I found Prelude purely by convenience--it was right across the street from my hotel on a recent work trip to San Francisco--but it ended up being one of the more memorable meals of the visit. I stopped in after an evening event, looking for a lighter late bite, and grabbed a seat at the bar (my usual move when dining solo). From the start, everything just clicked. The space strikes that ideal balance: polished without feeling stuffy, with a warm, inviting energy that works just as well for a casual solo visit as it does for a full dinner out. I kept things simple food-wise and was glad I did. The deviled eggs were anything but basic--nicely elevated without losing their comfort-food appeal. The Nashville hot oysters brought a great mix of heat and flavor, bold but still balanced. Both dishes felt thoughtful and well-executed, even for a lighter order. To drink, I went with an extra dry Manhattan (maybe two), both of which were expertly made--clean, precise, and exactly what I was hoping for at the end of a long day. Service at the bar was spot-on: attentive without hovering, friendly without overdoing it. The kind of place where you feel taken care of but never rushed. All in all, Prelude delivered across the board--food, service, and ambiance. What started as a convenient stop turned into a place I'd absolutely go out of my way to return to next time I'm in town. read more

Prelude - The Chef's amazing Deviled Eggs - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The food was tasty but didn't feel "premium" for the cost or past Michelin experience of the owners. We booked out the semi-private dining area for a corporate event that had a sizeable upfront cost commitment. The restaurant does a fancy take on southern cuisine. The highlight definitely was the chicken drumstick that was remade with a spice-and-meat mix and fried on a bone for presentation. Personally not a fan of warm oysters. The catfish dumplings were interesting to try. Deviled eggs can never do harm but aren't what I'd consider a fancy food item. The steak served at the end of the menu was delicious, but we were so full of the smaller nibbles that no one was able to finish the serving. The champagne served was great, the wine was okay. The staff was very friendly. To get to the restroom you have to walk through a backdoor and halfway through the connecting hotel. read more

Dark, Sexy and Sultry! This place may be way too cool for me, but I did manage. Arrived with a friend at around 6pm and sat at the bar. The bartop and room is teeny tiny, but I think that adds to its coziness. They do have a restaurant, but since im a bar lover, i normally find myself here when I visit. To start, I had the hotel largo. The older I get, the more fall in love with mezcal and this was great! For food, we shared both the deviled eggs and the french onion dip. Both were terrific! My personal favorite was the french onion dip. Creamy, delicious and served with some crunchy potato chips. I finished off out visit with a carrot mezcal cocktail. The bartender let me know its not on the menu just yet, so I felt mighty special. Such a beautiful color with the tasty smokiness of mezcal. Couldn't beat it! Lovely visit to Prelude! I had a great time with my friend chatting it up with other patrons at the bar. I'm sure ill be back again since I visit SF so often. read more

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Nothing here was really good and went home feeling sick. Flavors were kind of yucky or too salty. Service took too long, and they fed our business group family style instead of individual servings. Like I want to ask my clients to pass me the giant greasy dish of meat, or fight over the last spoon full of veggies. Not a good experience. read more

My partner and I came here for the New Year's Eve dinner (reserved the 9:15pm slot). Prelude is located within the Jay Hotel, but the restaurant has its own separate outdoor entrance too. I checked in first with the hotel lobby driveway regarding parking, and typically validated parking is available for restaurant guests, but NYE was an exception so we had to find street parking. We arrived promptly at the restaurant during our reserved time. Unfortunately, we were informed that our table wasn't ready, and that we could hang out in the bar area, but that the bar was full and they were working on moving people over from the bar to the dining room. We stood at the entrance waiting until ~9:55pm. I did appreciate the staff's effort to make the wait less miserable by handing us a glass of champagne, but we unfortunately don't consume alcohol. After our second attempt to take a seat at the bar to rest our feet, we inquired again about our table and a few minutes later we were finally taken to a table (after a 40+ minute wait!). Service was attentive and staff ensured that we were taken care of because of the delay. The NYE spread was absolutely delicious. I typically don't like southern food, but the Chef did an amazing job with the flavors and composition. The mouthfeel of the dishes were thoughtful and unique. My personal favorite was the Citrus Cured Hamachi. The Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage was a close second for me. The Creamsicle Ambrosia Salad was the perfect way to close out my meal. I typically only see strawberry or chocolate desserts, so the ambrosia salad was a welcome surprise. Because we were seated late and didn't finish our meal until close to midnight, we ended up staying until the clock struck 12 before heading out. We loved seeing all the other patrons and the staff celebrating the new year with drinks in the air and smiles all around. We were able to snag a photo with Executive Chef Celtin which was a bonus. Despite a rough start, my partner and I had an overall great experience. I appreciate that staff did their best to accommodate as many guests as they could during a holiday, and that they acknowledged the delay and were apologetic. read more

