If you're looking for a place to celebrate something meaningful, Lazy Bear absolutely delivers an unforgettable experience. We came here for my retirement dinner, and from the very start, the evening felt special. I was greeted with a handwritten, wax-sealed note congratulating me on my retirement--an incredibly thoughtful and personal touch that set the tone for what followed. I watch a lot of high-level cooking competitions and have a deep appreciation for food, presentation, and service--and Lazy Bear exceeded my expectations on all fronts. This isn't just a meal; it's a carefully curated experience centered around presentation, flavor, and storytelling. I highly recommend the wine pairing. While every pairing was excellent, a few truly stood out: The Domaine Ostertag Riesling paired with the Mt. Lassen trout was exceptional. I'm not typically a Riesling fan, but this completely changed my perspective. The pickled green strawberries, peppercorns, and trout broth brought the wine to life in a way that was both surprising and delicious. The trout itself was cooked perfectly, and the depth of the broth was remarkable. The Cabernet Sauvignon paired with the coal-roasted wagyu ribeye was another highlight. The steak was seared and cooked to perfection, complemented beautifully by an artichoke purée and perfectly prepared greens (even for someone who doesn't usually gravitate toward them). Without a pairing, the cultured butter with spring fondue and morel mushrooms was one of the most memorable bites of the night. The combination of textures--the creaminess, the earthy morels, and the char on the greens--was simply outstanding. One of the standout elements of the evening was the sommelier, who didn't just pour wine but told the story behind each selection--vintage, region, and vintner. The mix of French and California wines added depth to the experience, and even the mid-range pairing felt generous and well-balanced (though they do offer a connoisseur-level option for serious wine enthusiasts). Dessert, served upstairs, was another highlight--especially the Dandelion Chocolate creations. The chocolate, caramel, and cookie-based dessert paired with a Grenache blend from Muse Vineyards was exceptional, and again, each wine was explained with care and detail. From the opening Spring Forager's tisane--infused with wild blossoms and evergreens--to the final course, every dish felt intentional and beautifully executed. There wasn't a single course that didn't impress or intrigue. Yes, the pricing is not for the faint of heart--but the experience more than justifies it. This is what happens when a truly talented and passionate team--from foragers to chefs to service staff--comes together to create something special. Thank you to my wonderful wife for making this night happen. And thank you, Lazy Bear, for delivering a retirement dinner that exceeded every expectation. read more

We had a beautiful anniversary here! From the very beginning of our meal to the next morning (thanks to the take home cold brew and banana bread), the team made our visit special. They were kind, attentive, and pulled details from our reservation to ask us fun questions. We also really enjoyed the souvenir notebook for capturing sentiment, dish notes, and doodles. The location was lovely, with a large hearth and floral decorations. The tisane made with locally foraged flora was beautiful and creative, and their simplest dishes (whipped scrambled egg, bread and cultured butter) stood out the most. No dish or drink left a bad impression, and everything added up to be a thoughtful, artful celebration of California. From wine pairing to presentation, it was all incredible and I would love to return for another special occasion. read more

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Lazy Bear might have been the best dining experience I've ever had. The ambiance is beautiful and unpretentious, with lots of natural materials and a subtle smoky aroma (coming from the hearth in the kitchen) that feels nostalgic, like a campfire but more refined. The service was exceptional. I've never had a restaurant be so attentive to my tree nut allergy! They adjusted the entire menu seamlessly. At the start, they give you a custom printed field guide with every dish listed, tailored to your restrictions, along with space for notes, which is such a thoughtful touch. Nearly every course is introduced by a different staff member, all warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely personable. The meal itself was just as impressive. We started with a Spring Foragers tisane that tasted like drinking the essence of a pine forest. The whipped scrambled egg, served in an eggshell, was rich and indulgent with a maple laced hot sauce at the bottom. The snack trio was a standout, especially the beet tartlet, which I could have eaten 50 of, and a honey nut squash flan with caramel and Ossetra caviar, one of my favorite bites of the night. A smoked carrot dish with preserved peppers, egg yolk jam, and Wagyu bacon was incredible, deeply flavorful from being smoked and then rehydrated in its own juices. The Hog Island oysters with white asparagus and buttermilk was bright and fresh. The Mount Lassen trout, with crispy skin and allium cream, was another highlight, and I appreciated their commitment to using most of the fish. One of the best bites of the night was the cultured butter with brown buttermilk bread, deeply tangy and so good I asked for seconds without hesitation. The spring fondue with fava beans and mushrooms was rich and balanced, and the squab à l'orange, served as both fillet and meatball, was beautifully executed, with a fresh fennel salad to cut through the richness. The coal roasted A5 Miyazaki Wagyu ribeye was the best beef I've ever had, perfectly cooked and incredibly rich. For dessert, the winter citrus bar with bergamot, mandarin, and Earl Grey foam was another top three bite, like a hyper elevated sweet tart rope lol. The Mission hot chocolate with preserved chilies was deeply rich with a subtle warming spice. They finished with a playful final surprise, a tart, fruity donut and soda, possibly pomelo, which was a refreshing end to the meal. I would absolutely come back to Lazy Bear again. read more

