As a visitor to this area I have been amazed at how poor the food has been in the restaurants I have eaten at. Big portions of tasteless mush, with oodles of sauce to disguise the bland produce. A... More

As a visitor to this area I have been amazed at how poor the food has been in the restaurants I have eaten at. Big portions of tasteless mush, with oodles of sauce to disguise the bland produce. A shameful eating experience. So it was a pleasure to eat at a restaurant that obviously cares about the food they serve. The negatives: a little too nouvelle cuisine for my liking, with tiny portions and elaborate explanations of the two mushrooms on the side of your plate (How did you find the chicken sir? It was hiding underneath the sprout) . And an excessively priced wine list (bring your own). Also the dining area could do with a designer's touch. Having said that this was the first meal I have had in over a week that I could distinguish the taste between the produce offered and it felt like it was cooked with loved. I can not tell you how refreshing this was!
Less

My husband and I finally had a chance to dine here last week. Everything was incredible! We got there early, but had a chance to look at the menu in the window. They were not 100% ready at 5:30, but... More

My husband and I finally had a chance to dine here last week. Everything was incredible! We got there early, but had a chance to look at the menu in the window. They were not 100% ready at 5:30, but invited us in and got started on our drinks while they lit the candles on the tables. Inside it's a romantic setting with cozy booths lining the walls and tables arranged where you didn't feel cramped at all. They promtly brought out fresh, hot bread and room temp butter (thank you!). As we started on the break and cocktails, they checked on if our drinks were ok and the waiter soon took our oder. Although warned that the tuna was served pretty rare, I ordered it anyway, and was very embarrassed to ask them to cook it more. The waitress totally knew what I was going to ask as she came to our table. When my plate did return, it was the most incredible tuna that I have had...period. The fish was so tender yet cooked al the way through (tough with tuna), stacked on top of delicious mustard greens (although I don't eat veggies, not one leaf was left on my plate), and lay in a coconut sauce that was like liquid heaven! Before our main entrees were ready, the chef sent out samples of thinly slices fish drizzled with oil, a strawberry soup of some type, and a sample of yet another cold soup. My husband's pork dish was great too: moist slices of pork over a great sauce. The service was great too. At least 5 people served us at one point or another during our visit. Although we did just pop in during the middle of the week, I would highly recommend reservations. I can see how a place like this can easily and quickly establish regulars no matter what day of the week. The price was a bit more than a casual dinner, but worth every single dollar especially if you go there for an occassion. We will most definitely return (and this time I will consider the waiter's suggestion about the fish...still feel terrible!) Enjoy! Pros: service, food, and atmosphere Cons: $$, no mixed drinks
Less

We, a large party, had a variety of dishes. Some had the 3-course tasting menu, which included an ahi starter, flat iron steak main course, and the chocolate cake for dessert. The ahi was average;... More

We, a large party, had a variety of dishes. Some had the 3-course tasting menu, which included an ahi starter, flat iron steak main course, and the chocolate cake for dessert. The ahi was average; the steak was tough, but at least had some seasoning; and the dessert was too sweet. Others had the fois gras 3 ways and salads for starters. The seared fois gras was at best average, the tureen and the custard fois gras were average. The salads were fine. Some ordered the American Kobe beef. This course looks like the flat steak of the 3-course menu, but the price was much higher, but it was not seasoned at all, and the beef was as tough as the flat steak.... they should be calling the meat Kobe at all, as it was tough and lean. The Texas bass was probably the best course of the entire dinner... the skin was crispy and the seasoning was good. For the price of the meal, I would much rather go to San Francisco; for a similar price range, a lot of restaurants there (like Bacar, Boulevard, and Gary Danko) would provide better food and service.
Less

Yes, there are many establishments that can serve a fine meal, but none, in my opinion, can compare with 231 Ellsworth. What sets them apart from the others? Attention to detail. The food is a... More

Yes, there are many establishments that can serve a fine meal, but none, in my opinion, can compare with 231 Ellsworth. What sets them apart from the others? Attention to detail. The food is a tapestry of flavors woven with surprising and innovative flair. The service is impeccable: attentive but not invasive. The atmosphere is warm, contemporary without being flashy, and elegant yet relaxing. This is truly an experience worth repeating, and sharing with others! PROS: valet parking, service, ambience CONS: none
Less