Prelude - NYE menu - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

One more visit, one more amazing meal! Me and friends signed up for Friendsgiving menu and it was possibly the most delicious upscale version of Thanksgiving dinner you may ever experience. All very familiar items, presented by Prelude's impeccable staff. We started with a deviled egg topped with caviar. Then came the full meal - chicory salad, pork coppa with a mustard gravy, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, candied yams, pecan pie with vanilla bean ice cream. My grandmother could cook, but Chef Celtin made this a whole new experience. (Sorry, grandma!) And I didn't even mention the bar program! I generally do not drink, but Prelude is the exception. read more

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I wasn't sure what to expect, as it was our first time dining at an upscale Southern restaurant, but everything was absolutely amazing. The warm, intimate dining room, knowledgeable staff, and delicious food made this place unforgettable. We ordered the tasting menu with the $75 wine pairing, and from the corn pudding to the catfish dumplings, stuffed wings, and pork, every dish was unique, with the meal flowing beautifully from start to finish. The only small comment is that with the wine pairing, they serve a partial glass. Once you finish, the server refills it partially until the next wine comes out. For someone like me, this makes it hard to feel like I'm getting my money's worth, since it's difficult to gauge how much you're actually getting. With the smaller pours, I don't think I ever received a full glass for any of the pairings. Food: 9.5/10 Service: 9.5/10 Ambience: 9.5/10 read more

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4.5 stars for service (-.5 for telling us there were no reservations until 10 pm when we saw reservations online available for 7:45 and 8:00. It was 6:45 so still too early anyways, but don't appreciate being lied to) The food was ok. Tiny portions that are even tinier when considering the price. We got the painted hills flat iron and the pork chop. Painted hills beef is less unique and impressive than they make it sound; available in grocers even throughout San Francisco. The steak itself was about 6 ounces cooked. The "side" was 4-5 small wedges of potatoes that were overcooked to the point where I was chewing carefully to not break a tooth. They slice the steak for appearance and ease to eat, but given everything else, I think it might also be the chef checking rareness. The pork chop was a more reasonable size, but no side whatsoever, and no one mentioned that we might want to order more food to feel full. It was a little dry. Said it came with their house BBQ sauce. Not saying it wasn't there, just that I didn't notice any. The cocktails are good. Interesting, and unique. 2 cocktails, 2 "entrees", 1 dessert came to $240. $176+tax+6% fee+tip. I feel kind of hoodwinked. Doesn't stack up to the competition at this price point. read more

Prelude - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Really enjoyed this spot when my gf and I came by for a casual dinner. I felt like almost everything except for the pork chop was cooked perfectly and the flavors were delightfully interesting and had plenty of salt & acid. The drink menu also seemed super interesting, but not too many bourbon based drinks and I'm not a big gin fan. I loved the ambiance though - very sexy and the staff is ultra friendly and it was overall a wonderful experience! read more

Pleasantly surprised by how much we collectively enjoyed this dinner. Ordered off the a la carte menu, paired with numerous finely crafted cocktails. I think I would go back just for that negroni! The servers were super friendly, the ambiance was dark but in a fancy mood vibe. Overall, great place to go with a group of people to share unique dishes. read more

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Looking for a date night spot or have something to celebrate? Consider dining at @prelude_sf for an amazing Michelin Guide experience! They offer Modern Southern Cuisines and we had the chance to try their tasting menu for $165 with supplements for additional costs. Each course that came out just got better and better, but the stars were definitely the Smoked Catfish Dumplinds and Fried Chicken (The Wing). With an open kitchen, you're also able to see Chec @celtin_andrew and his team make the magic happen. read more