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We had dinner reservations for two on a Friday night to celebrate my partner's birthday. The staff truly made our night special. When making reservations, they allow you to include a short note if you're celebrating a special occasion. In my note, I mentioned that my partner had just recently moved to the city. Every staff member who helped serve us made it a point to wish her a happy birthday and congratulate her on the move. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me -- and especially to her. So thank you, Lazy Bear staff! As for the food, everything we had was excellent, though we definitely had our favorites. To start, the forager's tisane (herbal tea) was floral and fruity -- the perfect palate cleanser before our multi-course meal. The Dungeness crab toast was probably my favorite bite of the night. It was rich, cheesy, and incredibly delicious. Not far behind were the house-made cultured butter and the black cod. To finish our meal, they escorted us upstairs to their more casual lounge area for dessert. The donuts and "roots" beer float were the perfect ending. Overall, we had a great time and were so happy to celebrate at Lazy Bear. The food and staff were exceptional, and we'd love to come back once the menu rotates! read more

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Lazy Bear is spectacular! This Michelin starred restaurant deserves all the accolades and then some! Reservations are required, and parking will be challenging. It is San Francisco after all. I love that the restaurant is warm and embracing, and it almost feels like a warm hug. Once seated, our dinner was off to an amazing start! I'm dying at numerous Michelin, restaurants, and I love when they referred to their menu as a tasting menu. It's always been in my mind that you literally receive a very small portion, but that's never the case. Lazy bear continues the tradition of perfection and generosity. Our meal started with infused tea that tasted like something you'd wanna bathe then. It was late, tasty, and it's true what they say... the way a meal starts sets the tone for the entire experience. Everything of course, is made in house, and they brought bread and butter to the table. I spent the entire meal raving about the butter. Yes, this is also made in house. The butter is simply divine. The wait staff knew exactly why I was raving about it, and they all told me that they love it as well. Ironically, the couple that was seated next to us, I had glanced over at our table, and when they were served their bread and butter, they both leaned over and said now we know why you're raving about this! Keep in mind, our meal hasn't even started... The first of the tasting menu included, bacon, wrapped asparagus, caviar, this delicious cold pottage drizzled with olive oil, and each bite was spectacular. Each step of the way, service was above and beyond, and each dish not only could stand on its own, it was absolutely highly elevated comfort food. I absolutely loved what I'm referring to as an egg soufflé. It was late, creamy, and an absolutely perfect bite. Lazy bear makes food absolutely magical. Do we ever sit down and think I'll just have a bite of this and be full? No, but with the tasting menu each bite is like a complete meal. The salad was absolutely spectacular. And we still haven't gotten to the protein portion of the tasting menu. Is it possible to cry over good food?! Lol the Lam lollipop was a bite of heaven. So perfectly seasoned and flavorful, that all of this has encouraged me to up my culinary skills! There were definitely other bites in between all of this. Just so much damn good food! When the dessert portion of our meal arrived, I was already beyond full, but there was no way I wasn't going to enjoy dessert. Decadent doesn't even begin to cover the desserts. Chocolate elevated to a level that even Ias a huge lover of chocolate, could not even fathom. The experience is one for the books! The service was impeccable. The food was over the top mind blowing, and this takes fine dining to an entire entirely new level! Lazy Bear- thank you for an incredible evening! read more

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Cute restaurant! They print the date and what you're celebrating on the menu booklet, so great to go on birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Crab is in season for Jan so there's a crab toast course - while it's innovative with a layer of fat on top, I did not like it as much and feel there's a lack of flavor. My favorites were the scallop (very fresh!) and the wagyu (melts in your mouth!). The pumpkin soup looking dish actually has a whole layer of caviar at the bottom, surprise! Overall really liked it and will definitely visit again. read more

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After debating between two other options, we were glad we finally chose this restaurant to celebrate New Year's Eve and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The restaurant offered two seating times that evening, 6:00 and 9:00 PM. Our party of four arrived about ten minutes early and were immediately greeted and escorted to the second floor, where we were seated in a corner overlooking the first floor. Shortly after, another couple joined our table. The restaurant's concept is quite unique, encouraging guests to socialize and engage with one another, which added to the overall experience. Our dining journey began with a refreshing whiskey-based cocktail that perfectly opened up our appetite for the evening. On the second floor, we were served a series of delightful appetizers: 1. Whipped scrambled eggs - Not scrambled in the traditional sense, but more foamy and poached in texture, served inside a lifelike eggshell. With bacon, maple, and hot sauce, this bite was absolutely delicious. 2. Gulf shrimp cocktail - Served with a sweet and tangy sauce; the shrimp tasted incredibly fresh. 3. Smoked trout bagel with caviar - The standout appetizer of the night in my opinion. The balance of flavors was simply amazing. 4. Duck liver mousse on gingerbread cookie - A unique and delicious combination I had never tried before. 5. Country ham arancini with white truffle - Perfectly textured, crispy on the outside and rich and flavorful on the inside. Throughout the appetizer courses, we were continuously served bubbly, which kept the mood festive. Around 6:40 PM, guests were escorted back down to the first floor to begin dinner. Everyone was seated at two long communal tables overlooking the open kitchen. The first two courses were bay scallop crudo and SF Bay black cod. The scallops were fresh and bright with a grapefruit sauce, while the black cod was flaky and cooked to perfection. These dishes were paired with a French Chardonnay and a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Next came the most delicious warm milk bread with butter. The butter was incredibly lush and melted beautifully in the mouth. The following course was a French onion fondue, generously topped with shaved black truffle. With this dish, we enjoyed a 2008 Barolo from Italy, which paired wonderfully. The two main courses were Liberty duck and wagyu ribeye. Both were outstanding, but the wagyu truly stood out, so tender it practically melted in the mouth. These dishes were paired with Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dessert options were plentiful, accompanied by port and coffee selections. I opted for a latte to end the evening. At the end of the meal, they sent us off with thoughtful goodie bags containing a non-alcoholic drink, a mini bottle of Tito's vodka, and a small loaf of apple coffee cake - such a lovely touch. In summary, while this experience was certainly not inexpensive, it was worth every penny. Every bite was divine, our wine glasses never seemed empty, and the service was impeccable from start to finish. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect meal to end the year 2025. read more

