The Best Deals of SF Restaurant Week 2018, as told by numbers
So you can dine with confidence.
The Approach: Just like last year, I read through over 180 menus to determine the best-value deals for SF Restaurant Week. For each individual item offered in the prix-fixe menu, I tallied up the price. In the event that an item was not found on the menu — which happens frequently, as many restaurants will offer new or modified dishes for this event — the price of a similar dish was substituted. When deal values were tied, the restaurant’s reputation via Yelp ratings and number of reviews were the tie-breaker.
Read on to see how the prices stacked up! And for my fellow consultants out there, check out my comprehensive spreadsheet.
THE BEST DEALS OF SF RESTAURANT WEEK
#1 | Canela Bistro & Wine Bar (+$73, $65 Dinner for $138 value)
Tucked in the Castro, Canela Bistro is a Spanish restaurant offering family-style tapas and raciones. Putting them in the lead is their offering of a brut rose, 4 appetizers to share, 2 meaty mains, and a dessert-and-wine pairing.
#2 | Lolinda (+$52, $40 Dinner for $92 value)
A Mission favorite, this Argentinean steakhouse describes itself as a lively combination of “Latin American flavors with California sensibilities”. Coming in at #2 this year is their generosity with appetizers (offering ceviche, empanadas, and a salad), as well as 2 mains and a dessert. While Lolinda technically ties with Flores on pure value, this restaurant’s 4-star Yelp rating with 1,587 reviews pushes it to the top.
#3 | Flores (+$52, $40 Dinner for $92 value)
When most SF residents think Mexican food, Cow Hollow is likely not the first neighborhood to come to mind. Yet, this upscale restaurant perfectly marries its heritage with its surroundings, offering traditional Mexican dishes and flavors in a truly San Franciscan style — that is to say, with craft cocktails and in a farm-to-table-esque setting. This Restaurant Week, Flores rises to the occasion with an enormous offering of appetizers, mains, side dishes, and desserts.
#4 | Hog and Rocks (+$51, $65 Dinner for $116 value)
A Mission post-work favorite, Hog and Rocks is best known by locals for its oyster happy hours and cocktails. This year, this 4-star restaurant (with 1,180 reviews!) offers up its best, with pimento cheese toast, oysters, a main, salad, and dessert — along with a delightful cocktail pairing!
#5 | Roka Akor (+$50, $65 Dinner for $115 value)
A Restaurant Week darling, Roka Akor offers upscale Japanese cuisine with impeccable service. I myself went last year and let me tell you — do not skip out on that Bone Marrow. This year, Roka Akor offers a similar menu: appetizer, sashimi selection, Wagyu sirloin (!) and a beautiful dessert. Roka Akor has also been highlighted on a few other Restaurant Week articles, so book quickly!
Interested in seeing the numbers for yourself?
Check out my handy spreadsheet, which includes itemized pricing (so you know what to order), Yelp links & booking URLs for all restaurants (so you can snag that table), and Yelp ratings & reviews (so you can validate against your peers).
Happy eating & if you enjoyed this article, give it some applause!
