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We came to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary after my husband saw this guest chef experience advertised on OpenTable. The Basque menu sounded fun, and since we honeymooned in Spain, we were excited to reminisce a little. We brought our two young kids, who ate everything, and as a table we ordered more than half the menu. The food was good. Unfortunately, the hospitality left us feeling incredibly disappointed. Throughout dinner, we watched the guest chef, Ryan Bartlow, warmly visit seemingly every other table- chatting with guests and personally delivering the cookbook included with the experience. Our table was noticeably skipped. The difference in how our family was treated versus those around us was stark, and we left feeling dismissed. A note to guest chef, if you're going to make personal interaction part of the experience, extend the same hospitality to every patron. Otherwise, I would prefer you not do it at all. Being visibly excluded feels worse than if it weren't offered to anyone. He eventually came over after our server asked if he should come to our table. He was so uncomfortable and the interaction was so awkward. My son even asked him if he had a cookie recipe- he didn't even know and said "let's take a look" like wtf dude- you didn't even try to fake being nice. While this review doesn't speak to Anchovy Bar's regular menu, I think it's worth considering when inviting guest chefs into your restaurant. Had we felt welcomed, we likely would have returned to try the regular menu. Instead, an experience we were genuinely excited about left us feeling like we wouldn't come back. Price point- we like to try a variety of things, we spent a little over $300 + 20% tip. My husband and I don't drink, the kids shared a cider. The vibes of the restaurant was nice, felt like we were on vacation. Literally chef being an ass was the only downer.
This place has been in my bookmarks for far too long that I finally got to check it off after the holidays. Anchovy toast with edamame hummus is a must if you like anchovies which I absolutely do. It was followed by cantabrian anchovies with burrata, beetroot and focaccia, and a chicken leg schnitzel to share which was the perfect amount to have room for that sundae with tamarind caramel and candied anchovy coconut cashew crumble. Yes, anchovies are even in the dessert but yet they make it work. However, I could not help myself and added at the last minute post dessert, the NYE caviar dip special with Tsar Nicoulai trout roe and sturgeon caviar which put me over the top. But to be honest, I probably should've stopped as planned as it didn't quite live up to the rest of the meal since it was more roe and less caviar. But overall, we loved it and plan on coming back.
Super tasty seafood spot especially if you love oysters. The oysters were fresh and sweet and I enjoyed the yuzu sauce pairing. Their signature toast is thick and hits the spot. The tuna meatballs and potato with cheese dip were just okay so I will probably focus on their raw dishes when I visit next time. Service was promptly and friendly. My husband and I sat outside, the space was a bit tight but manageable.
One of my faves! With a seasonal menu, they ensure lots of flavorful food, but may have different dishes from your last visit, so be flexible and enjoy what's available. Service is attentive and knowledgeable. Sitting in the patio park-let differs from inside and is quieter than inside. The heat lamps are a fun feature so scan the QR code located by the lamp.
Hubs and I went on a 4 day vacay to San Francisco and it gave us a chance to try out Stuart's newest restaurant, The Anchovy Bar. It's been a minute since we were at his older restaurant, the much acclaimed State Bird Provisions (which we went to twice in the one week we were there). The latter moved from Japantown to around the corner from The Anchovy Bar on Fillmore Street. Our favorite place to vacation is San Sebastien, Spain mostly because of the food and especially the white anchovies. So when I found Stuart on YouTube, talking up his Anchovy Bar and how he makes use of the local product to create new taste sensations, I was excited to try it out and was not disappointed. We arrived a half hour early so we could sit at the bar and eye the menu. I knew right away that we had to order his anchovy "frites" which are properly cleaned, gutted and fried like clams or shrimp into these tasty, crispy morsels that go well with their house made mayo. Next, we partook of the seafood sampler which was comprised of a half dozen market oysters on the half shell, four perfectly crisp poached shrimp, two raw clams and two cooked mussels daubed in rich sauces. For all the dishes I describe, the sauces are amazing, individual and distinct in spice and mouthfeel. My favorite was the one for the poached shrimp, a serrano lime concoction that I used up while dipping my anchovy frites. The next were two pintxos ($4 each), these little appetizers with the cured brown anchovies you would see on "Gildas" in San Sebastien but paired with a pickled ramp, smoked olive and a sweet red biquinho pepper. For freshness, we enjoyed the Japanese cucumber salad with mushrooms, furikake; very savory and makes you salivate. It had a spiciness I couldn't quite put my finger on but it was very memorable. Truly the best item on the menu that hubs and I agreed upon was the Peruvian-style halibut ceviche with summer corn, mostly because of the sauce. It reminded me so much of the "leche de tigre" of the Peruvian style and because it paired so well with the subtle sweetness of corn. As a finisher, we were recommended the sundae with tamarind caramel sauce and the very unique addition of candied baby anchovies. I know it sounds weird but think of it as the salt in salted caramel. It has a bit of funk (as fish does) but it's a little like blue cheese if you like that. I loved the crunchy texture and savory component to balance out the sweet cold of the vanilla ice cream. Everything we had was partnered with a zero alcohol ale that was very refreshing and great with the amount of seafood we ate. The vibe is very jazzy and chill; the waitstaff are attentive and knowledgeable. Love this spot. Ya'll in SF are lucky ducks.
