RNM Restaurant

I am thrilled such a wonderful restaurant has opened in the Lower Haight. I love the stylish decor. with foreign films playing over the bar as you await a table. I was pleasantly surprised by the creative dishes. The striped bass was so delicious. Our small plates were equally pleasing with the beet salad and the charcuterie plate. I love the friendly host, and our waitress was very helpful as well.

Pros: Creative Menu, Lovely Wine List, Stylish Decor

Cons: A bit loud, Not much room to wait

Posted 02/12/03

RNM features a perfect combination of outstanding food, high style, friendly service, and reasonable value. Accomplished chef Justine Miner consistently executes her inventive, ever-evolving menu to perfection. Charming host Robert is exceptionally relaxed and accommodating. This destination restaurant is a delightful addition to the eclectic Lower Haight.

Pros: Chef, Maitre d'hotel, Style with substance

Cons: Getting too popular!

Posted 02/10/03

I was really disappointed after really looking forward to checking out this new restaurant in my neighborhood. The service was excruciatingly slow (it took almost 40 min. to take our dinner order), the service was less than friendly and the acoustics amplify an already loud room. Little things were annoying too. Like the single bathrooms. I waited in a line of four (putting me in the dishwasher's way) for almost 10 min.

The space is cool and the food was decent. It's not on the top of my list of places to return and, despite the fact that I live a few blocks away, it will never be my regular place.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was disappointed nonetheless. Try Cote Sud . . much better bet!

Cons: loud, bad service

Posted 02/06/03

After many requests, I finally made my way down to the RNM (I was reluctant because of the neighborhood). After the parking nightmare was solved (they are getting a valet) we enjoyed a warm welcome with superb service. You would never realize what neighborhood your in once you enter this cozy and hip space. I would recommend the downstairs for a fun dinner/date. Use the upstairs couch and cocktail table for snacks with a small group of friends before your night out. You can also enjoy a "cool" movie if you have the time.

The food was good, nothing to rave about but I was so impressed with atmosphere I will definitely come back.

Make reservations and try and come a little early to enjoy the very small but groovy bar downstairs.

Definitely a must for anyone wanting a bit of sophistication in your food and atmosphere!

Pros: sophisticated, great couches

Cons: parking, neighborhood

Posted 02/05/03

We went to RNM for a friend's birthday and had a mediocre experience. We sat upstairs which had a nice ambience, but it was hotter than hell up there. The food was tasty but the service was shockingly bad. I haven't had that bad of service in quite some time. I would try again if sitting downstairs with different server.

Posted 02/04/03

My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal at RNM. We had a chance to sample several different dishes, and the portions are definitely NOT small. Our server was very polished, friendly and knowledgeable about the wines. I'm looking forward to bringing more friends here as the menu changes.
I can't wait to go back when they have a full bar!

Pros: service, food, ambiance

Cons: parking

Posted 02/02/03

The food was good, not great. The service was among the worst I've experienced in a long time...and actually managed to get worse as the dinner dragged on. And to top it all off, we were seated in the upstairs section, which is ABOVE THE KITCHEN! I've never been so uncomfortable. Eat downstairs, have a few drinks, pick one or two items from the menu, but don't eat a full meal at this place.

Posted 01/26/03

Super cool..best hamburger in town.. best pizza in town... if you are looking for something hip/ and delicious.. where your date will perform any act you desire afterwards/ as he/she will think you are totally n the know. this is the place.

Pros: comfort food, hot wait staff, entertaining

Cons: no parking, double seating

Posted 01/24/03

We dined at RNM last weekend with an early reservation and while the food was good, the service was like being hit by a 747. I understand the concept of turning over the early tables to make room for the next reservations, but this was overkill. No sooner had the appetizers gone down, the server was swooping in continuously to see how everything was. The bussers were like hawks, watching each bite and then whisking away the plates before I was done. On the upside the food was very good (especially the scallops), but I wish they would give diners a little breathing room.

Pros: gorgeous space, good food, excellent prices

Cons: felt very rushed, aggressive service

Posted 01/24/03

The food is typical. Pricing was okay and the atmosphere pretty good. We sat upstairs and it was fine for conversation. That said, was kissing my date after being there 30 minutes and the Maitre'D broke in by tapping me and asked us to "do him a favor" and give up our table. The couple to the right had been there far longer than us, the couple to the left were still eating. I had already asked for the check, so it wasn't that big a deal, but give the time spent there, I was pretty amazed at the affront of the guy. To be honest, we had arrived 20 minutes late - which he made a point of pointing to his watch and saying "you're late." I apologized and kind of blew off the major attitude he was throwing. In retrospect I should have turned around and walked out.