Prelude - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

My review is a bit old but I dined for the first time on Valentine's Day. They had a really nice bar and open kitchen concept. I got the standard dining menu and my partner added a few upgrades to his. It was a nice experience and service was really attentive but I wasn't too impressed with the menu that day. Tasting menus change often so hopefully you get a menu leaning towards things you like. Prelude is a one time experience for me and I'm glad I tried it. read more

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The TLDR: The $165 tasting menu is worth it for special occasions. Would come back for the a la carte menu. Great ambience and demonstration of southern hospitality. It was a very welcoming fine dining experience. Food: The food was great and each dish had some sort of kick / unexpected component to it. I left feeling stuffed to the brim. See below for details of each dish. Drinks: good selection of cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic drinks. As someone who doesn't drink, it's sometimes difficult to find a decent non-alcoholic drink when most restaurants just do the cocktail minus the alcohol. I personally enjoyed the "Barley", which was a play on whiskey on the rocks. It had a spicy punch to it but was balanced out with floral notes. The "Agave" was also quite nice and had some froth to it. I liked how you could customize the drinks by letting the server know if you want it more floral, citrusy, fruity, etc. Service: One word - phenomenal. We were seated right in front of the service area so we got to see the chef in action. Our servers really took care of us and made us laugh every time they talked to us. When asked what we were celebrating, we just said that "we're here for a good time." Seconds later, our other server brings out a notecard that says "here for a good time" and props it on our table. Our server remembered that I didn't drink, so he brought out a non-alcoholic version of the dessert. Dishes served: 1. Welcome Snacks (7/10) - ham on toast, deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin, pimento cheese topped with salmon roe on salmon skin. 2. Asparagus (7/10) - asparagus had a nice crunch to it, not fibrous at all. 3. Griddled Cabbage (8/10) - like eating a mega brussel sprout. The lemon caper sauce paired well with the cabbage and the brassica chips added a nice crunch. 4. Smoked Catfish Dumplings (7.5/10) - catfish dumplings texture was like a fish sausage. My favorite part of the dish is the old bay toast and how the crayfish etouffee sauce clings to the buttery toast. 5. The Wing (8.5/10) - deboned chicken wing stuffed with chicken liver and minced chicken. Like eating a chicken nugget stuffed in a chicken wing. The wing was deep fried to perfection and had only a thin layer of batter. Seasoned perfectly. 6. Wolfe Ranch Quail (9/10) - quail 3 ways. The quail breast was delicate and had a crispy thin skin. The fried quail wing was packed with flavor and some sort of toasted ground rice seasoning was sprinkled on top. I really enjoyed the quail leg, as it was tender and juicy. They thoughtfully removed the thigh bone so that each bite was pure meat. They recommended using the quail leg as a shovel for the fermented fennel chow chow, which I don't think added to the dish since it was a little sweet and acidic for my liking. 7. Heritage Duroc Pork (9.5/10) - the star of the show. The smaller piece was fattier and had so much smokiness and was just melt in your mouth goodness. The bigger piece was more lean and you can taste more of the pork flavor. 8. Hominy Grits (7.5/10) - served with accoutrements like pickled shrimp, prosciutto chips, pickled onions, capers and shrimp gravy. There's no wrong way to do it. Very filling. 9. Creamsicle Ambrosia Salad (8/10) - solid dessert that was appealing to the eye and tasty. Good textures from the mandarins, candied pecans and hidden marshmallow bits. Had absinthe alcohol in it. 10. Bonus Dessert: peanut butter cookies with a side of cinnamon toast milk. Since I didn't drink they gave me a non-spiked version of the milk, which I really appreciated. read more

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Another one of our favorite restaurants in SF! Been coming here regularly since they opened up over a year ago now. Chef Celtin is a creative genius that elevates the flavors of southern roots to please these Californian taste buds. From his famous FRIED CHICKEN WINGS (deboned and stuffed to perfection) to THE BEST PORK CHOPS and grits (accompanied by all the usual but perfectly done sides and toppings), it's always a meal that will bring a sense of comfort and luxury. The tasting menu is a must because it's ever evolving and includes his best and favorites, some of which cannot be found on the regular menu! And do not sleep on the COCKTAILS. Bar manager Franco is one of my favorite mixologists ever! Loved his creative and delicious cocktails at Niku, and I'm enjoying them even more here. He never disappoints with the flavors I love. GM Michaela and her entire team only improve on the experience with their genuinely warm, friendly and fun personalities. We've had the pleasure of meeting Rashad, Josue, and Max... and many others that we promise to learn their names. Just such an amazing team! Overall, an incredible place for elevated southern food that will bring you comfort and fun. It even pleased the discerning taste buds of some of my southern rooted friends. And if you weren't sure about southern food before, Prelude will change your mind! read more

