RNM Restaurant
Categories:
Restaurants, New American Restaurants, Californian Restaurants, Tapas / Small Plate Restaurants
Details:
Date Spot, Group Dining, Romantic Dining
Restaurants, New American Restaurants, Californian Restaurants, Tapas / Small Plate Restaurants
Date Spot, Group Dining, Romantic Dining
RNM is a hip, yet reasonably priced neighborhood joint: Started in 2002 by 29-year-old chef and owner Justine Miner, rnm is a swank yet cozy tribute to "small plates" of American food with slight French and Italian twists. Miner, who named the restaurant after her late father, studied the culinary arts at the Culinary Academy, then honed her craft in a variety of roles at Postrio, Globe, Cafe Kati and Dine. She chose the Lower Haight location because of its "neighborhoody" feel, and because it's an area where she likes to spend time. Since she opened rnm's doors, the restaurant has been written up in variety of major publications and has been called everything from "hip" and "swank" to "delicious."
Interesting cuisine
by
Laura M.
|
Insider Guru
| Rank: 352
Rnm is an interesting restaurant that mixes American, Italian, and French food together. You can get a smaller plate for about $10-14 or a larger plate for about $20-25. The food is delicious and the service was excellent.
Posted 01/05/09 | Report Abuse
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Replace the maitre d'
by remarkable1
We arrived early around 5:30pm, with the exception of the regulars at the bar, the place was completely emply. Nevertheless the snooty maitre d' gave us a hefty dose of attitude for not having a reservation. Thankfully the waitress was wonderful and the food delicious. The loud overconfident maitre d' annoying presence was a constant distraction to what might otherwise have been a pleasant experience.
Pros: Delicious Food
Cons: Miniscule portions, rude host
Posted 07/30/09
Yummy!
by mluerra
We finally tried this restaurant this past weekend, and were glad we did. The space is really beautiful, and the food was amazing. We sat upstairs, which is very nice, as it's like a little mini lounge in itself. We started off with the mac and cheese, which is some of the best I've had. For entrees, I had the halibut, and my husband had the rib eye, both of which were delicious! We caught a glimpse of the mini burgers and the pizza at another table, so we'll definitely be back to try those as well! Definitely go to this oasis in the Haight.
Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance
Cons: None
Posted 10/28/07
great restaurant
by fdc4
As a restaurant owner, i dont get the negative reviews on hosts in general. They have the most thankless job in the restaurant. If customers are not sat at once or offered a free drink they are hostile. People get a GRIP
they are juggleing several things at once, they have to deal with the guests that are seated , the guests that are arriving and the flow of the entire place. RNM is a small place and I have seen Robert do the best juggling act in the business. People are late and have NO reguard for the next guests. If you went to the hair dresser and you were 30 minutes late they would send you home, why restaurants dont practice this is just plain silly. We accomodate thats our business.
RNM is a great place .The food is wonderful, the room exciting, the service excellent.
People need to be more postive, it just seems we all look for the negative, if its not the host, then its the servers, if its not the servers then its the bartenders, if its, you get the point, for some people its always something. To those people STAY HOME and make yourselfs MISERABLE.
Dine out have fun , ENJOY.
RNM is one of the best
Posted 07/18/07
Unpleaseant Host at RNM
by jonfoody
The maitre'd at RNM is responsible for the WORST restaurant experience of my life!
My experience at RNM has left me wondering if a business actually benefits from having an individuals (maitre'd) personality like his so closely associated with it. Oh well, there are plenty of late adapters and suburbanites just discovering RNM to give it acceptable reviews for the foreseeable future.
Read the countless other negative reviews on him and learn that I am not the first person to have a horriying experience and definitely not the last.
Posted 06/05/07
don't be frightened by the prospect of small plates
by ramondasilva
I brought my parents here on recomendation from a colleague, having never visited before. We each had a glass of the house cabernet, which was very good - I'm sorry that I cannot recall the name. The food was all beautifully prepared and garnished. The charcuterie was a nice start, a selection of spiced meats and pate', the pizza was crisp and a nice item to share, and the main dishes were all satisfying, both in preparation and in portion size. Some people might think the portions area little small, but to me they were just right. This is not a restaurant where you "super-size" menu items. My parents both enjoyed it, though my father is a little on the old fasioned side and prefers more traditional decorations. My only complaint was that the room is very loud, and like everyone around us we needed to raise our voices to hold conversation. I will certainly go back, but will do so early in the week when I would guess they are less busy.