Great food! I stopped by here with a friend a little after 5 on a Wednesday with no reservations and it was already pretty packed. Luckily we were still able to get a table outside without a wait. We didn't want to get dinner/a heavy meal so we got a couple things and it was enough to be full. The chip and dip, scallop toast, and ceviche. Of the three, the scallop toast was my favorite. I didn't see the simple anchovy toast on the menu so I didn't get to try that. Everything was very flavorful and on point. Would come back again to try more things!
Nice, cozy spot for a birthday dinner for our friend. The three of us were seated at a table near the kitchen, and it was a nice surprise to see his birthday acknowledged on the menu, a thoughtful touch. We ordered a few cocktails along with several small plates to share. Everything was flavorful and well-suited for sharing, making for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Since it was an early dinner and we had plans to grab more drinks and a second dinner elsewhere, we decided to skip dessert. The staff still came out with a birthday surprise, a cup filled with rocks and a sparkler. While we appreciated the gesture, it felt a little underwhelming since there wasn't even a small dessert or scoop of ice cream to accompany it. We all had a good laugh about it, but for a restaurant celebrating a guest's birthday, it didn't feel especially thoughtful or memorable.
Overall pretty good experience, but seating was a challenge for our group of 5. We had reservations and were hoping to sit inside, but ended up outside. Not a huge deal, though we did feel a little forgotten at times, especially during shift changes when there were noticeable gaps between food and wine service. The standouts for me were the Hokkaido scallop toast and the chicken leg schnitzel. Both were packed with flavor, had solid portion sizes, and were the dishes I would come back for. My group and I liked them enough that we convinced a couple of neighboring tables to order them too, and they seemed to agree! The steak tartare, cherry stones, anchovies with burrata, squid salad, McFarland spring trout tartare, and smoked fish "chip & dip" were all decent too, but felt more like supporting players and didn't quite have the balance of flavor/texture we hope for. They also have a nice wine list. We especially enjoyed the Gorrondona, which was recommended by one of the managers and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the meal.
Really friendly and fast service, from entering the restaurant to leaving. They're just so on top of it. Sat in the heated parklet outside. It was nice, warm enough just to wear a tshirt in evening but not hot or stuffy. Started with raw oysters, $4 ea.; nice selection and good mignonette. Got the raw clams later too which I thought was good. I love a raw shellfish. Chip and dip came in covered with what looked like everything bagel seeds. It was like bird feed on top. So good and addictive. cantabrian anchovies, summer squash, burrata, basil, focaccia. I liked this more than the anchovy toast. It was like the lighter cousin to that dish. Anchovy dish was good too though and probably right for if you want a heavier snack. The trout tartare was most disappointing. I think I wanted it to be...more trouty? It tasted mostly of the fruit it was topped with. Not bad just not as great as all the other tasty dishes we got. spring pea riccioli, cauliflower mushroom, pine nuts, mint, bottarga. Pasta was Al dente and I love the shape and texture of the riccioli. I saw some older photos of this dish topped with ikura and hope they bring it back. Too full for dessert but hope to come back!
Solid restaurant, this was probably my third time here, and each visit has featured a different menu. My favorites were the boiled oysters, which were bursting with roasted garlic and red wine butter flavors. Another standout was the anchovy toast, a well-balanced appetizer. Don't forget to order the warm focaccia bread. The smoked fish, chips, and dip were also addictive. I would skip the shrimp and squid meatball. The sesame seed coating wasn't quite to my taste, the flavors weren't particularly memorable. The chicken leg schnitzel had a beautiful presentation, deliciously crispy texture but thought it was lacking in seasoning. Next time, I'll probably stick to ordering a bunch of apps. The service was attentive and personable. A major plus is the covered outdoor seating, which made it easy for us to bring our small dog.
The food here is always amazing and last night didn't disappoint. The lime pickled anchovies were plump with the right amount of acidity and salt. The focaccia was delicious but the butter and salt were the stars here - if it were socially acceptable I would have eaten that butter with the salt by the spoonful. The crunchy cucumber with baby white shimeji mushrooms was a combination I didn't know I needed but fabulous. The service was friendly and attentive. A great meal on a very hot San Francisco day.
Very quick service. Small plates. All dishes were very flavorful and delicious. Fish was very fresh. A great place for seafood.
