Insider Pages Reviews for Elite Cafe

5 Stars: Great date spot (by GoPlaySFBay)

GoPlaySFBay — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Love this spot for special occasions and anytime for their outdoor seating. My boyfriend is from the south and we recently vacationed in New Orleans - the food stacks up for sure!

3 Stars: The Manager is really great at this restaurant. (by VICTORIA D.)

VICTORIA D. — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:05:00 GMT

The Manager is really great at this restaurant. She was able to accommodate us and our BIG party. The food is so-so, but at least the Manager really tried.

3 Stars: The food is so-so (by vdaniels96)

vdaniels96 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The Manager is really great at this restaurant. She was able to accommodate us and our BIG party. The food is so-so, but at least the Manager really tried.

3 Stars: Upscale Creole Experience (by L L.)

L L. — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:47:00 GMT

The Elite Cafe is a nice restaurant for upscale creole food, but it is lacking in the authentic homestyle flavors of New Orleans. The food is good, just different than you would expect from a traditional soul food experience.

3 Stars: I miss the old elite... (by jasregadoo)

jasregadoo — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

This is a hard review, because I LOVED the Elite Cafe that I knew when I lived in SF from '87 - '94. This is the restaurant that I intended to visit on Oct 17, 1989, but the earthquake got in our way. We tried a wine at the oyster bar that we loved so much, we went to find the winery, and got a tour from the owner. So we're biased, clearly. I should also say that I've never eaten at the Meetinghouse. I used to live right around the corner from that location, but it was another restaurant at that time. So, last time I went to Elite Cafe, I was in for a shock.

The beloved oyster bar was gone, the waitress expected me to gush and be excited about the chef coming from The Meetinghouse, and my beloved Shrimp Etouffee was missing from the menu. I was heartbroken.

To be fair, though, the food that we ordered was VERY tasty, the service was very good (though I thought it annoying that they had to remind me that she was from the Meetinghouse...I clearly didn't care, and had never been there.)

I've looked online here, and seen comments from the restaurant, which really impresses me. The fact that they are that interested in their customers is GREAT. I would go back in a heartbeat and give it another shot if the etouffee were back on the menu. Seriously, I love that dish, and I haven't found another place around here to order it.

5 Stars: 25 years and getting better (by nbrenner)

nbrenner — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

First went to The Elite while in college, late 80's - now the place is even better. They keep adding stuff: outside seating, valet parking, brunch on Saturday AND Sunday. Food is more flavorful & less heavy. Service was great, even when they were insanely busy on Sunday brunch. Sit outside under the heat lamps and you will be so toasty unless you have 40mph winds blowing. Very attentive service, just added awesome list of half bottles of wine; was perfect for valentine's night dinner. You can buy the insanely flaky biscuits to take home and bake up fresh - they are awesome and just as good at home as at the cafe. Also, they serve the smoothest, richest coffee; perfect with the beignets at brunch. I love this place!! You will too!!

5 Stars: Thank you for saving our place!! (by mrsmitchell)

mrsmitchell — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The Elite Cafe has a very special place in our heart. We have been coming here since moving to San Francisco. The last few years, until you did your remodel, everything was starting to slip a little and we stopped coming as often. But now our favorite spot is better than we can ever remember. We love the addition of the biscuits from your old restaurant the Meeting Place (we miss it, too).

Your servers, hosts, bartenders, and your managers are all very sweet and kind. Always helpful to get us a quiter table; your place can get a tiny bit loud at times.

Thank you for adding Saturday brunch, it is much easier for us to join you and not as crowded.

Congratulations and thank you for keeping Fillmore Street very special and unique.

See you soon :-)

5 Stars: Amazing food, fabulous ambience and excellent / fun service! (by foody27)

foody27 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I live a few blocks away from The Elite and feel very lucky for the close proximity. The food is amazing (I always start with the cajun shrimp and biscuits)! The decor / ambience is so charming, you'll feel like you've walked into another era. The private booths are totally great for an intimate dinner, but I also love to hang out at the beautiful bar for drinks and apps. I usually find that a restaurant is either good for dinner OR brunch, but not both. The Elite is certainly the exception. We love coming here on a Sunday for bloody Mary's and eggs (don't miss the beignets either!). Be prepared to wait for a table, but it's definitely worth it. You could also be smarter than me and make a reservation ahead of time! Overall, a great restaurant. I hope never to live out of walking distance!

