy expensive but not at all - great menu - loved the ambiance and full view of the kitchen - food was pretty amazing - didn't think I would be a fan of some of the more eclectic items but nothing was that "out there" . Uptown banana cake is to die for - loved it !!

An exceptional experience, starting with the ambience, wait staff, wine list, food selection and value! Each plating was mouthwatering and was checked each time to ensure we were satisfied. Would definitely go back to try the pork chop and other small plates!

We did the tasting menu (on the first day they offered it!) with wine pairing. So good! The food portions are VERY generous. Especially the Rib Eye. I've never seen so much meat. We asked to have our leftovers boxed up, and there was a mix up where they didn't give us the correct left overs on the way out. After calling them, they Uber'ed the food to our place in the city. That's more than I expected and very generous. Overall, it was on the pricier side of similar restaurants we've been to, but worth checking out.

Incredible & creative experience. Designed to entice your Southern cravings in an artist way. Thank you Todd & team for a memorable dinner with friends.

Everything at this restaurant hits. The food, ambiance, but food especially. Truly, some of the best and most original southern (but diverse!) flavors in over saturated SF. What takes it over the edge is the fantastic staff (and chef!) They truly understand good service and provide it in an accessible way. And the food I must go back to - really phenomenal. Everything - from the oysters to the pork chop, you will be impressed. Best experience I have had at a restaurant in a long time.

Amazing spot even for it being so new they really offer something different in San Francisco. Food, service, ambiance 10/10 ask for your server to be Josue I promise you will not regret it. Such a knowledgeable person!

Great ambience, the chicken wing dish tastes absolutely amazing. The pork entree is very large and cooked to perfection.