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Woodwards Garden Reviews List
Woodwards Garden
Our Restaurant is located at the site of the original
Woodward’s Gardens, San Francisco’s first amusement park, open from 1866 to 1891. We love that our restaurant is connected to such a sweet part of this city’s past. We like to think that our food also reflects a slower time as it is both ardently seasonal and locally sourced.
Our garden opened under a freeway in 1992 and was one of the first of its kind to establish itself in San Francisco’s unlikely Mission District — now a thriving destination. A tiny jewel box, Woodward’s Garden has been likened by many friends and customers favorite neighborhood bistros in Paris.
We love the idea - Dana Tommasino & Margie Conard
See more Woodwards Garden details
61 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 61 reviews
5 stars
(29)
4 stars
(23)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(44)
- neighborhood gem(36)
- romantic(34)
- special occasion(28)
- notable wine list(15)
- good for groups(6)
Woodwards Garden Reviews List
Review 1 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A perfect birthday dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Beautiful, romantic setting - small, quirky, elegant but not polished. Every item on the short menu of fresh local ingredients sounded good. We had flavorful salads of butter lettuce and roasted beets, scallops over minted pea puree, sturgeon with garden vegetables, meringue and chocolate ice cream, strawberry crumble. Interesting, reasonably priced wines. Very friendly service. The front room is next to the open kitchen, the rear room is quieter - both are nice."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We celebrated my wife's birthday, the food was excellent! The place was quiet and cozy..
Great experience!!!"
Great experience!!!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
OK, but not great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Would give a qualified recommendation.
Service was spotty, food good but not memorable.
Dining area pleasant, intimate, not overly noisy."
Service was spotty, food good but not memorable.
Dining area pleasant, intimate, not overly noisy."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 4 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was minimally competent and strangely distracted. food was very good."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 5 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Secret Gem!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is place reminds me of the REAL San Francisco. Local glamour and amazing non pretentious, clean, local food. No wannabe hipsters here-true SF glamour and money crowd. The place is small, chic and quaint. Its like having your own personal chef."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great Food, Disappointing Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was excellent, however the service was poor - barely minimal from the beginning to the end. It took a long time for our order to be taken. I had to ask for bread, and when it arrived there were only 6 slices and we were a party of 7. I was never able to get anyone's attention to get more. After the delicious food arrived, no one came back to see if we needed anything else and we did - we would have ordered another bottle of wine and asked for more bread. I got the impression that our server was a bit stressed and although she was cordial, she was not very friendly. Perhaps they were short-staffed and we caught them on a bad night. Because the food was so good, I will give it another try and hopefully the service will be better."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Romantic Hidden Gem
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Aside from the table being a bit cramped, the experience was very good. The pork was a bit dry and the sturgeon wasn't quite perfect, but the presentation and the accompanying food made the dishes worthwhile. The service was low key, which I very much appreciated. It was a bit noisy with the highway right above, but I didn't notice it much after the first few minutes."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Never disappoints - such a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Never disappoints - such a treasure!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
All the ingredients were ultra-fres
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"All the ingredients were ultra-fresh and exquisitely prepared. Even the green salad tasted as if the lettuce had just come from some p-patch right outside the door. Nothing pretentious about Woodwards Garden -- focus is on the quality of the food. We would definitely come here again, next time we visit San Francisco."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite place for a special
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our favorite place for a special anniversary dinner. Wonderful food, local, fresh, innovative menus. Great service - attentive but not oppressive. Love this place!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect unpretentious neighborhood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Perfect unpretentious neighborhood place. Love it."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a wonderful spot, a must
