1090 Point Lobos, SF 94121
phone: 415-386-3330
hours: Daily 11:30-3:30, 5-9:30
American, Seafood
www.cliffhouse.com
Overlooking Seal Rock in the turbulent Pacific, the
oceanfront Cliff House is a venerable SF institution. Its troubled
history and continual metamorphosis is well
documented online, but it is currently home to 3
restaurants, 2 bars and an impressive view.
The Ambience:
The ceilings are two spacious, arching stories high, and walls of
windows overlooking a swirling ocean make for an elegant atmosphere.
Subtle instrumental jazz music is pumped through the speakers,
and the back, blue-lit wall holds the bar. The room's acoustics
carry everyone's conversation further than intended, so it's
worth nestling up to your dinner companion.
The daytime view ensures that every table is a good table, and
though I've never caught one there, it can be assumed the sunsets
are spectacular. At night, however, the sprawling darkness of
the ocean makes the restaurant feel that much cozier.
The Menu:
Lots of fresh fish dishes and many creative pairings make the
inventive cuisine somewhat unclassifiable. Extensive wine list.
$20-$30 an entree.
The Food:
Overall, it's pretty tasty. The crab cakes were well prepared,
though not terribly exciting, as was the Caesar salad. I had
a bacon-crusted salmon that was served on potatoes with a rich
cream sauce. The fish was flaky and delicious, though I found
the combination a little overwhelming. A few slices of apple
saved the dish, taking some of the heaviness from every bite.
My dinner partner enjoyed a flavorful and perfectly cooked pan-seared
tuna.
The Service:
Not the friendliest, but very professional and attentive.
Reservations: Suggested. Required
on holidays.
Overall: B+
Enjoy the food, love the view.
Reviewed : Oct 2005
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