Spruce San Francisco — Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

cuisine

American

Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived.
Spruce’s decor is about as posh as San Francisco restaurant interiors get: Elegant without being stuffy, expect white tablecloths, leather chairs, a marbled bar, and dark tones, all under a cathedral ceiling. Even the liquor bottles are organized by color.
What was the crowd like?
By night, Spruce attracts wealthy retired couples, and by day, well-heeled business people frequent the dining room and front café. If you want to fit in, don’t dress down for dinner here.
What do they have to drink?
Spruce’s wine list is legendary, to the point that it might intimidate some guests. Not to worry, as the somm can guide you through the varietals, vintages, and even the full page devoted to magnums. The cocktail list is fairly classic (think Pimm’s Cup).
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
The food at Spruce is Californian cuisine through and through. The spiced duck breast ($38) doesn’t disappoint: It’s roasted to perfection, then served with fennel marmalade, roasted beats, and pears.
And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Expect fine-tuned service, on-point recommendations, and an experience that feels personal. Servers are friendly without being overbearing, and professional but not cold.
Who should we bring with us?
Go for a romantic evening with your partner, or sit at the bar to catch up with an old friend. If you have a large group, ask about the intimate dining spaces available.