This was our second visit to Osito, this time trying the à la carte option. Unfortunately, the experience fell short, especially when it came to service. Our server (who also seemed to be the “somm”) was noticeably inattentive. Not once did she offer to refill our wine or check in on how we were enjoying the meal. With a Michelin star, we expected a more thoughtful level of hospitality. The portion sizes here are definitely on the smaller side. Two of us shared four small plates/appetizers and one entrée, and we left still feeling a bit hungry. In terms of flavor, the only standout was the crab claypot rice. The crispy rice at the bottom, sweet crab meat, and fresh fava greens made for a well-balanced dish - though we did find some undercooked grains mixed in. Unfortunately, the pork crackling salad was a letdown, as many of the crackling pieces were too tough to chew.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
Cindy Y.
*This is a review for the booking only*
I scheduled an advance dinner reservation for a birthday celebration. Later, I was informed that they didn’t offer that Tasting Menu on that day, even though it was still available on Tock until the day of the reservation, so another special menu was offered. I then asked details about that special menu and after a few communication they completely went silence.
With that experience, I told Osito to cancel the reservation, since I want the dinner to be at a certain time. Didn’t receive any responses until the very day of the reservation, while I was amidst of the birthday celebration. Osito asked will I still be attending to my reservation which I told them I had to make last minute arrangements after having difficulty to make rearrangement (no response prior to the day of the reservation) with Osito team.
Osito offered a complimentary meal on the very day which of course it wasn’t feasible as I already celebrating the birthday at another venue. Rather I told them I’ll visit at another available date.
By the time I reach out again to arrange for a reservation, another silent treatment from Osito. After a few attempts, it completely not worth all the time I’ve spent, and left it as it.
A very unsatisfactory customer experience encounter with a One Michelin Star restaurant.
Ryan Orr
Food and spot were great. Service was way off. Waited almost an hour after our reservation time to be seated and then another 30m before wine and first course.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Rosa Lee
Arrived early to our reservation which is the courteous thing to do. No one greeted us so we helped ourselves to a seat on the couch by the door. More staff walked by us. Finally someone asked in a rather condescending tone if they could help us. I said we had a reservation at 5:30pm. We were told to leave the restaurant and come back at 5:30pm. We were advised to get a drink nearby. I don’t want to rush a drink somewhere else in 13 minutes which was how much time we had left. So we got up and left the restaurant for 13 minutes until 5:30pm. I got the sense they were understaffed or behind schedule. Please do not shoo your guests out the door because you can’t seat us right at 5:30pm. I don’t understand the point of having a couch by the door or leaving your door unlocked if you don’t want us inside.
They asked us twice for our dietary restrictions at the table. I requested that I be advised of any dairy in the dishes. Very little mention and I had to ask finally if dishes had dairy. Servers seemed eager to get away from our table once we were served.
Food was inventive but not satisfying.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Caviar
Jeremi McManus
Rounded up to 3 stars. Dinner at the bar: think Nordic/Japanese minimalism—concrete and wood, sleek but cold. The bartender was friendly, cocktails were tasty, and the food? Slow. The sea urchin with almonds and mushroom foam was the fave, but the pigshead leaned fat-on-fat with not enough citrus to cut through. Radicchio salad? Tasty but familiar flavors, tricky to eat. Crudo was generous pieces though poorly trimmed. The clay-baked trout was creamy and delicious but needed some crunch or something to complement. Fermented pana cotta style dessert? My wife nailed it: “different but wouldn’t get it again.”
Service was poor, especially for a restaurant of this caliber: a forgotten drink, our main served to our neighbor then removed and served to us, a 20-minute wait for the check, and needing to ask for silverware—twice. We both noticed upon exit not feeling completely full.
For $300 pre-tip, any number of others favorites at this price point call much louder: Rich Table, Liholiho, San Ho Wan, Cotogna, Angler… considering the $200 for Osito’s tasting menu, alternatives like Anomaly, Merchant Roots, Niku spring to mind. Maybe it was an off night for service and the kitchen, but it’s certainly not tempting me back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Michael Smith
We had the ten course tasting menu and the food was delicious - a lot of interesting smoky flavors, especially the beef tongue.
The only thing that let down our experience was an uncomfortable start to the meal. After we were seated, nobody came to introduce us or ask us about drinks, so we were left fairly confused. The chefs started to serve us our food, and I asked two different people about ordering drinks or the wine pairing, who said they didn't know. Finally after the second course was served, the sommelier came by. She told us we couldn't have the wine pairing since they were too busy and it needed to be pre-ordered. That's the first time I've every experienced that at any restaurant, and I looked again at our booking - there was no warning when booking that you wouldn't be able to choose a drink pairing at the restaurant.
