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Chaya Brasserie
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants Asian Fusion French, Asian Fusion [Edit]
132 The Embarcadero(between Mission St & Howard St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-8688
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon-Wed 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 2 pm
Sun 5:30 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Melissa E. said: "Thanks yelpers, this place was great! I highly recommend the Kung Pao Deluxe which has beef, chicken, & shrimp. Another plus is how clean the restaurant is" read more »
1086 reviews for Chaya Brasserie
Review Highlights
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"The most amazing chocolate croissant bread pudding." In 90 reviews -
"LOVE LOVE LOVE coming here for happy hour." In 322 reviews -
"OMG that foie gras and filet combo was SO good." In 70 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
1085 reviews in English
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Review from nancy s.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012
Chaya continues to be a one of the most beautiful places in the city to dine - with sweeping views of the waterfront and Bay Bridge.
Chef Kaji has started doing a brunch menu that is divine (try the Open faced sandwich).
Truly a destination restaurant- a place to bring your visiting family, -
Review from Julia W.
Hoboken, NJ
5/18/2012 Seated via OpenTable
GREAT food & service, exactly as it should be. And not a bad view either :)
Four of us from my work came here on a Wednesday last month and it was pretty dead for how good it is, but no matter - We just got more attention. Everything was perfection, but the stand out, far and away, was the bread pudding. Best dessert I've ever had, period. And I'm not a "dessert person" but it was on the company's dime, so why not try it? And now my life is changed forever.
If you don't think you like bread pudding, think again and get it. You will be happy you did!
Enjoy! -
Review from Amy B.
5/12/2012
We had an exceptional and decadent dinner at Chaya, engaging in what can only be described by Bourdain as "food porn." I am also happy to support any chef who is serving foie gras with all of the political brouhaha going on about foie.
We started with the scallops and sweetbreads. The scallops were sweet and seared and cooked perfectly. I did get some sand, but even that flaw couldn't deter from the flavor and texture of the scallop. The accompanying grilled Brussels sprouts with bacon were also amazing. The sauce matched perfectly with the scallops and sweetbreads, too.
I then had the honey-coffee glazed duck, which I was a little worried about because duck has to be done 100% perfectly or it's inedible. I needn't have worried a bit! The duck was cooked perfectly! From the rare meat to the crispy skin to the butternut squash puree that accompanied it, everything was amazing. I loved that you could add foie gras to anything on the menu, so of course I added that to my duck (no irony intended)! It was also perfectly seared and melted in my mouth. The duck also came with roasted turnips, which I loved and I thought went well with the butternut puree.
A word on dessert: I have never not ordered a bread pudding if it's available, and I know that Chaya is known for their chocolate bread pudding. But after such a rich meal, I was really craving the cheese plate, so decided to go with that. I'm so glad I did! The truffled brie was incredible, as was the blue cheese, which was super creamy! The raw sheep's milk cheese was good, although it was a little strong for me to eat by itself. It went perfectly, though, with the fresh honeycomb and apple that came on the plate.
Besides the sand in my scallop, the only other potential negative is the corporate honey packets they provide with the tea service. Why not provide a little jug of fresh honey similar to what's provided with the cheese plate?
The service was impeccable: friendly and knowledgeable and patient.
I will most definitely be back! If for no other reason than to try the bread pudding! -
Review from Rebecca H.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2012 1 photo
Young professionals idling around, tourists, who yearn for a hint of sophistication, stopping in after a nice stroll down the embarcadero, and girls, who just want to have fun and eat their cake too...these are the people I envision visiting Chaya.
After an amazing Yelp Elite event hosted by the dear Ruggeford, I saw the potential in this place for a girls' night out. As you can tell, I fall in the later category of girls, who just want to have fun and eat their cake, er, in this case, their bread pudding. After one bite of their chocolate croissant bread pudding, I suddenly figured out the path to achieving happiness. What's that you may ask? Why, just take one bite of their bread pudding to experience a taste of heaven. And combined with the amazing St. Germain cocktails, life was just peachy!
After bragging to my girls and lavishing on the praises of their bread pudding, girls' night out was on. 5 girls and 5 desserts. The bread pudding, creme brulee, and chocolate cake didn't disappoint, however, as a dessert fanatic or devote worshipper of the dessert gods as I like to put it, the green tea cheesecake and the cookie ice cream sandwiches were pretty disappointing. Sadly.
