Michael Mina on a Budget - pls help

[caitlink]

Would like to try Michael Mina. Will be eating alone.

Is it better to have the fix prix menu for $55 or order off bar menu? i would like to try the lobster pot pie to see what all the fuss is all about.

I read that Sawa Sushi in Sunnyvale is a must try as well. Has anyone tried the $95 menu lately? Thx.

[waldrons]

I had some fabulous lamb chops off the bar menu last year.... the chops, dessert and a glass of champagne were a wonderful (and surprisingly filling) dinner.

Susan

[caitlink]

I sat at the bar and my meal did not break the bank. Portions were small but very tasty.

The ahi tuna was great. So was the foie gras terrine. Portion was tiny though. And I did get to try a mini version of the lobster pot pie ($20). So I did not have to splurge and pay $65 which was what they were charging at Arcadia when i was there. So thanks everyone for your help.

And the bread was very good. Although the olive roll at Arcadia was yummier.

[tomatoaday]

I had the full sized version when he was at Aqua and thought it was underwhelming, especailly for the price. I ended up switching entrees with my husband who said it was ok but nothing special. For $75, I expected something special and Willie Brown at the next table was not what I was looking for! The tartar was outstanding though. I agree with "no charge" about the budget remark.

[cortez]

My suggestion: sit at the bar. Then, give the bartender your food budget (and likes) and your drink budget (and likes) and let him recommend. I've eaten at the bar twice and much prefer its flexibility and atmosphere. The bartenders are very skilled about the menu and the best options.

Have fun!

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Michael Mina Restaurant
252 California St, San Francisco, CA

[Mari]

I agree with the poster above, but note that the bar menu portions are rather small for what you pay. Nevertheless, a smaller version of the lobster pot pie was available at the bar when I was there about 6 months ago. I believe that the pie is at least $25-$30. The full-size version of the pie is $75. The pie is definitely worth a try even if it's the mini version. We ordered a short-rib dish to supplement the lobster pot pie and the dish was fine, not exceptional, and the portion was a joke for about $20. I thought that Michael Mina had the best warm bread rolls and butter that I've had in SF. I couldn't get enough of the butter.

[nicedragonboy]

I don't know if I agree with Mari concerning the mini pot pie, considering the size of the pot it came in, there was a lot of empty space in the pot. And for $30, I didn't think it lived up to the hype for that particular dish. Just my opinion though.

[nocharge]

I would do the bar menu and get the ahi tuna tartare and lobster pot pie. That's forty dollars. You can add a dessert for another twelve bucks without suffering from that sickening feeling of having eaten too much. Of course, if you get a cocktail and a glass of wine or two, you may easily be spending in the hundreds with tax and tip. I don't think there is such a thing as Michael Mina "on a budget" unless you are talking about the national defense budget.