I've had this place saved for a while and finally had the chance to try it. We ordered several small dished to share, including the pintxos (small bite of anchovy, olive, and peppers), smoked fish dip, cucumber mushroom salad, tomato olive salad, anchovy frites, anchovy burratta dip with focaccia, tamarind ice cream with anchovy, and the souffle cheesecake. Every dish was well thought out, so delicious and balanced in flavor. The pintxos was one of my favorite bites, with the classic salty umami punch of the anchovy with the tangy olive and sweet peppers. The frites were delightfully crispy and had a very subtle anchovy flavor without the saltiness they usually have (I think they could change an anchovy-hater's mind about them). Both of the salad dishes were super flavorful and refreshing in between the fish dishes. The cucumber mushroom one was especially great with a crunchy seed mix on top. The anchovy burratta dip was incredible! Their focaccia came out hot and crispy on the outside, with a perfect fluffy inside to soak up the salty, creamy dip. It was perfection. We finished with two desserts. The ice cream had a subtle tang but was similar to vanilla, which went nicely with the caramel and salty anchovy bits, as well as the nutty cashew crunch. The cheesecake was super fluffy yet rich, with plenty of sweet roasted strawberry and crispy chocolatey bits for every bite. I was very full and satisfied by the end of the meal. We sat outside under a heat lamp and sheltered from the outside elements. It was very cozy. The inside looked dark but pleasant and comfortable. The staff were all very friendly. Our waiter was knowledgeable of the menu (which gets updated as the seasons change). He also provided an allergy menu upon request for capsaicin and nut allergies, as well as let other staff know of allergies at our table. Overall it was such a great experience, and I'm looking forward to my next eating experience here.
Sunday night, reservation at 5:15pm, seated with no wait! The host and staff were very friendly, and the atmosphere was was very cozy! ~the food~ - broiled oysters ($6 each): we got one of each flavor and it just be because we are not huge oyster fans, but we thought they were just a tad too oily/heavy for us! - scallop toast ($26): SO GOOD! the sesame toast was super butter, crisp, and fresh. The scallops on top were very sweet and paired rlly nicely with the basial and tomato tapenade! - cantabrian anchovies ($23) : favorite part of this dish was the focaccia, they really do a fantastic job with their breads! we felt like this dish overall was a bit too salty for us. - geoduck clams, shrimp & squid coctel ($19): loved the seeded corn chips! the coctel also had quite a generous amount of clams, squid, and shrimp! - sesame-kuwaiti spiced bluefin tuna ($42): love this dish! the tuna was perfectly seared, and the sauce, beans + herbs paired so nicely! - sundae ($16): wow loved this sweet+savory sundae! the coconut cream was so nice and looooved the crunchy candied anchovies! ~overall~ the staff were all very friendly + attentive. the ambiance is perfect for a casual date night! super cozy place. read more
2 months ago
Really fun seafood spot with creative, flavorful, and fresh small plates! We shared the: * Steamed clams * Broiled oysters with roasted garlic-red wine butter * Scallop toast - my favorite * Shrimp meatballs * Summer cucumbers - fabulous * Anchovy "frites" * Yellowfin tuna * Chicken schnitzel * Anchovy sundae * Soufflé cheesecake The clams, oysters, and scallop toast were especially memorable, and everything was well executed. Service was friendly and attentive, and parklet was cute, warm, and great for photos! read more
Food: Interestingly, anchovies are the star of the menu here. We ordered the oysters on the half shell, steamed cherrystone clams, broiled oysters, pintos, Catarina anchovy, smoked olives, pickled peppers, local anchovy frites, anchovies with squash and burrata, and halibut & corn ceviche. The ceviche was my favorite, while everything else was interesting, creative, and well executed. A fun place to explore different flavors, especially if you enjoy anchovies. Service: Great service throughout. The only downside is that there is only one restroom, so there is often a line. Ambiance: Intimate, fun, and energetic, with lively music that adds to the atmosphere. The tables are a little tightly arranged, so there isn't much space or privacy between them. read more
17 hours ago
We came to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary after my husband saw this guest chef experience advertised on OpenTable. The Basque menu sounded fun, and since we honeymooned in Spain, we were excited to reminisce a little. We brought our two young kids, who ate everything, and as a table we ordered more than half the menu. The food was good. Unfortunately, the hospitality left us feeling incredibly disappointed. Throughout dinner, we watched the guest chef, Ryan Bartlow, warmly visit seemingly every other table- chatting with guests and personally delivering the cookbook included with the experience. Our table was noticeably skipped. The difference in how our family was treated versus those around us was stark, and we left feeling dismissed. A note to guest chef, if you're going to make personal interaction part of the experience, extend the same hospitality to every patron. Otherwise, I would prefer you not do it at all. Being visibly excluded feels worse than if it weren't offered to anyone. He eventually came over after our server asked if he should come to our table. He was so uncomfortable and the interaction was so awkward. My son even asked him if he had a cookie recipe- he didn't even know and said "let's take a look" like wtf dude- you didn't even try to fake being nice. While this review doesn't speak to Anchovy Bar's regular menu, I think it's worth considering when inviting guest chefs into your restaurant. Had we felt welcomed, we likely would have returned to try the regular menu. Instead, an experience we were genuinely excited about left us feeling like we wouldn't come back. Price point- we like to try a variety of things, we spent a little over $300 + 20% tip. My husband and I don't drink, the kids shared a cider. The vibes of the restaurant was nice, felt like we were on vacation. Literally chef being an ass was the only downer. read more
