Butterfly Restaurant

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Pier 33 Embarcadero (at Pier 33 & Embarcadero)
San Francisco, CA 94121

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(415) 864-8999
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Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Butterfly Restaurant - San Francisco, CA
Reviews
( 51 )
( 12 )
( 14 )
( 12 )
( 26 )

Best

where can you find where both ambiance and food is great. the staff is friendly. the food is nicely priced, not expensive at all.

Worst

Dill on hanger steak? That didn't work for me. The food was incredibly salty. Pros: Many dishes are flops. Cons: Great drinks. Stunning interior.

Disappointed... Could have made it at home....entrees lacked spark & flavor 3/26/2007

My husband and I were expecting interesting, delicious new flavors and a beautiful setting but we found the view was nice but not something to rave about... the calamari appetizer was very good but the rest of the meal went downhill.. we ordered the soy & mirin glazed black cod and the daily special which was shrimp on a bed of bloood orange paired with crab stuffed crepes with hollandaise on asparagus.... we thought these dishes sounded very tasty but we both felt we could have made it at home. The entrees lacked savor and were not very impressive. The banana bread pudding dessert was above average but not something I would go back for. Pass on the creme brulee... also very disappointing. Wished I'd spent that $$ somewhere else.... Pros: Good Ambience, Service, Appetizers Cons: Bad Food, High Prices more
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poor service 2/10/2007

The food was decent. We try out a lot of restaurants all over the world and the food was 7/10 by our standards. The view was good and we had been there for a lunch visit prior. So we decided to plan a special occasion dinner. .First when we made reservations, we asked for a window seat. When we noted this upon our arrival, the hostess said no we could not have a window seat. We got there and the window seats were empty for 1/2 an hour. Another couple came in, were showed to a seat without a window ,noted the same thing and asked for the window seat and were finally given it. The person who took reservations at our first visit for lunch had told us there were no reservations on a certain day. When we called back there were plenty of reservations. We were told there were no booster seats for children, assumed no children were allowed so obtained a babysitter for our very well behaved, restaurant savvy 5 year old. Then we got there, noticed other much younger children present with booster seats. The food was not as good as what we had expected reading the reviews. To add to all of this, they forgot the appetizer and when this was mentioned finally brought it out after the main course. Also the sommelier brought out the wrong wine which we noticed once we read the label. The actual server herself was pleasant but everyone else was a bit snooty. What could have been a great night was ruined by the service. Pros: decent food Cons: poor service more
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poor service 2/10/2007

The food was decent. We try out a lot of restaurants all over the world and the food was 7/10 by our standards. The view was good and we had been there for a lunch visit prior. So we decided to plan a special occasion dinner. .First when we made reservations, we asked for a window seat. When we noted this upon our arrival, the hostess said no we could not have a window seat. We got there and the window seats were empty for 1/2 an hour. Another couple came in, were showed to a seat without a window ,noted the same thing and asked for the window seat and were finally given it. The person who took reservations at our first visit for lunch had told us there were no reservations on a certain day. When we called back there were plenty of reservations. We were told there were no booster seats for children, assumed no children were allowed so obtained a babysitter for our very well behaved, restaurant savvy 5 year old. Then we got there, noticed other much younger children present with booster seats. The food was not as good as what we had expected reading the reviews. To add to all of this, they forgot the appetizer and when this was mentioned finally brought it out after the main course. Also the sommelier brought out the wrong wine which we noticed once we read the label. The actual server herself was pleasant but everyone else was a bit snooty. What could have been a great night was ruined by the service. Pros: decent food Cons: poor service more
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Worth the Trip! 12/7/2006

I just moved to the city and Butterfly was the first place I dined - it was amazing! I was blown away by the view (it is right on Pier 33) because from the street you don't realize what a great view they have. We arrived at dusk in time to see some sea lions playing in the water while we sat in the lounge to have a drink and some happy hour apps. Pros: The view, service, food and location - parking is so easy!! Cons: It's a popular place, so it gets a bit noisy. more
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Worth the Trip! 12/7/2006

I just moved to the city and Butterfly was the first place I dined - it was amazing! I was blown away by the view (it is right on Pier 33) because from the street you don't realize what a great view they have. We arrived at dusk in time to see some sea lions playing in the water while we sat in the lounge to have a drink and some happy hour apps. Pros: The view, service, food and location - parking is so easy!! Cons: It's a popular place, so it gets a bit noisy. more
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BOOORRRRIIINNGGG!!!!! 12/1/2006

I've been to Butterfly many times before and it had a great bar scene. Atmosphere was great and good looking people. I recently went there with a couple buddies and the place looks like it has changed. It is no longer the fun, loud bar crowd that I am used to. Place was dead on a Saturday night. We sat at the bar to have a few drinks and snacks. The bartender was sooooo boring with no personality that we just paid the bill and left. Unless things change here, I don't think I will be coming back. I'd have a better time hanging out at Bubba Gumps. more
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BOOORRRRIIINNGGG!!!!! 12/1/2006

