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Restaurant Reviews List > San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant Reviews > San Francisco Restaurant Reviews > Nob Hill Restaurant Reviews > Seafood Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Swell

Swell reservations Swell

603 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Nestled in the crossroads of Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District, Swell offers an intimate setting where diners can enjoy modern interpretations of both raw and cooked seafood. Featuring some of the freshest and highest quality seafood to be found in San Francisco, we specialize in small plates combining Japanese and European influence and seasonal and local organic produce. Enjoy raw dishes such as ceviche of snapper, kampachi and butterfish; salmon carpaccio; and spicy tuna tartare. Cooked fare includes crab cakes; lobster bisque; steamed mussels "mariniere"; and bouillabaisse. Our menu is complimented by an extensive wine list offering more than 30 wines by the glass. Come in for a full meal or simply to enjoy a glass of wine at the raw bar where you can observe our talented chef as he builds his delicious and original creations.

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Public Lot
Cross Street: Stockton Street
See more Swell details
Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating 3.7 out of 5 3.7 out of 5 (87 Reviews)
Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.4 out of 5 (Good)
Service 3.7 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.1 out of 3 (Moderate)
Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

  • fit for foodies (36)
  • neighborhood gem (35)
  • romantic (27)
  • special occasion (15)
  • notable wine list (10)
  • hot spot (3)
  • late-night find (2)
  • vibrant bar scene (2)
  • good for groups (1)
  • great for lunch (1)
  • scenic view (1)

Swell Reviews List
Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Outstanding food. Everything was unique and wonderful. We were surprised by the menu choices....everything unique and just terrific. We were visiting from Denver and this was one of the best places we ate (and we ate at some great places in San Fran). It was a memorable treat!"

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/05/2010
(review submitted 03/07/2010)
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Review 2 for Swell

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"I live two blocks away and when bar crudo left that spot, I literally held my own little funeral. Then Swell showed up and I had new hope. I really wanted to fall in love with Swell, but the food fell short. The service was incredible, but the bouillabaise was fishy canned veggie soup at best and everything else was just so-so, nothing to write home about. We had the miso glazed black cod brulee and it harkened back to the days of the Burger King commercials from the 80s...Where's the Beef, but in this case, where's the FISH??? The Swell oysters, a whopping $30+ dollars for a dozen was a green onion mess. It was supposed to be enhanced with ponzu, green onion and fish roe, but all u could taste was the onion. What a shame."

Food 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/27/2010
(review submitted 03/01/2010)
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Review 3 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Tuna tartar was minced too finely for me, and my fish was slightly over cooked. Ceviche was great though. Simple yet comfortable and inviting decor, and the service was very good."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/23/2010
(review submitted 02/27/2010)
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Review 4 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"A haute cuisine sushi bar, serving elegant french interpretations of raw seafood - a great addition to the SF food scene. Perfect for a pre-theater dinner. Thoughtful, price conscious wines, most available by the glass."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/20/2010
(review submitted 02/23/2010)
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Review 5 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Went here for Valentine's dinner. Great wine and beer selection! They had a preset menu - foie gras or oysters, lamb or linguine, and creme brulee. Meal started off great with the foie gras... one of the best I've had. The lamb and linguine were just OK. Finally, although the ginger and creme brulee was good, it's a hard dish to impress with."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/22/2010)
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Review 6 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"I thought the place was great excellent food and service. The restaurant is fairly small so it can feel a little cramped, but overall the place was great. I would recommend it."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/17/2010)
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Review 7 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"We walked by Swell on our way to another destination downtown, and I thought I want to go back there. Luckily they participated in Dine About Town, so we booked a table. It was a rainy evening, and when we arrived the restaurant was warm and busy. We were taken to our table quickly, and the meal was great. Their Dine About Town menu featured four courses which started with Lobster Bisque, a choice of crabcakes or tuna tartare, and then a choice of main course, a risotto with scallops or bouillabaise, the meal ended with creme brulee - two flavors, and you were served both, vanilla and ginger. Very nice, and definately worth going back to!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/29/2010
(review submitted 02/03/2010)
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Review 8 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"it's a tiny tiny restaurant with amazing food. The environment can be lovely except when yo have the world's loudest man sitting next to you. yum-o"