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Being a huge fan of southern cooking ,(after visiting new orleans) I was very excited to try this spot. We ordered: 0. Complimentary jambon and cornbread 1. Fish skin with pimento cheese. This is really good! The fish skin is freshly fried and the pimento cheese was topped with fish roe. 2. Stuffed chicken wings. Very flavorful and piping hot when it came out 3. Smoked catfish dumpling. This was alright. 4. Smoked pork belly and biscuits. Very tasty and reminds me if a vietnamese sandwhich with the pickled carrots and cilantro. 5. Pork chop. A bit dry. 6. Carolina gold rice. For 45 dollars this was the biggest disappointment of the night. I do not recommend ordering this, expensive and lacking flavor. It's that meme where you go to resturant, order an expensive item and the item was just okay. 7. Pretzel and banana cre pie. Boy was this delicious. The crust was not any typical crust and it was very thin and Crispy. The banana creampie paired with the pretzels was a solid combo. Highly recommend this. 7a. Complimentary nutter butter and alcoholic horchatta milk. Thus was delicious! I saw some tables not finish thier milk and wa like what?!?! read more

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Amazing take on upscale southern comfort food and friendly service - only downside was the prix fixe meal took around four hours, a little too paced out. Stuffed chicken wing, winter roots, catfish dumplings and appetizer bites were all standouts but everything had delicious punch of flavor! Pork chop was cooked well and ambrosia salad was the surprisingly delightful! read more

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my favorite restaurant in SF. I make it my mission to visit every time I'm in town. The quality of the food and ambiance of the restaurant is unmatched. I am an ATL native so when saw a southern inspired restaurant in the bay I was a bit skeptical but they proved me wrong . I genuinely think about this place a little too often and consistently check the menu to make sure the ambrosia salad is still there. I can't wait to revisit for the third time when I visit sf in the spring . May even stop by twice, that's how much I love Prelude. read more

Located in the Jay Hotel, Prelude is offering Southern influenced dishes with a SF flare. A must-try is the chicken wings with stuffed andouille sausage. I also had the soft pimento cheese with salmon roe and salmon skins as "chips". The bar area is perfect for a date night...Franco and Cammi create some interesting cocktails! read more

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Came by for dinner the other night and it was a phenomenal experience. Prelude is part of the Omakase group which includes restaurants like Niku Steakhouse, Rosemary & Thyme, and Dumpling Time, to name a few. Prelude is located inside the Jay hotel in the Financial district. Valet parking is available on site for $80+. Paid lots are plentiful nearby. SFMTA Portsmouth Garage has a weekend evening rate of $8 after 5 pm and is a 8 minute walk. The ambiance of the restaurant is dark and modern. I love the open kitchen and hopen they do kitchen counter dining in the future. Our meal started off with the complimentary cornbread, jam, and aged ham which was fantastic. The aged ham was super fragrant! The chicken wing that Yelpers were raving about was decent, but I felt was the weakest item of the evening as the spice I felt was too pedestrian and overpowering. The chicken wing concept I've eaten at numerous other restaurants around the world before. The cheese fish skin crisps I felt were world class as the fish skin were huge and made in house! The pimento cheese was decent and not too strong and it was spreadable. The dry aged pork chop came out a phenomenal smokey flavor and it was excellent. Our pork chop was cooked to a medium rare and it was super flavorful. The gulf snapper was presented well and cooked to perfection although the flavor profile was more on the muted side. The grits were tasty and came with a wide variety of sides including fried ham, shrimp, and some gravy. Meal ended off with the banana cream dessert which was phenoenmal. It was light, fresh, and a crispy way to end dinner! Service throughout the evening was decent although both the front of the house and back of the house staff felt understaffed and our entrees came out below ideal temperature. ~$125/head after tax, gratuity and 5% SF employer mandates. read more