Posted 05/29/07
great host
by willpitt
I have had dinner at rnm several times and just wanted to give a shout out to the wonderful host Robert,
he is just fabulous. The food is fantastic too.Cant wait to go back.THANKS
Pros: great great great restaurant
Cons: none
Posted 04/20/07
A Disappointing Birthday Dinner
by uncommonusername
For a good friend's birthday party we chose RNM for its ambiance, specifically its informal seating upstairs where a group of about 8 of us could lounge in couches and comfy chairs around one coffee table. When we got there we were told we could not sit at the table and chairs we had reserved but had to sit at a less desirable nearby table. Our new table placed us in the line of stairway traffic and a very chilly AC breeze but also subjected us to a Shrek movie playing on a big screen right above our eyes. Not the mellow ambiance we were looking for. They eventually allowed us to move to the spot we had reserved. We also had to pay a fee ($20 if I remember correctly) just to bring our own birthday cake into the restaurant plus $2 per slice to have them cut it. These experiences eclipsed the food, which was rather tasty.
Pros: tasty food
Cons: attitude, cake fee, and EXPENSIVE
Posted 01/07/07
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!
by turakian
We dined at RNM last night and had an amazing experience. The host was warm and friendly, the service was kind and attentive, but most of all the food was to die for. From the grilled hearts of romaine and the steak tartare appetizers to the wild mushroom pizza with fontina cheese and ribeye steak, all of it was spectacular!!! Oh and don't miss the bread pudding for dessert. It was so nice to find a restaurant get top marks on all key elements from customer service to wonderful food. We cannot wait to go back!! Thanks RNM for making our night!!!
Pros: Great Service, Fantastic Food!!!!
Cons: NONE!!!!!!!!
Posted 12/30/06
DO NOT ORGANIZE your birthday dinner at RNM!!!! (Unless you want to get RIPPED OFF!!!)
by caln8v
Remember when you made the mistake of dating that attractive person, who secretly has a bipolar disorder?
That person is back as a restaurant, as RNM.
Sure, for your romantic dinner, RNM is sweet, generous, kind, beautiful and loving.
But then, one day you plan your friend's birthday party and RNM is RIPPING YOU OFF...and pulling greenbacks from your wallet and purse between verses of "Happy Birthday."
Check it out...
They charge you for corkage fees -- $20 per bottle
They charge you for 'dessert fees' -- $5.00 per person, yes, for the right to pass out my wife's cupcakes
Then, hold you for 20% service fee.
Unless you really want to ask your buddies and friends to cough up an extra $30.00 per person for the "right" to bring a large group to their restaurant, think again....Go to one of San Francisco's finer restaurants that actually want your business.
Do RNM a favor, and tell them they need therapy, big-time!...and maybe some meds, too.
Thanks for listening.
Pros: Nice for small group dinner or a solo bite at the bar
Cons: RIPS YOU OFF FOR GROUP EVENTS and BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!!!!
Posted 12/27/06
nice upstairs
by jeremyliew
was dark and yummy. great food; ok service, quieter upstairs. drinks are nice and well priced. get the cheese plate
Posted 10/24/06
love, love love this restaurant
by tikitom
RNM is simply fabulous.
The host was charming, warm and helpful. Our party changed size and time, and both times we called to make changes, we were called back quickly and the host, his name is Robert was so nice It made such a difference. When we arrived we were asked to wait while our table was being reset. We went to the bar, where we were warmly greeted by Todd, he was great and made the best cosmos i've ever had. We were in heaven. How many times do you go to a highly recommended restaurant get a snotty hostess and then an equally snotty bartender??
Not at RNM.
We were seated as soon as we got our drinks, the server came right over and once again greeted us warmly. Layla was great, attentive, fun- JUST TERRIFIC.
