Trying to decide where to eat a nice meal in San Francisco is a bit like trying to decide which grain of sand is your favourite on a spectacular beach. The options are endless, and the foodie culture is both adventurous and engaging. Having unsuccessfully attempted a couple of places on our wish list {like this one}, we managed to luck into 6:30 reservations at The Wayfare Tavern, something of a miracle according to our delightful concierge.

Located at 558 Sacramento Street at Leidesdorff Alley, this gem of a gastro-pub feels like a secret waiting to be discovered in its unasuming Financial District location. Right in the middle of the old Barbary Coast {the former red-light district during the Goldrush}. the present-day charm of this destination greets guests before even walking through the front door. The French style bistro tables and chairs with glowing yet simple lanterns invite lingering meals and relaxed conversation.

The interior is more tailored but with a decidedly whimsical bent. The vintage wood floors were reclaimed from an old tobacco farm, and the tile detail {both at the entry and surrounding the second floor bar} unceremoniously spills over into the hardwood with artistic aplomb. Fringed velvet bar stools wink and nod at the Victorian era.

I just love the COLE & SON MALABAR DAMASK wallpaper in the restroom.
Perhaps my favourite vista, the Victorian carved marble fireplace draws guests into the space with an intuitive warmth that speaks to the gastronomic experience to come. As with seemingly every engaging space I encountered in San Fran, it is of course not without a precise dose of taxidermy in the form of an elk bust, anchoring the fireplace with a stoic, rustic elegance.

Nestling into a cozy booth on the second floor, we were greeted warmly by our charming server. Offering scintillating insights into the menu with no agenda but our delight, he skillfully guided us to the perfect choices for our evening together.

Not wanting to disturb other guests, I kept my flash off and thus must apologize for a photo that does not come close to doing justice to our shared starter, the Fig and Melon Salad. Laced with salted pork belly and finished with watercress and a sherry vinagrette, it was sweet-and-salty heaven. Normally any salad with salted pork belly {aka really good bacon} is just a treasure hunt for those magical bits of bacon, but this one was a true delight with each bite of rustically simple, fresh and succulent local ingredients.

Image via www.betweenthebreadblog.com

My man could not resist the description of what may have been a life-changing burger. Made from local, grass-fed beef that is ground in-house, the Wayfare Burger “Le Grand” is sheer indulgence on a brioche bun. Topped with local Marin brie, 3 sinfully thick slices of applewood smoked bacon and juicy-sweet roasted red onions, this burger is decidedly decadent and could come second only to my magnificent main course.

Image via Tyler Florence’s Instagram

The Sonoma Duck was salted and caramelized to tender perfection {cooked medium so as to melt in the mouth}. Served with Chanterelle mushrooms, Mission figs, duck jus and in my case extra green beans in place of the potato purée, this meal was utterly moan-worthy.

With no room for dessert {despite our incredible server’s may I say “sexy” description of the homemade peach pie with brown butter ice cream}, we wandered off into the night with silly grins and seriously satisfied palates. Needless to say we highly recommend The Wayfare Tavern the next time you are in town! From the décor to the cuisine, they will not fail to surprise and delight you.

xo
s.

All photographs by John Lee except where otherwise noted.