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Southern fine dining is the theme at Preclude and my friend and I came here for our TGIF dinner at the end of a really stressful week. As soon as you walk in, you immediately get the vibe that they are aiming for a Michelin-star level of experience. My friend and I decided to get the tasting menu and one of us got the A4 Wagyu supplement to share. The amuse was interesting - it consisted of deviled eggs, salmon skin chip with roe and a financier with some ham. All three were good but they were more substantial than what I'd normally expect for quick bites. The vegetable courses (spring shoots and griddled cabbage) came out next and both were fabulous. I really appreciate restaurants that are able to make vegetables shine like this. The next course was the smoked catfish dumplings and the texture of the dumplings were a bit off for me but I appreciated the old bay toast that came with it. The last appetizer was "the wing" and it's above average. The entrees were the quail, pork and the A4 wagyu striploin. We both loved the pork and the wagyu striploin but we were not fans of the quail. I would have preferred a seafood dish in its place. The meats came with grits with some garnishes and these were wonderful. The dessert was what they called a creamsicle ambrosia salad and it's basically a mousse with some chewy bits. I like the playfulness and inventiveness of this dessert. The final bite is a cookie with some milk (not really what I would consider a traditional mignardise). Service and hospitality were impeccable and consistent with what you'd expect from a Michelin level restaurant. The space itself is warm and elegant. With tax and tip, this was around $270 per person - consistent with what you'd expect to pay for this level of experience. Definitely worth a trip if you are looking for a unique fine dining experience. read more

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Dimly lit restaurant provided the cozy ambiance of having the restaurant to yourself even though there are other patrons. Everyone was lovely, greeting my husband for his birthday and chatting it up with us. We had shareable plates which was enough for the both of us as we didn't come with big appetites, and the catfish dumplings were our favorite! The pairing with the bread offered was perfect. I wish I would've taken pictures of the oysters, as those came in a close second for deliciousness. Overall, we loved our experience and would definitely come back! read more

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Great dining experience! We got the tasting menu and it was PLENTY of food. The head chef is wonderful, he walked around the restaurant saying hi to all the tables as we were dining. My favorite dish on the tasting menu was the stuffed chicken wing. There were no bones, but shaped as if it were an actual chicken leg! Super flavorful. Ambience is a mix of upscale and casual, and by that I mean you won't feel weird if you wore a cocktail dress or jeans. read more