1 Stars: Dirty food? Lowest health Inspection score I have EVER seen...maybe NOT so Elite after all (by robynbjones)

robynbjones — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I would strongly advise you not to visit Elite cafe until they clean up their act. Let me preface this with the fact that I have eaten at Elite Cafe twice and both times I have thought that the food was pretty great, definitely something unique from what you typicly find at other SF (or Californian for that matter) restaurants. I have even recommended this restaurant to several other people...however, based on this new information I will NEVER go there again.

I am VERY concerned to find that Elite's San Francisco Department of Public Health Inspection score is a 66 out of 100! Elite was inspected at 12/7/07 was penalized for many things including "VERMIN - Rodents/Roaches/Flies" and "Inadequate/Inaccessible handwashing facilities & supplies." That is disgusting! And I just ate there in January, i think I need to go and wash my mouth out with soap.

Since discovering the health inspection website I have looked up many of my favorite spots in SF and I was SHOCKED to see that Elite has such poor ratings. Nothing else I have seen on the site even approaches Elite's low score (the next lowest score I found was 80 at Bistro Burger on Drumm st). I looked up the doggiest spots I could think of, and nothing compares.

If you decide to visit Elite despite this information, just know what your getting yourself into. At least most of their food is cooked throughly (i.e. not sushi). This is a sad day for me as I will be saying goodbye to those tasty biscuits forever.

If interested in reviewing this or other restaurant DPH scores, there is a link to the DPH website in the SF Gate article published 1.31.07 titled "Kitchen (not so) confidential". (To locate the article, google "Kitchen (not so) confidential" and then at the DPH site search for The Elite Cafe)

3 Stars: I'm confused . . . dining room cameras!? (by sfbikedog)

sfbikedog — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:00:00 GMT

After a delicious New Year's eve dinner that included exemplary service, I decided it was time to visit the Elite again. My partner and I dropped in without a reservation early one Saturday evening recently. Hoping only to score a seat at the bar, I was delighted by the solicitous attention that hostess used to get us a table. We were, after all, unannounced on what was clearly an extraordinarily busy evening. No attitude up at the front door -it was clear the staff did not consider us an intrusion.

Again, this visit was characterized by sophisticated food and impeccable service. Our waitress was savvy and warm. Food tempature is important to me, and imagine my delight at being served a meal that was neither barely warm nor scorching hot. Clearly, our meals were ready in concert and served immediately.

Two friends are visiting from New York city and I decided to take them to the Elite. When I mentioned this to a friend who is there all the time, my impressions were confirmed-with one exception. I learned there are cameras throughout the dining room. I clearly do not remember seeing any signs nor do I remember reading about it in the italicized notes at the bottom of the menu. Why, then, are there cameras in a dining room? Whatever for? What kind of ambiance is that? Really, it feels plain stupid. Why am I being watched? Are they for loss prevention? If the staff can't be trusted, do I really want to be giving them my credit card? If I did not know about the cameras, what else do I not know about? Dropped catfish on the floor that is put on a plate?

Really, my only reaction is to groan. I'm undecided as to whether i will go back.

5 Stars: Not only great food, but the best Martini in SF (by alansuss)

alansuss — Thu, 03 May 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Sit at the bar and watch the magic. If you have any concerns, see Peter and he will make it right. "My Saterday would not be complete without Brunch at the Elite."

5 Stars: Excellent! (by adam_l_bennett)

adam_l_bennett — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I went with my girlfriend on Mardi Gras. Total bill (Including wine) was $200. The food was cooked to perfection, we ate the Kobe Sirloin and the Blue nose Bass. We also had Benigets for dessert which reminded me of good times in the Frech Quater. Overall the atmosphere was low key with good smooth music with romance floating through the air.

Advice: Make a reservation, and if you're going for romace make sure you get a booth which (In classic New Orleans Style) is great for quiet conversations.

5 Stars: Best Brunch in San Francisco! (by mia1712)

mia1712 — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT

The brunch here since this place reopened its doors a few months ago is to die for. I have brought and continue to re-bring friends as often as I can. The bloody Marys are spicey and delicious, the freshly baked doughnut holes are a nice litte treat, the deviled eggs, the omelettes, sandwhiches, bring it on! Even after I have gone enough times to try everything, I will still keep comin' back!

3 Stars: horrific! (by cmsdanielsan)

cmsdanielsan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I have to say... The Worst service in the city. Servers made me feel like I was imposing the whole nite. Food was average at best. Way too expensive for average quality. Again... worst service I have ever encountered.

Nice location... just too bad it had to be wasted on this place.

Please don't wast your time and money. You'll get better service next door at La Salsa. I will never come back here! Management needs to work on service...

5 Stars: Very Enjoying (by tm06)

tm06 — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:00:00 GMT

We had a great seafood meal here after a show. The fresh oysters were great with shots. Lots of people watching. The shops around the restaurant are fun to peak at as well. We would return here anytime.

5 Stars: just plain great (by justine18)

justine18 — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

the food rocks! the service was sweet, the cocktails were strong, the booths are romantic.... whoever the new folks are- they know what they're doing!!! brunch is also a knockout, come late & linger all afternoon - you eat breakfast and slowly start in on oysters & bloody mary's & then get serious with a stiff martini.....
for dinner we were wowed by the meetinghouse biscuits, fritters, deviled eggs, kobe beef tartare, niman ranch pork chop, halibut & the best pulled pork west of the mississippi!!!!
so nice to see a "turnaround" instead of a tear down on an institution in SF

5 Stars: Joanna Karlinsky is sublime (by deglispiriti)

deglispiriti — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

Come for the chef, the ambience and the pure charm. This is an extraordinary restaurant -- not meant for the undiscerning palette. Bravo to the entire team. I had impeccable service and a truly lovely experience. Especially amazing: the shrimp and the duck.

1 Stars: avoid this place at all costs (by flunkylee)

flunkylee — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

worst experience i have ever had in restaurant. was treated like a drunk after having one martini over a 2 hour period. then was told that management would be keeping an eye on me and my friend. just spent 7 hours moving this day and also experiencing a terrible loss of a loved one. we were friendly, cordial, and polite but very intensely involved in our discussion and were met with patronizing and rude behavior by lead manager and bartender.
we cancelled our food order and went to solstice where we got our food and another martini with a smile.

5 Stars: If you live in SF, you have to try this place. (by charlzzz)

charlzzz — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

Go here. Eat here. Drink here. Enjoy it, you will.
The people at Elite give a hoot about your good time -- and they have the tasty, well-portioned food to back it up. My girlfriend and I took my southern parents - who have lived in Louisiana - and we all loved it. (My folks said the deviled eggs weren't as good as Mom's, and the cornbread was too sweet, but whatever, they sure gobbled them up.)

Honestly, I had been a little apprehensive due to the name of this place, but I walked away feeling elite... Unlike a lot of restaurants in town where the serve the same food as the next place and treat you like you're just another customer.

This place is well worth the money. A good time.
SF needs more places like this.
(I recommend the brisket, the ribs, the halibut in corn chowder, and the gumbo -- that's what we all ordered... and totally enjoyed.)

3 Stars: Sit facing the bathroom! (by oliveryee)

oliveryee — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

After reading some of the other reviews, I now wish I had tried this apparently once authentic and flavorful restaurant before the ownership change. There is really little room to fuse anything creole/cajun with 'california' cuisine. The food was especially bland and the ambience was no better. I literally sat facing the bathroom and the wine storage celler. I definitely agree with a few of the other reviewers....overhyped and overpriced.

5 Stars: Great customer service, great food (by citykid18)

citykid18 — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I came to Elite Cafe for the first time a few nights ago. The deviled eggs, the cornbread, and the oysters were the most delicious I've ever had! My friend who hates cornbread even loved it. For the oysters, try the one they recommend. You won't be disappointed. I cannot emphasize enough how nice and easygoing our waiter was. Definitely ask for a booth if available, and don't be afraid to push the button (you'll understand). I'll have to agree with another user about the jambalaya. It was good, but it didn't seem spicy to me at all. But I suppose it's because Elite Cafe now serves fusion cuisine. The mahi mahi tuna was more raw than usual, but I've had better. Now, THE DESSERTS! They were sooo delicious. Save room!

5 Stars: Best Cajun Food in San Francisco (by sknight87)

sknight87 — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I Live in a family that has had its fair share of cajun food. I was born and raised in louisiana where we lived for nearly 20 years before recently moving to San Francisco. I still live in baton rouge while i go to LSU and my brother in New Orleans while he goes to UNO. After all of the bad reviews and the bad experiences we've had with cajun food in San Francisco we went to Elite cafe with low expectations. We were amazed at the high quality of food there. If you go there expecting to have authentic cajun food you will probably be disappointed as much of the food had a large california influence to it. We didnt eat much of the traditional cajun food like jambalaya and gumbo but i wouldnt suggest eating traditional cajun food outside of louisiana anyway because it will most likely be nowhere near as good as you would get in new orleans. The food that we had was spectacular and the Sazerac was excellent, as good as me or my father had ever had. I highly recommend this restaurant and if you go, definitely have a Sazerac and the Biscuits.