This place has been in my bookmarks for far too long that I finally got to check it off after the holidays. Anchovy toast with edamame hummus is a must if you like anchovies which I absolutely do. It was followed by cantabrian anchovies with burrata, beetroot and focaccia, and a chicken leg schnitzel to share which was the perfect amount to have room for that sundae with tamarind caramel and candied anchovy coconut cashew crumble. Yes, anchovies are even in the dessert but yet they make it work. However, I could not help myself and added at the last minute post dessert, the NYE caviar dip special with Tsar Nicoulai trout roe and sturgeon caviar which put me over the top. But to be honest, I probably should've stopped as planned as it didn't quite live up to the rest of the meal since it was more roe and less caviar. But overall, we loved it and plan on coming back. read more
Super tasty seafood spot especially if you love oysters. The oysters were fresh and sweet and I enjoyed the yuzu sauce pairing. Their signature toast is thick and hits the spot. The tuna meatballs and potato with cheese dip were just okay so I will probably focus on their raw dishes when I visit next time. Service was promptly and friendly. My husband and I sat outside, the space was a bit tight but manageable. read more
One of my faves! With a seasonal menu, they ensure lots of flavorful food, but may have different dishes from your last visit, so be flexible and enjoy what's available. Service is attentive and knowledgeable. Sitting in the patio park-let differs from inside and is quieter than inside. The heat lamps are a fun feature so scan the QR code located by the lamp. read more
Hubs and I went on a 4 day vacay to San Francisco and it gave us a chance to try out Stuart's newest restaurant, The Anchovy Bar. It's been a minute since we were at his older restaurant, the much acclaimed State Bird Provisions (which we went to twice in the one week we were there). The latter moved from Japantown to around the corner from The Anchovy Bar on Fillmore Street. Our favorite place to vacation is San Sebastien, Spain mostly because of the food and especially the white anchovies. So when I found Stuart on YouTube, talking up his Anchovy Bar and how he makes use of the local product to create new taste sensations, I was excited to try it out and was not disappointed. We arrived a half hour early so we could sit at the bar and eye the menu. I knew right away that we had to order his anchovy "frites" which are properly cleaned, gutted and fried like clams or shrimp into these tasty, crispy morsels that go well with their house made mayo. Next, we partook of the seafood sampler which was comprised of a half dozen market oysters on the half shell, four perfectly crisp poached shrimp, two raw clams and two cooked mussels daubed in rich sauces. For all the dishes I describe, the sauces are amazing, individual and distinct in spice and mouthfeel. My favorite was the one for the poached shrimp, a serrano lime concoction that I used up while dipping my anchovy frites. The next were two pintxos ($4 each), these little appetizers with the cured brown anchovies you would see on "Gildas" in San Sebastien but paired with a pickled ramp, smoked olive and a sweet red biquinho pepper. For freshness, we enjoyed the Japanese cucumber salad with mushrooms, furikake; very savory and makes you salivate. It had a spiciness I couldn't quite put my finger on but it was very memorable. Truly the best item on the menu that hubs and I agreed upon was the Peruvian-style halibut ceviche with summer corn, mostly because of the sauce. It reminded me so much of the "leche de tigre" of the Peruvian style and because it paired so well with the subtle sweetness of corn. As a finisher, we were recommended the sundae with tamarind caramel sauce and the very unique addition of candied baby anchovies. I know it sounds weird but think of it as the salt in salted caramel. It has a bit of funk (as fish does) but it's a little like blue cheese if you like that. I loved the crunchy texture and savory component to balance out the sweet cold of the vanilla ice cream. Everything we had was partnered with a zero alcohol ale that was very refreshing and great with the amount of seafood we ate. The vibe is very jazzy and chill; the waitstaff are attentive and knowledgeable. Love this spot. Ya'll in SF are lucky ducks. read more
3 months ago
Great food! I stopped by here with a friend a little after 5 on a Wednesday with no reservations and it was already pretty packed. Luckily we were still able to get a table outside without a wait. We didn't want to get dinner/a heavy meal so we got a couple things and it was enough to be full. The chip and dip, scallop toast, and ceviche. Of the three, the scallop toast was my favorite. I didn't see the simple anchovy toast on the menu so I didn't get to try that. Everything was very flavorful and on point. Would come back again to try more things! read more
Nice, cozy spot for a birthday dinner for our friend. The three of us were seated at a table near the kitchen, and it was a nice surprise to see his birthday acknowledged on the menu, a thoughtful touch. We ordered a few cocktails along with several small plates to share. Everything was flavorful and well-suited for sharing, making for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Since it was an early dinner and we had plans to grab more drinks and a second dinner elsewhere, we decided to skip dessert. The staff still came out with a birthday surprise, a cup filled with rocks and a sparkler. While we appreciated the gesture, it felt a little underwhelming since there wasn't even a small dessert or scoop of ice cream to accompany it. We all had a good laugh about it, but for a restaurant celebrating a guest's birthday, it didn't feel especially thoughtful or memorable. read more