The food was in a word INCREDIBLE
We can't wait to return. We just loved, loved loved RNM
Pros: everything
Cons: nothing
Posted 09/11/06
Best grilled romaine lettuce
by jemago
I agree with most of the reviewers that the host is what makes you think twice before going. It's like a club, if you are known by the host, you belong to the group and you feel welcome, or he doesn't know you, he is still nice with you but he's not warm. Also, with the look from the waiters when you ask for the $25 prix-fixe, either you stick on your decision or change for the a la carte Menu, which annoys you later because you first came for that Menu...Anyway, the food is worth the hardship. I love everything here, but my favorite is the grilled heart of romaine...
Pros: Good and clean tasty food
Cons: Snobbish ambience
Posted 08/21/06
good neighborhood place
by sf_girly
this is a great neighborhood place, but i wish they would change up the menu a bit more often. the host has improved greatly over the years and is now one of the best! he will always find a table for you. the wait staff is a little bland -- only once have i actually had a friendly waiter.
Pros: valet parking, bar and tables, dark and mysterious
Cons: small menu, cramped seating, not very enthusiastic wait staff
Posted 08/20/06
Great small plates, average atmosphere
by eddiepeats
I have to admit that i really love the food here. It's a little difficult to get past the host who is sometimes very nice, and sometimes not so nice at all. Once you do though, and if you can forget that the place used to be a Pasta Pomodoro, the food will win you over.
Pros: Incredible, creative small plates
Cons: a sometimes not so pleasant host
Posted 08/05/06
Good Food, Annoying "Experience".
by luv2eet
We really enjoyed the food (well, my husband "loved" his burgers and bread pudding) but didn't enjoy the overall experience. First, the host made us feel like he was doing us a favor both times we spoke with him over the phone, and while we were there, he acted as if he thought he were some kind of celebrity, ugh! Then, the service was just plain "flat". Our server was unenthused, impersonal, and sloppy. Lastly, the space is so cramped that my husband's chair was bumped several times from behind. The food should not be responsible for making up for the annoying staff and atmosphere. Bummer, we had anticipated "more".
Pros: Solidly "good" food. Nice wines though a bit pricey.
Cons: Calling for a reservation.
Posted 08/04/06
great food, bitchy service
by dk47
I have been dining at RNM since it opened. The food is fabulous, however I feel compelled to put my two cents in. The sevice just stinks. The bartender and the host are always pleasant and professional, but the waiteresses are just plain terrible. On ever visit they are more concerned with chatting with the kitchen and themselves. drinks take for ever, they sit at the bar while they finish there gossiping. last time I was there they were discussing a tip they apparently did not like from a guest. they were quite nasty. This was not something a guest should not be privy to. they are just not attentive, that is unless they know you and WA-LA drinks magically appear. If this was a one time expierence I would just forget about it, but it happens over and over. my friends say the same things. Maybe they should have a support group for RNM customers who have had bitchy service. problem being they would need a bigger rrestaurant. FOOD IS GREAT-SERVICE IS BITCHY. My sugesstion eat this fabulous food at the bar and you will get great service
Pros: great food, beautiful space
Cons: bitchy service
Posted 07/21/06
Large Groups Welcome Here
by bluestarfish1
Booked this place 24 hours in advance for 20 on Saturday night and got it! Amazing! Great small plates. You'll get full on the small plates alone. Mac n' Cheese is decent too. Parking is a pain but valet saves the day! RNM is WOW.
Pros: valet, TV viewing, small plates
Cons: no street parking, loud, tight seating
Posted 05/03/06
User review by ehughes23
by ehughes23
The restaurant was freezing, the meat was fatty, the service was non-existent. Although this place can be quite good, it also can be absolutely horrible. The atmosphere and the temperature are both cold. Even though I was wearing my winter jacket and scarf, the waiter (the one time we saw him) still insisted on turning on the airconditioning. That said, if there is an heirloom tomato napoleon on the menu, it's to die for.
Cons: cold
Posted 03/08/06
Fabulous and Friendly!
by mekmoon
We called last-minute on a friday evening, and were treated to an extraordinary evening with great food and fantastic service (despite our last minute request for a seating). The food is fresh, interesting and well prepared. And, despite other reviews to the contrary, the service was great. In fact, the host went far out of his way to seat us at the last minute, engaged us all evening, and ultimately brought us a free taste of a fantastic dessert he highly recommended. Bravo to RNM!