I also should've gone back to St. Germain, but my love for ginger beers turned me soft and the ginger caipirinha was too much soda and not enough quality ginger beer. Sorry St. Germain, I promise next time, I will remain faithful. -
Review from Ren L.
5/6/2012
After going to the Yelp event a while back, I decided to check out this place properly. I grabbed a last-minute reservation on a Friday night.
I spent a couple of minutes at the bar as the people were getting our table ready. I grabbed a drink and Veggie Caterpillar roll, which was quite good, actually. We sat down and ordered a couple more rolls and a Sole entree. The rolls, again, were quite good for what they had to offer. The quality was above what I had expected. On the other hand, the Sole was okay, but wasn't as spectacular and the sushi. It definitely isn't as great. The brussel sprouts were pretty decent, though.
The prices are not worth it, to be honest. Service seemed forgettable. But it isn't totally bad. I would probably come back and sit at the bar and just drink some cocktails and some quality sushi for a good couple of hours. It seems to be a good idea right now, actually. -
Review from Mic S.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012
In the middle of a week that I have come to know as my "prolonged, existential nightmare," I took my sister to Chaya for drinks and tiny-sized foods but mostly for drinks. I was basically seeking the sweet, sweet solace of a whiskey oblivion, while the setting, innocent little Chaya who never saw me coming, who hadn't prepared, who wasn't ready, was largely an afterthought. I'd heard a thing about it, I said, or maybe I didn't, or did I? "Let's just go here," was how it happened.
But there were two things I did not see coming:
1) Spiced Lamb Meatballs
2) Warm Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding
Holy fuck.
Go here. Stop in one night after work or whatever, grab some booze, and eat these things.
Also, strikingly (frighteningly) handsome blond server with the nose ring --- your recommendations were perfect, and you are perfect, and I had a premonition the other day in which we married to the theme of "Xavier's Mansion under siege," so prepare yourself.
That is all. -
Review from Suz L.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I forget about the all day happy hour and pleasantly surprised every time I come in. Food is always delicious and fast. =)
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Review from Audrey N.
4/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The location of this restaurant definitely boosts the rating. I've been here twice: happy hour and brunch.
Happy hour was a good experience. We had hot sake and several rolls from their happy hour menu. For cocktails, we ordered the Lychee Soju 'tini and the La Dolce Vita. Both are alright. Didn't finish them, the lychee one was too sweet and not flavorful and the other had a not so good kick. I'd rather stick to the hot sake. The roll we ordered was alright but standard. I don't think you can mess up a roll like that. The other was more interesting, it was spicy tuna on top of fried rice cake. The spicy tuna was fresh but the fried rice cake became dull. The waitress we had was new so that didn't help in the service department and it took us FOREVER to get the bill. But my friend and I weren't in a rush so we didn't mind.
Brunch was not as busy as I thought it would be which is a good thing. I enjoyed the Jalapeno Bacon corn bread and the Smoked Salmon Benedict, but a little but too salty for me. The Soft Scrambled Parmesan Egg is definitely another notable dish. Also, the bottomless mimosas helped our mood. Yay for Sunday funday! Service for brunch was good, attentive and not forgetful.
Definitely check this place out for happy hour or dinner. Brunch can pass. Or just come for the outside dining and view! -
Review from Peter S.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
The rolls were fresh and delicious, great bread pudding, excellent view of the bay, combined with good service. Only reason why I didn't give it five stars is because the main entree missed the spot. Bit on the more expensive side, but it is on par with the location combined with the view.
-
Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
4/17/2012
Perfect place to bring some out of towners - nice view, without the crazy parking and a good balance of working professionals and just out of college happy hour full timers.
I had the rib eye steak which was good (although my companions claimed it was the best steak they've ever had) - but I really liked the butter herb (chimmichurri like) sauce that came with it.
The desert menu was amazing and I wish I had seen it before I ate all my steak. I got the trio of salted caramel ice cream sandwiches. It didn't pack quite as much flavor as Bi-rite, but it was delicious none the less.
Noise level is a low roar so there was much shouting to converse in our group of 6. -
Review from Liz H.
4/19/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Happy.Hour.