Overall pretty good experience, but seating was a challenge for our group of 5. We had reservations and were hoping to sit inside, but ended up outside. Not a huge deal, though we did feel a little forgotten at times, especially during shift changes when there were noticeable gaps between food and wine service. The standouts for me were the Hokkaido scallop toast and the chicken leg schnitzel. Both were packed with flavor, had solid portion sizes, and were the dishes I would come back for. My group and I liked them enough that we convinced a couple of neighboring tables to order them too, and they seemed to agree! The steak tartare, cherry stones, anchovies with burrata, squid salad, McFarland spring trout tartare, and smoked fish "chip & dip" were all decent too, but felt more like supporting players and didn't quite have the balance of flavor/texture we hope for. They also have a nice wine list. We especially enjoyed the Gorrondona, which was recommended by one of the managers and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the meal. read more
Really friendly and fast service, from entering the restaurant to leaving. They're just so on top of it. Sat in the heated parklet outside. It was nice, warm enough just to wear a tshirt in evening but not hot or stuffy. Started with raw oysters, $4 ea.; nice selection and good mignonette. Got the raw clams later too which I thought was good. I love a raw shellfish. Chip and dip came in covered with what looked like everything bagel seeds. It was like bird feed on top. So good and addictive. cantabrian anchovies, summer squash, burrata, basil, focaccia. I liked this more than the anchovy toast. It was like the lighter cousin to that dish. Anchovy dish was good too though and probably right for if you want a heavier snack. The trout tartare was most disappointing. I think I wanted it to be...more trouty? It tasted mostly of the fruit it was topped with. Not bad just not as great as all the other tasty dishes we got. spring pea riccioli, cauliflower mushroom, pine nuts, mint, bottarga. Pasta was Al dente and I love the shape and texture of the riccioli. I saw some older photos of this dish topped with ikura and hope they bring it back. Too full for dessert but hope to come back! read more
Solid restaurant, this was probably my third time here, and each visit has featured a different menu. My favorites were the boiled oysters, which were bursting with roasted garlic and red wine butter flavors. Another standout was the anchovy toast, a well-balanced appetizer. Don't forget to order the warm focaccia bread. The smoked fish, chips, and dip were also addictive. I would skip the shrimp and squid meatball. The sesame seed coating wasn't quite to my taste, the flavors weren't particularly memorable. The chicken leg schnitzel had a beautiful presentation, deliciously crispy texture but thought it was lacking in seasoning. Next time, I'll probably stick to ordering a bunch of apps. The service was attentive and personable. A major plus is the covered outdoor seating, which made it easy for us to bring our small dog. read more
The food here is always amazing and last night didn't disappoint. The lime pickled anchovies were plump with the right amount of acidity and salt. The focaccia was delicious but the butter and salt were the stars here - if it were socially acceptable I would have eaten that butter with the salt by the spoonful. The crunchy cucumber with baby white shimeji mushrooms was a combination I didn't know I needed but fabulous. The service was friendly and attentive. A great meal on a very hot San Francisco day. read more
I've had this place saved for a while and finally had the chance to try it. We ordered several small dished to share, including the pintxos (small bite of anchovy, olive, and peppers), smoked fish dip, cucumber mushroom salad, tomato olive salad, anchovy frites, anchovy burratta dip with focaccia, tamarind ice cream with anchovy, and the souffle cheesecake. Every dish was well thought out, so delicious and balanced in flavor. The pintxos was one of my favorite bites, with the classic salty umami punch of the anchovy with the tangy olive and sweet peppers. The frites were delightfully crispy and had a very subtle anchovy flavor without the saltiness they usually have (I think they could change an anchovy-hater's mind about them). Both of the salad dishes were super flavorful and refreshing in between the fish dishes. The cucumber mushroom one was especially great with a crunchy seed mix on top. The anchovy burratta dip was incredible! Their focaccia came out hot and crispy on the outside, with a perfect fluffy inside to soak up the salty, creamy dip. It was perfection. We finished with two desserts. The ice cream had a subtle tang but was similar to vanilla, which went nicely with the caramel and salty anchovy bits, as well as the nutty cashew crunch. The cheesecake was super fluffy yet rich, with plenty of sweet roasted strawberry and crispy chocolatey bits for every bite. I was very full and satisfied by the end of the meal. We sat outside under a heat lamp and sheltered from the outside elements. It was very cozy. The inside looked dark but pleasant and comfortable. The staff were all very friendly. Our waiter was knowledgeable of the menu (which gets updated as the seasons change). He also provided an allergy menu upon request for capsaicin and nut allergies, as well as let other staff know of allergies at our table. Overall it was such a great experience, and I'm looking forward to my next eating experience here. read more
Came here after hearing a famous chef say this was their favorite restaurant in SF they've tried recently. It gets packed quick so reservations are recommended. We started off with the smoked chip and dip. It seemed like every table was ordering that. It was a bit heavy but super flavorful. Good for a large party bc the dip was massive. The scallop toast was so good and prob my favorite of the evening. The ceviche was light and satisfying. Surprises there wasn't any anchovies on the menu or at least not recommended for an anchovy bar?!? Maybe it's not in season. Question to ponder. read more