Posted 02/15/06
Love This Place
by kalliegirl
I just wanted to say how much I love this restaurant. I live in the neighborhood, and it is so nice that I don't have to travel to get great food. Even if I'm not in the mood for the full dinner, I know that I can go to RNM and get a great innovative pizza and a good bottle of wine. It is such a gem. Keep up the good work.
Pros: open kitchen, great food
Cons: parking
Posted 01/26/06
The Haight's "DELFINA"
by djesanfrancisco
Ennjoyed an early Friday dinner (7pm) with a friend, no reservation, seated within 5 min, and always knew where my server was. Hostess was relaxed, organized and attentive to the dining room. Kitchen (partially open) was focused and busy with moments of laughter.
Food was bold and complex, tasty but lacked simplicity. Service was honest and accomodating.
Pros: Clean, Vegeterian Options,
Cons: Parking, Limted Bar Space, Not for Desserts Only
Posted 12/16/05
RNM - stands for "real nice meal"
by krisslye
Robert, the owner, is an absolute doll! The food is fantastic - don't miss the mac & cheese & pizzas. All my girlfriends & I went there for our Wig Wednesday tradition. A lot of other restaurants could have been freaked out by 14 women wearing strange wigs - but not RNM. They loved it. We loved them.
Pros: food, service
Cons: groups only upstairs
Posted 10/26/05
inhospitable host
by mvff
This was our second visit to r n m. Both times the food was delicious, the service very capable and comfortable, the space beautiful, and the host -- rude. Hire a new one and make the third time a charm.
Posted 10/14/05
RNM = Really Nasty Maitre d'
by ryanedw
It's hard to recover when your first several interactions are with a needlessly inflexible maitre d' who snubs you in favor of the owner's guests. It does happen at other restaurants, but RNM's food isn't good enough to compensate. The charcuterie plate seemed like it came out of the fridge during halftime; the roasted salad tasted like a bad hamburger. The steak tartare wasn't bad, but the wine list was incomprehensibly put together. The one redeeming factor: excellent service from a top-notch waitress. Stay away; it just isn't worth the risk of a bad experience, which as you can see from the other reviews, happens pretty frequently! RNM needs to ask its maitre d' to have a stiff drink before he ticks off more customers, improve the cuisine, and order the wine list according to varietal or region.
Pros: great waitress
Cons: , overpriced, poor cuisine
Posted 08/21/05
Worst services I ever experienced!!
by whateverdoggy
I threw a birthday party for my friend with a group of 10 people. I was deeply distrubed by the manager's attitude. He was rushing us to get out since there are people waiting the table. The staff was constantly taking away our plates before we were even finished with our food. The service was horrible. The food was interesting, but the price was a little high. Parking is a mess. Overall, a bad dining experience for my friends and I. PS: they charged a 20 dollars cutting cake fee without notice.
Posted 08/20/05
Wonderful dining experience today and everyday!
by strategiclee
I live just around the corner and love this resturant. The menu is wonderful and constantly delivering a new tasty treat. Robert is very accomodating with my last minute requests and I have taken family, friend and client there with excellent results. Reasonably priced with consistently innovative and delicious cuisine. Take a cab, you will never find a park. I also love the mailings that alert me to menu changes - excellent use of seasonal ingredients in non-traditional dishes. And the prefix ensures I get an excellent meal without thinking - great for the weeknights.
Pros: accomodating staff, excellent food, excellent manhattan
Cons: not good for groups
Posted 07/22/05
Decent Food Marred by LONG wait
by dine11
We went on a very busy Fri night, and were kept waiting 45 minutes for a table, despite having a reservation. There was nowhere to wait, as the place was jam packed. The host was trying to be nice about it, but that didn't shorten the wait. Then, when we finally did sit down, the service was slow, and we were not comped anything. It's just basic in the restuarant biz....you don't keep a party waiting 45 minutes for a table, and then not comp. anything--drinks, appies, dessert, something. Overall, it was a 3.5 hour dinner, which is fine for the French Laundry, but not for the Lower Haight. The food was very decent, although not spectacular. The decor is excellent. We had plenty of time to study it.....I might go back on a slow night, but never on a weekend, that's for sure.