That is all you need to know! They have happy hour from 4 PM until closing Monday to Friday so it's the perfect place to grab a drink and a snack after work. They have a few beers on tap for $5 and an array of cocktails & wines for $7. They also have some great specials on bar bites and sushi. AND, in addition to all this, you have views of the bay and the Bay Bridge! I have been here for happy hour twice now and plan to make it my new regular spot.
Shout out to bartender Abe! See you next time -
Review from J T.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2012
"We're here for dessert." "Oh, you must have heard of our bread pudding."
Yeuuup, bingo! My girls and I sat down at the bar (come in and sit as long as you can find seating on the left side of the restaurant). The bread pudding was so good! I'm not really a bread person, but this one was infused w/ a bit of chocolate and caramel. It can be a bit mushy, but that's why I liked it. It wasn't anything like bread. It came out in a flat creme brulee-type of dish. Over $10 per bread pudding, but I think it's a good place to share bread pudding with a date ;) -
Review from Charmaine L.
Burlingame, CA
5/7/2012 11 photos
mediocre at best. i found chaya to be boring. yes the view was nice, and yes the chocolate croissant bread pudding was phenomenal, but other than that, our dinner was easily forgetable.
the service definitely lacked personality. it was the simple take-your-order and bring-your-food run of the mill, no more, no less. our cocktails were strong but also not memorable.
the foie gras was stringy and accompanied by an overly large portion of a dry biscuit. the scallops were sandy but the sweetbreads were passable. the petrale sole was totally flavorless and the vegetables on the side were undercooked and underseasoned. the cod, however, was tasty, moist, and flaky. the rib eye was cooked nicely, so was the meaty duck breast. the lamb was underwhelming but the lamb meatballs weren't too bad. the timing between courses was also a tad too lengthy.
chaya does shine in the dessert category. their warm chocolate croissant bread pudding is amazing. velvety custard soaked croissant with chocolate melted throughout. the lava chocolate hazelnut cake was also well done. the center flowed out the river of chocolate and it was very decadent. the trio of creme brulees were also very creamy and smooth with a thin sugary crust.
i would categorize chaya as pricey bar fare, shining mostly in desserts. -
Review from Alyssa G.
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I trust Ruggy J. and it pays off every time. Chaya Brasserie has an amazing space across the street from the bay, with gorgeous floor-to-cieling walls providing one of the best views of the water, bridge and treasure island.
An artistic space, Chaya is covered with bold pieces of art that make the place bright and cheery. Modern decor adds to its overall charm.
The bites were delicious (lamb meatballs in curry sauce, spicy tuna tartare crostini), the sushi very flavorful and fresh (california rolls and spicy tuna rolls).
I saw advertisements for a very fancy Mother's Day Brunch at Chaya, which I would love to check out and recommend to others. -
Review from Jen W.
Chaya has become one of my faves in the city!
They have happy from 4pm-close...yup. That means $7 specialty cocktails (which are ridiculously strong)...and specials on small bites and appetizers.
My first time here was a yelp elite event...we tried everything from the pot stickers to sushi to the ahi tuna on rice to the lamb meatballs...and finally, the infamous bread pudding.
Today, we went here for happy hour. We each ordered a drink...wifey ordered the cherry blossom? And I ordered the Kentucky something...haha. Whatever...the drink knocked me straight on my behind. One...and I was done!
For food, we ordered a spicy scallop roll, lamb sliders, and seafood cigars. Ok...I hate lamb...seriously, i normally spit the stuff out. But Chaya has made me a believer...I freakin love their lamb dishes...I could eat 20 meatballs...and the sliders were also great. The spicy scallop roll was just your standard roll although super fresh...no complaints. And the seafood cigars...although I have no idea what they were stuffed with...they were yummy! Seafood cigars=seafood egg rolls. Haha.
I've yet to try an entire entree at Chaya...I've had a bunch of small bites including the dessert. I plan on coming back super soon to actually have a dining experience in the restaurant area.
Service is great...everyone is super nice.
Chaya = 5 stars! Woot woot! -
Review from Christy M.
Sacramento, CA
4/8/2012
Upon opening up the Chaya yelp page to write this review, I felt compelled to select a time on the "make a reservation" feature. Then I remembered that I live in Sacramento, not San Francisco, so a reservation would not be a practical idea.