Had this place bookmarked for literally years, and I finally convinced a group to come with me after repeatedly promising everyone there was more on the menu than just anchovies. It also felt super serendipitous that they had just brought back the anchovy toast -- it's only available during certain months, so I've basically been waiting for my moment. We were able to do walk in with a party of 6 on a Wednesday night with no wait, though I definitely think we just got lucky. We sat out on the patio, which was quite warm and cozy thanks to the enclosed setup and heaters. Most of the dishes are tapas-style - smaller plates meant for sharing. The anchovy toast absolutely lived up to the hype for me and was the perfect way to start the meal. The squid appetizer was also excellent. I was a little sad to see that the return of the anchovy toast meant the scallop toast was no longer on the menu. Why can't there be multiple toasts at once?? The wine list is extensive, but definitely on the pricier side. Between the food and drinks, the bill adds up fast, so this feels more like a special occasion spot than an everyday dinner place. read more
I highly recommend making a reservation when visiting on a weekend. I was only able to snag a spot on their heated patio (which was still very very nice). The servers are extremely attentive and parse out the food courses perfectly. The standout was the tomato and anchovy toast, which I would come back to order again and again and again! read more
23 days ago
Fabulous meal! I felt like we had the best seat in the house at the counter to watch all the action. Servers were super fun and friendly. Lovely and engaging interaction but left us to our own devices too. We sat at the end of the counter where they stage and run plates - felt in the thick of the action. And it helped to see dishes. We ordered the potatoes, the chips and dip, Monterey squid salad, trout tartar, and the clam entree with sweet potatoes. I like that for some of the dishes you can get a small or large size dish which is nice if you have many diners in the party, Everything was delicious. We started with the potatoes and dip dishes first. Both good, I'd order again. As I always say, who doesn't love a good smear?! Flavors were good, balanced, not too fishy on the dip. For the potatoes I liked the creamy sauce with hot sauce, nice mix of creamy and heat. I loved the trout and squid dishes! The squid dish has only been on the menu for about 3 days due to seasonal ingredients like the squid and pea pods. I loved the flavors in both dishes. A little Asian flair with some ginger, coconut, herbs, peanuts, etc, we had the trout before the squid and I was thinking the trout was my favorite dish then the squid came and that become my favorite dish. Then the clams and I realized it was all just so good! Bustling spot, delicious, pricey but not terrible. 100% worth it. read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
I just live how original this restaurant is! Having everything made with anchovies is cool and I'm not even a big anchovy person. The food was good and the service was even better. read more
so good.. favorites: foccacia, anchovy toast (must get), halibut ceviche, cucumbers liked: clams, tomatoes, anchovy frites, sundae wouldn't reorder (were all still good just didn't stand out compared to everything else!): catatelli, pintxos our server was so nice as well and gave us good recommendations! read more
1 month ago
Amazing food and service, and was able to make a reservation only few days ahead. Highly recommend! read more
Down in the Fillmore just down the street from the great music historic music venues of The Fillmore and Winterland, sites of so many great rock and music concerts, is this charming bar that feels like a Tapas eatery! The ocean colored tiled interior is inviting and the overall feel is local, charming, friendly and social. The seating is a bit cramped but within the urban scale and parking was free! The service was outstanding from the host to our server, who were all very attentive and keeping an eye on us to make sure we were happy and our hunger was being feed, as well as our thirst! We just came for appetizers before having dinner at the State Bird who also owns this bar. The appetizers were truly outstanding in flavor, freshness and plating. We had smoked mussels with peppers on the shell, tuna meatballs with an amazing ginger sauce, BBQ oysters and some corn based ceviche that was addictive, as well as some tempura fried anchovies of course in a tasty aioli, with some well made cocktails! There was a small wait on a Friday night so overall a great experience and the quality of food and service was top tier! read more
8 months ago
Fantastic place that I am surprised took me so long to discover. It's been on my list for a while and it actually exceeded my expectations. Expect a lively seen in a cool and hip environment with friendly and approachable service, fresh and bright seafood dishes and a great wine list. We purchased a bottle of one of their cheaper whites and it was very delicious and went well with all of the food we ordered. Smoked "fish and chips" - 4/5. Smoked fish dip with potato chips. Not the best version of this I have had, but solid none the less Patatas bravas with artichoke ricotta dip - 4/5. Potatoes were more pave style. Liked the dish, but I didn't think it was better than your more typical patatas bravas you get at most Spanish restaurants, but I appreciated the fresh take. Trout tartar w/ kumquats, aji amarillo and crispy crunchies - 5/5. This was fantastic. Loved all the play of flavors and textures going on in here. At first I thought it was weird that there wasn't any kind of cracker, or crisp and vessel to put it on, but the dish was strong enough on it's own. Squid salad w/ guava viniagrette - 6/5. Wow, I could have eaten a vat of this stuff. So many delicious flavors and textures going on. Get this. Steamed clams with lemongrass, makrut lime and sweet potatoes - 5/5. Tomato-based broth with really bright flavors from the lemongrass and lime leaf and clams were cooked perfectly. Another unique dish. Peanut shots - 5/5. Tasted like liquid butterfinger. Black sesame and chocolate cake w/ jasmine cloud - 4/5. Wished the sponge was either denser or fluffier, but otherwise, the flavors were great. Another standout restaurant from the State Bird/Progress folks. I definitely recommend this place if you are a fan of seafood and appreciate unique flavor profiles. read more