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Impeccable service. Now I understand why they said fine dining is more about the service and less of the food. The team did a great job introducing the dishes to us. One food runner actually was so passionate about the food and he described the process of making thoroughly. We love the ambience, the decor (with a hidden bear on the mural) and the open kitchen concept. It was quite cold in the restaurant. The food offered here was highly seasonal. The concept was so clever and the execution was on point. Everything was delicious, flavorful but not too much over the top. Some dishes were on a saltier side for my palate. My favorite: of course the whipped egg, the wagyu, the honeynut squash flan and the culture butter. We hope to be back for Spring or Summer menus. Thank you the team at Lazy Bear for the excellent dining experience. 2 stars were well deserved. read more

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There are only a few restaurants we've dined at that are comparable in quality of food and service as Lazy Bear. Well-deserved 2 Michelin stars and a very memorable and unique dining experience. The wine pairing was beautiful and our som was knowledgeable. Highlights that we enjoyed were the Whipped Scrambled Egg (if I had an anteater tongue I would've licked the shell clean), the seafood medley of shrimp, octopus, and mussel, and Lamb. After the main courses in the downstairs dining room we were taken upstairs to the cozy loft to enjoy the dessert courses. Blankets were available as it was a little chilly upstairs. This was the perfect place to celebrate a special night. read more

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First Michelin experience and it did not disappoint. Very good service -- the staff does a great job of explaining every dish. Also comes with a little booklet where you can write about every dish. They also give banana bread and cold brew to take home after read more

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We went here to celebrate our engagement and were really excited to try another Michelin star restaurant. Let's keep the review simple and straightforward. Food was just ok, nothing really stood out. Presentation was nice. The dessert section upstairs was underwhelming though. They wanted to make the experience different but having to enjoy our drinks / dessert upstairs was just odd to me. read more

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Amazing experience, beautiful ambience and delicious food. Each dish told a story and the staff was extremely knowledgeable about the food that was being served. Upstairs seating felt romantic and intimate and the table overlooking the restaurant from above was beautiful. The experience felt interactive, as we were given a book to jot down notes for each dish. Note: if you arrive late they will take dishes off your prefix and will not adjust the cost. You will be paying full price. We arrived 35 minutes late and had 2-3 courses removed because of time constraints. But, I believe they realized they spaced out the dishes incorrectly. We had a few dishes come out extremely fast back to back which was followed by an unusually long delay for a couple dishes. Food: 9.5/10 Service: 7/10 Ambience: 9.5/10 read more

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We went to my boyfriend's favorite restaurant and after going, I can definitely see why! We did the wine pairing alongside the tasting menu, and it felt well-curated without being showy. Out of all the dishes what really stood out for us was the crab dish and the steak. The crab came through in a rich, balanced way. The steak, which showed up as a coal‑roasted Wagyu ribeye, was melt‑in‑your‑mouth-good. We also appreciated that despite the complexity and polish of the meal, the overall vibe stayed approachable. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, guiding us through the courses with ease--explaining the pairings and ingredients without inundating you with too many details. Ultimately, it was a very special night. Lazy Bear delivers adventurous, seasonal food with strong wine pairings and confident service. It's worth the splurge, especially if seafood and a standout steak are on your radar. read more

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Had a pretty great time at Lazy Bear. Each course was well described by the staff and the wait between each course wasn't too long. To start, they brought out basically a sort of tea, described as and infusion of Wild Blossoms, Herbs and Conifers, Honey. The presentation was really pretty. Next was some Whipped Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Maple, and Hot Sauce. It was kind of like eating latte foam, but just with the flavors listed. The Seafood Tower had the tiniest and cutest Clam Chowder Bread Bowl. Even though the bread was tiny, it still managed to be crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. There was also a Spot Prawn with Apricot sauce and a Broiled Shigoku Oyster with Green Garlic Glacage. The last seafood course was SF Bay Halibut served as a salad. Everything was super flavorful but light at the same time. We started to move away from seafood, starting with a Split Pea Soup containing English Peas and Shoots, Ham, and Pork Belly, that was nice and savory. We were then brought the Lazy Bear Cultured Butter served with a Brown Butter Milk Bread. I forget exactly the description of it, but basically the butter culture is hella old and that gives it a different flavor, texture etc. Some creamy Brentwood Corn with Fiscalini Cheddar, Huitlachoe, and Australian Winter Truffle added some more richness to experience. The next dish, Fogline Chicken with Carrot, Swiss Chard, and Marsala was pretty tender but in the end was just chicken. Something something sous vide something; I forget what they said about it. Anyway, the barbeque inspired Grilled Lamb Ribeye was really great and provided some heft to the night. For the sweet items, they brought us upstairs to little more secluded area. We were given little Strawberry cakes and some ice cream(?) that were herby and floral. Finally finished the night with a wonderfully rich Chocolate Beet Lava Cake. We also got wine pairings which all tasted good to me. I know nothing about wine so... Overall, a pretty amazing experience and I'm super happy I was able to enjoy it. Look forward to coming back! read more