Cons: Maitre'D

Posted 01/05/03

It's a very cozy little place with lots of character. We had stopped in for a small meal and what we got was perfect. My girlfriend and I shared a smoked salmon plate and a charcuterie plate. Both were delicious! Portions don't seem to be large, so this might not be the place if you're ravenous. But the ambience was romantic and the service was great!

Pros: GOod location, romantic character

Cons: small portions

Posted 12/30/02

Service: outstanding. Food: Out of this world. Atmosphere: excellent. Did I mention how good the food was? We went there last night and had an AMAZING experience. The swordfish, salmon, and yes, their version of the White Castle burger, it was all simply amazing. I cannot wait to go back.

Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/29/02

The service was okay - I wouldn't quite call their portions family style. There were 4 in our party and 1 small plate was barely enough for 2 people. We ordered the quail plate and were served the actual bird which was no larger than a parakeet - we all just sort of stared at each other trying to figure out who was going to attempt to carve the poor looking thing. We ordered about 6-7 small plates which were just not "family" friendly. If you go, don't order family style. We walked out of the place hungry and broke - for almost the same price and slightly larger portions, go to Asia De Cuba.

Posted 12/26/02

RNM makes me a bit sad, because it's undoubtedly going to become wildly popular and difficult to get reservations at--for good reason. Four of us shared four of the smaller dishes (we weren't that hungry, but the plates aren't that small)--the bilinis, a pizza, swordfish, and the charcuterie plate--and they were all incredible, with the pizza probably being the best I've ever had. Two desserts (brownie sundae and a very generous trio of sorbets, each in its own cone) were equally superb. My only complaint is that I'd read that the TVs on the upstairs level showed artistic designs and other mood-setting images...but while we were there Moulin Rouge was playing. Very distracting. Still, the service was great, and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Thank god I live three blocks away!

Pros: Cool space, Amazing food, Accommodating staff

Cons: TVs are distracting

Posted 12/18/02

RNM is amazing -- Justine is a creative genius. This was the best meal I have had since living in NY -- and this restaurant nails mid-town Manhattan without the NY prices. Everything was outstanding -- and the portions are great for sharing, or for those who, like me, like to try a bunch of things on the menu. The decor is so well done -- especially loved the silohuettes created on the top floor, and the bar that changes color. It's my favorite place in SF, hands down.

Posted 12/15/02

I am completely blown away by the beauty of the space at RNM. It's like walking into a different world from the grittyness of the lower height. Definitely one of the most NYC like of all restaurants in SF. I love this place having dined here three times. Read the Chron review for detailed info about the dishes there. Suffice to day that it takes the best of Dine and improves upon it. Lots of braised meats with lovely sauces. Small and large plates are designed for sharing. If you don't mind having to deal with parking and the hood it's in you'll find that this is worth the trek.

Pros: Stunning seting, Small plates, Tasty food

Cons: Iffy neighborhood, No Parking

Posted 12/12/02

The food's good, no question. Not fantastic - the plates aren't very imaginative and the big plates aren't nearly as good as the small ones (typical), but they're tasty. The service, however, is horrible. Like another reviewer, I've been twice, had (probably the same) pretentious -but ironically unknowledgeable - server - I mean, c'mon - this is a restaurant in the (lower) HAIGHT, for Pete's sake...the maitre d' is no better. Fine if you're with comfortable people, avoid for any high pressure social situations - the staff will ruin it for you.

Pros: Good food

Cons: Service

Posted 12/03/02

I really liked this restaurant. the food was innovative and delicious. the ambience was excellent.

the one drawback is if you're a big eater like me, you've got to order a lot of "small plates" to fill you up and that becomes pricey.

think of it as a splurge

Pros: good food, ambience, decor

Cons: small portions, tough to get a table

Posted 11/19/02

RNM - good space, unpretentious feel, airy... food was excellent - reasonably priced and just the right amount. The night we went it was pretty empty, but aside from the tv's behind the bar it was one of the nicest spaces i've seen in awhile.
It is a really nice addition to the neighborhood.

Posted 11/17/02

Delicieuse! The flavours are well crafted & the proportions are as per the rest of the world so that you can enjoy the food without feeling stuffed. Also, the decor is excellent, although one wishes the mezzanine was a wee bit bigger.

Pros: Excellent food, Ambience

Cons: Small Mezzanine, Service needs polish

Posted 11/17/02

I was happy that a new place opened in my neighborhood, everything was great except the service was horrible. It was very promt but this waiter was so obnoxious. I have been twice and both times we had him. I am not sure I can recommend it because he seems to dominate the place and is so condecending.

Pros: decent food, good neighbrhd place, nice ambiance

Cons: condesending waiter, annoying water, obonoxious water

Posted 11/15/02

Although I felt it was a bit out of place in this location, it was definitely worth the trip! With a friendly host and waitstaff, delicious imaginative food (love the small burgers!) and very hip ambiance, I am already recommending RNM to all my friends!