8 months ago
Really great experience overall, lots of diversity in flavors and textures! Would rate somewhere in between a 4 and 5, but rounding up because there was a lot of interesting stuff on the menu and I'd want to come back to try more. Full on a Saturday evening, but it wasn't crowded or too loud; it was nice to sit in front of the bar, where you could see the chefs preparing everything through glass windows. Service was perfect, no complaints. Anchovy pintxos were a really nice start to the meal; bit smaller than the ones in San Sebastián, but deep anchovy flavor, nice acid. Cherrystone clams from the raw bar were the highlight, fantastic mix of textures; sort of like an aguachile served in the shell, really liked the contrast between the clam and the roasted pepitos. Hokkaido scallop toast was good - really sweet scallops, nicely accented by the citrus. I did think the bread, while tasty, was a bit thick and the texture made it a bit harder to appreciate the delicate flesh of the scallop. Smoked fish dip was great! Very reminiscent of the one at their sister restaurant State Bird, loved the texture. The cantabrian anchovies were okay, but it felt like there weren't enough anchovies and the flavors got overpowered by the beets; for the price ($23), I would not get it again (and would rather just go for some more pintxos for the anchovy). Dungeness crab cavatelli was delicious, but I honestly feel like the highlight was the fermented turnip (or radish?), which added a lot of complexity and acidity. At times the sauce overpowered the crab, but overall a very cohesive dish. Ended the night with the sundae; I personally really liked it, but I can imagine it's somewhat divisive since there's a lot of anchovy - like, a LOT, like, every bite will have several. I appreciated the contrasting flavors and the overall dish reminded me of delicious buttered popcorn, but I can imagine it's not everyone's cup of tea. Also a pretty generous portion. Spent a bit under $200 for two, but we ordered a ton and were stuffed by the end of the meal. read more
Perfect dinner. We started with the mixed platter for 2 and it set the bar high right away. Everything on it was fresh and flavorful but the shrimp and cherrystone clams really stood out. Super clean, perfectly prepared. Then we saw another table get the Hokkaido scallop toast and immediately changed our plans. Crispy, rich, and just indulgent enough without going overboard. The Japanese cucumber salad was bright and refreshing, and those pickled mushrooms? So good. They added this tangy, earthy bite that made the whole dish way more interesting than your standard cucumber salad. We finished with the Dungeness crab cavatelli and wow. Just wow. Perfectly cooked pasta, tasty crab, everything balanced and satisfying without feeling heavy. Not a single miss all night. read more
9 months ago
I'd been wanting to try this place for a long time, and I finally made it on Sunday with friends before a movie at Kabuki. We decided to share everything, which was the perfect way to taste more of the menu: smoked fish with chips and dips, Dungeness crab toast, Cantabrian anchovies, trout tartare, and focaccia. Everything was really good overall. The only dish I liked a bit less was the Cantabrian anchovies, simply because their flavor didn't stand out to me as much as I expected. We also had some wine, enjoyed the outdoor seating, and the service was genuinely good. A very pleasant pre-movie spot. read more
3 months ago
The influencers were right about this place!!Anchovy Bar lives up to the hype! If you order one thing, make it the simple anchovies on toast. Hands down the best anchovies I've ever had - so simple, but full of flavor. I totally get why everyone raves about it! Of course, we also had to get the oysters, and they were fresh. We paired everything with a glass of wine, which made for the perfect seafood snack stop. Seating is pretty limited, so if you have a larger group, I'd recommend calling ahead. There were only two of us, and we got seated quickly. If you're a seafood lover, especially if you appreciate good anchovies, this spot is absolutely worth it! Consider yourself influenced! read more
Daughter gave me a choice of restaurants to go to in SF. Being a lover of anchovies, this place stood out and I chose to dine here. I didn't regret choosing this cozy, modern, intimate place - we had an amazing time at the bar and enjoyed every food we ordered. The menu especially made for the birthday celebrant was a thoughtful touch. The anchovy tomato toast did not disappointment. We also got the amazing mixed platter, suitable for 2 people. It included 3 types of oysters, 2 of each, 2 cherry stone clam salsa, 2 salt springs mussels ravigote, a delicious bottarga potato salad, 4 poached shrimps with spicy peanut sambar, and 2 anchovy pintxos. It was a truly satisfying and awesome birthday meal. The anchovy sundae was the highlight of this awesome and delicious experience, we loved it so much. An amazing concoction and combination of tamarind caramel and candied anchovy-coconut-cashew crumble. It was a happy birthday indeed! Kind, friendly and attentive staff. I won't mind coming back here at all; in fact, I would love to go again. read more
Love love love!!! Came to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday and Anchovy Bar was the perfect place to do so. The space is intimate and is perfect for a date night, girls night, etc. I was so blown away by the dishes we ordered that I wish it wasn't small plates. We ordered: - Anchovy Toast: so good, we ordered it twice. The bread is crispy and is the perfect bite to compliment the anchovies and edamame hummus. No notes. - Balsamic Charred Oysters: tastes just like how it sounds - Tartar: this dish was OK, I wish it came with a vessel for the dip instead of eating just the tartar on it's own. We ordered the focaccia to pair it with and it was yummy - Chip & Dip: delicious! The chips are homemade, and the dip tasted like tuna? Not sure, but the fish roe definitely made each bite fun We ended the night with the famous anchovy sundae, I wasn't sure how all the components of the flavor would work together, but it did. The saltiness from the anchovies paired with the caramel and coconut shavings were so good. Service was also great, Dani was wonderful and took the time to explain the menu. read more
