Amanda Olynik

Prix Fixe Your Sights on Boulevard: Dining in San Francisco

The Solo Scale:

The nature of this restaurant does mean that it can be awkward to sit alone at a table, but if that’s a concern, there’s plenty of seating at the bar!

When it comes to prix fixe and finer dining, there can be a bit of a sliding scale when it comes to how much you’ll pay for the experience. Sometimes, you’ll end up paying deeply because of reputation (ie: Michelin stars, or recent placement on ‘best of’ lists). The in-between is where you’ll find fantastic experiences and still be able to get away without taking out a loan just to pay for the dinner.

One of those options in San Francisco is Boulevard.

“Quintessentially Californian, our menu seamlessly incorporates the regional seasonal bounty with studied classic and modern technique.”

Boulevard Restaurant

The restaurant offers a multi-course menu. The starting price was $119 in 2023. There’s also a full menu to order a la carte from. If you’re like me, you might do some mixing and matching. There’s a range of cocktails and wines to choose from to accompany your meal. Here, the ambience as you dine has elements of art deco, but doesn’t feel too stuffy. While you won’t want to turn up in shorts and sandals, it’s not super fine dining either.

Cocktail at Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco

Below is just a sample of the menu you might encounter. Given the constant changing of menus and items, there’s no guarantee that this is what you’ll receive. Hopefully it will give you an idea of the portions, style of food, and what you might overall expect! As mentioned, the meal can be supplemented with additional item. I added a lobster and scallion pancake tostada, which was one of the highlights.

You’ll also receive a bread service with your meal, with a range of options (like olive bread and sourdough) and accompanied by sea salt butter.

The amuse bouche was a black bean & corn cracker, served with an avocado purée with chili, lime, and queso, and corn relish.
The amuse bouche was a black bean & corn cracker, served with an avocado purée with chili, lime, and queso, and corn relish.
An add-on to the meal was a delicious lobster & scallion pancake tostada which had the exact right amounts of heat, crispy texture moments, and taste.
An add-on to the meal was a delicious lobster & scallion pancake tostada which had the exact right amounts of heat, crispy texture moments, and taste.
Ricotta, leek, and summer squash ravioli. This was a fantastically fresh and delicious option that didn't sit too heavily.
The actual first course — ricotta, leek, and summer squash ravioli. This was a fantastically fresh and delicious option that didn’t sit too heavily.
Angus beef fillet with creamer potatoes and fonduta. The beef was tender.
The main — an angus beef fillet with creamer potatoes and fonduta. The beef was tender (I selected cooked to medium rare) and the potatos were a perfect pairing.
Dessert - a mocha crunch gianduja cake. Rich, chocolatey, and the perfect way to cap off the meal.
Dessert – a mocha crunch gianduja cake. Rich, chocolatey, and the perfect way to cap off the meal. The progression of the courses was excellent and you leave feeling extremely satisfied.
Petits four of cherry paté a fruits and cookies and cream chocolates.
And lastly, as you go on your way — petits four of cherry paté a fruits and cookies and cream chocolates.

With excellent service, delicious food, and a meal that won’t break your bank (though isn’t, by any means, cheap), Boulevard is a great option for a finer night out. Get more details and make reservations here, if you’re looking for a delicious meal when you’re in San Francisco!

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