Greens Restaurant - Vegetarian Ecstasy in San Francisco, CA
Dining out is a favorite pastime which I, sadly, don't get to enjoy nearly enough.
Dining out at a really good restaurant with a national reputation is the ultimate.
We did just that a couple of weeks ago as we neared the end of our whirlwind trip up the California coast to wine country and back through San Francisco.
Greens Restaurant is a noted vegetarian restaurant (established 1979 but in a different setting) in the Fort Mason area of the city by the bay, San Francisco.
Greens Restaurant was established many years ago, a pioneer that took vegetarian cuisine to the level of fine dining and paving the way for others to follow.
In my mind Greens ranks right up there with places like Chez Panisse, Alice Waters' hallowed hall of cuisine for many years with a reputation that many seek but fail to achieve. And not just in one of the best dining cities but nationally.
We have wanted to eat there for years, but for various reasons (e.g., not calling far enough in advance to gain a reservation when we were heading to SF) never did. Thus that coveted reservation a couple of weeks ago was pure excitement and much anticipated.
Greens did NOT disappoint.
I am not a vegetarian myself, but no matter. I could eat as a vegetarian with no trouble at all, but admittedly giving up fish, chicken and a rare bit of beef would be tough. But I'm willing to sacrifice, readily, at a place like Greens.
Fine dining does not have to be pretentious, with haughty service and minuscule overly-complex portions that cost more than a week's grocery bill. Happily, Greens Restaurant on San Francisco Bay at Fort Mason is none of that.
Beautiful surroundings, simple but stylish décor, efficient, knowledgeable service, and above all creatively prepared food from a talented chef, Annie Somerville, that elevates being vegetarian to a level only few restaurants achieve result in a sophisticated dining experience. Who cares about meat?!
Alas, I so enjoyed the food that I neglected to snare any photos. But take my word for it, the dinner (Saturday night offers a fixed price menu with four courses for $49/person) was fabulous - imaginative, flavorful and unique.
Greens Restaurant also has dishes that are vegan or that can be prepared that way.
If you ever have the opportunity to dine there, do! I highly recommend it. Greens Restaurant will not disappoint.
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What a great place to dine .... Thanks
Sounds like an awesome place to dine. I'm a vegetarian myself and it's hard to find a great place that REALLY caters to the vegetarian. It's also pretty hard to maintain a restaurant that is so specialized. You've got to have it in the right part of town to survive. Awesome to see they've been around for a long time. I will put it on my list. Thanks for sharing.
You've found one of my favorite restaurants! I recommend you go for an early dinner to enjoy the bay and Golden Gate Bridge views, then enjoy the lights in the harbor over dessert. Lots of their greens come from the Green Gulch Zen farm near Muir Beach in Marin County.
Robert - it was EXCELLENT.
Josee - it IS hard to find good vegetarian restaurants. Sometimes we simply do better at home. Another terrific place in SF in Millenium. Pretty high end - an outstanding place to dine, where many dishes are vegan, including the wines.
Lottie - I would go back in a heartbeat. I can't believe we went so many years without visiting. But then we have also discovered some other wonderful San Fran eateries. I would love the visit the farm - I have a pretty good idea of where it is in Marin.
Jeff
I'm about 90% vegetarian--so this sounds great. I used to be 100% vegetarian, but then I discovered the Custom Burger place at the forum. Have you tried it? Have you written a post about it?
Melissa - havent' been there but aching to try. I love a good burger now and then. I hear the prices are pretty steep (LA chain I think) but if it is really good...
Jeff
Hey Jeff! Cece from San Francisco here. Great pic, although I'm afraid that weather is somewhat typical of what we've had all summer. Happy you enjoyed it. I have a soft spot in my heart for Greens, as well as all of Fort Mason-- actually our office meetings are held in the building next door. Anyone, the restaurant is definitely one of my faves. Call me next time you're in town! :)
Jeff,
Thank you for posting! I've taken several friends there and find it just the cat's meow...
We have many wonderful vegetarian restaurants, like the Cha Ya on Valencia Street in our Gourmet Ghetto - It doesn't have the views, nor the atmosphere - but then it doesn't have the prices and is right in the midst of the 'HAPPENING HIP MISSION'
http://cha-ya.blogspot.com/