Pros: Decent food, nice decor
Cons: LONG wait, slow service, loud
Posted 06/27/05
Tasty and Trendy
by todie4d
I called for last minute reservations and was accomodated. The service was quite nice from all the waitstaff. We parked ourselves at the bar and dug into a fresh cheese plate, YUM, and filet mignon for dinner. The food was divine and I will be eating here again soon. The drinks were pretty solid too. Try the martinis.
Posted 03/08/05
Really Nice Menu!
by acrary
RNM is a great place to have dinner. We visit regularly and the maitre d and staff treat us like family. The cheese plate is a great appetizer to share (comes with 4 kinds of cheeses, walnuts, figs, apples, raisins, grapes and warm bread), and the salads (like the grilled hearts of romaine with pears and blue cheese) are also quite tasty. My favorite main course is the duck, which comes with a wonderful dark cherry/red wine sauce. The salmon is also quite good. It can be hard to find parking, but they do have a valet on Fridays and Saturdays. They also show movies (with no sound) on the screen behind the main bar, and you can also ask to be seated at the bar by the chef's station - the best seats in the house, in my opinion. All in all, a highly recommended place to eat!
Pros: Great food, Modern ambience, Friendly staff
Cons: Parking difficult
Posted 02/17/05
yes...trendy eats
by toast_925
trendy is the word and upon entering I was definitely wowed by the decor. Nice use of color and design...loved the chandelier! The food was really good...I had the salmon starter and the ahi for the main, both good. But what made the night was the service; great job on such a busy night and considering our party of 6. If you're into trendy eating, this is the place for you.
Pros: service, ambiance
Cons: parking
Posted 02/03/05
Slow Service, Incorrect check!
by mcc0412
Our reservation was at 6:30, and we placed our order at about 7.
The crab bisque appetizer was thin and watery with very little crab flavor. The crab tater tots were more potato than crab.
Then our wait started. No one came to ask if we needed anything while we were waiting. At about 8pm, the waitress came to inform us that they were slow because all the orders came at once. She promised we would be next.
The entrees came at about 8:30. I had the salmon, which was nicely prepared, except the condiments were very salty.
The waitress offered us three desserts on the house (there were 7 of us). We thought that was a nice gesture. Howeve, when the bill came, we were being charged for the desserts! Fortunately my friend double checked the bill! I'd say this is a thumbs down restaurant.
Cons: slow service, crowded, difficult parking
Posted 01/28/05
RNM aims to please, great food & service
by nippers88
I have been a loyal eater at RNM for the past year and have never been disappointed, ever. In fact, my husband and I had our wedding reception hear last month and could not have had a better experience. Our guests are still commenting on how great the food, service and atmosphere was.
As far as the host goes, he is totally awesome. I can't understand other raters' beef with him. He has always made us feel right at home, even when we're not dressed to the nines like some other guests are.
Keep up the great job and I look forward to our next visit!
Pros: Friendly Host, Friendly Service, Tasty Food
Cons: , Sometimes Booked Up
Posted 12/06/04
Still Great
by worldly
I just visited RNM again recently and found that the quality of the dining experience has not diminished any after two years. I went there with a friend and we requested to be seated at the bar which Robert accomadated...sit in the corner by the windows so you can watch all the activity going on in the restaurant. We didn't want a full dinner so we split a couple of things; the charcuterie plate (who my friend said was the best one he's ever had with the duck confit and pate.), and I had what I still consider to be one of the best wild mushroom pizzas in the City. Service was quick, but not too quick, and friendly. I still highly recommend RNM as one of the most visual and unique places for food in the City.
Pros: Food, Atmosphere
Posted 10/05/04
Overrated
by andy4389
The food was not what I expected. I ate an arugula salad with melons. The salad was too salty. My partner ate a heirloom tomato w/ goat cheese salad, the cheese was just too overwhelming.
For the main course I ate pasta with veal bolognese. It was good. I was disappointed because I wanted the venison they had on the menu, but the waiter did not tell me they were out until after I asked for it. The staff needs to inform patrons of any changes to the menu before spending 10 minutes deciding on the entree. My partner had the filet mignon, which had NO taste!