She did however recommend some wines by the glass that paired well with the remaining courses, so the rest of our meal was very enjoyable and the wines were very good. We were just a bit put off by the lack of communication at the start of the meal - in every other restaurant we've been to, somebody comes by to introduce us to the restaurant and explain the drink options after we sit down. Hopefully they can improve upon this in future.
So please take this as a warning - if you want the drink pairings you apparently need to pre-order at the time of booking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Gigi Ostrow
Wow, where do I even start? Osito in San Francisco gave us THE best dining experience we’ve ever had at a Michelin-starred restaurant—and trust me, my family travels the world just to eat at Michelin-recommended spots!
We came with our two sons. The whole evening felt like a scene straight out of the movie "The Menu" (minus the death and destruction ?). Chef Seth Stowaway made it an unforgettable experience by personally explaining each course as it arrived, and you could feel the passion and thought behind every dish.
Every dish is prepared with a wood fire or charcoal as the heat source - you’ll hear and smell firewood crackling in the open kitchen.
The food? Absolutely mind-blowing. From the perfect tomato on a spoon to the best oysters I’ve ever had, every bite was a masterpiece. The plating was on another level, with every dish looking like it belonged in an art gallery. The open kitchen concept added to the magic, turning the entire experience into a show. Watching Chef Seth and his team work was an experience our family will never forget!
Speaking of Chef Seth, he was so cool! His infectious energy and chill vibes made the evening even more special. He took the time to chat with us, especially with my teenager who’s a huge fan. It was refreshing to see a Michelin-starred chef come out and interact with it’s guests—Chef Seth truly made us feel welcome and appreciated. It feels like Osito is his home and he’s welcomed us into it.
We also splurged on the caviar add-on, and wow ?—it was totally worth it! Every single dish, from the Raw Local Halibut with roasted strawberry and aji amarillo to the Don Watson Slow Cooked Lamb with flatbread and lamb jus, was beyond amazing. The care and creativity put into every element of the meal were obvious, and the flavors were out of this world. Zach, our 8yo, gave him “10 stars out of 5!”
Amazing experience; Delivered on high expectations in every dimension.
Small note watch out for the change fees if you have to change your reservation :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adrienne Lin
Osito recently introduced a more accessible $90 weekday four-course tasting menu, as well as an a la carte reservation. Gone is the massive central communal table, replaced by numerous smaller tables which opens up the space nicely.
The first course was a cured pork belly-wrapped savory profiterole filled with Harbison cheese. The delightful bite came out on a bed of smoldering fragrant pine needles, a wonderful welcome for all five senses.
We moved onto some oysters and crudo from the a la carte menu. These were subtle in flavor, and paired nicely with our bright, citrus-forward cocktails.
The next course on the tasting menu was a rabbit roulade, accompanied by a rabbit offal-stuffed morel, which further exaggerated the impressively sized mushrooms. Surrounded in a bowl of chicken fish consomme and a dollop of miso, there was much to love in this umami-forward dish.
In a nod to his Texan roots, Chef Seth Stowaway served a saucy smoked brisket as the main course on the shorter tasting menu. The familiar, yet elevated preparation was plated with early season grilled peach, potatoes, and basil.
Next up was a large-format dish from the a la carte menu, a shrimp and squid claypot rice assembled table-side and topped with a generous amount of whipped chili butter. This was one of my favorites, bursting with layered flavors and textures.
Dessert was inspired by the Southern h*e cake, a cornmeal pancake of sorts. This version came with blueberry almond sauce, plus crème anglaise spooned table side. Another great example of elevated comfort food that Osito does so well.
This place is really, really great. Nothing to add to what was said in other reviews, just do yourself a favor and go :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Sheehy (Jake)
Not only a delicious meal, but an interesting one. Things were presented in unusual ways, unusual ingredients, and the tasting menu was refreshingly interesting. The lamb heart add on was worthwhile, and the belly-cheese profiteroles were strange and delicious. Cocktails were tasty as well, and the vinyl albums for a soundtrack were a nice touch. Well done space, and very friendly/helpful service. Would recommend for a date night or special occasion, or if you’re just feeling like a treat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Noah Rosen
Incredibly unique spot with delicious food, service that is the definition of perfect hospitality, plus a lovely wine selection
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Teddie Goldenberg
Experienced a Tasting Collective event with experimental dishes, everything was amazing - I hope the clay pot rice gets on the regular menu. Excellent wine pairings; they know what they're doing here. Chef is friendly and fun, staff was super attentive. Don't miss out on this place!