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/28/2010
(review submitted 01/31/2010)
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Review 9 for Swell

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"Our reservations were for 8 and we arrived on time but weren't seated until 8:30. Service was slow even though there were only 8 tables or so.The food was good but not outstanding. It was extremely noisy in the dining area. The noise is enough to make me think twice before returning. Combined with the slow servce, I'll probably not return to Swell.The Lobster Bisque and the risotto served under the scallops were quite good. The crab cakes, boullabaise, scallops and various creme brulee were serviceable."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/26/2010
(review submitted 01/30/2010)
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Review 10 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Love the oysters. Delicious. Great place. Will try again."

Special Features: romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/27/2010
(review submitted 01/29/2010)
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Review 11 for Swell

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"Only saved a few bucks for doing dine about town. Not worth it. We ended up only ordered 1 dine about town and picked other appetitors and entree from regular menu. Quality of dishes are not impressive but slightly better than average. Their food are not heavy or greasy.I am surprised even their risotto was not heavy. Unfortunately, their environment totally turns me off. We sat on the 2 nd floor and there were many tables within a very small area. Each table was very close to each other that I heard every conversation from table next to us. I am quite disappointed on this dining experience because I don't feel that I have privacy and I couln't enjoy my food."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/22/2010
(review submitted 01/26/2010)
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Review 12 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Food was good! Service was excellent!"

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/23/2010
(review submitted 01/26/2010)
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Review 13 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Great food but was very disappointed with the service. We came in 5 minutes after the reservation and were told we were late and may not get a table. He finally decided to seat us after we told him we were willing to wait if necessary/ After we finished eating, and received the check I was putting my credit card into the holder and it was taken out of my hand, as if they were in a hurry. After about 5 minutes of signing the bill we were told that people were waiting downstairs and if we could hurry up that would be nice. She tried to be nice about it, but after spending a decent amount of money on dinner I was very unpleased with the rude service. I would recommend going for the food, but it really is a mood killer when you get rude service"

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/22/2010
(review submitted 01/25/2010)
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Review 14 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"food was alright but it was a bit disappointing receiving an entree course with three small scallops to then see others around you getting the same dish with four average size scallops."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/22/2010
(review submitted 01/24/2010)
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Review 15 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"The food was quite nice, but service is a bit slow (very friendly, but slow). There are too many tables in the VERY small upstairs dining area. This makes the dining area noisy and hot.
It's a creative menu and the Ginger Creme Brulee is delightful."

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/16/2010
(review submitted 01/20/2010)
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Review 16 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Cozy neighborhood spot. Very fresh and well prepared seafood. Attentive staff. Would reccommend staying downstairs and eating at the bar."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/14/2010
(review submitted 01/19/2010)
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Review 17 for Swell

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Swell is very small - and very hot upstairs. However, the food was wonderfully prepared. We had a great time. NOTE: squeezing between tables and chairs is not necessarily easy for people of the fluffier nature. Shot of cauliflower soup was divine - wish it came in a highball size. Overall - food good - service good - energetic - just little."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/15/2010
(review submitted 01/17/2010)
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Review 18 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Delicious fresh food but place is very small."