4.5 STARS Name alone, Prelude reminds me of the rice rockets in high school bumping Stevie B, Kai, and One Voice. Those were the days, but any ways... There's no shortage of fine dining restos in the city but a Southern fine dining resto that won't break your wallet...too much? I'm here for it! Opening in late August 2024, Prelude is inside The Jay Hotel (remodeled Le Méridien) from the Omakase Group (Omakase, Niku, Rosemary & Pine, Dumpling Time etc.). Executive Chef and Bar Manager are from Michelin-starred Niku. Indoor dining only. M E N U Southern Fine Dining Cuisine using seasonal California ingredients. Full bar. 5% Employee benefits surcharge. D R I N K S * P.F.C. Martini: Meili vodka, black pepper + garlic, buttermilk, pickle brine, vermouth ($18) // 3.5 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/29fzfjvy Inspired by the Nashville Hot Chicken, the spirit forward martini was stiff but too briny and salty for me. Our server overheard that I like it "Hot" and had the bartender add chili oil for some heat. * Smoke On The Water: Bloom Gin w/ shiso, roasted tomato water, vermouth ($18) // 4.5 Stars https://tinyurl.com/pp5zydjp Savory cocktail with fresh herby notes and a natural sweetness from the tomato. * Shortstack: Rye, rum, pecan, brown butter, kokuto black sugar, absinthe ($18) // 4.5 Stars Not my cocktail but I had a sip...smooth buttery goodness. Not too sweet. * Country Pie: John Barr blended scotch, apple, cinnamon, all spice, clove ($18) // 4.5 Stars Legit tastes like a spiced apple pie...in a natural, not too sweet way. F O O D * Amuse Bouche: Cornbread w/ prosciutto, blackberry jam // 3.5 Stars Nice salty sweet combo but the cornbread was on the dry side. * Deviled Egg w/ crispy chicken skin ($4 each) // 3.5 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/3aw3dy6f Standard creamy deviled egg; I was anticipating more crunch from the chicken skin. * Dirty Rice Stuffed Chicken Wing w/ prelude dry spice (2 pc - $14) // 5+ Stars: https://tinyurl.com/mvs7e988 Standout of the night - filled with richly savory dirty rice, the deboned wing was incredibly crispy, light, and juicy. So bomb, you'll even eat the tip. * Smoked Catfish Dumplings w/ crayfish étouffée gravy, old bay toasted bread ($23) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/y8brwyuh Seared gnocchi-style dumplings bathing in a richly complex crayfish étouffée gravy. Dipping the toasted, fluffy soft milk bread into that decadent gravy was the best part. * Special of the Night: Raw Spot Prawn Roll w/ huitlacoche ($26) // 3 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/k7nfxmff Conceptually sounded good but the ratio of spot prawn to bread was off (two small prawns). We mainly tasted buttery bread and earthiness from the huitlacoche (corn smut). * 12 oz Dry Aged Pork Chop w/ fermented stone fruit bbq, herb salad, hominy grits, kimchi, pickled okra, country ham ($54) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/4pbzp8pu Perfectly medium rare, the pork chop was fine (accompanying gravy was too salty) BUT what stole the show was the amazing grits. So rich and creamy...and when you pair it together with the acidic kimchi, pickled okra, and crumbled crispy ham...it was hit all the right flavor notes and textures. * Pretzel & Banana Cream Pie w/ vanilla cream, dark chocolate ($15) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/4hpx3yrn Dark chocolate dusted crispy phyllo shell that you shatter to expose a banana cream filling with pretzel bits. Light, satisfying, and not too sweet. * Mignardise: Mini Peanut Butter Cookies & Cereal Milk // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/nhecnd3s So cute and tasty...dipping the cookies in cold milk evoked childhood nostalgia. S E R V I C E Wonderful hospitality and polished service. Our server, Josue was knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. The busboys were great about whisking away plates, providing fresh plates + utensils, and keeping our water glasses filled (free sparkling water). Staff will walk you towards the elevators to the restroom (2nd level) and fold your napkin while your away...all the little fine dining touches. A M B I A N C E Sophisticated with two dining areas, one with an open kitchen. Separate bar/lounge area (separate food menu). Warm lighting throughout. 70s Soul music playing. P A R K I N G Easy parking with two garages less than 1/2 block away. Embarcadero Center garage around the corner is $3 per hour after 5 pm. Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner at Prelude. While not everything was a hit with the food, it was solid overall with a strong cocktail program. 4.5 Stars rounded up for the concept, creative dishes, and awesome hospitality. read more

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Incredible group dinner here the other night. The service was impeccable - our table never locked for attention and the atmosphere was joyous and fun. The food was incredible, the cocktails were delicious. We had a great night and I highly recommend. read more

Really good concept of fine dining souther food. Space is really well designed, food is original and tasty. Service is really good but can be slow. read more

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Service was amazing. Ambience was good. Food was on point. It was great, but I wish I wasn't surprised more. Flavors were exactly what you expect but I always like to be surprised which I wasn't and I always like to end dinner with a cappuccino which they didn't have a machine for which really made me sad because I haven't been to a fine dining restaurant that couldn't give me a cappuccino with my dessert. read more

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Went here to celebrate a birthday and had the best experience! The food was impeccable and the service was exactly what I would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. We have been here for both happy hour and full dinner. Stand out dishes were the Stuffed chicken wings, seasonal pea shoot salad and belly and biscuit. Can't wait to go again! read more

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Overall the experience was amazing. The restaurant's design, with its beautiful blend of greens, blues, and amber reflected in the décor, the plates, coasters and the stained glass windows, gives the space such a cozy, welcoming vibe. The soft music and the attentive service-specially from the sommelier and the servers- made the whole evening unforgettable. read more

