The Velvet Room on the first floor of The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco has an amazing and diligent chef, and you can't modify things that he doesn't approve of, which I actually appreciate. I know it is somewhat strange to actually recommend going to a hotel restaurant for breakfast, but it's really busy that good. Just make sure to get there by 10:45am because they stop serving breakfast at 11am. I didn't get a chance to try the coffee but I am curious to know if it's at the same quality level of the food. I love the atmosphere and overall decor, and there really isn't a bad seat. They have a few different somewhat-connected areas where you can dine in, all with different-yet-connected vibes. They have an area that's black and white, another that's dark greens, and then the largest area where we chose to sit both days. With green subway tile, white exposed ceilings, comfortable booth options, black and white marble flooring, mid-century modern tables, and multiple styles of light fixtures. The cashier made us feel very welcomed and remembered us when we returned for breakfast a second day in a row, which made me feel special. The only thing that could have made the experience better was if they were playing "Blue Velvet" by Bobby Vinton. My top recommendations: The egg white scramble ($23) with avocado ($4) and a side of chicken sausage ($8) is the best way to order this breakfast item. The egg white scramble comes with savory umami mushrooms, fresh tomato, onion, and spinach, as well as a side of roasted tomato, flavorful breakfast potatoes with grilled onions, and bread of your choice. Since it's San Francisco, I do recommend going with the sourdough and enjoying the jams. The Shakshuka ($21) with two poached eggs, thinly sliced red onions, bread, and fresh herbs is full of flavor, and it's the only dish that Chef allows the lamb sausage ($7) to be added to. If you eat meat, I strongly recommend adding the lamb. The orange juice is $7 for 12oz but it's very refreshing and delicious.

Nice place. Sweet spot to just hang out. Great food and service. Well made drinks from the bar. A place to revisit for sure.

Bought a Groupon for a Chef's tasting menu for two, to give the Velvet Room a try. I've had great experiences in the Clift hotel bar, but never for dining. Why is it called the Velvet Room, you may ask? Well, my inquisitive reader, here's the scoop- it's a room, covered in velvet. Now you know. Friendly hostess led us to our table, which elicited a pout from me because I wanted to be seated in the tilt a wheel cupped throne chairs in every corner, but alas, we were relegated to the sea of tables like every other ordinary diner. The waitress was peculiar, either bored or high (maybe both), but would randomly drift over between bites and stare at us emptily until she voiced a breezy statement or inflection absent question. Menu was full of items that sounded quite appetizing, our Groupon included a starter, two entrees, a side dish, and one dessert. Adding a steak entrée was an additional $15 surcharge, but we didn't miss much without it. We began with drinks, I ordered the Pineapple Express ($12), a refreshing rendition of a cocktail pina colada, with burbon infused vanilla, and he had the Cucumber Cooler ($13) with freshly muddled cukes and elderflower, both refreshing starts to our dining experience. We began the meal with the Truffled Wagyu Steak Tartare ($16), with wholegrain mustard and olive oil brushed sourdough points. The steak was perfectly seasoned, tender and juicy, and very rich, complimented perfectly with the spicy mustard, and sour/tangy capers. Darling man felt the call of the cow, and was satiated with the Clift Burger ($18), on a pretzel bun with perfectly caramelized onions, and well-seasoned fries. I opted for the Oven Roasted Mary's Chicken ($24), which had a crispy, buttery skin, over juicy meat, and softly cooked garlic spinach. Our side was the wild Foraged Mushrooms ($10), complimented by rosemary and drizzled with garlic butter. For dessert we chose the Meyer Lemon Steamed Pudding ($8), whose micro flowers delighted us, and whose flavors wowed us with its multitude of fresh essences of ginger, basil, berries, and tangy citrus. We paired this with a Clift Manhattan to end the meal ($13), which was a little heavy for my tastes, but well-mixed. I would recommend this dining experience for those looking to make a statement, because the ambiance is moody, romantic, and sultry, with heavy, dark paneling, ceiling to floor drapery, and ambient lighting. Perfect date spot, or intimate dining for a few. Not a place for loud parties, bringing the kids, or anyone with low light challenges. Beautiful, elegant, delicious, and delightful, The Velvet Room will wrap you up with its soft caress, and leave you feeling warm and content.

