Masa's Restaurant

At first the menu may sound pedestrian, but don't be fooled! This is world class cuisine. Everything was inventive, delicious, and executed flawlessly.

I will admit, the service seemed a bit snobby at first, but our waiter warmed up to us and gave us excellent service. We were a bit out of place as it's not exactly the youngest crowd but I don't think it's *too* stodgy.

The desert cart is absolutely the best desert experience ever! It's filled with delicious hand-made candies and sweets and it is certainly one of a kind. It's really worth it to go there just for the cart.

It's expensive to be sure. Prepare to spend $400-$500 for two (depending upon drinks and wine really). It's totally worth it though.

I'm done with Masa's. At our last dinner there, they must have been gunning for a record for fastest mediocre expensive dinner. They seem to be riding on the reputation that was established under a previous chef who is long gone. The food was just ok - nothing special. With each course, I was sure that a really good one was coming - but it didn't happen. On top of the mediocre food was extremely poor service. A waiter started to remove one of my courses while I was still eating it. They just could not get their timing down or they were really trying to maximize table turns. Toward the end of each course, a couple of servers would hover near our table holding the next course. We were on pace to finish a nine course dinner in a little over an hour. I've never experienced anything like it in a supposedly high-end restaurant. Most of the tables around us appeared to be business people - probably on expense accounts and from out of town. There are so many good high-end restaurants in SF, no locals ever need to eat at Masa's.

The food and service at Masa's is incredible. However, the food is very expensive. The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and zen. The food is very flavorful and well-presented.

PROS: food, service
CONS: price, parking

I went to Masa's near Union Square for an anniversary dinner. I got to choose between a 4-course, 6-course, or 9-course chef's tasting menu. I had the 9-course, and it was spectacular! The service was excellent, of course, this being an expensive restaurant. Great for special occassions. Waiters bring out each dish and explain to you what they are made of. For each course, my boyfriend and I received a different take on a theme (for poultry, he had duck, I had squab). Highlights of the meal: the scallop appetizer, Japanese sea bass, and caviar. The more courses, the smaller the portions. I was full, and very impressed! A great fine dining experience, very romantic setting. Definitely make reservations. Gentlemen must wear a jacket - no jeans allowed!
If you are lucky, you might find street parking. Otherwise, I recommend parking in the Sutter-Stockon Garage. It's only about a block away!

PROS: Excellent service (you pay for it!), multi-course tasting
CONS: Higher prices, 6 and 9-courses don't give you a choice