We ate dessert, which was a brownie sundae. It was ok, but the brownie was not fresh.
Posted 09/30/04
Decent food/price
by escarlata
Went to RNM last month. Overall the food was average. Some things were quite good, mac and cheese, but the famed white castle burgers weren't all that. Fairly cheap though and service was acceptable. Somewhat tight inside
Pros: inexpensive
Cons: , tight space
Posted 05/18/04
well done, thanks!
by rrratt
Great mid-week meal. There were so many choices on the menu, which included a prix fixe as well, that we needed the help of our waitress, who was mature and very helpful with appetizing descriptions and recommendations, to make any decisions. We chose some of her recommendations and a few of our own and everything was spot on -- hats off to the kitchen. Yes, and to the bar as well, drinks were perfectly concocted. We were much less pleased with the host who is mostly insignificant though, once you get past the door. All in all, we enjoyed the space, drinks, company, and most of all, the food. Keep up the good work.
Pros: delicious food/drinks, beautiful room, fairly priced
Posted 05/08/04
an overall great evening!
by joelle
We called at 6pm to see if they could seat us without reservations (on a Friday night!) and we were pleasantly greeted at the door 20 minutes later with a table waiting. The decor is very dramatic and makes for good conversation.
The evening ended with a great touch... a few friendly comments + goodbyes by our server and maitre d'. These folks definitely know a thing or two about service.
Pros: friendly staff, tuna tartar, valet parking
Posted 02/27/04
Nothing special
by randyo
I was very excited to try RNM, and was disappointed to find it was nothing special. The food was just OK, with nothing in particular that stood out. Service was friendly but awkward, and the tables are arranged so that it's almost impossible not to get knocked in the back of the head when someone walks by. There are many restaurants in SF with comparable food, prices, and atmosphere that are much more satisfying.
Pros: Friendly service, valet parking
Cons: , uncomfortable seating
Posted 02/23/04
hit or miss
by iliketoeatalot
rnm...its good, but usually it or miss....i have eaten there 4 times and its always been good but never great...i like the wine list and the service, the later being very knowledgeable and helpful...also the tomato napoleon is delicious, but i was unimpressed with the " white castle" style burgers they were too small for the buns....overall rnm is good, but not great...yet.
Pros: nice place, good wines
Cons: hard to find parking, slightly overpriced
Posted 11/13/03
Worst Service
by eekim12
After being seated, no one even took any notice of us until 20 minutes later, the food runner yelled across the room, "are you ready to order?" Then the waitress came to take our order but didn't offer us any drinks or water. It was so frustrating and put us in such bad mood that we lost our appetite and walked out. Don't people work for their money anymore? Do they think that they should be tipped regardless of the quality of service?
Cons: Worst service
Posted 11/11/03
SUCH A TREAT!
by goodfoodsf
What a lovely (yet still lower haight "hip") joint RNM is! I went for a birthday dinner and had the most wonderful meal AND service!! The food was so extremely flavorful with the most exquisite sauces imaginable! FYI, between 2 of us we shared the cheese plate, romaine salad, pan-seared scallops, ahi tuna and chocolate pot de creme. Hard to pick a favorite - it was all sooo delicious. Both the hostess and waitress were as charming as can be! A truly delightful evening - hope this place stays around for a while! Thanks, RNM!!
Posted 09/24/03
Excellent
by sfreviewer
RNM has all my favorites...including very good thin crispy crusted pizza with simple clean new age toppings, wonderful sea scallops, and a nicely composed beef filet dish. The server was very busy, but pleasant and helpful. The host greeted and seated us promptly. The place has a edgy but relaxed feeling.
Posted 08/15/03
no guinness, booo
by theodore
lovely spot, Robert is to be commended on his fun, exciting and delicious restaurant. The lamb was great and the deserts were fantastic. Used to be able to get a nice pint of Guinness wich seemed to fit the chic yet communial ambiance. On top of it no decent scotch. I tried to order a Johnie Walker Black and was shut down. Ughhhh. Any way, we will be back because the food was great but such a dissappoint not to be able to compliment my meal with pint of real stout. Unfortunately fro rnm there is no substitue fro Guinness.
