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Merchant Roots San Francisco Yelp Reviews
Latest Reviews On Yelp
30 Reviews
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I don't know why I hadn't heard about Merchant Roots before
I don't know why I hadn't heard about Merchant Roots before this year (I guess COVID, 2 babies, and SF issues), but we decided this meal would be worth the trek up the peninsula. It's an immersive experience with new theme every quarter. They change everything up for the theme - decor, music, etc. We made it to the start of their Into the Woods mushroom theme, which they revived from a prior experience circa 2019. Welcome: portobello mushroom tea and truffled crumpet - they give this to you when you walk in, and the "tea" was a very flavorful consomme, perfect after walking in on a cold night Many of the dishes are actually already on the table hidden in the woodsy tablescape. 1. Stuffed mushroom with lamb merguez, harissa, tahini 2. King trumpet mushroom chips with Dungeness crab dip and trout roe 3. Hamachi crudo over porcini aminos 4. Venison tartare with charred cordycep, cranberry, juniper 5. Red cap mushroom muffin: beet juice to make it red, goat cheese mousse, candy cap mushroom muffin 6. Morel in XO: charcoal grilled morel with house made XO on a jicama leaf. I wish I could have bottled that XO sauce 7. Shiitake mushroom parfait with savory caramel: in a glass terrarium, cool textures and flavors. This was one of my top 2 dishes 8. Winter salad of twigs and mushrooms: Kalamata olive tapenade, confit potatoes, marinated and shaved button mushrooms, twigs made of olive tapenade, edible moss 9. Hen of the woods soup: poured into a bowl covered with a web of spun sugar cotton candy, and inside the bowl is a potato ice cream. The hot maitake soup over this was very reminiscent of the Alinea "hot potato cold potato." There was also a super flavorful maitake mushroom panino on the side. It'll be hard to go back to a regular grilled cheese after this sandwich. This was my favorite dish. 10. Smoked oyster mushroom broth with slow braised kabocha. This was topped with a portabello cap, covered in moss, hidden in the tablescape 11. Hedgehog mushroom with condensed milk marinated pork jowl, crispy pig ear, apricot gastrique, chestnuts. It was an unexpected combination of flavors that worked well 12. 65 degree quail egg with vermouth espuma and black trumpet purée - loved this purée 13. Tempura enoki: agedashi style, with a smoked oyster mushroom dashi, abalone, seaweed aioli 14. Fairy ring gnudi: with sage and duck and pear sausage, a ring of sage pesto, shaved apples, crispy enoki. The sausage was surprisingly wonderful and not gamey at all 15. Lobster tail: poached in truffle butter, with lobster bisque and celeriac, truffle cream braised celery root au gratin, truffle jus braised celery, shaved black truffle Then you move to a different table for the dessert courses: 1. Chocolate pot de crème with fleur de sel and micro meringue mushrooms: wonderful textures 2. Buche de Noel eclair with stout mousse 3. Candy cap ice cream with winter fruits Finally: a mint marshmallow mushroom in a tiny basket to take home The setting, plating, and food are all super creative. It's been a while since I've had something novel like this, and for this many courses and the effort + attention to details, the base price of $148/person is shockingly reasonable. Reservations are on Tock. I'll be back for their next theme (pasta!). Apparently, they plan menu concepts 2 cycles ahead, so I truly appreciate the incredible amount of work that goes into these experiences. Don't spoil the surprises by looking at food photos ahead of time!
Be the first to ReplyAnd we're back for round 2 at Merchant Roots - this time
And we're back for round 2 at Merchant Roots - this time for God of Wine! What I love about this restaurant is that you go in with conjectures about the type of food you'll be served based on the theme. It'll probably be more Mediterranean flavors or there will definitely be a lot of grapes... and wine. The team at Merchant Roots are able to read your mind as you walk through the door and then surprise you ten fold. Some of our favorites from this theme included the impossible gyro cigar from the feast, the revelry fertility rite (so beautiful and delicate), and the terroir. And we learned a lot about Greek mythology! And of course they made everything vegetarian and it was delicious and we will definitely be back :) Also apologies - Yelp is confusing and I think some of my pics from 'Great Trees' got in this review.
Be the first to ReplyCan't believe I have not known this place for so long!
Can't believe I have not known this place for so long! Super creative and talented team. I love their unique twist on each dish and every dish brings laughter/surprise. December: time traveling theme I'll definitely be coming back for future theme. It looks like they rotate the themes quarterly each year. Sucks all the previous theme are no longer avaliable . But I'm excited to see future new ideas from the awesome team. Guess I'll be in SF every quarterly then
Be the first to ReplyProbably the most unique, creative and playful fine dining
Probably the most unique, creative and playful fine dining experience I've ever had (we did the Time Travelers menu). I learned the team does months of research for every set menu, and it definitely shows.