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We celebrated our anniversary at Lazy Bear, and it was truly unforgettable! From the moment we walked in, we felt the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service was top-notch - all of the servers that stopped by our table were attentive and knowledgeable. The menu was a highlight, with creative and fun dishes that we couldn't wait to try tying to the chefs interests and passion for hyper local ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere and music was perfect. The decor was charming, and the vibe was laid-back and cozy. We felt like we were in a special little world, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Overall, we had an amazing time at Lazy Bear, and we can't wait to come back! If you're looking for a great spot to celebrate a special occasion or just a night out with friends, Lazy Bear is definitely worth checking out. Quick tip: made reservations online and prepaid. Ordered a mocktail and paid for that at the end of the meal. Public parking only. read more

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One of the most disappointing fine dining experiences I've had, especially for a Michelin two-star. I'm not that into Michelin and don't really expect much from Michelin starred restaurants but this was even below those expectations. It's three stars instead of two because the first half of the tasting menu was actually delicious, but it just rapidly went downhill from there. - I started with the forager's tisane which was a tea made with local herbs. I wouldn't rate it as I think its main purpose as a starter was to provide a clean palate to start with. Very herbal, lots of evergreen/pine taste and a hint of chamomile. Very neutral on this as I don't think it was really meant to taste good. - Next up was the whipped scrambled eggs, which I actually really enjoyed. It was super smooth and came with a delicious sweet hot sauce that I loved! - After that was the sourdough bread bowl, which despite my overall lack of enthusiasm about Lazy Bear as a whole, was a true standout for me. It's totally mockable in that "oh high end restaurants only serve you tiny portions kind of way", because the bread bowl is literally the size of a ping pong ball. But it was a fantastic bite of sourdough, clam chowder, and caviar, where each part of the dish did exactly what it was supposed to. Unfortunately, this was one of only two standout dishes from this experience. I think after that was the transition into the main courses: - Next up was the hog island oysters, one raw and one broiled. I enjoyed the creamy and garlicky taste on the broiled one, overall an OK course. Raw oyster was not particularly special. - Chilled cioppino was alright, and came with a creative sourdough/tomato puree that was quite good. However, the flavor was not well absorbed into the prawns and the mussels in this dish were far too salty, which made the overall dish underwhelming. - The Mt. Lassen Trout was pretty good, and I enjoyed the squash blossom that came with it. Trout was very tender. - The milk buns, which came with house-made cultured butter, was the pinnacle of the experience--after which sadly everything went horribly downhill. Super soft, fluffy milk bread, delicious butter (I believe their butter culture is like 50 years old or something), and you can keep some bread to dip in the sauce in the following course (which I wouldn't recommend--the milk bun + butter combo can't be beat while you're here). - After the milk buns came the brentwood corn, which comes drenched in a cheddar cheese sauce that doubles as dipping sauce for the bread. I found the cheese way too overpowering here. - The duck which came next was fine, but nothing special. Grilling the grapes was a nice touch, but nothing about this dish particularly stood out. - After the duck was the wagyu, which, similar to the duck, did not stand out at all. I think the main issue with these two dishes was that nothing was done to enhance the flavor of the meat, IMO. The cheese sauce that came with the wagyu did not do much for it--it was good because it was wagyu, and despite the cheese sauce, which lends no credit to the restaurant. Would have been better served plain, seared with some salt on the side, IMO. The dessert courses were a disaster, in part because of poor guidance on how they should be eaten, and in part because they were inherently unbalanced. The first course was the summer melons, which lacked any kind of cohesion between the sorbet, the panna cotta, and the actual melon. Again, the melon was the better on its own and the preparation did nothing to enhance it. The final dessert course--a fig french toast with a fig ice cream--was extremely sweet, and the issue was exacerbated by the staff recommendation to eat the fig french toast first. The fig french toast was so sweet that the fig ice cream had no taste afterwards, so I'm not sure why that was suggested at all. Overall, this was a very disappointing experience for a two-star Michelin at a $350 price point. I wouldn't recommend unless you really just want to spend $350 on milk buns and ping-pong sized clam chowder, which is your prerogative and honestly something I might do at another restaurant with even better standout dishes--but likely not this one. read more

