The Rotunda
American restaurant · Union Square
Level Four, 150 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Highlights
Upscale cafe with a classic American menu & stained glass dome
Upscale cafe with a classic American menu & stained glass dome
"Sometimes you just want to feel like a movie star with unlimited cash flow, sit under a stained glass ceiling, and drink champagne. That’s why The Rotunda exists. Getting to the flat-out gorgeous space requires you to walk past perfume stands and mannequins dressed in their designer best—it’s located inside Neiman Marcus. Once you're finally seated, a golden-brown popover with strawberry butter will land on your table alongside a tiny cup of chicken broth. Whether you’re here for afternoon tea or lunch (get the lobster bisque or lobster club), getting to soak in the lavish scene and eavesdrop on wealthy divorcées at the other table is a fun way to spend a couple of hours." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"Join those who lunch for a post-shopping afternoon tea at this swank department-store restaurant with stunning views of Union Square below. The tea service (daily beginning at 1:30 p.m., reservations required) comes with mini sandwiches, pastries, petits fours, and the famed popovers with strawberry butter. You can also add a glass of Champagne to the mix." - Dianne de Guzman
"The Rotunda is the rare place in the city where you can dine under a mesmerizing stained glass ceiling, gaze out at Union Square, and eat free popovers. At this American restaurant (on the fourth floor of Neiman Marcus), it’s the sole duty of one or two staff to drop off the eggy, puffed-up carbohydrates, and a side of strawberry butter, at the start of your chic lunch or afternoon tea. These rolls are usually still warm, and are gifted alongside a cup of (also free) chicken broth." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"If you’re going to dine in Union Square, might as well pull out all the stops, right? The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is all white tablecloths and fine dining, set beneath the store’s iconic stained glass dome with unparalleled views of the square. The traditional move is to catch afternoon tea, though entrees are also offered for a heartier meal." - Dianne de Guzman
"Sipping tea and tucking into a plate of popovers under the stunning glass dome at the Rotunda is a holiday season standby for San Franciscans — but January 1 is not too late to get into the festive spirit. Brunch starts at 11 a.m., with afternoon tea service beginning at 2:30 p.m." - Dianne de Guzman