Be the first to ReplyWow... just wow... There's so much that goes into the
Wow... just wow... There's so much that goes into the planning for this meal and experience. And the chefs told us that they change the experience quarterly. The atmosphere is on point with the theme, ours was Time Traveling. You are transported through different times with the food and stories and your decisions may affect what happens in the future - I loved the interactive part. Here are the favorites: Taste: noodles with Duck Nostalgic: edible chia pet Mind blowing: the dessert craziness I'm not sure how many courses there were but we were stuffed and had to waddle back to our place after. Truly a really amazing experience. We will definitely be back.
Be the first to ReplyI can't say enough wonderful things about this restaurant!
I can't say enough wonderful things about this restaurant! It is a complete experience. The meal itself was amazing, beautifully presented, with each course perfectly matched with wine. Each course also had it's own story presented by chef Ryan about the food, recipes and the wine being served. This is a must do experience. Call and make a reservation now! Susan Era
Be the first to Replydinner review.
tasting menu. third visit. theme: god of wine (second favorite after the great trees) best dishes: the pirates of thebes become dolphins smelt, grilled in wine lees anchovy fritter, tzatziki act iii - to indulge octopus bucatino, lemon, chili saffron butter, honey act iv - a sacrifice goat consomme in amphora lamb carpaccio wine egg madness of the maenads rib overall, for seasonal/themed tasting menus, "as good as it gets."
Be the first to ReplyI give something 5 stars if I definitely plan to return.
I've now been to two different menus, and I can definitely see myself going back again! The creativity this team puts into the food, the decor, and the overall experience is unparalleled. Every single course has a specific story behind it and feels like you're eating a work of art. You can find better food in SF for this price point, but you definitely can NOT beat the experience. I also went to one of the vegetarian nights and it was just as amazing, if not more so because they put in the time to match the same experience you would get from the meat courses but without the meat! I recommend selecting a theme that resonates with you so that you get the absolute most from the experience. For example, I went to the Vanity Faire theme (about London in the 1800s) and then to the God of Wine theme (a meditation on grapes and mediterranean food). I personally am very into wine so even though both nights were amazing, the God of Wine was my favorite.
Be the first to ReplyI was so excited to go here, but the experience felt more
I was so excited to go here, but the experience felt more like a trip to medieval times than a fine dining experience. You can tell there is serious talent in the kitchen, it just needs focus and some direction to eliminate some of the silliness in props and decoration and focus more on the guest experience. Simple things like moving the tables closer together so we can talk to the other guests (it's a small room, but we were spaced out so that we awkwardly looked at each other but couldn't talk without yelling), serving courses at the same time so the servers only needed to spiel once rather than 4 times in 90 seconds, and getting rid of the poster board decorations held together with binder clips would dramatically improve the whole experience.
Be the first to ReplyAbsolutely beyond amazing!! The menu is set in London 1814
Absolutely beyond amazing!! The menu is set in London 1814 and is based off of the the book Vanity Fair. If you are in SF, please make sure to check out Merchant Roots, a true culinary experience!
Be the first to ReplyMerchant Roots is the best restaurant you've never heard of.
We've been to two of their tasting menus (Color Theory, and The Great Trees) and both were incredible. The team puts an incredible amount of creativity into their entirely new menu every quarter, and weaving unique stories and themes in to each of the typically ~10 courses. Each dish is its own mini masterpiece. For example - with Color Theory, each dish centered around both the visual color but also the emotion the color evokes - for the yellow course, think a crispy yellow potato topping that feels and sounds like crackling Fall leaves.The restaurant only has 2 seatings a night, and up to 8 people per seating. This also means you get to interact directly with Chef Ryan and the rest of the team while they take you throughout the story. The wine pairings were solid both times - since they're a smaller restaurant, they can get wines from smaller producers who don't produce enough to be able to service larger restaurants. They also have a beautiful full-wall piece of art from local artist Meghan Shimek and her wool roving.We've been to many tasting menus, but this one is by far our favorite and the one we always recommend to others. And the price point is well below what you'd expect for the level of the experience. My only regret in writing this review is more people may discover it and it'll make it harder to get a table for future menus!Note - given how much work goes into each dish, they can't do substitutions unless they state it's possible, which varies by menu. For example, one of their menu themes was seafood focused, so they offered a pescatarian option. And their current The Great Trees and upcoming Vanity Fair menus are offering a few nights where they can do a gluten free or vegetarian option. Make sure you check their website and/or reservations page to see what options they're offering.