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a wonderful spot, a must for all foodies. But be careful because this spot is uber Romantic ;) Enjoy"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 13 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently Fabulous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I am never disappointed at Woodwards Garden!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Kept Secret is Out!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I still think this restaurant is one of the best-kept secrets in the city. The food is beyond compare--fresh, creative, and delicious every time we've dined. Service is helpful and informative, patient, and eager to please. Food comes out well timed--not too fast so that the wine is poured and then the appetizer served IMMEDIATELY (always a downer as it's nice to linger a bit over the wine and not feel rushed), no extra charge for the (delicious) bread, and portions are ample so you don't feel you've been served a tapas dish when you've ordered an entrée. Wine list and advice on wine parings are great. Prices are reasonable and as for the setting near the overpass--get over it! It's more quiet here than in those trendy noisy joints."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a wonderful evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a wonderful evening at Woodward Gardens. The building is old San Francisco and the moment you walk in you feel like you have entered someone's home. We sat in the back room which has a grand piano. The service was excellent and the meal was great, especially the desserts. We had the fried artichoke appetizer and liked it so much we order 3 for our party of six. Everyone liked their main courses but the short ribs and the duck leg were juicy and tender. Overall a great meal and a hidden gem that has stayed special for the past 10 years."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious, inventive, fresh
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious, inventive, fresh foods! Love their menu & they treated us so well."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 17 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a wonderful time and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
An Old Standby
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"An old standby, it still serves creative yet comfortable fresh food. The space feels like a warm and inviting Hobbit hole, simple and quiet. The service feels like you're in someone's home, friendly and welcoming."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food has been consistent over
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food has been consistent over 15 years with excellent preparation of produce in season."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 20 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
what sounds good on paper doesn't
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I booked this place based off a bunch of review ranging from 2star to 5star. I would say that is little above average. I didn't enjoy the calamari app. The tenderloin was good not great and the only thing my date thought was excellent were the desserts. The server was attentive while taking our initial order but seemed a quite busy as we progressed into the meal. I was a bit disappointed in the food flavor profile especially when the menu wasn't the most exciting in the world. What sounds good on paper doesn't alway get the proper execution in the kitchen. It was a good dinner before we caught our show, but I will definitely explore other options before going back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a super dinner here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a super dinner here and would definitely return. The food was creative and beautifully presented, and the service was gracious and accommodating to our concert timing. Really wonderful desserts, in particular."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 22 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was extremely interesting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was extremely interesting and everything was delicious. I think I would have enjoyed it more if we sat in the back room, which looked a bit darker, quieter and more romantic. We sat in the front and were right next to the door. The place is located right by the freeway and it was very loud (the door was open the whole time) and sort of bizarre. The place is a little run down looking. However, everything we ate was amazing! Definitely recommend the beet ravioli appetizer. I also had a fish dish that I had never heard of, steelhead, which was very flavorful and perfectly cooked."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 23 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food. Always fresh. Unique and savory flavor combinations. Very personalized service. It is a gem!!!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 24 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A standout
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Charming, simple and elegant ambiance. Tucked under a bridge, so it feels like a discovery. Even in San Francisco the food is a stand-out. I had grilled radicchio wrapped with prociutto and sturgeon accompanied with vegetable. All was cooked and seasoned to perfection. The preparation of the vegetables was especially excellent and happily they were portioned abundantly. (Not the typical single tiny micro-beet accompanied by two fava beans.)The service was gracious, attentive and thoughtful, without being over-bearing. A new favorite."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This remains an under rated
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This remains an under rated find.One of the best in SF."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I live in Half Moon Bay now
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I live in Half Moon Bay now but used to live near Woodward's Garden. We just stopped in for appetizers and some wine. Both were perfect. I have found the intriguing menus and delicious food to draw me back over the years."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent service and food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent service and food. Servings were not too large, and that is a good thing. Good for small groups."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 28 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We live in the neighborhood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We live in the neighborhood but haven't been to Woodward in years. It's still a fantastic place to dine."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 29 for Woodwards Garden
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely wonderful food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely wonderful food. A casual place with attentive and informed service. A bit on the pricy side but worth it. We will return often"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Woodwards Garden
Based on the average of (32) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate