Jardinière

NileGuide Expert tip:

Don't forget, it's also a great place to stop in for a drink or order from the lounge menu.

Description:

• Jardinière is a pre- and post-symphony favorite, and it also happens to be the perfect setting for enjoying a cocktail with your significant other. A culinary dream team created the elegant dining room and sophisticated menu: owner-designer Pat Kuleto, who created the beautiful champagne-inspired decor, and owner-chef Traci Des Jardins, one of the city's most popular chefs. On most evenings the bi-level brick structure is abuzz with an older crowd (including ex-mayor Brown, a regular) who sip cocktails at the centerpiece mahogany bar or watch the scene discreetly from the circular balcony. The restaurant's champagne theme extends to twinkling lights and clever ice buckets built into the balcony railing, making the atmosphere conducive to splurging in the best of style -- especially when live jazz is playing (at 7:30pm nightly). The daily changing menu might include seared scallops with truffled potatoes and truffle reduction; sautéed petrale sole with Alsatian cabbage and Riesling sauce; or venison with celery root, red wine, braised cabbage, and juniper sauce. There's also an outstanding cheese selection and superb wine list -- many by the glass, and over 500 bottles.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

San Francisco Chronicle

•  Top 100 Restaurant 2008
•  Top 100 Restaurant 2009

CitySearch

•  French Food 2007 – Audience Winner
•  Celebrity Chef 2007 – Editorial Winner

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010