This was our second visit to Osito, this time trying the à la carte option. Unfortunately, the experience fell short, especially when it came to service. Our server (who also seemed to be the “somm”) was noticeably inattentive. Not once did she offer to refill our wine or check in on how we were enjoying the meal. With a Michelin star, we expected a more thoughtful level of hospitality.
The portion sizes here are definitely on the smaller side. Two of us shared four small plates/appetizers and one entrée, and we left still feeling a bit hungry. In terms of flavor, the only standout was the crab claypot rice. The crispy rice at the bottom, sweet crab meat, and fresh fava greens made for a well-balanced dish - though we did find some undercooked grains mixed in. Unfortunately, the pork crackling salad was a letdown, as many of the crackling pieces were too tough to chew.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
*This is a review for the booking only*
I scheduled an advance dinner reservation for a birthday celebration. Later, I was informed that they didn’t offer that Tasting Menu on that day, even though it was still available on Tock until the day of the reservation, so another special menu was offered. I then asked details about that special menu and after a few communication they completely went silence.
With that experience, I told Osito to cancel the reservation, since I want the dinner to be at a certain time. Didn’t receive any responses until the very day of the reservation, while I was amidst of the birthday celebration. Osito asked will I still be attending to my reservation which I told them I had to make last minute arrangements after having difficulty to make rearrangement (no response prior to the day of the reservation) with Osito team.
Osito offered a complimentary meal on the very day which of course it wasn’t feasible as I already celebrating the birthday at another venue. Rather I told them I’ll visit at another available date.
By the time I reach out again to arrange for a reservation, another silent treatment from Osito. After a few attempts, it completely not worth all the time I’ve spent, and left it as it.
A very unsatisfactory customer experience encounter with a One Michelin Star restaurant.
Food and spot were great. Service was way off. Waited almost an hour after our reservation time to be seated and then another 30m before wine and first course.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Arrived early to our reservation which is the courteous thing to do. No one greeted us so we helped ourselves to a seat on the couch by the door. More staff walked by us. Finally someone asked in a rather condescending tone if they could help us. I said we had a reservation at 5:30pm. We were told to leave the restaurant and come back at 5:30pm. We were advised to get a drink nearby. I don’t want to rush a drink somewhere else in 13 minutes which was how much time we had left. So we got up and left the restaurant for 13 minutes until 5:30pm. I got the sense they were understaffed or behind schedule. Please do not shoo your guests out the door because you can’t seat us right at 5:30pm. I don’t understand the point of having a couch by the door or leaving your door unlocked if you don’t want us inside.
They asked us twice for our dietary restrictions at the table. I requested that I be advised of any dairy in the dishes. Very little mention and I had to ask finally if dishes had dairy. Servers seemed eager to get away from our table once we were served.
Food was inventive but not satisfying.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Caviar
Rounded up to 3 stars. Dinner at the bar: think Nordic/Japanese minimalism—concrete and wood, sleek but cold. The bartender was friendly, cocktails were tasty, and the food? Slow. The sea urchin with almonds and mushroom foam was the fave, but the pigshead leaned fat-on-fat with not enough citrus to cut through. Radicchio salad? Tasty but familiar flavors, tricky to eat. Crudo was generous pieces though poorly trimmed. The clay-baked trout was creamy and delicious but needed some crunch or something to complement. Fermented pana cotta style dessert? My wife nailed it: “different but wouldn’t get it again.”
Service was poor, especially for a restaurant of this caliber: a forgotten drink, our main served to our neighbor then removed and served to us, a 20-minute wait for the check, and needing to ask for silverware—twice. We both noticed upon exit not feeling completely full.
For $300 pre-tip, any number of others favorites at this price point call much louder: Rich Table, Liholiho, San Ho Wan, Cotogna, Angler… considering the $200 for Osito’s tasting menu, alternatives like Anomaly, Merchant Roots, Niku spring to mind. Maybe it was an off night for service and the kitchen, but it’s certainly not tempting me back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
We had the ten course tasting menu and the food was delicious - a lot of interesting smoky flavors, especially the beef tongue.
The only thing that let down our experience was an uncomfortable start to the meal. After we were seated, nobody came to introduce us or ask us about drinks, so we were left fairly confused. The chefs started to serve us our food, and I asked two different people about ordering drinks or the wine pairing, who said they didn't know. Finally after the second course was served, the sommelier came by. She told us we couldn't have the wine pairing since they were too busy and it needed to be pre-ordered. That's the first time I've every experienced that at any restaurant, and I looked again at our booking - there was no warning when booking that you wouldn't be able to choose a drink pairing at the restaurant.
