Gardenias

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1. T

   Todd

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on August 8, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I brought visiting family from out of town with some special dietary restrictions (gluten/red meat) to Gardenias for a final dinner out before they headed out. I’ve dined there in the past and the food, ambience and service never failed to impress. The experience this time exceeded all expectations. Our waiter worked with us to ensure that our menu choices, shared family style, could be enjoyed by all of us. They were all deliciously prepared. He helped curate the perfect wine and dessert choices to finish off the meal.

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2. J

   Jan2017

   San Francisco

   30 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   30 reviews

   Dined on August 7, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Corn chowder was superb. Duck was wonderful but too many competing spices to taste the flavor of the duck. Brown butter plum tart was perfect sweet ending.

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3. CW

   CarmenW

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on August 6, 2022

   overall3food2service4ambience3

   The overall experience was drenched in too much: fat, dressing, butter, shouting guests, oil. Short ribs are a high fat choice, however they are made unpleasant when the neighboring vegetables are submerged in oil. Butter is nice with Salmon, which was perfectly cooked, but the dish was swimming in butter. The salad was described as a Little Gem, but the majority of the greens were frisee. We did not leave smiling. We loved Woodward’s Garden, but the attention to detail seems lacking here.

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4. KW

   KimW

   San Francisco

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on August 5, 2022

   overall3food3service3ambience5

   The space is beautiful. The waiter was extremely pleasant. Food presentation beautiful but lots of items super spicy and was not aware when ordering of the spiciness'. If known we would have chosen a different option. Hubby wanted a diet coke but they do not serve any sodas. He does not drink alcohol and the other drink choices for him were sparkling or tap water. The food does not measure up to the prices of the entrees. But we understand prices are up due to current shipping and product availability. Hope to return to try a different item and give another shot but probably not with hubby. Hope to have the same waiter. He was great! KW

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5. JL

   JoshL

   San Francisco

   11 reviews

   1.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on July 30, 2022

   overall1food5service1ambience3

   It was our anniversary and the server only came twice (one to take our order and one to get our check). He seemed more focus on the family of 5 and the other couple that he ended up chatting with them and not checking on us. We were going to order more drinks but the experience has soured so much that we couldn’t wait to leave

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6. SB

   SheilaB

   San Francisco

   18 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined on July 16, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   As always, a fabulous dining experience. The food is delicious and they always have new, creative dishes on the menu. The service is wonderful.

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on July 10, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Adorable place, very nice little patio w/a heater. Nice for an intimate meal.

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8. C

   Chaukokecks

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on July 2, 2022

   overall4food3service4ambience4

   I come to Gardenia's for quiet conversation in a casual setting. Their food tastes like it comes from someone's home kitchen, which is nice. But sometimes, it's almost too much like something I can make at home. After a recent dinner, I felt their dishes could use a bit more punch/flair. Also, I'd love if hot dishes came out hot rather than lukewarm. The service is efficient and friendly and it remains a sweet neighborhood spot.

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9. W

   Wildkress

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on July 2, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fabulous neighborhood restaurant worthy of leaving your neighborhood! Everything I love about San Francisco dining--vegetable forward, charming, delicious.

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    The food was delicious but there was so little of it. $38 for about 2 oz of lamb and I am not kidding. I had the black cod and there was about 6 oz of fish, but there were 2 fingerling potatoes and about 6 peas on my plate. I will not go back. I feel we weee cheered out of a meal. We had to go get more food because we were hungry when we left.

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11. c

    chloes

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely love this spot! Every time we go I have to get the gnocchi, its super light yet filling at the same time. The service is great & they always give an honest & detailed run through of their menu. Its definitely a smaller intimate hidden gem, a must when in the Pacific Heights area!

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12. CW

    CynthiaW

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a lovely experience. We were in the city for a show at the Fillmore and based on other reviews decided to have dinner here beforehand. Boy am I glad we did. If this was my neighborhood I would eat here all the time. I had the gnocchi and am still dreaming of the pillowy, creamy texture and amazing cheesy flavor. Good heavens. We also had the asparagus appetizer which was just enough and super tasty—a perfect combination of salty, crisp and creamy with the bright green flavor balancing the richness of the burrata. I will be dreaming of this meal for a while. Also the space is lovely. I felt like we were dinner guests in an inviting home.

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13. MR

    MarkR

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had vegetarian friends in from out of town so we chose here because of the menu choices. All the dinners were top notch especially the short ribs and the fish. The deserts were also great especially the mint ice cream made from fresh mint.

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14. JC

    JaniceC

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Such a thoughtful menu, right up to the desserts. Diners are also some of the most nicely-dressed in the city!

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15. MH

    MonaH

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Once again a fabulous meal at Gardenias. The short ribs are melt in your mouth divine, and fish entrées are always superb. What really makes Gardenias stand out is the over the top creativity of their farm to table vegetable accompaniments with entrees, and the salad and veggie starters. Too many to list, so I'll just note my most recent starter of roasted young carrots, sweet potatoes and beets served over a luscious thick tahini sauce and topped with a carrot top pesto. Yum!!