Chaya was the site of a girls SF weekend a couple months back, and it was a tasty splurge that obviously has caused nostalgic cravings. The sashimi and seaweed appetizer was absolutely delicious, the filet mignon amazing, and the chocolate croissant bread pudding...I didn't realize I even liked bread pudding until Chaya. It may have been the best dessert of my life.
No evening would be complete without tasty libations. The Basil Cucumber gimlet was so top knotch that I put back three. Love that Tito's vodka. -
Review from Jean L.
Torrance, CA
4/17/2012
Compared to others who reviewed this place regarding their customer service. I actually had a good experience. I made reservations through Open Table. About 24 hours before my actual appointment, I received a call to confirm. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised they were able to accommodate my request to have a window table.
The waiter gave us enough time to review and did not push any additional items for us to purchase or consider.
My only disappointment was how my food came out, but that was my fault. I ordered a Filet Mignon, medium-well. It was more well than anything. I should've ordered it medium-rare. The meat was definitely quality, but I couldn't taste the flavors as much.
However, I am giving them a 4 stars because the green tea cheesecake was one of the best I have ever had in my life. It's not your standard slice of cheesecake, but rather a cylinder with a thin layer of soft chocolate on top.
In the future, I am skipping the main courses, and going straight to the dessert menu! -
Review from MJ B.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012 Seated via OpenTable
The bar is cool with a nice selection of drinks, beer, etc. The patio on the Embarcadero with heat lamps provides a nice setting.
The food itself is a bit pricy and only OK to my mind. I had a sushi roll salad that was inventive, but nothing special. The filet mignon was cooked well, but very average. -
Review from Alison B.
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Chaya for lunch and happy hour. It's a great happy hour spot... beautiful view of the bay bridge, very reasonably priced food and drinks. For lunch, the "Chaya Medley" is a great deal... it's sort of like a bento box and you can get three compartments for $21 or four for $26. They don't just put the standard California Roll and chicken in it either, they actually have some pretty nice dishes that I would have wanted to try anyways. Their food always tastes fresh and everytime I've come here service has been great.
The views, food, and service keep me coming back to Chaya. Definitely recommended for happy hour or a nice lunch. -
Review from Vanessa K.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Happy hour until closing is YAY!! Prices are the reason for the three star instead of 4. I understand of the location and the type of atmosphere that it's trying to achieve. That being said, the happy hour rolls are a decent price, and are super fresh. On the tap beer for $5 works for me. I would definitely return for HH as I don't have to rush after work, which is rare in the city. Love that part!
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Review from Rachel S.
4/1/2012
I came here for an event and I have to say, I would return to Chaya for the staff alone. They are so warm and wonderful, and know how to make everyone feel welcome. Plus, the food is great, too! I love their lamb meatballs, bread pudding, and their tuna tartar on a crispy rice cake.
I'm not sure how I feel about the decor. It's uber trendy but I'm not sure everything really comes together aesthetically and it seems at odds with the surrounding area, i.e. the view from the big windows that face the bay. The tables we so close together that I stuck my butt in multiple faces when I got up. Still, the layout may be different during a normal brunch, and I don't think that should stop you from coming by! Try to sit by the windows, the view is truly stunning and it's nice to walk around the Ferry Building to work off your scrumptious meal. -
Review from Elaine N.
Hands down, best happy hour and dessert!
Usually most places would not have happy hour on the weekend but Chaya does! My food buddy and I ordered:
- seared day boat sea scallops = scallop cooked to standard and nicely done risotto.
- filet mignon rossini = perfect medium meat and tasty sauce.
- corn soup = good combination of creamy texture and bacon. yummy!
- Crème brûlée Trio = AMAZING!!!! Crème brûlée citrus spice, Milk Chocolate Crème brûlée, and Coconut Crème brûlée
- Lemon Curd Cheesecake with berries sauce = anything sour in a dessert, I love!!!
The ambiance of this place is simply Ahhh-Mazing!!! Seated near the window directly facing the bay bridge and street view. Comfortable pillows and high top chairs. Service was excellent and so was their food! One of my favorite places to eat near the Pier. -
Review from Melody L.