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What is better than a story told through food? It's my absolute favorite thing about the San Francisco dining scene. And Prelude is a showcase of a beautiful and unique Northern California story. The Bay Area often doesn't have a lot of ties to the American South in food tradition. Chef Celtin gets to display his flavors of his upbringing from his grandmother, and ties together the tradition of utilizing the highest quality ingredients that the Bay Area has to offer, with fine dining techniques and execution. I came here on a weekday night to celebrate my partner's birthday in our favorite manner, using our special dates as a means to explore a new fine dining restaurant. But with so many restaurants doing a variation of Asian fusion, Japanese omakase, Italian or French or New American, it was such a find to discover a new restaurant that is willing to venture into trying something completely new and seldom if ever done. The comfort and warmth of the American South. Right away we were shown two tables that we could choose from, as our front of house host gave us the option to pick our favorite view of the ambience, decor, and open kitchen. They immediately took our bottle of sparkling to put onto ice, and went over a few of the favorite cocktail options and to highlight the supplements for our course. When it comes to ambience, you feel a modern take on the classic SF or New York bistro/steakhouse vibe with plush leather booths, and beautiful matte cedar finishes. Modern Jazz is being played lightly in the background to give a sense that you're in New Orleans. And then the food comes out. 3 initial small bites to start, cured ham and blackberry jam on a financier, a deviled egg with a salt level that makes it feel perfectly brined all the way within the egg white (if that's even possible?) and a crispy salmon skin with pimento cheese and trout roe. Next came a root vegetable dish with a horseradish cream that perfectly passes through your sinuses following all of the combination of textures. The grilled cabbage has a beautiful visual look and the lemon caper sauce provides a beautiful acidity. The smoked catfish dumplings were probably the star of the show to me, though the dirty rice stuffed chicken wing has to be a close second. The flavors and aromas are so intense and impactful. The service was impeccable from start to finish. They were so carefully attentive of our water and wine glasses, and plateware and silverware. The server was entertaining us with our unique questions like "who gets to pick the playlist at a restaurant is it front of house or back of house?" Chef Celtin came out to serve most of our main dishes and loved to get our feedback on what dishes and specific ingredients stood out for us and we loved to share. If you're looking for a fine dining restaurant. Prelude is a hit. If you're looking for a romantic date spot, if you're looking to feel taken care of, if you're looking for a restaurant that provides a unique flavor set and cuisine that allows you to branch out of your comfort zone of Japanese French Italian and American meets California New American, then Prelude is your spot. I can't wait to continue following along their journey. Wonderful time. Thank you to the team! read more

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This review is for the elegant and intimate bar at Prelude, which delivers on both craft cocktails and top-notch service. Stopped by on a weekday evening and was pleasantly surprised--it's the perfect spot to unwind, whether you're a couple looking for a cozy date night or a solo business traveler in need of a refined escape. Located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Jay Hotel, the ambiance strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort. If you're in the Financial District and looking for an upscale yet welcoming place to enjoy a well-crafted drink after work, Prelude is definitely worth a visit! read more

Prelude - Hotel Largo cocktail - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Amazing!! Impeccable service and delicious food. We tried several items- the cornbread was a must-eat as well as the stuffed wings, I'd skip the super salty and rich grits and lukewarm mid wagyu though. Th cocktails were great, amazing desserts and detailed wine list, plus the ambience was gorgeous. Had a wonderful time here! read more

One of the worst meals I've ever had. The food is so bland and small, we all needed to eat again after. Ordered the Snapper, consisted of three small nards, appetizer size with one sliver of spinach. My friends ordered the pork chop. Nothing came with the pork chop, just the meat!! The food was nothing spectacular, bland and mediocre. We brought a birthday cake, they charged 20 then took the bill back adding more saying it wasn't correct..lol 500 for four people, needing to eat again after. We dine at high end restaurants throughout Napa Valley, this place was not worth fifty bucks in my honest opinion. Nothing memorable, including the appetizers. Micro sized meal for big bucks! read more

This is a fantastics happy hour option in Fidi, I only wish it ran a little later than 5:30! The deals are really great, and all of us loved our wine. Not super busy at all, and the vibes were very cozy and appropriate for the rainy day we visited. I felt a little underdressed, but no one seemed to mind! Will definitely be back to take advantage of this beautiful setting and excellent prices. read more

Prelude - Happy hour menu - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Best service and food was amazing so good very elegant and fun!!! Great host and servers.. chef came out spoke to us was very touching

My better half and I made reservations here for their prix fixe valentines dinner with wine pairings. I wasn't expecting to have my mind blown. The level of service, quality of the food / bev and the atmosphere were all above the mark. We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 course meal, which was paced perfectly. The highlight was the Australian wagyu, which is in the top 2 that I have ever had. Having had similar experiences at Sons and Daughters, Trestle, Lord Stanley, Mijote and Lazy Bear I can tell you with confidence you are going to get a great experience. read more