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I took my bf here for his birthday and the experience was amazing. The staff are super friendly (and quite funny especially if you like dad jokes) and the entire menu was a pretty creative nod to SF/Bay Area. 1. The dungeness crab dish was my absolute favorite and was soo rich and flavorful. Super creamy rice underneath and the broth was warm, hearty, and clean. I know it was crab season but that was just the definition of fall for me (and that's a good thing) 2. They give you a field guide (the menu) and if you attempt to draw the bear with your guest(s), the best looking bear gets a prize - channel your artistic selves and do it! 3. Not like my usual reviews because i do not want to spoil the surprise menu (and they're always updating it anyways) - but this was just such a great dining experience - very interactive, flavorful while being experimental, wonderful plating - would 100% come back to try some of their other "dinner parties" read more

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I was waiting for a special occasion to go and finally went for my beautiful wife's birthday , we where seated in the best seat of the house (2nd fl right in the middle ) so we could see how lazy bear operated on all cylinders. Once we were seated and as the courses started coming out , the staff explained everything like it was second nature , which made me lean in even more , as I always love to hear how the ingredients were sourced and prepared , each course was orchestrated to perfection and was completely amazing. Needless to say I was highly impressed and loved all the table side service which elevated the experience even more I wish everyday was my wife's birthday and all in all lazy bear goes head to head with any of our other Michelin star experience's I will highly recommend and can't wait until we meet again ty to all for the memorable day read more

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Lazy Bear was on my list for a while, so when I heard that they were finally reopening after the remodel and in celebration of their 10th Anniversary, I made sure to stay up to date with when the reservation release would be! I managed to get reservations! The dining room is dimly lit with woodsy lives. The theme is outdoor with tree branches hanging from the ceiling, a giant mural of Yosemite, and lots of décor with bears and other forest creatures. They have an open kitchen, so you can see all of the hustle and bustle, as well as their new The staff is a lot of fun! They somehow manage to be both sophisticated and proper while also dropping in some informal and tongue in cheek remarks, love it! A fun twist on what you'd expect at a typical Michelin starred restaurant. The first thing you'll notice upon sitting down is the Field Guide and pencil they provide you! This acts as both the menu, and a little notebook for your to take notes on your thoughts on each dish. Your servers will actually ask you about it and see if you wrote anything down! Let me start off by saying that the whole tasting menu was incredible! They use hyper-seasonal ingredients, so their menu changes frequently. A few dishes that really stood out: - "Snacks": Three small bites that include Sourdough Bread Bowl, Matsutake and Spelt Tart, and Brown Rice Cracker. The sourdough bread bowl has clam chowder and Lazy Bear Reserve Caviar by Tsar Nicoulai. The cutest little bread bowl you've every seen! The caviar was amazing. Clam chowder taste was more on the subtle side but good nonetheless! Next was the Matsutake and Spelt Tart with essence of pine and a delicious and juicy wagyu ribeye cap. Last was the Brown Rice Cracker with carrot and koji, really good umami taste. - Carolina Gold Rice Grits: One of two of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE dishes of the night! Did you know that Fort Bragg Uni is actually an invasive species?! So by eating it, you're your part! I will say, it is quite delicious though! Sweet and not bitter at all. The Gulf Shrimp head butter was incredibly flavorful. It paired so nicely with the sweet and tart flavor from the roasted and raisinated Sungold Tomatoes (that's right, they made the tomatoes into raisins!). - Lazy Bear Cultured Butter: This is no ordinary bread and butter! The butter culture is actually 12 years old! It was tangy, salty, and almost walks the line between butter and cheese! It comes with the softest brown butter milk bread. - Coal-Roasted Wagyu Ribeye: OK WOW, best wagyu I've had in my life! This A5 beef from Miyazaki Prefecture has a reputation for a reason! The most incredible beef I've ever had, truly melted in my mouth! The perfect sear using their new coal grill! It came with eggplant confit in wagyu fat along with tiny onion rings, wagyu 'nduja, and basil. After dinner, we were led to their upstairs lounge section for dessert, some final bites, and a parting gift! Great view from the top floor, make sure to take it all in! read more

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I returned to Lazy Bear to celebrate my birthday, and unfortunately, this two-Michelin-star restaurant fell far short of expectations and my previous experience here. The restaurant has completely transformed since my first visit. Gone are the fun bear decorations that gave the place its charm, the communal dining tables, the fun upper floor before the meal started (now they switch it to be after the meal to have desserts, which is kinda awkward). The new setup feels generic and has lost its personality. Despite spending $1,700 for two people ($775 for food + $895 for beverage pairing), there was absolutely no birthday acknowledgment beyond the initial greeting and a card. No candle, no special dessert, not even a "Happy Birthday" written on a plate. I've celebrated my birthday at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and every single one has made the occasion feel special. For a restaurant at this price point, especially holding a two Michelin star, this lack of thoughtfulness is inexcusable. Another important thing I want to mention is that the meal left us hungry despite the hefty price tag. I believe the total number of dishes are much less than on my first visit. These are some of the dishes that worth mentioning: Forager's Tisane: Excellent start. Hog Island Oysters: The broiled version was overwhelmed by pepper sauce, masking the oyster's flavor. Chilled Cioppino: Tiny portion. Hoppin' John: Not enjoyable. Liberty Duck: Overly salty, only one thin slice which looks very sad. Coal-Roasted Wagyu Ribeye: The standout dish, but just one thin slice under a rice cracker. Desserts: Total of three courses ending with 2 chocolate bonbons and a single gummy bear. None of the desserts are impressive, in fact, none of the dishes left us feeling wanting to come back. My first visit here featured more and far more inventive dishes. The Bottom Line: I am comparing with other two Michelin stars restaurant I have dined before: Saison, Californios, Birdsong, Commis and several one Michelin star restaurants, I can confidently say those restaurants offer more superior food, service, and value than Lazy Bear. Lazy Bear has lost its magic. Save your money and celebrate somewhere that values your patronage. read more