She did however recommend some wines by the glass that paired well with the remaining courses, so the rest of our meal was very enjoyable and the wines were very good. We were just a bit put off by the lack of communication at the start of the meal - in every other restaurant we've been to, somebody comes by to introduce us to the restaurant and explain the drink options after we sit down. Hopefully they can improve upon this in future.
So please take this as a warning - if you want the drink pairings you apparently need to pre-order at the time of booking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Wow, where do I even start? Osito in San Francisco gave us THE best dining experience we’ve ever had at a Michelin-starred restaurant—and trust me, my family travels the world just to eat at Michelin-recommended spots!
We came with our two sons. The whole evening felt like a scene straight out of the movie "The Menu" (minus the death and destruction ?). Chef Seth Stowaway made it an unforgettable experience by personally explaining each course as it arrived, and you could feel the passion and thought behind every dish.
Every dish is prepared with a wood fire or charcoal as the heat source - you’ll hear and smell firewood crackling in the open kitchen.
The food? Absolutely mind-blowing. From the perfect tomato on a spoon to the best oysters I’ve ever had, every bite was a masterpiece. The plating was on another level, with every dish looking like it belonged in an art gallery. The open kitchen concept added to the magic, turning the entire experience into a show. Watching Chef Seth and his team work was an experience our family will never forget!
Speaking of Chef Seth, he was so cool! His infectious energy and chill vibes made the evening even more special. He took the time to chat with us, especially with my teenager who’s a huge fan. It was refreshing to see a Michelin-starred chef come out and interact with it’s guests—Chef Seth truly made us feel welcome and appreciated. It feels like Osito is his home and he’s welcomed us into it.
We also splurged on the caviar add-on, and wow ?—it was totally worth it! Every single dish, from the Raw Local Halibut with roasted strawberry and aji amarillo to the Don Watson Slow Cooked Lamb with flatbread and lamb jus, was beyond amazing. The care and creativity put into every element of the meal were obvious, and the flavors were out of this world. Zach, our 8yo, gave him “10 stars out of 5!”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Morel Mushroom, Caviar, Brisket Grilled, Roulade Chicken
Amazing experience; Delivered on high expectations in every dimension.
Small note watch out for the change fees if you have to change your reservation :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Osito recently introduced a more accessible $90 weekday four-course tasting menu, as well as an a la carte reservation. Gone is the massive central communal table, replaced by numerous smaller tables which opens up the space nicely.
The first course was a cured pork belly-wrapped savory profiterole filled with Harbison cheese. The delightful bite came out on a bed of smoldering fragrant pine needles, a wonderful welcome for all five senses.
We moved onto some oysters and crudo from the a la carte menu. These were subtle in flavor, and paired nicely with our bright, citrus-forward cocktails.
The next course on the tasting menu was a rabbit roulade, accompanied by a rabbit offal-stuffed morel, which further exaggerated the impressively sized mushrooms. Surrounded in a bowl of chicken fish consomme and a dollop of miso, there was much to love in this umami-forward dish.
In a nod to his Texan roots, Chef Seth Stowaway served a saucy smoked brisket as the main course on the shorter tasting menu. The familiar, yet elevated preparation was plated with early season grilled peach, potatoes, and basil.
Next up was a large-format dish from the a la carte menu, a shrimp and squid claypot rice assembled table-side and topped with a generous amount of whipped chili butter. This was one of my favorites, bursting with layered flavors and textures.
Dessert was inspired by the Southern h*e cake, a cornmeal pancake of sorts. This version came with blueberry almond sauce, plus crème anglaise spooned table side. Another great example of elevated comfort food that Osito does so well.
Much love. Great food and service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is really, really great. Nothing to add to what was said in other reviews, just do yourself a favor and go :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not only a delicious meal, but an interesting one. Things were presented in unusual ways, unusual ingredients, and the tasting menu was refreshingly interesting. The lamb heart add on was worthwhile, and the belly-cheese profiteroles were strange and delicious. Cocktails were tasty as well, and the vinyl albums for a soundtrack were a nice touch. Well done space, and very friendly/helpful service. Would recommend for a date night or special occasion, or if you’re just feeling like a treat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredibly unique spot with delicious food, service that is the definition of perfect hospitality, plus a lovely wine selection
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Experienced a Tasting Collective event with experimental dishes, everything was amazing - I hope the clay pot rice gets on the regular menu. Excellent wine pairings; they know what they're doing here. Chef is friendly and fun, staff was super attentive. Don't miss out on this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere, but very very mediocre food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
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