I've been to Butterfly many times before and it had a great bar scene. Atmosphere was great and good looking people. I recently went there with a couple buddies and the place looks like it has changed. It is no longer the fun, loud bar crowd that I am used to. Place was dead on a Saturday night. We sat at the bar to have a few drinks and snacks. The bartender was sooooo boring with no personality that we just paid the bill and left. Unless things change here, I don't think I will be coming back. I'd have a better time hanging out at Bubba Gumps. Pros: None more
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Best steak ever!! 10/24/2006

Walking into Butterfly, I was afraid that I was in for the small plate experience my girlfriend loves. After ordering a few appetizers I realized that the food came in generous portions. The kalua pig in lettuce cups was incredible! My girlfriend ordered the tuna, rare of course, and I had the cowboy steak. The tuna filet was a huge chunk of meat, and the cowboy steak could have been shared by two people with smaller appetites. After all of this food I could not resist the dessert menu. The banana bread pudding was so moist and delicious! This wonderful food was only an accent to the beautiful views and courteous service. It was a great night and I'll definitely be returning! Pros: Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts! Cons: Parking more
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Wonders By the Water 10/24/2006

My friends and I went to Butterfly for my friend's birthday, I found the atmesphere was great, I found our server to be very knowledgable regarding the food, as it was the first time we'd been to the restautrant, we had no idea of the menu, she managed to explain all our questions, by the way their kalua pig is fabulous!!!! more
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Best steak ever!! 10/24/2006

Walking into Butterfly, I was afraid that I was in for the small plate experience my girlfriend loves. After ordering a few appetizers I realized that the food came in generous portions. The kalua pig in lettuce cups was incredible! My girlfriend ordered the tuna, rare of course, and I had the cowboy steak. The tuna filet was a huge chunk of meat, and the cowboy steak could have been shared by two people with smaller appetites. After all of this food I could not resist the dessert menu. The banana bread pudding was so moist and delicious! This wonderful food was only an accent to the beautiful views and courteous service. It was a great night and I'll definitely be returning! Pros: Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts! Cons: Parking more
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Wonders By the Water 10/24/2006

My friends and I went to Butterfly for my friend's birthday, I found the atmesphere was great, I found our server to be very knowledgable regarding the food, as it was the first time we'd been to the restautrant, we had no idea of the menu, she managed to explain all our questions, by the way their kalua pig is fabulous!!!! more
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Great if you like dirty diapers changed next to your table! 9/21/2006

Disgusting! My husband and I used to like Butterfly and would go there on occasion to enjoy ""date night."" However, when we went on 9/22/06 for dinner, we were seated next to a party who - I AM NOT KIDDING - decided to change their kid's dirty diaper in the main restaurant area. Even worse, Chef Rob Lam came over to socialize with these folks WHILE HIS ""FRIEND"" CONTINUED TO CHANGE HIS KID'S DIRTY DIAPER!!!! We seriously could not believe this was happening! Then, as if that was not bad (and unsanitary) enough, the customers actually left their kid's dirty diaper on the table in a plastic bag for the bus boy to dispose of. I can't decide what was worse - the fact that Chef Lam actually allowed his friend to change his kid's diaper in the public area, or the fact that the guy left the dirty diaper there for someone else to pick up!?!? I CAN PROMISE YOU I WILL NEVER EVER EVER GO BACK THERE AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT WOULD ACTUALLY PASS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STANDARDS. Pros: If you enjoy sitting next to people who change their kid's dirty diaper in plain view... Cons: Should I repeat myself? Two words: DIRTY DIAPER. more
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Great if you like dirty diapers changed next to your table! 9/21/2006

Disgusting! My husband and I used to like Butterfly and would go there on occasion to enjoy "date night." However, when we went on 9/22/06 for dinner, we were seated next to a party who - I AM NOT KIDDING - decided to change their kid's dirty diaper in the main restaurant area. Even worse, Chef Rob Lam came over to socialize with these folks WHILE HIS "FRIEND" CONTINUED TO CHANGE HIS KID'S DIRTY DIAPER!!!! We seriously could not believe this was happening! Then, as if that was not bad (and unsanitary) enough, the customers actually left their kid's dirty diaper on the table in a plastic bag for the bus boy to dispose of. I can't decide what was worse - the fact that Chef Lam actually allowed his friend to change his kid's diaper in the public area, or the fact that the guy left the dirty diaper there for someone else to pick up!?!? I CAN PROMISE YOU I WILL NEVER EVER EVER GO BACK THERE AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT WOULD ACTUALLY PASS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STANDARDS. Pros: If you enjoy sitting next to people who change their kid's dirty diaper in plain view... Cons: Should I repeat myself? Two words: DIRTY DIAPER. more
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Underrated 7/9/2006