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    This was our first time dining at Gardenias. It was a good experience all around. They have a decent wine selection and we bought one of the least expensive wines which turned out to be a great choice! Their short rips and pork tenderloin were on point. The white bean, pistachio, and olive tapenade was delightful. We had the appetizer, prosciutto wrapped asparagus paired with burrata and golden raisins. It was okay but didn’t make sense. Could have used crostinis or even croutons. It was a great little neighborhood spot we’ve been wanting to try and we will certainly return.

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17. s

    simonian

    San Francisco

    46 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Second time visiting this cute neighborhood restaurant - food was a bit uninspired so we were disappointed. I love the space but with both front and back doors open, you do get a bit of a wind tunnel effect - it was cold! I get it that this is likely for Covid safety. Just be warned, you will be cold and your food will get cold rapidly. Scallop crudo was just ok - the combination of chile oil and other toppings didn't really add much. Salad with strawberries was good, but this being peak strawberry season, we were sad to see hard, not very sweet berries in the mix. Gnocchi was described by server as pan browned when in fact they were absolutely not browned at all and a bit flabby. Desserts were ok - not great. Overall, I'd say if I lived in the neighborhood, I might give it another chance, but since I don't, I'll pass.

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Limited menu, so review ahead of time. Tight quarters if worried about COVID. Would have liked faster service. Felt like kept looking for server. Food delicious. You pay for bread.

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19. MH

    MonaH

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding as always! Gardenias is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco, and a true foodie's delight.

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20. CP

    CaptainPhillips

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    we had a great time right before a concert at the Fillmore

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Such incredibly delicious seasonal food in a beautiful setting!!! I’ll be back again and again!!

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22. MG

    MargaretG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous food and excellent service. A little gem of a restaurant!

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23. JJ

    JJESS

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It’s been a few years since we last were there, but the food is outstanding and the service was attentive.

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24. KM

    KarinM

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    EXCELLENT EXCELLENT Restaurant! One of my favorites! I had the braised ribs with polenta and broccoli which was phenomenal followed with an absolutely delectable pear tart this time. Highly recommend..

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25. s

    sfleah

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had a fabulous meal! The carrot appetizer, the leek soup and the swordfish entre were delicious with fresh ingredients. The meringue dessert was the perfect way to end the meal. YUMM!

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26. S

    Spanky

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Sublime and intimate dining experience.

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27. M

    Metalmark

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    The entire environment, food, service and ambiance was positively lovely. Highly recommended quiet, local bistro style. MB

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28. DP

    DennisP

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    First time at Gardenias. Would recommend it to anyone who wants fine food, fine service, and a wonderful environment in a small, quaint restaurant. Would love it if they had a few non-alcholic drinks.

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A true gem if you are in the Pacific Heights area of town! The menu is seasonal and I can’t wait to bring friends and family back!

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent!! I can’t say enough good things. Our server was so knowledgeable on the wines and on the food menu. It was a quiet night for them but I never felt rushed to leave the restaurant. The ambiance was like someone’s country home. Definitely perfect for dates or visiting friends/family. I can’t wait to have a reason to go back.

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service, knowledgeable server, great ambiance (back patio is fantastic), and delicious food across courses. Excellent wine list is well. Very creative, thoughtful, and well-executed from appetizers to mains to desserts. I thought the dessert menu was particularly lovely with more options than you’d expect. Value was also incredible. Will definitely be coming back.

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32. AM

    AnaMarieU

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I wouldn't call this place child friendly, so we almost had second thoughts about bringing our little ones here but they have a palate for good food and no regrets here. No special accommodations needed. Staff was lovely. Baby, toddler, mommy AND daddy were all 100% satisfied with zero complaints.

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33. PS

    PatrickS

    Seattle

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great neighborhood restaurant that makes you feel like you are family. Great food and great service.

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34. LS

    LarryS

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The menu is small but outstanding. The dishes are complicated and all were wonderful. Nice intimate restaurant.

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35. h

    hungry

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Food was grand. The gnocchi was perfect, kobucha squash delectable. Waitress was so knowledgeable about the menu and helpful snd sweet.

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36. SJ

    StJohnHalfpenny

    London

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The host and waiter were warm, knowledgeable, and professional. The outdoor dining area was intimate and comfortable. Our appetizers and main courses were expertly prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, and the wine selection tied the meal together perfectly. Great dining experience.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Very nice back patio dining.

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38. DD

    DiningD

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What an incredibly memorable meal! A great combination of fresh ingredients, artistic combinations of flavors, wonderful service, and great value! We'll be back!

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39. JB

    JujuB

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It's a shame that I am coming back to write this review. CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT I HAD TO EAT BUT DO REMEMBER THAT IT WASW DELICIOUS AND WORTH YOUR TRIP! LOVED THE ATMOSPHERE TOO!

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40. k

    kurtdismas

    San Francisco

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    this is just a terrific restaurant. great food. attentive staff. good value. treat yourself.

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