"Rich Table isn’t just one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood, it’s one of the best in the entire city. The menu here changes constantly, but classics like their porcini donuts or sardine chips are always available—and even if you’ve been here a million times, you’d be hard-pressed to guess what the new dishes will look or taste like. From aged beef wontons with chili crunch to sea urchin to plancha fried rice, the menu makes it easy to impress whoever you’re with. Reservations are released 45 days in advance at midnight on Resy. But you can always try the bar, where they hold spots for walk-ins every day." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"This petite Hayes Valley delight is packed nightly and yet nobody seems to care about its stream of crowds. Simply decked with a light-and-dark color scheme along with distressed wood, the room features a laid-back style and rustic-chic farmhouse vibe. It books out far in advance, so arrive early to score a seat at the bar, where trendy types can be found devouring the Californian fare, infused with global ingredients and fine-dining precision.The hip staff is quick on their feet and may present diners with a salmon tostada slathered with tangy avocado purée and dots of salsa verde; or lobster chow mein garnished with charred corn and scallions. Advertised as dessert, cucumber sherbet with diced melon and watermelon granita is a perfect bite by itself." - Michelin Inspector
"How Far In Advance Should You Book? Same day for bar seats or anything after 8pm, or three to four weeks out for a prime time. Sitting at the bar is a great way to have a meal at this Hayes Valley restaurant—and it’s pretty easy to grab a reservation the day of. Whether you end up with Douglas fir levain and sea urchin cacio e pepe from the seasonal menu or opt for the chef’s pick tasting ($120), whatever lands in front of you will be hyper-seasonal and phenomenal." - julia chen 1
"A date night at Rich Table can be as lowkey or fancy as you want it to be. There’s a bar where you can walk up and share small snacks like Douglas fir levain or porcini donuts with some wine. Or for special anniversaries or birthday date nights, go all out with the $120 chef’s tasting menu—it’s a great way to sample the majority of what this Hayes Valley spot has to offer in one go, and a thrilling ride from start to finish. From bluefin tuna toro toast to sweet potato pierogies with pink ladies, Rich Table excites us every time we come back. Reservations are released 45 days in advance at midnight on Resy. But you can always try the bar, where they hold spots for walk-ins every day." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"This is a f*ck it, full-on restaurant buyout situation. A special evening at this Hayes Valley mainstay will involve a one-hour canapé session followed by a seasonal four-course meal spotlighting some of the best dishes you’ll likely eat all month (hello, porcini donuts and sardine chips). The barn-like space can comfortably seat 40, or accommodate 70 people standing. Reservations are released 45 days in advance at midnight on Resy. But you can always try the bar, where they hold spots for walk-ins every day." - lani conway, julia chen 1