Irvine, CA
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had a business lunch here, and I'd have to say this is such a beautiful restaurant with all the lanterns hanging from the ceilings as decorations. I also loved how they had small decorative matchboxes in the front. My table ordered a bunch of sushi as appetizer, and I got the sushi sampler. Sooo much sushi. It was good, but it was the first time that the sushi I got with raw fish on it had wasabi. Since I'm not a big fan of wasabi, that made the taste a little weird. They also did not bring me the salad/soup promised with the sampler. ): It was a nice place, but I feel most of it was about the location and the decor.
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Review from InfodivaMLIS B.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012
I was hankering for some seafood and I requested to go to Waterbar. My date however had never heard of that restaurant. Sensing I wanted to be near the water and a view, he suggested we come here. He made a reservation maybe a hour before and requested a table by the window. We got a table by the window with a view of the Bay Bridge and Bay. Love it.
I found the waitstaff and even the patrons to be enjoyable. I am now a fan of this spot.
We had cocktails in the bar. I think I would come back for the Bourbonette drink.
The crab salad and the sashimi sushi were divine. I am making plans on when I will return. -
Review from Henry H.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2012 Seated via OpenTable
It was just ok. not super fancy(good thing). not too loud.
Crab salad appetizer - really good.
black cod - really salty
salmon - overcooked
green tea cheesecake - a bit too creamy. -
Review from Derrick W.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here once for happy hour and once more for a yelp event. Had a great time on both visits. Service was quick and the staff are friendly. I'll be coming back here again.
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Review from Gill S.
Burlingame, CA
5/6/2012
One star for the view, one star for my pleasant salmon on asparagus risotto followed by trio of crème brûlée.
And so to the not so good. Well, my girlfriend and I arrived here, very excited for our first girlie night out since we both moved to the US last year. Kids safely left with husband and babysitter, we whizzed off to SF unusually on time, only to be told on arrival that our table wasn't quite ready yet so could we please wait in the bar. No problem we thought. Then we waited. And waited. Firstly for the bar tender who was far more interested in his conversation with some guys sat at the bar, and then about 40 minutes for the table.
We finally get seated and make our menu choices, checking again with the server that my friends gluten allergy can be accommodated. And then we wait some more. Appetizers we ordered never appeared and when the food came, mine was great, but my friend's...where to start? The steak was great, but the potatoes were still hard in the centre and the chard they'd taken off because it contained gluten (chard, really??!), had not been replaced. We broached this with our eager to please server who basically ran out of enthusiasm. It was like pulling teeth getting a vegetable out of him. By the time it arrived, her steak was freezing and as for the potatoes, well, he could 'get her some more bread'. Really???? She has a gluten allergy!!! The bread they'd put on the table when we sat down remained untouched in case he'd forgotten! Clearly the manager, whoever that was, saw the look on our faces and at least witnessed the whole debacle as the numpty server was back a few minutes later to apologize and assure us we wouldn't need to pay for my friend's meal. Too right!
Fortunately, the thrill of escaping the brood and being somewhere different meant we still had a great night but will we be recommending Chaya or making a return visit? Somehow, I think not. -
Review from Raquel Y.
Amazing. Perfect. Wow.
Food, drinks, view, ambiance, service, everything went above and beyond my expectations and it was perfect, even on a busy night for Valentine's Day. Yes, I came here with my date on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 and everything was AMAZING!
Drinks - Strong and delicious! About $12 a drink but I hear they have really good happy hour every day after 4PM. I got the Cosmojito (cosmo + mojito) which was strong & yummy just the way I like it, my date got the lychee soju (lychee, soju, sake) and both thought it was ok [http://s3-media1.ak.ye...
Food - FOIE GRAS!!! my oh my. This will blow you away. It seriously was cooked to perfection. I had Hudson Valley Foie Gras [http://s3-media2.ak.ye... which had the foie gras in between biscuits, and we also got a 3oz Foie Gras [http://s3-media1.ak.ye... that was $21 additional to your entree, and it just tasted like THE best thing I have ever eaten. Add that to the free bread they serve you and you have heaven in your mouth and tummy!!! I am just salivating right now thinking about it.