Prelude - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

We delightfully celebrated our 5th Anniversary at Prelude. I made the reservation far in advance, as we live in Sonoma/Napa. We're in our mid - late twenties and don't frequent restaurants like this often. It was my pick for a special, unique culinary and hospitality driven experience. The service was incredible. We both left feeling a bit guilty for how well the staff treated us. It lived up to exactly what I'd hoped for. Such intention with every dish & cocktail. We can't wait to go back, I highly recommend! read more

Prelude - Stone-fruit cocktail (don't have specific name) - Southern Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The whole New Year's Eve service was amazing! The set menu was well curated and beyond our expectations. They prepared a beautiful celebration of Southern New Year's celebrations with Asian and Latin American elements mixed in. The service was outstanding; we felt taken care of the whole dinner. They easily accommodated our shellfish allergy, and they even comped my glass of wine for my birthday. We will definitely be back again! read more

We had the best experience at San Francisco's newest upscale downtown restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by a gracious host who checks you in. Since we arrived a little early, we opted to start with a cocktail at the bar. I must say, their version of a dirty martini was in a word "magnificent!" They call it the P.F.C. Martini and it's nothing short of perfection, with a creative blend of black pepper, garlic, buttermilk, and a pickle brine. I loved it!!! Next we were seated for dinner in a beautiful dining room with full view of a traditional French style kitchen, with all the bells and whistles. Chef Celtin and his culinary team made magic that night. We ordered the Chef's tasting menu and added the A5 Wagu ribeye. The assistant GM, Michaela Krampert personally served our table, and gave us her thoughts about each course, which she colorfully described with excitement and humor. We genuinely enjoyed the entire experience. Then to top off the meal, we were surprised with a wonderful "mini" peanut butter cookie dessert, which melted in our mouth. It was a great finale to a remarkable symphony of southern cuisine inspired dishes. It was fantastic! So, if you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to splurge a little on yourself, loved ones or friend(s), please pick Prelude and enjoy! You will not be disappointed. It's a must go! Cheers!! read more

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We visited for my friend's birthday, expecting a memorable experience, but left feeling frustrated and disappointed. Both the service and food were far below expectations. Service: The server was overly pushy about our orders and, despite clear communication on dietary needs, made a mistake with our restrictions. When we brought it up, she responded with a noticeable attitude. First two dish was quick with in 20mins and then We had to wait over 40 minutes for our thrid dish, turning what should have been a smooth, 1.5-hr dinner into a long 2.5-hour ordeal, mostly spent waiting. It was surprising to receive such little attention on a relatively quiet night. Billing Issues: When the bill arrived, I noticed an overcharge on the grits, which was disappointing. Make sure to double-check your bill! Takeout Packing: When I asked to take my leftovers, I received the snapper, sweetbread, and grits all packed together in a tiny box, without the sauces or sides. This careless packing made the food look unappetizing and hard to enjoy at home. I've never had this happen at any food place before--especially not one with a high-end reputation restaurant. Zero-Proof Libations: Sugar Cane: The taste was unexpectedly strong, almost resembling alcohol, which made it difficult to enjoy as a non-alcoholic option. Agave: This drink was refreshing, with a nice balance of cucumber and jalapeño, creating a pleasant, subtly spicy twist. Food Deviled Egg: Unfortunately, this dish was underwhelming. The taste was sour and lacked complexity--something that could easily be made at home. Stuffed Rice Chicken Wing: This was the highlight of the meal. Perfectly executed with a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful filling. Catfish Dumplings and Milk Bread: Both were enjoyable and well-prepared. The dumplings were flavorful, and the milk bread had a pleasantly toasty texture. Sweet Bread: Overcooked and burnt, resulting in a bitter taste with overly large, unappetizing chunks. Vegetarian Grits: The texture was inconsistent; the top layer had dried out, while the lower portions were too soft, making it difficult to enjoy. Snapper: Unfortunately, the flavor was overly fishy, making it hard to enjoy. Despite dietary restrictions, I declined the dish, but the waitress continued to insist on the dish, which added to the overall disappointment. Overall, this was a frustrating experience, and for a restaurant of this caliber, I expected much better treatment, food quality, and attention to detail. I hope they'll address these issues to improve their service for future guests. read more

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the pimento cheese was the star, we ordered a second round. also had the catfish gnocchi which was creamy and comforting.