Be the first to ReplyThis was my 4th experience here and each time I think it
This was my 4th experience here and each time I think it can't possibly meet or top my last and yet each time it does. I have never been to a dining experience that has such attention to detail, such architectural plating that also has the most outstanding flavors and the perfect bites. The staff is outstanding and each plate is presented in an exciting and educational way. This is a dining experience like no other I have experienced and I highly recommend it. I can't wait for my next experience.
Be the first to ReplyThis was our first dinner at Merchant Roots, and we were
This was our first dinner at Merchant Roots, and we were absolutely stunned by the creativity of the School-themed dinner. We were treated to 10 courses with names like "Art Class", "Recess" and "Cafeteria Lunch" with global influences. Each dish was delicious, and plated thoughtfully to match the theme (love the custom plateware, this team certainly puts in 120% effort). Some of my favorite elements included the celery sorbet, 5-spice PB sandwich and lentils with pomegranate molasses. I don't even like lentils, so that tells you how good they were! Our meal was made up of 2 appetizers, 4 transitional courses, 2 mains and 2 desserts. Also, the browned butter cookies are extremely delicious and worth getting! We are very excited to return for their Great Trees menu in Q1 2023!
Be the first to ReplyA little bit overdue, I have mostly been avoiding leaving a
A little bit overdue, I have mostly been avoiding leaving a review and am really lenient and almost apologetic I couldn't rate this place higher than 3.5 stars, at least in my eyes.The amount of thought and effort that went into planning each dish, the amazing creativity and interactiveness of the whole experience, the ambiance created by the staff and the clever decor and props, and the sheer out of the box approach to traditional dining makes the experience easily 6 out of 5 stars. The staff and the attention to detail they put in the presentation was that good.So why would I be struggling to give them 3.5 stars overall? Well, because with all the focus on blowing the customers' minds with their creativity, their food lacked the same attention to detail and the technical execution was entirely too poor. Like some of the dishes were 1-2 stars in taste, and that's me being generous. And it pains me to say this because it's obvious the staff was really caring and well intentioned. Some of the flavor mixtures just didn't work despite looking great on camera. And some of the dishes themselves were poorly seasoned and prepared with all the the wrong ratios of ingredients. It wasn't even consistent between two of the same dishes we got at times. We clearly weren't the only ones that felt that way as when I looked around, for some of the dishes almost everyone at the restaurant left them more than 50% unfinished. Even the dishes that were successful were not anything incredibly special or memorable. Ultimately, I just wished the food tasted half as good as it looked. Despite the presentation and creativity being out of this world, when the food itself is not up to par with expectations, I just can't honestly go out of my way recommending this place to anyone (unless you are just going there for the pictures and video). The good thing is that this can hopefully be addressed and improved in the future which I hope they do because the staff seemed amazing.
Be the first to ReplyReally disappointed here.
We have been looking forward to eating at merchant roots for a long time. We reached out because we have one member of the party with a fish allergy (they eat all meat outside of the allergy) and were informed that our only option was for the entire party to choose the vegetarian experience. No action could be taken for an allergy. Merchant roots decision is frustrating and disrespectful.Hopefully this was miscommunication on their part.
Be the first to ReplyWe have been regularly attending dinner each quarter and
We have been regularly attending dinner each quarter and Chef Ryan and his team never disappoint!They are kind, creative, fun, full of magic and great chefs! I can go on and on... and I do. I show everyone the pictures for each theme and we reminisce at each dinner. It is one of the most special dining experiences you can have! The setting is intimate and welcoming - only 8 people per seating. They are so detail oriented! The dishes and cutlery match the theme and the restaurant is arranged to match too. And you can't forget the matching playlists!The themes are not just gimmicks - the food shines and is unforgettable! The wines are amazingly unique and delicious. The expertise and presentation of the wines (and more!) is engaging and educational! With an option to buy them on the way out!Be sure to treat yourself - you will probably be hooked just like us!
Be the first to ReplyMermaid theme -Love the creativity and table setup,
Mermaid theme -Love the creativity and table setup, including the change in lighting, the use of interesting sea shells to hold the food, etc.Liked how the chef was experimenting with lotus, fermenting coconut, and combining that with different sea ingredients throughout the dinner. But there was a major problem with all the dishes tonight hence the 3 star review. Everything was over the top SALTY. Understood that everyone have their preferences and like certain foods over others, but the situation for tonight's dinner was worse. It was so salty that after a bite or two, I had to drink a whole of cup to rinse my mouth because it left my lips stinging and my tongue throbbing. I wish I could eat everything, but I can't. It was too salty to swallow. I literally had to drink cups of water to wash the food down to try not to upset the crew that were preparing everything. The salt just kept building up in my mouth with each upcoming dish. In addition to the saltiness, several dishes had a charred taste (not sure if this was also part of the theme). Charred food is great when prepared correctly, but that was not the case tonight as well.For example, the charred squid tasted like burnt squid with salt crystals. The black coconut from the dessert straight up tasted like eating burnt coconut bits dunked in oil. If the dishes focused more on bringing out the tastes of the ingredients itself and less on the use of seasoning, it would've been a better experience for me. Not being able to eat the food was a lost, left the dinner with a bit of frustration and disappointment.