I also ordered the Soy glazed California Black Cod [http://s3-media3.ak.ye... which was very delicious as well. I had a choice between this and the skate wing. One waiter said he recommended the black cod for seafood. Another waiter described the black cod as more Asian Fusion and the skate wing more French cuisine. I just went with what the first waiter recommended and thought later "Man what if the french skate wing was better?" but after a bite of this I was still happy with my order and did not regret a thing.
Also, for dessert, just LOOK at this picture = [http://s3-media1.ak.ye.... Need I say more?! Look how delicious that looks! It's not just any ordinary vanilla ice cream over brownie pizookie. This is COLD vanilla ice cream on top of WARM, chocolate croissant bread pudding, and the contrast to the temperature and softness of ice cream and croissant bread pudding was just amazing. I'm not TOO big of a sweet tooth but it was already amazing to me, imagine how it would be to a dessert lover, they'll probably melt with the ice cream! You gotta try this.
I was worried that we weren't going to have a table with a view, but luckily we did and it was gorgeous!! They do have plenty of tables with the view against the big front window of the restaurant, so you shouldn't worry about that too much. But the view, romantic ambiance, and good service at Chaya was great.
Overall, definitely a fine dining restaurant you want to experience. Highly recommend! -
Review from Stephanie C.
San Mateo, CA
2/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
WOW I can't believe I haven't written a review for this place yet! I've been here multiple times and they never fail. I prefer coming here for dinner as oppose to sunday brunch. I like their happy hour drinks... problem only is that you have to order it AT the bar.. not through the server. Kind of annoying.
The FOOD here is yummy all the time. Their oysters are always yummy. I tend to order their main dishes and not their rolls, but sometimes I'll eat a bite of a roll in case I'm starving. Off the top of my head, their hamachi roll is yummy.
I've had their duck, steak, ahi tuna, and scallops here. If they have it on their menu.. GET THEIR SCALLOPs... run don't walk! They are so yummy with the risotto on the side. Ahi tuna was OK... not the best I've had, but still very good. Their DUCK is another amazing order... The steak was not bad either... very flavorful and juicy. I also like coming here for their great view. -
Review from Urban H.
Concord, CA
4/1/2012 1 photo
The food and service were EXCELLENT. Their Foie Gras was a little over cooked, but still pretty good. Water glasses were never empty. My drink glass was never empty, and our empty plates were picked up quickly and sometimes without me even noticing. The waitress gave us the perfect amount of time to look over the menu, get drink orders in etc.... The service was really awesome, I can't emphasize that enough.
The noise level was a little too loud for me, but I don't hear so well (meaning it's hard to hear things people at my table say) so maybe this is just me. But I've noticed this problem in many restaurants because they try and cram in too many tables in certain spaces. Also, it was a Friday so maybe that contributed to the noise level.
I should really write these reviews closer to the date I ate there...I wrote this review much too late to remember what I had, but I remember it was delicious. And they have a pretty wide menu for such a nice place. Full bar, good food, great location and nice views.
They also had matches/match boxes at the hostesses counter. I only comment on this because a lot of nice places don't do this anymore and sometimes it's the small things that makes a place stand out.
I would say the place is good for small groups, 3-5 people or so and great for couples for any occasion. -
Review from Jason B.
2/27/2012
Snappy.
We didn't have much time. Suggested one of these close by spots I'd been saving just for the occasion. Was expecting mediocre food that existed for the corporate card.
How nice to be wrong.
Don't get me wrong. Prices are on the high side. But think of it more as a dinner quality meal at lunch prices.
Really enjoyed the Simply Grilled Fish. On this particular day it was a grilled snapper with a size of roasted squash. $20 is steep for lunch with this is no sandwich. Portion was large. Fish and squash were delicious. There was enough left over for a second meal later.
You price also includes the Embarcadero views. And if you are in a rush like we were you'll be in and out in less than an hour.
Chaya surpassed all expectations. -
Review from Dru P.
4/2/2012
Sweet mother of Gawd. Didn't get to enjoy a whole lot when I was here but if anyone ever asks "hey, where can I get some bread pudding that will get my dick hard?" I know exactly where I am going to steer them.
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Review from Alexis M.
3/7/2012
Great decor (well the naked ladies artwork is interesting), great view, and great food.
I would agree that it's much more American than French, but it's still very well prepared and presented.
Our waitress was fabulous and had no problem letting us (my hubby and another couple) take our time. We spent a lot of time talking, little time looking at the menu.
