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The Moss Room Reviews List
The Moss Room
Chef Charles Phan of The Slanted Door Group directs The Moss Room with a new daily menu. Drawing upon the talents of all of our chefs at Slanted Door Group, The Moss Room features a daily lunch menu featuring the best of organic and local produce, seafood and meats. Our team brings a range of classic and new dishes to the California Academy of Sciences' in-house dining destination.
Not to be out done by the talent in the kitchen, the bar program is being led by Erik Adkins, of The Slanted Door and features craft cocktails influenced by the freshest ingredients and artisanal spirits.
Wine director Chaylee Priete delivers a focused list featuring many by the glass options to accompany your meal.
We hope to see you soon.
See more The Moss Room details
Not to be out done by the talent in the kitchen, the bar program is being led by Erik Adkins, of The Slanted Door and features craft cocktails influenced by the freshest ingredients and artisanal spirits.
Wine director Chaylee Priete delivers a focused list featuring many by the glass options to accompany your meal.
We hope to see you soon.
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for lunch(39)
- fit for foodies(30)
- neighborhood gem(14)
- special occasion(11)
- good for groups(10)
- kid-friendly(9)
The Moss Room Reviews List
Review 1 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Event was great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We chose the Moss Room for a Mother's Day event and it was a perfect unique venue in GG park.
Highly recommend the menu, and amazing service. Thanks for a great day!"
Highly recommend the menu, and amazing service. Thanks for a great day!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The Restaurant - The Location
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Moss Room is a not a match to its location. The menu is overpriced and not unique. A few small grilled shrimp with a mound of greens for $19 at lunch seems extreme. You can't make a restaurant elevate to posh just by overcharging. We really did not see how this "Slanted Door" menu will make it in a venue like the Academy of Sciences. This is not a hidden gem. Needs a menu revamp. A small dish selection for the lunch offering would step-up the interest levels. Service was outstanding. Setting was quiet and relaxing. Imperial spring rolls, please."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 3 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We eat at the Moss Room every time we go to the Academy. Love the setting, the food, the service, and the whole experience.
It is more exclusive than the cafeteria, so it is a quiet space in the excitement of the Academy."
It is more exclusive than the cafeteria, so it is a quiet space in the excitement of the Academy."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous lunch- peaceful retreat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a wonderful break from the hectic energy of the Academy upstairs. We were a group of 3 Moms & 3 daughters. We had lunch together and enjoyed every moment. The service was awesome & very accommodating, the food was excellent & the ambiance so relaxing! I highly recommend this hidden gem."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Museum dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great spot for adults to dine before, during, or after museum visits at Golden Gate Park. Quiet ambiance with full bar and pleasant music selections. We will definitely return!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 6 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was very good; however,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was very good; however, I felt that the menu was limited."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2001
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 7 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Location wins.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's got location. Inside the Academy of Sciences, it's convenience rates high. In general, it beats scouring the local neighborhood for lunch. Price is the downside. It barely squeaks by my bang over buck test. Lunch with wine and tip runs over $100 for two. Try it once anyway."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 8 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Trout with black-eyed peas AMAZING!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"had a fabulous lunch here! We have eaten here a few times before, but this was the BEST meal yet. Just wish it was downtown so I could eat here more often. We split the asparagus appetizer, then had the trout. The trout with blackeyed peas was amazing!
You CAN eat here even if you do not visit the science museum. We actually had been at the DeYoung, but went here just for lunch.
We had a reservation, but there were empty tables (it was a thursday)."
You CAN eat here even if you do not visit the science museum. We actually had been at the DeYoung, but went here just for lunch.
We had a reservation, but there were empty tables (it was a thursday)."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 9 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Somewhat disappointing, the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Somewhat disappointing, the food was mediocre. Considering it an upscale restaurant, I was surprised to have two tables of families with active children beside us. This changed the entire vibe for us.
There is low lighting and the tables are sparse, no decor, not even salt and pepper and there is no bread and butter.
The service was good and attentive."
There is low lighting and the tables are sparse, no decor, not even salt and pepper and there is no bread and butter.
The service was good and attentive."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2004
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Review 10 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We enjoyed a family lunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed a family lunch after seeing the "Girl with the Pearl Earing". Very convenient and a step up in museum food and ambience."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 11 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Experience fine, poor value
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We chose the Moss room partly on the Phan reputation and party because we wanted a nice lunch, but needed to be in the park. The food was pretty good. One appetizer, fried cheesy corn balls, were not very cheesy and gluey in consistency. Other than that food was enjoyable, but nothing exceptional. Maybe the slanted door spoiled us. But at $16-$20 lunch entrees we thought we'd be in similar range.Service was not great, our waiter was new maybe and seemed nervous. I had trouble understanding him, he ranallhisworstogether. My parentsbwho are 70 had no chance. Our food came out poorly staged, especially my wifes. She ordered an appitizer and aide for dinner. We had already had apps for the table. But then her appetizer came out solo, and sh"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
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Review 12 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were told to go through
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"We were told to go through the members entrance. After standing in line there, we were told to go to membership services-another line. Some young man rescued us and said a hostess would come up and get us. Finally he walked us in to the cafeteria to meet a hostess and she walked us down to the restaurant. All of this took 15 minutes. We were celebrating my friend's birthday-not a great way to start! The restaurant is noisy and our server forgot about us for long periods of time. Definitely not worth the intricate entry.
