Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

My family and I have been going to Ula Lounge for celebrations and holidays over the last few years. Each visit, we look forward to more than the previous one; beyond the gorgeous interior of the restaurant itself, Ula's staff is beyond accommodating, kind, and very attentive. For anyone who hasn't dined with Ula, PLEASE do yourself the favor and visit what I believe to be one of the finest restaurants in the city.

The food was essentially flavorless, and, for the money, left us incredibly unsatisfied. We also ordered two drinks: my wife ordered a house cocktail and I ordered a Hendricks gin and soda. Her cocktail was $18 (which isn't bad, especially in SF), but my G&T was $20. We ordered three tapas and bread service: 2 meatballs (each about the size of a golf ball); tuna tartare, which looked nice but had little flavor; and a half order of the garlic shrimp, which was four small shrimp, veins still in. The bread was garlic focaccia, and, though the texture was nice, it had little to no flavor. All in for the single round of drinks, bread, and three appetizers: $155.

Fantastic place! Been there a few times and the food and service have always been exceptional. The last time, the service was still great but they were understaffed so the timing was a bit off. By still a great experience!

Our visit was so pleasurable! Ula kept the amazing Farallons decor, which is beautiful. We were seated on the edge of the main dining room, which we had to ourselves for the first hour before it started to fill up. (Even as tables around us filled in, it was still quiet enough to have a conversation, which was nice.) Ezekiel was our waiter and he was so nice and informative. We had the bread service, which is focaccia. It was good, but honestly I'd rather have had SF sourdough or garlic bread. I had Agnolotti -- "dungeness crab ricotta pillow ravioli, rock shrimp, corn, fava bean, roasted sundried tomato sauce." It was a very generous plate and a lovely medley of flavors. My husband had the salmon -- "pan seared Atlantic salmon, cauliflower rice, kale, chickpea, corn, lobster parsley butter." Ezekiel was accommodating when we requested the salmon not be sushi and it came out perfectly. For dessert we shared a creme brulee, which was excellent, and my husband had an Affogato. It was a special evening for us, which we did not mention to the staff, and everyone at Ula made it even more so because that's the way they are. I'd recommend to anyone looking for good food in an amazing setting.

I think Ula has excellent food. Their wines are excellent. We had the Napa sparkling wine and the Pinot by the goas and they were both excellent. We started with the chick pea soup and it was delicious and unique. Then we had the cured salmon salad which was also delicious and unique. Then we had the crab cakes which were pretty small, but very delicious. The. We had the lamb meatballs which were pretty good. And finally the salmon fillets were outstanding. This restaurant is beautiful and it keeps a lot of the style of the former Farallon. It was not crowded. But it should be.

The first problem was sitting in crumbs in my booth. The bread service, once excellent is now mediocre. The $20 class of cabernet had particulate matter. I ordered my steak medium rare and was served a well done steak. I enjoyed the octopus when eaten with the provided tomatoes, cucumbers and pickles. The waiter provided a complementary chocolate dessert, which was the best dish of the evening. I seldom write reviews, but my experience needs to be shared.

First time here & I was pleasantly surprised. ( I had dined in same location when it was Farallon restaurant ). My friend & I shared 4 tapas.... All were good & were more than we could finish. The 4 scallops on top of polenta cubes were the only small plate. Salad with cured salmon, bowl of various olives, tuna tartar were generous, & the beef carpaccio was larger than an entree at many restaurants. The last was our least favorite because it had ( can't believe I'm saying this lol ) too much cheese. The bread was also generous & delicious. There are a few gluten free & vegan options. We took home leftovers, so didn't have room to try any of the desserts. 20% service is included in the bill, & we unexpectedly received a 10% discount because we attended a play at the SF Playhouse located in the same 1925 Gothic hotel. Service was gracious & attentive. & the setting is special: the main dining room was previously a swimming pool ( the original gold arches & ceiling murals show some wear from time, humidity & pool chemicals ), the decor has been updated in an sea theme with modern sea urchin & jellyfish chandeliers, anemone lamps & chairs with nautilus shaped tufting. As in so many places, the music was louder than I would like, but it did not interfere with our conversation. Located just off Union square, a 5 block walk from Bart & there are numerous garages in the area ( good idea to reserve a spot ). In all, Ula is a fun & fancy place for lunch or dinner.

Outdated classic restaurant. The seafood did not taste fresh. We didn't finish anything. Scallops were overcooked. Oysters were the worst I've ever had. Would never return to this tourist trap spot.

Exceptional food, outstanding service and great ambience. This has to be one of the best restaurants in a city known for great restaurants.

Beautiful space. Very good service. Very good oysters. Many of the dishes had the same uninspired sauce.

The meals were very nice, the lamb chops were excellent and the paella was big with lots of seafood. Our waiter was excellent, however he had to take over because after almost 20 minutes our actual waiter was too busy and didn't come to our table at all. This happens but the first waiter then simply ignored us for the remainder of the evening. I believe our waiter ended up being Evan, and I have nothing but compliments for him.

Food was delicious and staff were very courteous. Tuna steak and grilled sea bass were tender and flavorful.

What an exquisite experience! First of all, you can't beat the beautiful interior! Secondly, the service is attentive and courteous. Finally, the food is delicious. I had the octopus carpaccio and the paella with a glass of Sancerre. I highly recommend this place. If you're attending the theatre, which I was, you get a discount.

Highly recommend. Garlic shrimp was phenomenal. Lamb chops were wonderful. Service was excellent.

We had an amazing dinner at Ula. Our waiter and bartender, Ezekiel, was the best. He's been recreating their cocktail menu and each one we tried was truly amazing. We loved the crab cakes, chicken pastry, tuna tartar and the lamb chops. Would absolutely recommend this restaurant and eat here again!