Very pleased. -
Review from Tommy Q.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I mean... the reviews say it all.
Took my friends who were visiting from LA here and they loved it, including myself of course. It's so classy. I love the vibe.
We weren't that hungry, granted it was around 8:30 pm, so we ordered several rolls. I ordered the SF Roll and the parmesan fries with truffle oil. Both were outstanding. The sushi was truly so fresh and delicious. The fries were also bomb - had a strong flavor, but not too overpowering.
I also ordered a lychee lemonade. Also great.
Will definitely come back here to try the kobe beef roll! -
Review from ruggy j.
3/31/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Seriously... That bread pudding might be the greatest sweet VS. savory item I've placed in my mouth since my inception. Bucket list.
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Review from Elizabeth K.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012
I give this place two stars for the view and the dessert. Other than, it was mediocre at best. We were looking for a restaurant to go to for my sister's birthday and it was the best option available on such short notice. We walked in and the view was amazing and the restaurant seemed to have a great ambiance. We sat down to our table and met our waiter who definitely lacked professionalism. The wine list needs to be improved because they were just average at best. The sushi was boring and bland. On of the steaks was very overcooked but the waiter did bring a new one for free of charge. The rib eye?? More like a skirt steak, one of the weakest looking rib eyes I've ever seen served. The vegetables tasted as if they were completely unseasoned. The salmon was decently cooked but the lemon artichoke risotto looked like mashed peas with chunks and had no flavor. The place is very over priced for the quality of food they claim to serve.
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Review from Christine C.
Fremont, CA
2/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Gorgeous view of the bay bridge + happy hour = SOLD!
And their happy hour is all night, perfect for people that work late like myself! -
Review from Evelyn C.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
I went to Chaya on a Friday night for dinner. I had been here a few times before several years ago and my friend kept raving about it, so I was looking forward to a good meal. Service was good, but the food disappointed.
Foie gras is overpriced, in my opnion. Tiny tiny portion. I've also had it better prepared elsewhere.
They overcooked my friend's ribeye steak. Once they were made aware of it though, they were quick to send out another plate with the steak cooked correctly this time and gave us a dessert on the house.
The truffle fries were pretty good. Not enough truffle, in my opinion.
I ordered the skate wing. It started out pretty good, but then got progressively saltier with every bite. I had to take sips of water between bites when I was working through the second half of my meal. Why didn't I send it back or say something? There was no point at this point, and I was too lazy/tired/whatever to make a big deal out of it.
The bread pudding was delicious. This was the highlight of the entire meal.
Yes, the views are gorgeous and service is pretty good. But I don't think I'll be back. If the food were better, I wouldn't have minded the cost, but it irks when I leave feeling like I overpaid for a mediocre meal. I can't recommend this place other than for after-work drinks or something for the views and ambiance alone. -
Review from Christine M.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is located right along the embarcadero, and i bet it's even nicer in the day time when its sunny. we came for their happy hour to kill time before dinner nearby.
i had a lychee citrus crush and it was refreshing, bf had a sapporo on tap. we ordered two rolls, an eel and cucumber, pretty standard. and a ahi tuna on crispy rice. the crispy rice was really good. happy hour isnt dirt cheap but I would come here again! atmosphere is nice, and close by the ball park for when games start. meters around here run till 11pm, but after 7pm its only .50 cents for a WHOLE HOUR! cool -
Review from Furai X.
Berkeley, CA
3/13/2012
The Chaya Medley was absolutely delicious. I got 4 compartments with:
1) beet salad with pine nuts: this alone ignited my current love affair with marinated beets
2) two pieces of a sushi roll, salmon, tuna: I'm nervous about raw fish so I always get vegetarian sushi rolls but I tried the salmon this time and am no longer afraid.
3) grilled salmon and potatoes: taters were mediocre but the salmon was grilled to perfection!!! My favorite of all the compartments!
4) pork sirloin with mashed potatoes: i was surprised by how tender, sweet, and juicy the pork was! best pork I've ever had! seriously, the texture was amazing and it was so tender and moist that I was able to pull it apart with my fork. No knife required!
Unfortunately, the special mango Chaya lemonade was a disappointment. Too sour and I could barely taste the mango.
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