I ate at this restaurant 2 years ago and it was a different and better experience."
I ate at this restaurant 2 years ago and it was a different and better experience."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
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Review 13 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Fine Dining Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Once again we were delighted with this hidden gem. Beneath the hustle and bustle of the Cal Academy of Science cafeteria-style restaurant lies an oasis featuring a beautiful living wall. You know you're in for a real treat the moment you step inside. There were four of us so we shared tastes of each dish. The oysters were amazing, enhanced by bites of sausage and a delicious broth sopped up with crusty bread. Two of us ordered Risotto, laden with chunks of asparagus and tomato--outstanding. One of us ordered the pork with grits-another excellent combination. Finally we shared one lovely slice of cheesecake for dessert. Perfect ending. Our friends will return next week with their guests & we'll be back next time we're in town."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 14 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Decor was pleasant; the food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Decor was pleasant; the food was good though as others expressed, pricey ($10 for a bowl of soup). You are paying for the location and convenience."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2002
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Review 15 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 16 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were seated in a private
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were seated in a private room (there were 8 of us) and the wait staff were very attentive and helpful. The food was good but the burgers were just a bit dry."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 17 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service were great. Had the pork shoulder, which was delicious!
Really liked the living wall of ferns and plants over the large aquarium full of several different kinds of good sized fish.
The Academy of Sciences was great too.
We'd suggest doing lunch first and then visiting the academy (in the mornings it is full of children, who leave in the early afternoon to return to school) when it's quieter and less crowded."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 18 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
If you want to escape the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you want to escape the relentless noise of the museum, the Moss Room is the place. Online menu is for cafe upstairs not for the lower level restaurant. The menu choices were not what we expected. The food was good but expensive for what it was. I had dinner here when it first opened and had a great experience. My recent visit was a disappointment.
Waiting for an escort when you have a reservation is annoying. Do they think I made the reservation so I could sneak into the exhibits? If I wanted to do that I could easily do it after I ate.
Parking at the museum is confusing. The pay stations are not well marked. The signs only tell you that they are behind you but not where."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2006
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Review 19 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great, to have such an elegant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great, to have such an elegant place to eat away from the hustle of the museum, but so close. We met friends who were in from out of town there to see an exhibit and have lunch. Perfect venue for catching up."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2002
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Review 20 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was indifferent given
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was indifferent given the prices, the portion sizes were outsized and there was surprisingly little choice for the Vegetarian in our party. Overall, this restaurant was a disappointment."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 21 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious food, extremely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Delicious food, extremely pleasant ambiance, suitable for a business lunch, for taking friends or out-of-towners, and the location at the Academy, perfect."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 22 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So so food. Great to escape
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"So so food. Great to escape the crowds."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
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Review 23 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Our server got our courses
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server got our courses confused, and then they all came out at the same time, anyway. Our beet salad was over salted to the point of being inedible."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
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Review 24 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good food and outstanding
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food and outstanding service! My wife was vegan and the waiter really did a nice job finding a good set of things to eat. I had the trout and it was really good! Two very nice filets perfectly cooked. Left satisfied and ready to see more of the museum."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 25 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dine at the Science Acadamy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It is fantastic to have a good resturaunt at the CA acadamy of sciences. After walking through the busy exhibits it is very nice to take a break and enjoy a relaxing excellent meal with service to match. Wine, entres and dessert were all memorable and my teenage vegatarian daughter loved it as well."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We wanted a special lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We wanted a special lunch when visiting the de Young museum and several friends recommended this restaurant. It was a weekday and just the perfect spot for a quiet lunch. It is inside the Academy of Science building and they escort you to the restaurant which is downstairs. This is a much different experience than the cafe with lots of families and kids."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Oasis
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice oasis of quiet dining amid the hubbub of the museum scene. Food and service were good."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2002
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Review 28 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love the moss room and have
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love the moss room and have been many time. We even had my birthday dinner in the glass room one time."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 29 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The venue is very pleasant.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The venue is very pleasant. The atmosphere is quiet, as opposed to the cafeteria upstairs.!
The servers were attentive and prompty answered our questions."
The servers were attentive and prompty answered our questions."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We loved the place! The hostess
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We loved the place! The hostess was wonderful, so friendly that we were in great mood before we even sat down!!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 31 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The squash ravioli dish was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The squash ravioli dish was delicious, great french fries and the chocolate souffle cake out of this world. Great food in a beautiful setting. The whole experience was memorable. Would come again without a doubt."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 32 for The Moss Room
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun and interesting restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fun and interesting restaurant in Golden Gate park. Different as it is located in the California Science academy! Food VERY good."
Dined on 12/20/2012
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Moss Room
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate