QUIET Dinner (for 90th Birthday) in San Francisco

[abbycooks]

My dear grandmother is turning 90 next Friday and has requested a nice dinner with the family in the city. She does not hear well, but is on the adventurous eater side for an elderly lady. Any suggestions for a special occasion dinner that won't be loud on a Friday night? Probably not quite Fifth Floor price range, but expensive is OK.

Thanks!

[Meredith]

What about Silks in the Mandarin Hotel?
There is valet parking, an elevator that takes you to the dining room (if I remember correctly) and I remember thinking that it had a very calming quiet about the dining room even though most tables were full.
I have seen some good reviews of the food here in the last year or so - my experience was further back, so here's hoping the atmosphere didn't change!

[sfhol]

how about the attractive restaurant in the Ritz Carlton? It is quiet, the food is delicous, and the service is very good. perfect for elderly relatives.

[Fussy Foodie]

Cafe Kati.

www.cafekati.com

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Cafe Kati
1963 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115

[Robert Lauriston]

How big a group?

[abbycooks]

6 people.

[abbycooks]

Thanks to all for your recommendations; sadly, our group has grown a bit and I'm having a hard time getting reservations; Cafe Majestic, Acquerello, Quince are all out. Boo. Will have to look into some of these others... keep em coming if you have any further thoughts!

[rworange]

You reallly should not have a problem whatever your group size at Delancy Street.

[bernalgirl]

Worth calling to see if they have private rooms, I seem to remember that they do and that will also help with the noise.

[rworange]

Delancy Street was a good choice for my mother. Good access, nice room and decent food.

[Robert Lauriston]

Acquerello.

[Judith]

I second Acquerello. It was the first place that came to mind when I read your query. It's elegant in a wonderfully old fashioned way without being tired or dowdy, and it's absolutely the quietest place I can think of.

[zunzie]

Yep, it's perfect for the older crowd. And the service is stellar.

[SteveG]

That was also what occurred to me! I'm in my mid twenties, so when I dined there I felt like I got the impoverished student treatment and was a bit frustrated that I wasn't being taken seriously.

On the other hand, couples and groups of more respectable ages were getting excellent treatment, complete with visits from the chef. The room was well appointed, if a bit dated but the focus is more on the food than chasing the latest decorating trends. It was extremely quiet.

Food-wise, there are comfortable standbys like good bolognese, but you'll also find frog leg risotto or other more adventurous offerings. If you go, don't miss the eccentrically selected cheese course.

Oh--if anyone in your group has significant alergies, you might let them know when you make the reservation. Their flower arrangements were filled with easter lillies when we were there, which made my boyfriend start sneezing almost the moment we sat down.

[JasmineG]

I'm not sure if this is out of your price range or not (and how much your grandmother likes food with an Asian flair) but the food at Ame is great, and I remember it being easy to hear when I dined there.

[gogogo]

One of our favorites that doesn't get a lot of attention is The Big Four in the Huntington Hotel (see www.huntingtonhotel.com for menu and photos). It's a relatively small place, and has a clubby, elegant "old money" feel to it. It's usually quiet (but not so much so to be uncomfortable), and has corner tables/booths that facilitate conversation. The food and service (especially if you let them know ahead of time that it's a special occasion) are always outstanding. Have fun wherever you go!

[Husky]

Great recommendation. I also agree that Cafe Majestic would be good, as would Harris'.

[zinfanatic]

How about Cafe Majestic? I was there on a Wednesday night and the dining room is lovely, elegant and quiet. It probably could be quiet on Friday, though almost anyplace will be busy! The food is excellent. You may want to read a Chron review or get on the Majestic website and check out the menu.

[Paul H]

I think Cafe Majestic is a great idea. It's a beautiful, old Victorian space, small, intimate, and quiet, with excellent food.

[Ruth Lafler]

Monte Cristo Cafe (with the caveat that I'd call and make sure they aren't having music that night). Easy parking, view, good (not great) food.