Birdsong - San Francisco (CA)

5 /5 Marisa Chiang: This is the restaurant that truly opened our eyes to GREAT food. We had the BBQ carrot years ago (pre-COVID) and the intensity of flavor from such a simple preparation (albeit long dehydration time) was just kind-blowing. And we’ve been coming back every year since! Chef Chris is a genius. There really are not adequate words to describe the flavor of the dishes that are derived from the techniques of prepping it from the time the ingredient arrives at the restaurant to when it finally reaches your plate (which can be months). It’s familiar flavors that just exploded in intensity, always with the perfect layers of complementary flavors and textures. It really is just something your mouth will have to experience for itself (my mouth is watering typing this). The service is impeccable. Their director Zoee is such a sweetheart and always greets us with a genuinely welcoming presence. Their entire team is always friendly and smiles, it’s easy and a pleasure to converse with anyone and everyone that works there. Just be prepared for a long meal (3-4 hours). Everything is cooked to order and they are very meticulous, so it does take time but the immaculate presentation and “perfect” bite is worth the wait. The area can be a bit rough and parking is not easy, so the recommendation is to take a car so you’re dropped off right at the entrance. Otherwise we haven’t had issues getting there. In short, if you love to see how food can be transformed to new heights, this is your restaurant.

5 /5 Ryan Chua: Husband took me here for my birthday and we had an amazing experience. The moment we got inside we felt welcomed by the great staff. During the whole meal someone explained every dish and wine we had. And each dish was delicious and beautifully presented to us. It was great to see how the dishes were created since we sat at the chefs table.

5 /5 Angkeyile Anderson (Flying Sailor): Birdsong is definitely a great place to celebrate a special day. Their service is outstanding—on par with the best I’ve only experienced in Japan. The open kitchen and locally sourced ingredients are a highlight. The dishes aren’t heavy on spices, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. Because of that, don’t expect bold flavors, but it’s still very tasty and well executed. Presentation is elevated and thoughtful, though nothing truly exceeded my expectations for a Michelin-starred restaurant—until dessert, which surprised me, especially since I’m not even a dessert person. Overall, Birdsong is a solid choice for special occasions, particularly for someone who appreciates novelty and healthy, ingredient-driven dining.

5 /5 Suchada Thaensap: We celebrated my husband’s birthday at Birdsong last night, and honestly, we were blown away. We do dine out often, but it’s rare for a restaurant to leave such a lasting impression. The food was innovative, creative, and deeply thoughtful every dish felt unique and perfectly executed. The staff made us feel so warmly taken care of, with service that was professional yet personal. The ambience was cozy but elegant, and everything flowed seamlessly from start to finish. We’re not usually the type to chase Michelin stars or fine dining for the sake of it, but Birdsong is different. It’s one of those rare restaurants that truly delivers on every level. Definitely a must-try in San Francisco.

5 /5 Joshua Winter: One of my favorite (if not my favorite) Michelin starred experiences of all time even after having been to numerous in SF and NYC (11 Madison, Le Bernardin, etc). This place truly does not get enough recognition. I ate at the Chefs counter and felt at home. The food is elevated yet there isnt a single bite that isnt delicious and that almost anyone would enjoy. The people arent pretentious or arrogant but kind and will happily strike up a conversation with you as theyre walking around or serving each dish. The head chef (sat right next to where he stands) was soft-spoken and you could tell how much he truly cared about each patron that comes to his restaurant and his team. Go, do the Journey menu, and escape for three hours to one of the best meals of your life. 10/10