James N.
Yelp
Yelp review - Sessions at the Presidio
Sessions has the appearance of a casual dining venue. While it is clear no certain attire is required and each defined area should be considered either casual or potentially well-kept, the bar, wine list and food are exceptional in quality, therefore, not inexpensive.
The staff are attentive and pleasant, however there is a sense of distance, probably, as the diners may appear causal but likely quite affluent, simply reserved, and comfortable.
Sessions is a destination dining experience. No doubt from those attending when we dined, it is in various traveler review and on touring sites, as each party who entered during a weekday lunch had a starry-eyed look and feel about them. It is not lost on many who know the significance of the location as one of the most revered cinematic and gaming studios on the planet, as a former George Lucas now Disney office complex, inside the esteemed Presidio, a converted US Army base, now, the largest - and stunningly breathtaking - (Urban) National Park - The Nation.
Outdoor seating, unfortunately, does not include heating: we arrived in a rather usual balmy Samuel Clemens's characterized San Francisco summer day, with a reservation for outside dining, yet, the host pivoted quickly and offered us inside options at our discretion.
I suspect Sessions is a dinner option with an exciting menu; a full bar and seemingly extensive wine list - three different wineries - one in California and one each in France and Italy featuring a large medallion, hanging from the entrance wall, I have no doubt each winery is owned and operated as affiliate of Sessions' (corporate?) ownership group.
One issue: the location of the restrooms is too far from the entrance. No doubt, as a feature of the architected office building in which Sessions is housed, and understanding the implications of such a request: ideally, the restrooms would be closer to the Eastern half of the restaurant: it is a long passage from the entrance to the restrooms.
I feel that Sessions could become a more calibrated dining opportunity. The prices seem to be discouraging of patrons passing by for a quick bite. I don't understand the Restaurant business well enough to be declarative on this point. However: Sessions could become an action-packed sensation if it dialed down the high level menu and expansive dining opportunity. Yet, the special, intimate group opportunities could be lost to chaos and frantic staff trying to keep up with a steady flow of famished visitors:
in its current rendition, Sessions represents our distinguished metropolis in a manner fitting the Presidio and all it brings to the general public. Also, quite close to Sessions, on Chestnut Street and Lombard Boulevard, many affordable and delicious dining options prevail.
While parking is not entirely easy to come by, there are nearby options in short walking distance.
One more thing:
A short walk down the hill from Sessions is a most breathtaking cultivated park area, with water feature: as if entering an Italian villa or French chateau, from where you can take in The Golden Gate Bridge in the near distance.