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Held a work event here and it was AMAZING! I think they could have started bringing the courses out a little faster but we were also enjoying the wine pairings so much I get why they want to let us keep enjoying. The attention to detail on literally every ingredient is crazy. Foraged flower tea...omg. Very pricey but a great experience if you're wanting something memorable. Keeping the booklet they give you for taking notes as a little keepsake. read more

Man this place is special. Every course wowed me and the staff had beautiful stories to pair with each one. The notebook and pencil is a nice touch and I was ecstatic the next morning when I remembered I had banana bread and cold brew from their goodie bag at the end of the night. The presentation of the mushroom broth was probably the most memorable for me, but I could go back here every week and be happy. Their love for food comes across and the nostalgia hit right on the nose read more

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Parking can be a bit tricky to find but on a weekday night it isn't terrible. The restaurant has some lighting outside but it's not super visible how to enter. We came a bit early and were told to get comfortable in the waiting area, then we were promptly brought to our table. We got a corner table which was actually really cool since we had a ton of space and got to sit next to each other. Service was also exceptional - everyone was super helpful and seemed passionate about explaining. Highlights: Bay Scallop: Super fresh scallop, nice bright flavors Small bites: These were delicious - so much flavor in each bite Fondue: Delicious, aged cheese flavor with the black truffle notes Wagyu: You could really taste the triple sear and char from the open flame. Delicious, smoky flavor while still melting in your mouth Super fun time! read more

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Actually a very nice experience although very expensive. Felt worth it Food was great and Boy Scouts theme was nice. They have some of the best butter I've ever eaten read more

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Every course was artistic. Every bite was a delight. The service was impeccable. I honestly liked it here more than French Laundry. read more

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When someone asks my favorite restaurant, Lazy Bear quickly comes to mind! The whole night was a wonderful experience and every bite was better than the last. Our server was hilarious and explained all of the dishes perfectly. The sommelier recommended great wines to fit each of our tastes. After dinner they moved us up to the loft for dessert. It was cozy and intimate upstairs! It's a perfect place for a fancy date night or small dinner with friends - I can't wait to come back for a special occasion. read more

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My partner brought me here for an anniversary dinner and I was delighted with my experience. THEIR STORY: The story of Lazy Bear is incredible, and if you haven't heard it... TL;DR self taught chef gets laid off from attorney job and starts hosting dinner parties in his apartment under Lazy Bear, an anagram of his name. And now it's a 2 Michelin star resto. MY STORY: I've been wanting to go here ever since I subscribed to their newsletter in 2013 (fun fact: the prices were $140 per head then! Now it's $295). They've changed up their community seating to be more intimate, which I actually prefer. SERVICE/AMBIANCE: The service is unparalleled and I feel like everyone serving us truly embodied the friendly San Francisco spirit. It was a nice nod to the restaurant's history of communal experiences. I also fully enjoyed the holiday theme, bear/scouts theme (decor sprinkled throughout the restaurant and even in the bathroom), and little booklet they gave us to take notes on each dish! What a creative take on a regular menu. We were also treated with a jaunt upstairs for our dessert, which was fun! FOOD: Fantastic. I was wowed by the whole experience, and I loved how they used foods that were in season. In particular, their use of mushrooms in many of the dishes (including the tea in the beginning) pushed the boundaries of how many different flavor profiles and use cases there were for the little fungi. OVERALL: What a magnificent dinner. We felt transported, which was exactly the experience I was looking for. Thanks David Barzelay and staff for a magical meal. read more

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Dinner at Lazy Bear was exceptional. I think it was better than the first time we went. I prefer the individual tables because I don't like making small talk with strangers. I do miss starting upstairs with a punch bowl, but we got to have dessert there and it was very cozy. The madeira wine in a glass reindeer was a nice, Christmas-y touch. Our favorites from the December 2024 menu: 1. Whipped scrambled eggs (bacon, maple, hot sauce): Hubby and I LOVED this. It's literally perfect. 2. SNACKS: Sourdough bread bowl (cockle chowder, Lazy Bear Reserve Caviar by Tsar Nicoulai), Delicata squash & chestnut tart (wagyu ribeye cap, acorn flour), Brown rice cracker (fermented carrot, carrot miso mayo, koji powder): This was one of my favorite courses of the night. Each bite was a unique flavor bomb. The sourdough bread bowl was the tiniest, cutest thing. The complete package in miniature form. 3. SF Bay black cod (brassicas, sea lettuce, meyer lemon): The best part of this was the black cod broth that was served on the side! 4. Lazy Bear cultured butter with brown milk bread: Jaw-dropping. 5. FONDUE (Midnight Moon goat cheese, Fiscalini cheddar, sunchoke, pear): The potatoes were crazy good. I don't know how they get the outside so crispy, but the inside wasn't dry at all. The potato literally melted in your mouth. Oh, and surprise, surprise, it was absolutely covered in black truffles. One helluva cheese course. 6. Coal-roasted wagyu ribeye (A5 beef from Miyazaki Prefecture, braised greens, porcini, potlikker): hands down the best wagyu we've had in the United States. 7. Espresso martini by Tabatha (Peated scotch, vanilla liqueur with cognac, coffee liqueur, espresso, pinch of salt): Kick-ass version. They were so accommodating and made a custom beverage pairing for me: my very own champagne progression. Insert heart eyes. The PAUL DÉTHUNE 'Cuvée l'Ancienne', Ambonnay Grand Cru, France 2013 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay was especially stunning. It held up to the rich wagyu. Service was warm, friendly, and downright hilarious. Thank you, Tommy (Fon-do, Fon-don't), Victor, Jaxon, Tabatha, and everyone! I loved every second. P.S. Parking is difficult so make sure you have enough time. read more