Pros: food, service, neat location
Cons: no guinness !!!, overprotentious reser, vation schedule
Posted 08/14/03
Ground Control to Major Tom...
by howudoinsf
Tucked away in the funky Haight district is RNM, decked out in retro-Jetsons decor. The restaurant features a blue-lit bar, open kitchen with stool seating and an upper level. Food was decent but inconsistent, started out with a complimentatry tuna tartar appetizer and the WhiteCastle burgers (bit salty) and finished with the baby chicken/yukon potatoes (yumm) Dessert was a brownie sunday and bread pudding (delish!). Service was friendly and the frenetic action at the kitchen, entertaining. They were kind enough to send us a free dessert for participating in the action! A noisy, bustling spot for a quick bite!
Pros: Decor, Service
Cons: Noise
Posted 08/09/03
terrible experience
by bdillon
Never again. I was shocked to read some of the other reviews and discover that my bad experience at RNM was not unique. My friend and I were also told to move after the maitre d' decided we had spent too much time eating dinner! The guy had no tact and was unbelievably argumentative -- instead of asking politely and apologizing, he in effect ordered us to move. I was completely bewildered and it ruined an otherwise decent dinner. I followed up with a call to the owner which was unfortunately intercepted by the maitre d' so he decided to call me back and argue some more! In over a decade of eating in SF, this is the worst service I have ever experienced. With so many brilliant restuarants in the city, you would be wise to avoid this place until they solve the service problem.
Pros: decent food
Cons: service, service, service
Posted 06/27/03
Creative American Cuisine with Flair
by cjglynn
Tucked into the slightly seedy Lower Haight, RNM offers creative American cuisine with flair. As diners arrive, they are greeted by friendly host, Robert, and whisked through a chainmail curtain into a bustling dining room clad in tones of rust and black accented by touches of chrome and translucent glass. The menu features appetizers like Potato and Wild Leek Soup and Soft Shell Crab, and entrees including Porcini Stuffed Day Boat Scallops, Grilled Skirt Steak, and with a nod to Thomas Kellers idea of reinventing familiar items, the Whitecastle Burger. Comprised of non-traditional selections from South Africa, the Loire, Chile, and Australia as well as numerous options from California, the well-priced wine list offers a myriad of choices to complement the cuisine. Despite the lack of parking, RNM is flourishing by offering new twists on American fare at prices not unreasonable for San Francisco (dinner for two with wine $150).
Pros: Inventive food combos
Cons: Lack of parking
Posted 06/01/03
Great Food!
by lisat75
When I called to make a reservation they were very snotty and kept me on hold forever! However, once we arrived the servers and staff were very helpful and pleasant. The food was great! I would definitely recomend trying out. The portions are a bit small but its worth it.
Posted 04/09/03
Chic hits Lower Haight
by ss94117
Four of us (2 couples) visited RNM for dinner about a month ago, on a weekend. All of us were extremely satisfied with the overall experience.
Decor is reminiscent of the W hotel's bar. Totally out of place in lower Haight, but nice to be able to eat trendy w/o having to deal w/ trendy neighborhood B.S.
Meals were delicious, with prices not as inflated as downtown restaurants, but beware - this is a chichi place, and portions reflect that (read: small!). Service was good, professional. Clientele seemed snootier than staff. The host/manager was warm, enthusiastic and welcoming. The condition of our reservation was that we must be in and out in 1.5 hours to make way for a large group scheduled to arrive after us. That could have made dinner tense, but it all worked out great and we never felt rushed or pressured. Well be back!
Pros: gorgeous interior, great management, location
Cons: a little snooty, zero parking, location
Posted 03/09/03
Great Food, Great Space, Okay Service
by efstredo
We had a wonderful time at RNM and the food was superb. The service was a little off.... when asking for a wine recommendation, our waitress pointed to the most expensive wine by the glass, and also suggested that we order two plates per person. We were three women, we ordered 5 plates, and almost couldn't finish the 5th! The chicken, endive salad, & crab avocado salad were all superb! The ambiance was great for a night out. Overall we had a great time, the service just needs to lose some of the attitude!
Pros: Great Food, Fun Ambiance
Cons: Horrible Parking, Snooty Service
Posted 03/06/03