A few months back we dined at their sister restaurant State Bird and it was fabulous so we have made it a mission to try all three of these restaurants- Anchovy Bar next. It was AMAZING!! Loved the cool, intimate interior and it also has an outside patio. Service was fabulous throughout the night and the food was superb !! We began with the warm focaccia with garum salt and then the smoked fish chip n dip which is very similar to a State Bird dish and delicious! As this is called 'Anchovy Bar' they highly suggest you try one anchovy dish! We were hesitant as no one in our party likes Anchovies but we went ahead and tried the local anchovy tomato toast and it was delicious and not a hint of any fishiness whatsoever! Then we enjoyed the broiled oysters, albacore, halibut and every dish was out of this world!! Loved everything about this place and Will definitely return!! read more
This place just jumped onto my list of top restaurants in SF. I can't believe I'd never been here before. As someone who doesn't particularly like anchovies, I was blown away by how inventive and delicious every dish was. Almost everything features anchovies in some way, yet nothing feels repetitive, each dish shows off how versatile this little fish can be. My favorite was the anchovy tomato toast. the tomatoes are bright and tangy (you can tell they're in season) and the anchovy adds this deep, savory punch that ties everything together. It's perfectly balanced, salty, sweet, acidic, and umami all at once. The clams were another standout, served in a tomato-based broth that's oh so flavorful you'll want to drink it. Pro tip: order an extra focaccia and use it to soak up every drop. It's honestly one of the best bites I've had in a while. The anchovies themselves are locally caught and incredibly delicate, buttery, and not overly fishy at all. I always assumed good anchovies came from Spain, but apparently California has its own secret stash. The vibe is warm and laid back but still feels special. The space reminds me a bit of The Progress (think they're part of the same restaurant group), cozy yet polished atmosphere, soft lighting, and a lively but not overwhelming, very new Californian. Only downside: there's just one bathroom, so be prepared for a wait if it's a busy night. Service was also great. Even though the place was packed, the staff took the time to walk us through the menu and share a bit about the restaurant's story and where the fish comes from. You can tell they genuinely care about what they're serving. Overall, Anchovy Bar completely changed the way I think about anchovies. I'll definitely be back to try their nee menu next season. read more
6 months ago
Such a cute spot for super fresh seafood, perfect for a refreshing bite as summer approaches! The service was super friendly and informative, we were able to get seated without reservations on a Monday around 6:20pm, and the host kindly gave us indoor and outdoor options, as well as a gentle reminder as to when they would need our table by. Highly recommend the mix platter for a little taste of everything, the oysters were SOO GOOD AND FRESH WOW. I'm a saucy girl so I wish they gave more sauce! Would love to come back and try the different wines as well. read more
We came for our anniversary and it was such a nice place. They gave us a special anniversary menu with hearts and kissing sardines. We ordered a little bit of everything and everything was perfectly timed. When we'd finish a dish the next one was put down. Everything we got was done super well with tons of flavor. Really enjoyed the chip & dip and the bread to start. The broiled oysters were so good and the trout tartare was so fresh. The scallop toast was a perfect bite, great textures and a bright finish. Lastly the peanut milk was the best way to finish. I still think about it weeks later, very cute spot can't wait to come back! read more
I've been trying to visit The Anchovy Bar for a while now and was excited to get the anchovy tomato toast which is their classic dish! We also shared the heirloom tomatoes and the squid & shishito 'stir fry' which was a good amount of food between two people. My favorite had to be the anchovy tomato toast which was super yummy and filling with plump anchovies, super ripe tomatoes and a great seeded bread. One of my favorite bites recently for sure! The heirloom tomatoes which came topped with toasted quinoa was great as well and so flavorful. Finally the squid 'stir fry' was really interesting as it came with crispy thin noodles that soaked up the sauce completely which turned the noodles into more of a soft chewy texture. Definitely reminisce read more
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More info about The Anchovy Bar
1740 O'Farrell St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Western Addition
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(415) 796-2710
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http://www.theanchovybar.com
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Ask the Community - The Anchovy Bar
How many days in advance do I have to make reservations for a Saturday dinner?
We usually make it about a month in advance for a table for two outside, just to be safe.
Is there counter seating for walk-in single diners,If I came solo would I need a reservation?
There is counter seating available for solo walk-ins, but I would HIGHLY recommend you try to get a reservation for parties of one. You would most likely be getting that counter seat if you were to book a reservation through their website.
Is there dog-friendly seating?
There is seating outside. I would give them a call.
Do you take reservations?
Yes! Reservations are taken up to seven days in advance and can be made via our website, www.theanchovybar.com.
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6 reviews that are not currently recommended
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