My wife and I just celebrated our anniversary at 231 Ellsworth, I must say that it was the nicest meal that we have had in a long time. We will certainly be back and more often. Pros: Food... More

My wife and I just celebrated our anniversary at 231 Ellsworth, I must say that it was the nicest meal that we have had in a long time. We will certainly be back and more often. Pros: Food and Service
Less

Over the years, we've eaten at 231 Ellsworth on numerous occasions, sometimes for special events, but just as many times, if not more, simply because it's good. Having dined there over the last... More

Over the years, we've eaten at 231 Ellsworth on numerous occasions, sometimes for special events, but just as many times, if not more, simply because it's good. Having dined there over the last couple of decades, we are especially happy with the offerings of the current chef, Tim Hilt. He and his kitchen bring fresh, seasonally updated versions of classics with inventive twists and the presentation is at once elegant and whimsical. Most importantly, though, is that the food is delicious. We never worry about whether we should order seafood on certain days of the week. Without exception, everything they serve is fresh. We found it to extraordinarily fresh and flavorful, exquisite really,--not always our experience when we've dined elsewhere. We wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend this restaurant. PROS: Delicious food, superb wine list CONS: Hmmmm...I'm still thinking
Less

I have been to 231 Ellsworth many times, and I have to say that it is my favorite restaurant for fine dinning. Do yourself a treat and order the five course tasting menu with the wine paring. You... More

I have been to 231 Ellsworth many times, and I have to say that it is my favorite restaurant for fine dinning. Do yourself a treat and order the five course tasting menu with the wine paring. You will not find a better experience anywhere! If one of the items is not really what you want, just ask and they will gladly change it. (My wife won??t eat wild) I have not tried the Vegetarian option, but I just might next time. The wine paring are perfect too. Take a few hours to really enjoy it and treat it as an adventure. You will thank me??.. Michael PROS: Fantastic food and wine pairings CONS:
Less

Yes, there are many establishments that can serve a fine meal, but none, in my opinion, can compare with 231 Ellsworth. What sets them apart from the others? Attention to detail. The food is a... More

Yes, there are many establishments that can serve a fine meal, but none, in my opinion, can compare with 231 Ellsworth. What sets them apart from the others? Attention to detail. The food is a tapestry of flavors woven with surprising and innovative flair. The service is impeccable: attentive but not invasive. The atmosphere is warm, contemporary without being flashy, and elegant yet relaxing. This is truly an experience worth repeating, and sharing with others! Pros: valet parking, service, ambience Cons: none
Less

I've eaten at 231 Ellsworth many times, and have always had an amazing dining experience there. The wonderful combinations that the Executive Chef, Tim Hilt puts together are just fabulous..I... More

I've eaten at 231 Ellsworth many times, and have always had an amazing dining experience there. The wonderful combinations that the Executive Chef, Tim Hilt puts together are just fabulous..I especially liked the Ahi with the Sushi Rice Sorbet..I thought it was a very cool presentation and the food just melted in my mouth! The foie gras was pretty amazing as well..Definitely worth every penny, and a nice upscale dining option in downtown San Mateo. Pros: wonderful menu and selections
Less

Over the years, we've eaten at 231 Ellsworth on numerous occasions, sometimes for special events, but just as many times, if not more, simply because it's good. Having dined there over the last... More

Over the years, we've eaten at 231 Ellsworth on numerous occasions, sometimes for special events, but just as many times, if not more, simply because it's good. Having dined there over the last couple of decades, we are especially happy with the offerings of the current chef, Tim Hilt. He and his kitchen bring fresh, seasonally updated versions of classics with inventive twists and the presentation is at once elegant and whimsical. Most importantly, though, is that the food is delicious. We never worry about whether we should order seafood on certain days of the week. Without exception, everything they serve is fresh. To that end, I was surprised at a previous post that they found the ahi to be disappointing. Our experience was the polar opposite. We found it to extraordinarily fresh and flavorful, exquisite really,--not always our experience when we've dined elsewhere. I would encourage them to give the restaurant another try. We wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend this restaurant. Pros: Delicious food, superb wine list Cons: Hmmmm...I'm still thinking...
Less