Low and behold fellow San Franciscans: I’ve found a restaurant that is trendy, upscale, ethnic and extremely accommodating to the gluten-free community. It is part Sri Lankan and part French, but the flavors and spices are hardly reminiscent of anything I’ve ever tried. The depth of profile in the food was extraordinary and the service in explaining all of the items and how they were prepared was just as good. The menu clearly states which items have gluten and is easy to navigate. Most of the restaurant’s most popular dishes are naturally gluten-free…
To start, we ordered one of the most beautiful dishes on the menu: the Rock Cod, topped with delicate, jewel colored fish eggs. Typically, I probably wouldn’t have ordered something this exotic but it’s definitely the move at this restaurant because the flavors were brilliant and the coconut milk in this dish was rich. Next, we got the most famous and photographed item on the menu: the Egg Hopper. It was the most unique take on a crepe, made with coconut flour and could be filled with many spices and chutneys. We also ordered the Goat Stew, my personal favorite, and the kale salad which is one of the best ones I’ve ever had. It’s hard to argue that a “kale salad”, which is maybe the most basic food ever, was a must order, but whatever sauce they put on it really set it over the edge. My guest and I shared all the dishes and had a great time trying the different dishes; you’ll definitely want to go family-style.
The wine selection at the restaurant is spot on; all of them go well with the food. I had a glass of rosé and I highly recommend it.
Please make 1601 Restaurant next on your list. Your taste buds will thank you.