Pros: food, decor, service

Cons: crowded tables

Posted 11/14/02

I loved RNM the minute I walked in the door! The host was friendly and professional (seems such a rare thing in SF!) The decor is lovely and the food and service was fabulous!!! I have recommended RNM to all of my friends.

Posted 11/07/02

I recently got a chance to try this hip hangout in the haight. Upon arrival I was impressed with decor and oculd tell they had put in a lot of work. The food was fantastic and excellent sized portions for the price. The ahi was fresh and well flavored. The white castle burgers were cute on little squares of focacia. Order anyhting that comes with the risotto. My only gripe, and it's a pretty big one because it affected the whole meal, was our table. We were a party of four and sat at a table upstairs jammed aginst some hanging chainmail. There shouldn't have even been a table for 2 jammed in that space. RNM, fix this problem, and diners will be much appreciated. Overall though, great job!

Pros: value, original dishes, decor

Cons: table locations

Posted 11/01/02

i have been to RNM twice in the last month and it is one of the best new restaurants to open in SF. the food/small plates meant for sharing are visually pleasing and full of the perfect combination of flavors. they have a great wine list with a nice range in prices. be sure to have reservations, this place is packed. the downside is (even if you have reservations) waiting...i don't mind waiting, but there is no place to wait, they have a very small bar and if you're standing, you get in everyone's way.

Pros: food, wine, ambience

Cons: small wait area, crowded

Posted 10/31/02

I am from So. Cal and I was recently visiting a friend in SF. She was so excited to take me to RNM. I have to say, it was one of the most lovely evenings I have had in a long time. The food was INCREDIBLE, (the chanterelle pizza was heavenly)the service was perfect. Our waiter was funny, warm, attentive. We had so much food and I was shocked at how affordable everything was. You get so much for your $$$. The ambience is friendly, the decor simple and classy. I'm telling people back home that the next time they are in SF, they HAVE to go to RNM. I know I will.

Posted 10/15/02

We live in the neighborhood and are thrilled to have a nice place to eat once in a while. The typical Lower Haight restaurants are great for everyday meals, but rnm is a welcome change. The food we had was great, and it is a beautiful space. Service was very good - attentive but not too much so. The appetizer sized small plates are pretty small, but they had a lot of flavor. We each had a pizza and they were terrific. The baby artichoke pizza with lemon oil was especially amazing! Wine list is adequate and the mark-up is reasonable. They have a good selection of by the glass wines and some interesting half bottles. Our server mentioned that they will soon have a full bar. I highly recommend rnm and will definitely go back.

Pros: Great decor, Nice wine list, Great food

Cons: Loud

Posted 10/07/02

Excellent food, excellent friendly service from the host to server to bussers, romantic... can't say enough. Meals come in small portions, so you are encouraged to order 2/person, which is great fun because you get variety. My husband doesn't even like sweets that much and he wouldn't stop eating our brownie banana sundae. Best dessert we've both ever had. We spent $70 total on 4 plates, 1 drink each and a shared dessert, and it was well worth it.

Pros: Ample space at table, Great lighting

Posted 09/13/02

I ate here for the first time on Friday night and was totally pleased with everything about this place. The food was incredible (although could be a bit bigger portions), the service was great, the atmosphere was perfect, and all the food came out in a timely manner. Great for a first date, or with a group of friends as the place is very lively.

Posted 09/08/02

WOW! This is what the Lower Haight needed: a classy restaurant to "cleanse" the area. Don't get me wrong, the pubs are great but the area desperately needed a top and elegant restaurant to set the standard. This place will definitely attract intellectual crowds from Knob Hill, The Marina, Pacific Heights, etc. The wine list selection could be more selective but it is a great start!

Pros: Good Service, Intellectual Ambiance, Great Lounge

Cons: Parking, W/O for street people

Posted 08/28/02

After weeks of watching this place from the outside as it was transformed from a Pasta Pomodoro to a stylish restaurant, I finally got a chance to check out the result, as RNM opened this evening. Although the place was packed with an opening night crowd, the extremely gracious hostess made room for me at the bar, where I was seated within minutes. It was the perfect vantage point from which to watch Justine, the owner (and the daughter of the eponymous RNM), prepare my meal, which was wonderful. Add in a nice wine list, stylish decor, and a friendly and attentive waitstaff, and the Lower Haight has a worthy new addition to its stretch of bars and restaurants. Welcome to the neighborhood, RNM.

Pros: Excellent food, Decent wine list, Stylish Decor

Cons: Parking Ain't Easy

Posted 08/22/02