We took my foodie aunt from Austin here tonight for dinner and we all liked it very much. The view is impressive, although rather narrow between the pier buildings. If you're seated next to the wall of windows it feels like you're sitting just above the surface of the water. The favorite drink at the table was the margarita...more tart than sweet and one of the best I've had...and I've had a lot of margaritas. The fried calamari was great, light and crispy. The whole fried fish was the most impressive dish...an extremely creative presentation. The sesame coated edamame was another unique fave. One strange thing was that some of the appetizers were bigger than some of the entrees. For example, the pan fried noodle appetizer was easily enough to be an entree, while the gnocchi - while really delicious - was quite a bit smaller dish. All in all, I was happy I brought my out-of-town guest here. Pros: Food, service, ambience more
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Underrated 7/9/2006

We took my foodie aunt from Austin here tonight for dinner and we all liked it very much. The view is impressive, although rather narrow between the pier buildings. If you're seated next to the wall of windows it feels like you're sitting just above the surface of the water. The favorite drink at the table was the margarita...more tart than sweet and one of the best I've had...and I've had a lot of margaritas. The fried calamari was great, light and crispy. The whole fried fish was the most impressive dish...an extremely creative presentation. The sesame coated edamame was another unique fave. One strange thing was that some of the appetizers were bigger than some of the entrees. For example, the pan fried noodle appetizer was easily enough to be an entree, while the gnocchi - while really delicious - was quite a bit smaller dish. All in all, I was happy I brought my out-of-town guest here. Pros: Food, service, ambience Cons: None more
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Delicious food, fun atmosphere and a great view!! 6/18/2006

My girlfriend and I have lived in the city for eight years. I have driven past the Butterfly on Embarcadero a million times and always wondered what it was about but never got around to trying it. I used to go to the one in the Mission adn this one seemed a little out of the way from our usual dinner spots on Valencia. I have to say that we were totally impressed and a little shocked that we hadn't tried the new Butterfly sooner. Pros: Food, View, Service Cons: Location more
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Delicious food, fun atmosphere and a great view!! 6/18/2006

My girlfriend and I have lived in the city for eight years. I have driven past the Butterfly on Embarcadero a million times and always wondered what it was about but never got around to trying it. I used to go to the one in the Mission adn this one seemed a little out of the way from our usual dinner spots on Valencia. I have to say that we were totally impressed and a little shocked that we hadn't tried the new Butterfly sooner. Pros: Food, View, Service Cons: Location more
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poor service/mediocre food 5/16/2006

We dined at Butterfly on Mother's Day evening. The restaurant was empty (maybe 8 tables). We had the Kalua Pig as an appetizer (highly recommend) then waited over 30 minutes for my salad. The waitress apologized and informed us she told the manager. (Although we didn't see him/her and didn't receive a comp). We then waited a while for our entrees. My wife had the filet which she liked very much. I had the scallops and risotto. The risotto had an lemon flavor that way overpowered the delicate scallops. We then waited a while before seeing our waitress and getting a dessert menu. We were going to order desset but our server disappeared again. We decided we couldn't wait forever and skipped dessert. Total dining time was almost two hours. Prices were a bit high for the portion size. Pros: views Cons: service, service, service more
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poor service/mediocre food 5/16/2006

We dined at Butterfly on Mother's Day evening. The restaurant was empty (maybe 8 tables). We had the Kalua Pig as an appetizer (highly recommend) then waited over 30 minutes for my salad. The waitress apologized and informed us she told the manager. (Although we didn't see him/her and didn't receive a comp). We then waited a while for our entrees. My wife had the filet which she liked very much. I had the scallops and risotto. The risotto had an lemon flavor that way overpowered the delicate scallops. We then waited a while before seeing our waitress and getting a dessert menu. We were going to order desset but our server disappeared again. We decided we couldn't wait forever and skipped dessert. Total dining time was almost two hours. Prices were a bit high for the portion size. Pros: views Cons: service, service, service more
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Great Views & Delicious Food 4/14/2006

My first time to this place, and I have a mixed feelings at the beginning because the hostess was not very friendly. But our waitress was excellent, very informative and very friendly. The drinks were very special with asian twist. The Food was most excellent. I has the seared scallops with riostto, it was very very good. I can't say for all the food because my boyfriend had the roasted chicken which he thinks it was okay. But the whole fish that other people ordered looks really good as well. As for dessert, the banana budding was most excellent. I wanted to order another afterwards..... I do recommend to make reservation, otherwise you will not get the window view. Pros: Great views, Yummy dessert, Delicious seafood Cons: a bit pricey, unfriendly hostess, parking more
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Menu for Butterfly Restaurant


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Editorial

  • A striking view of the bay provides a beautiful backdrop to a chic, lofty dining room and a bar backed dramatically in lapis-blue. The crowd is often a bit random--tourists from the piers and Ferry...

  • 10/26/2009 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: tue 11:30am-12:00am, wed 11:30am-12:00am, thu 11:30am-12:00am, fri 11:30am-12:00am, sat 11:00am-12:00am, sun 11:00am-12:00am
  • Neighborhoods: Northeast, Financial District
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