Absinthe

(Hayes Valley)
398 Hayes St.  
415-551-1590 Map it
www.absinthe.com

E + D Award Winner
$$$-$$$$
French
brunch, business lunch, dine at the bar, late-night dining, lunch, romantic

2007 EAT + DRINK AWARD: Best Restaurant Cocktails

SCENE: One of a select group of San Francisco restaurants that has passed the 10-year mark, this Hayes Valley anchor continues to bring brasserie style, superb cocktails and Cal-French food to the neighborhood.

EATS: Since Jamie Lauren assumed the role of chef last year, the food at Absinthe has only gotten better. Though there are some stalwarts on the menu for the diehards (the croque monsieur and French onion soup, for example), Lauren has infused the menu with smart, satisfying dishes that expertly walk the line between rustic and refined. The menu changes seasonally, but fish dishes are particularly good here, and you can make a meal of larger-than-average “share” plates, such as the rich sautéed mushrooms topped with a poached duck egg.