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I took my boyfriend to Lazy Bear to celebrate his birthday and it has been, by far, the most memorable experience we've ever had. From the moment we sat down with them offering to provide a small chair for my bag to the very last minute spent here, we felt incredibly taken care of by the entire staff. Lazy Bear is 100% deserving of their Michelin stars. FOOD: While I won't detail out everything we had, I can confidently say that every dish was exciting and adventurous. Dish after dish, we were constantly surprised and impressed with how well everything paired together. I've never had an experience like the one at Lazy Bear. They've completely raised the bar for me when it comes to tasting menus. SERVICE: Every plate is placed in front of the party at the same time. The coordination made the experience that much more special and impressive; it's the little details that count. The staff were amazing - they were not only knowledgeable about each dish, but they were also willing to answer questions and provide their own interpretation. Lastly, we were provided with a small notebook to jot down notes from each dish, which made it special to compare our own thoughts. Overall, I was impressed by everyone and every dish at Lazy Bear. Thank you for making our special celebration so unique! read more

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I don't know if my mind can be changed of the fact that Lazy Bear is my forever most favorite restaurant experience. No matter the season, then ingredients, the menu, the servers, the sommelier- Chef David Barzelay and team knock it out of the park. And I've said it before and I'll say it's again and again until it happens, Michelin guide needs to give them another star or 2! The new remodel isn't too different but it does feel a little more cozy and cave like. I can't choose a favorite course, since everything quickly became my favorite. We had a great time with our friends that we love to double date with. We'll be back..... again and again. read more

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Came in to celebrate a family milestone and we were told that our table wasn't ready because the previous party were taking their time with dessert. After about 20 minutes we were finally seated: we got to eat some of the early courses on the second floor before being re-seated on the first floor for the main courses. The whole place feels like a Nordic lodge and I really liked the experience of taking your own "field notes" - you can exchange these notes with your fellow diners to see how each person experienced the different dishes. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable as you might expect at a Michelin starred tasting menu. Overall the dishes were very innovative but in terms of flavor profile they can be hit or miss. My personal favorites were the Wagyu course and also the apple palette cleaner (which was surprisingly refreshing!). Some of the other dishes were a bit underwhelming: the PB&J French toast, for example, was too sweet and there wasn't enough peanut butter to balance out the extreme sweetness. Some of the people in our party were also not a fan of the fish course and left it unfinished. Overall, we definitely liked the experience-based dining adventure. Not sure if we'd pay out of pocket for it again but definitely worth coming here if invited to join a corporate event. read more

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Lazy Bear truly lives up to the hype. The service was impeccable, and the vibe was perfect, thanks to the great music and interior design. The food was beautiful and delicious, but the real surprise was the non-alcoholic pairing--super creative and thoughtful. Also, obsessed with the cute survival guide menu! A top-tier dining experience all around. read more

They recently had a renovation on the main floor. They have booths and added a few more tables upstairs. This is our second year and the dishes didn't disappoint. Every detail was perfectly displayed. We enjoyed their scrambled eggs, Spring Fondue and butter bread the most! (Second time!) Personally, I loved all the sauces, aioli, soups that night. So flavorful, refreshing and light. The staffs were wonderful as always. They are thoughtful and professional with little details about each customer. read more

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A bit disappointed! Cue the tiny violin, another foodie who is disappointed by a 2 Michelin starred meal. I've wanted to eat at Lazy Bear for years but reservations were hard to come by and I don't live in SF. I've had a number of friends who have eaten here and loved it. I expected more. More food for starters. More innovation. Pros: the camp bear theme is whimsical and not stuffy, the servers are knowledgable, the food mostly tastes good. The menu is a "field guide" with camping tips and they give you a pencil to write your notes on them. The cutlery is bespoke and beautiful and engraved with the name of the restaurant. Cons: we left hungry! The portions are so so tiny. The pics make them seem larger. Think one scallop in the crudo cut into tiny pieces and interspersed with radish. One bite of duck. A tiny bread roll for the bread and butter. We kept flipping through the menu book to see if there were more courses coming, but alas. Forager's tisane: delicious and aromatic and slightly sweet. We wanted more but it was whisked away after the tiny cups were poured. Snack trio: beet salad tartlet, celery root roll, honey nut squash flan. These were all delicious and we loved them. Dungeness crab toast: flavor was lacking and it was difficult to eat. They wanted you to eat with your hands but it was too big to stuff in my mouth for one bite and then it fell apart after the first bite. Please give me a knife and fork option. Scallop crudo: it comes with passion fruit to drizzle over and grapefruit salt. One scallop cut up. There were pieces I thought were scallop but were actually radish. It was delicious and fresh. Black cod with celtuce and smoked mussel: the mussel was great, smoked in house and it shows. Flavors otherwise were good but not innovative. Bread and Lazy Bear cultured butter: they have been culturing this butter for years and it has a nice cheesy umami taste. We were told to save the bread (which was tiny) for the next course. Can the bread not be larger? French onion fondue with potato and mushroom: flavors were good but it was salty. I love salt too! Duck à la orange: one slice of duck breast that I tried to savor but was gone in one bite. I've looked at old pics and it seemed like people were given half a breast before which would have been more appropriate. Wagyu with broccoli and cauliflower: again one tiny slice and it was too salty. The wagyu was the real deal and melted in my mouth. My date doesn't eat meat so he was told he would get a cauliflower steak which we had no problem with. Except the steak was a single floret of cauliflower! Florets does not = steak. We moved upstairs for dessert. Pomegranate granita with molasses: this was delicious and light, no notes. Winter Citrus bar: a little too tart but still very good Doughnuts with root beer ice cream float: doughnuts were plain and very good. I loved the elevated root beer float. We were sent home with banana bread and coffee for the next day which was really nice. Ambiance and service were great but I go to restaurants for the food. The foraged and cultured foods were good but some dishes were too salty, not balanced, and we wanted a snack after. read more

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An absolutely incredible experience, and easily my new favorite restaurant in SF. Maybe my favorite dining experience ever. We went on July 27, 2024, which was the very last seating of their communal dinner party experience. After that that, they're closing and renovating and going to a traditional separate table format. I'm so grateful I got to go while they brought back their old concept one last time, because it was amazing!! Apparently for this night they brought back classics that they've loved over the years. We started off with small bites upstairs -- highlights included the starting drink (super sweet), the sturgeon & caviar toast, hot fried oyster (I'm not normally an oyster fan, but this one was so good), the dry aged beef tartare, and the grilled shellfish skewer! All the flavors were so good and I love the mini bites concept. Then we went downstairs for the main dining portion. It was so fun listening to the chefs explain the dishes to the whole dining room, and we even got to meet the head chef and owner of the restaurant. Their bread and salted butter is HEAVENLY. Probably the best milk bread I've ever heard. They also served us an amazing sweet corn dish with fresh truffles, and absolutely melt in your mouth steelhead dish with roe. The highlight of the night was definitely the ribeye dish with a5 wagyu, oxtail stuffed early girl tomato, and a pizza inspired tart. They had 3 main desserts centered around seasonal fruits (stone fruit and melon), as well as some petit fours at the very end. They even gave us some trail mix and banana bread to take home for the next morning. The notebook they give you to write notes in is also adorable. Such a fun experience!! read more

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This is a tasting menu, allowing you to sample seasonal dishes that inspire our chefs. Our warm and welcoming staff will explain each course as it is served. Our party of four found the menu captivating, with most dishes proving delicious. The selection is extensive, featuring some light options, most requiring just two or three bites - so we departed feeling pleasantly satisfied rather than overly full. The oyster duo was our favourite. read more

Lazy Bear - New American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I don't even know what I ate last night, but I want more. All the food was so pretty and yummy and different. This place was very enjoyable. Thank you for having us. read more

Some of the best food in SF with fun, lively atmosphere, a lot more casual than some of the other Michelin restaurants (Quince, Saison, Benu). They switched from communal tables to private tables. Love the open kitchen and excellent service. read more

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Wonderful meal recently at Lazy Bear. Such personable friendly service with a really strong menu showcasing seasonal ingredients mostly from CA. The dining room is all open and shared tables, the food is great and the standout - their bread and butter, some of the best I've had in recent memory. Following the savory dishes you move upstairs for the final bites. You get a little guide book to follow along with the menu with space to add your own notes, a very fun experience and one I'll definitely return to. read more

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This place is a true GEM and I really get the hype now. Lazy Bear is unique in the way where their decor and staff make you feel homey and comfortable yet somehow are able to simultaneously keep the feeling of an upscale restaurant. The perfect blend of fun and luxurious feel. Every server we got was amazing from the guy dancing while serving us butter to the more serious but still relaxed tone of the other servers, the mix of personalities made it a truly memorable experience. Now let's get onto the food. There really is very little complaints from me. The only thing I really did not like was tisane, it was a bit too earthy in flavor for me. The butter was also a bit too salty in my personal opinion BUT the servers did warn us that they purposely put an excessive amount of salt in it. Everything else was 9/10-10/10. Meats were extremely tender, flavors well balanced. Plating is what you expect from a restaurant of this caliber as well. The standout dishes were the crab, broccoli beef, and sweet potato pie. read more

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