Executive Chef Melissa Perello

1701 Octavia Street, San Francisco

We found Octavia on a ten best list somewhere and they did not disappoint.

The chef is really putting out some great flavor combinations in an artful manner. We had the tasting menu – not noted on the printed or online menu so it was a nice, welcome surprise. Price per person was a reasonable $70.

There were some very unusual flavor combinations that worked out really well.   We enjoyed the surprising umami flavors.  The deviled duck egg was a well balanced spicy flavor.

Pickled local anchovies, chickpea poppyseed sable, creme Fraiche was amongst the most eye appealing dishes.

The duck gizzards with citrus was another interesting plate.  We both will try anything once and sometimes the other person gets to eat it all.  Nothing against the chef in any way.  No one complained!

Local Black Cod, roasted radish and turnip, fennel seed in smoky saffron broth. The skin was super crispy and the fish  was melt in your mouth moist and artfully presented.

Probably the winner for most gorgeous looking AND tasting was Chilled Oregon Bay Shrimp, Brokaw avocado, Santa Rosa plum, basil and yuzu.

This house-made polenta bread came out steaming with softened butter.

The desserts were incredible.

Warm Chocolate Soufflé Tart with cocoa nib brittle salted caramel ice cream:

Pistachio Profiteroles with summer berries, fennel pollen and Meyer lemon ice cream.

The service here was top notch although food came at us at a pace that rushed us a little but eventually we figured out how to slow them down-eat slower!

The restaurant filled up quickly as it appears this is a popular place to enjoy a meal.  We enjoyed everything and were served more food than we could eat. This was a great experience and we recommend it to adventurous eaters.  It should be noted that a month after we ate here we learned the chef had earned a well deserved Michelin star.

http://www.octavia-sf.com