5 Stars: they're back.......meetinghouse biscuits that is (by emmaheel)

emmaheel — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 09:00:00 GMT

jsut when I finally got over mourning the closing of the meetinghouse restaurant, the owner is back. She's bought the Elite Cafe and transformed it from a house of shlock to an Art Deco stunner with lovely service, fanciful cocktails and great food. Eating any of the food is about as soul fullfilling as you can get...... and they've even kept a heavenly oyster list though they got rid of the old oyster display. don't miss the biscuits or desserts......

3 Stars: No soul. No passion. (by epicurious_sf)

epicurious_sf — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I can understand a West-coast take on Cajun/Creole-inspired dishes, but one thing that got lost in translation is the spice. The Jumbalaya was a souless mix of ingredients in a weak tomato base. It came with a pint-sized little bottle of tabasco for the dish - even that was not enough to wake up the flavors. Everything served was under seasoned, actually.

Service at both the bar and the restaurant was very good, and the hostess worked magic accomodating our group. Too bad the kitchen couldn't keep up its end of the bargain.

3 Stars: It USED to be the best cajun food in the city (by lubalubaluba)

lubalubaluba — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 09:00:00 GMT

This WAS my favorite restaurant, until it closed, underwent a renovation and is now under new management with a new menu. The menu not has barely a hint of Cajun/Creole food (the manager described it as American with a Cajun twist) and while the food is decent, it is NOT why the Elite Cafe was once loved by me, and many others like me. The service used to be impeccable and the waiters used to be true professionals.... now, it is next to impossible to get your water glass refilled. The portions are now small and overpriced, and while the food is ok, it is NOT worth the new and overinflated prices. Please...someone, bring back the old Elite Cafe! Now where will I go to get my fix of the "Big Easy"??? :-( :-( :-(

1 Stars: That's not Creole cuisine! (by papillion)

papillion — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 09:00:00 GMT

This place is over-hyped. I was sorely disappointed in this restaurant. The food is boring and definitely not creole food. The ambiance and service is nice, but the food is BLAND. I guess San Franciscans have absolutely NO idea of what real creole spice is.

3 Stars: New Orleans Fusion (by starsimxt)

starsimxt — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 09:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for traditional New Orleans cuisine, you are not going to find it here. The food is good but not great. A little dissapointed that they change the menu instead of improving it. The BBQ shrimp is totally different - way too oily for my taste. The shrimp etouffee and blacken beef are gone. The gumbo is good for a fusion New Orleans style. The scene matches the food - mixture of New Orleans and California.

5 Stars: very much New Orleans (by cinderella1972)

cinderella1972 — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I used to live in New Orleans and I was surprised that the barbqued shrimp was really the barbqued shrimp that is characteristic of New Orleans. The only real difference was the price! Huge difference.

Anyway, fun place and excellent service. They are professional and friendly.

4 Stars: I love New Orleans Food (by cindylarson1970)

cindylarson1970 — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I recently moved here and just found this neighborhood (Pacific Heights). I love it. The food and atmosphere were both great and we had a great time.

The foods a little heavy, but if you are in that mood, this can't be beat.

3 Stars: Disappointed (by dorene28)

dorene28 — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 09:00:00 GMT

My husband and I were big fans of Elite Cafe before the recent renovation, change of menu and new chef. We absolutely loved the oyster bar. Unfortunately, it is no longer there. Our favorite entree was the Molasses & Brown Sugar Pork Chops. Unfortunately, that entree has been replaced with a very mediocre substitute. Quite a disappointment. We won't return to Elite Cafe unless the oyster bar is reinstated. Too bad they couldn't leave well enough alone.

3 Stars: wish it hadnt changed (by ehaude)

ehaude — Sat, 07 Jan 2006 09:00:00 GMT

Elite was closed for many months for revamping, and I wish it hadn't changed. The woodwork looks much more beautiful, but all the other "improvements" seem to be for the worse. We went in for brunch and sat at the bar for over 10minutes without being acknowledged by staff who obviously saw us. I finally got up and got us some menus and was horrified to see that our favorites dishes were gone. And so was the TV! I'm very disappointed with the new version of Elite :(

5 Stars: Fabulous Great Food and Fun! (by Christin A.)

Christin A. — Sun, 29 May 2005 23:25:00 GMT

Great atmosphere combined with wonderful food - great steaks, great raw bar, fabulous fun bar in the restaurant. It's not cheap but not super expensive either. Try to get a booth instead of a table in the middle of the restaurant. Nothing on the menu has disapointed to date - brunches on Sunday are pricey but delicious too. After dinner there are a number of bars in the area to enjoy.

PROS: Location, great food, fun atmosphere
CONS: Don't take reservations