Special Features: romantic, great for lunch

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/08/2010
(review submitted 01/11/2010)
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Review 19 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"We had a wonderful dinner at Swell. The seafood was fresh and clean, the preparation and presentation was very nice. We sat downstairs at the counter where we had a full view of the chef. We were the only ones downstairs and basically had the full service of the host and another server. Since we were the only ones downstairs it was very quiet. The menu us very small and I believe all but 1 item was seafood, so if you don't care for seafood, this restaurant is not for you. We had the tuna tartare, steak tartare, sea urchin (raw) and scallops (cooked). Each was excellent."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/04/2010
(review submitted 01/06/2010)
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Review 20 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"The chef has a great talent for marrying flavors. Everything on the menu is absolutely fresh and creative. I highly recommend Swell for any occasion."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/02/2010
(review submitted 01/04/2010)
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Review 21 for Swell

Overall Rating 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
"These poor people are well meaning but do not know how to operate a restaurant. The service was abominable in too many ways to describe. The chef is young and has potential, but does not supervise the kitchen staff or consider the flavor composition of the foods he prepares. It is insulting to pay top dollar for 6 people (3 wait staff and 3 kitchen staff) to stumble through unsupervised on-the-job training."

Food 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Ambiance 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Service 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/02/2010)
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Review 22 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"A great experience with our girls, 8 and 6. Not a big choice for kids but fun, tasty and small."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/30/2009
(review submitted 01/01/2010)
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Review 23 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"They have the freshest, most delicious uni. If you've never tried it, it's either gonna be a hit or miss for you since freshness is extremely important to the flavor."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/17/2009
(review submitted 12/28/2009)
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Review 24 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Small intimate space -- only about 5 tables upstairs. Staff was friendly and helpful."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/11/2009
(review submitted 12/14/2009)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 25 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"exceeded my expectations. food was fantastic, all of it...really unique flavor combinations. everything was very fresh. i'll have to go back as they were out of the sea urchin."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/12/2009
(review submitted 12/14/2009)
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Review 26 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Swell is a remarkably small restaurant with caringly prepared delicious food. The chef is obviously skilled and the service is friendly and helpful. The wine list is selective, weighted to international and moderately priced. It is a special find."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/05/2009
(review submitted 12/09/2009)
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Review 27 for Swell

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"With amazingly great food and wine and a very friendly staff, Swell is a true gem. The decor is charming and cozy, but also modern.

Portion sizes are more what you'll find in Europe/Asia, unlike typical American 'super-size me' servings, but that just makes you treasure the taste of each bite. In addition, they make their seafood offerings based the Monterey Bay Aquarium's sustainability suggestions."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/01/2009
(review submitted 12/03/2009)
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Review 28 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Great quaint restaurant with exceptional appetizers"

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/27/2009
(review submitted 12/02/2009)
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Review 29 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"A great find in the outskirts of Union Square! You wouldn't see it unless you were looking for it. It is tucked away on Bush Street. Very quaint small restaurant, very French bistro like. It is something that you would find on the hustle and bustle streets in Paris or even in the Lower East Village in New York. Great tables upstairs and bar stools downstairs. The food was very fresh and presented with clean lines and nothing pretentious. Unusual combination of Japanese food and French food. SO if you are like me and sometimes can't decide between sushi and some bouillabaisse with some great cheese and wine go there! I didn't get to try the sushi because I'm pregnant but the risotto, bouillabaisse, cheese, and ginger creme were delicious!"

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/21/2009
(review submitted 11/23/2009)
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Review 30 for Swell

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"Good food. Some portions were small. Service fell off as it got busy. Staff not very helpful about the menu. Very noisy upstairs especially with a group of 4 boisterous young women at the next table."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/07/2009
(review submitted 11/19/2009)
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Review 31 for Swell

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Swell is a fairly new restaurant that has been around for only a few months. I came across it while searching for restaurants in Union Square/Nob Hill and thought I would try it. The menu is a cross of Japanese and French food. The tuna tartare is amazing! It's a small restaurant with bar seating on the first level and a handful of tables on the second floor which overlooks the street. The cozy setting and decor gives a feel of a European getaway in France. I plan to return another time to try more dishes."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/12/2009
(review submitted 11/16/2009)
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Swell Based on the average of (56) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 3.7 out of 5 (Very Good)
Food 3.9 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.5 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.8 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.1 out of 3 (Moderate)
160*600 Advertising Space