Be the first to ReplyMermaid DinnerWithout butter from the cow,Without flour
Mermaid DinnerWithout butter from the cow,Without flour from the farm, Without any land ingredients, What possible magic...or potential disaster can happen? Of course, the creative and passionate team of Merchant Roots made this Mermaid Feast, once again a beautiful success of an experiment and art.
Be the first to ReplyMerchant Roots is such an amazing experience! Since the
Merchant Roots is such an amazing experience! Since the menu changes every quarter, I'm just going to talk about the experience, rather than describe each dish. The creativity to come up with the theme of Mermaid Feast is just made boggling! Before the meal, I tried to guess what kind of meal it would be, and it was beyond my expectations! The many ways found to use seaweed and coconut is just beyond imagination. Everything was beyond delicious! And the wine pairings was matched perfectly. You can purchase bottles of the wines you tried from the pairings. The chef and staff did an amazing job and were super friendly! After we left, I immediately made reservations for next quarter's new menu! I can't wait!P.S. When you make reservations, do order yourself an order of the brown cultured butter cookies to take home!
Be the first to ReplyI was a little disappointed because this place got hyped up
I was a little disappointed because this place got hyped up for me for many months in the making. My fiancé went for the chocolate theme and it sounded very engaging and fun. My experience was a bit different. We had under the sea theme where everything is either foraged or themed from the ocean. It was a great experience and very creative in the taste of the food. However, I was expecting a bit more from some of the dishes that came out. There definitely was some amazing dishes, but some others left me a tad disappointed. Hoping for something better next season!
Be the first to ReplyGood morning everyone! We stopped by a new place for us
Good morning everyone! We stopped by a new place for us with a girl - Merchant Roots. We got into the action "Around the Summer in 42 plates". The ones we liked the most: "Amuses""Appetizers""Snacks""Barbecue ""Intermezzi""Main Course ""Savories""Cheeses""Sweets"Every dish was delicious and fun, the decoration was beautiful. Strictly recommended for everyone
Be the first to ReplyLove, love, love the creativity and the fully immersive
Love, love, love the creativity and the fully immersive customer experience. We had a customized Edible ticket sent by mail prior to the dinner, just to pique our appetites. At the dinner itself, there were guessing games, a course that came in a suitcase that made us feel like mad scientists conducting an experiment with flasks and "edible chemicals" and a very hilarious bubbleDance party at the end.My tips for improvement is that the main dish itself could have also come with a story, and the flavors for some of the dishes could have been a bit more complex. Also maybe giving customers a designated role in a storyline type of dinner might make the experience even more immersive and memorable.
Be the first to ReplyIncredible experience here that is one of a kind.
Extremely creative menu themes that change every quarter and super passionate chefs. Definitely recommend reserving one of their dinners at least once. The first time I went was for Around the Summer in 42 Plates which convinced me to join their chef's circle for early access to future reservations. The following chef's circle meeting we went to where past dishes were served and future themes were voted on was also super fun.
Be the first to ReplyHad an amazing dinner at Merchant Roots! I was drawn by the
Had an amazing dinner at Merchant Roots! I was drawn by the menu that is designed after the fairy tale 'A Tale of Two Soup', but rest assured the chef executed and delivered an array of imaginative and delicious dishes of gastronomy.With restaurant's max capacity being 8 people, it felt like my group of 6 had the entire charming restaurant to ourselves. The inside of the restaurant was decked to match the theme of the fairy tale.Definitely a must try experience for the foodies of SF.
Be the first to ReplyOMG came here for the stone soup tasting and was totally
OMG came here for the stone soup tasting and was totally blown away. I have never heard of the stone soup story, but so glad I got to experience it in this way.Every dish was delicious and fun. Meat was well seasoned and tender, presentation was immaculate. The decoration was beautiful and loved the soup display in the middle of the room.I also loved the intimacy of the dinner, with 8 people total dining in their cute restaurant.Overall, I'd describe the meal as a delightful gastronomical Willy Wonka experience and guess what -- their next dinner theme is Willy Wonka and you bet your bottom dollar my friends and I signed up right away.
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