This is the restaurant inside the Clift Hotel, a Morgans Group property. I have said in many other reviews of their properties, that I am a huge fan of their hotels. The décor, the ambiance and the service are all excellent. The breakfast service is a very relaxed experience and the room, with its dark wood and curtains, create a nice way to ease into the day - very calming and peaceful. The staff are very good as well - there when you need them, but never hovering. I ordered the continental buffet. It was the usual mixture of breads, fruits, granola, eggs, bacon, etc. Although the spread wasn't massive, the quality of the food was excellent. In addition, there was an a la carte breakfast menu as well if you absolutely have to have pancakes in the morning. Although I was staying in another hotel nearby, I came here for breakfast (and tranquility) each morning to avoid the zoo in my hotel restaurant.

*3.5 stars* I came here and used a Gilt Group voucher for a 3 course meal. They use Open Table for reservations so it was easy and it seems like they're hardly ever booked up since all times were open for a Friday & Saturday. Having said that, I didn't have high expectations since it seems as all the great restaurants in the city are booked up for weeks unless you want dinner at 9:30pm. Anyway, the restaurant has a dramatic feel to it with its ridiculous high ceilings, massive corner booths lined with red leather, dark wood, dim lighting and of course, the loud music & bass from the bar next door. The host was friendly and approachable making the place not as "uppity" as it could have been. Onto the food... Appetizer - green salad with apple slices, pomegranate seed and bacon(!) with a light vinegrette. Salad is best with bacon. True story. Main - butternut squash risotto, the rice wasn't cooked thoroughly making it chewy & hard. I'd pass on this next time. The husband got the petit poulet coq au vin which was tasty (the skin was apparently delicious, of course) that came with pearl onions & mushrooms. It was the better option. Side - we got the fries which came with a what seemed like mayo+sriracha sauce. Fries were good, nothing spectacular but good. If you want ketchup, they give you a small glass bottle Heinz. It's pretty cute. Dessert - chocolate cake, which was served warm (yes!) with olive oil ice cream. I wasn't a huge fan of the ice cream but the cake was divine. Overall, service was great and the food was good.

Walking in to the Clift Hotel makes me feel like a high roller and seeing the Velvet Room gives off the same impression. Basically Asia De Cuba got shut down and Velvet Room was put in its place. Considering they only had 2 weeks or so to nail down a menu the food was fantastic (from the time when Asia De Cuba closed and Velvet Room opened). For appetizers you've got to try the flat bread and the asparagus. At a place like this, you'd think your portions would be measly, but BOY were we wrong! For entrees get the scallops, the beef tenderloin or the chicken and mushrooms. Their lamb was exceptional as well although, I kind of wished the pea polenta sauce was on the beef tenderloin instead of on the lamb.... MmMmm... Pea Polenta.... DESSERT: Get the strawberry panna cotta!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Whenever I think goat's milk, I get grossed out a little bit, but the panna cotta was just fan-frea-kin-tastic! Prices: Appetizers are around $8-12, Entrees were around $25-32... Considering Asia De Cuba's lamb was $82, Velvet Room's is cheaper AND tastes betterrrrr! Since they JUST opened, they're still working on things, but a few managers came to our table and explained the lack of menu choices (there are like 5 entrees) is because "we wanted to do few things exceptionally well, instead of more things that aren't as good." Oh by the way... I usually judge service based on how fast my water glass gets filled. After chugging down my water (for the third or so time) it was refilled in UNDER TWENTY SECONDS! YAYY!! Good Job Velvet Room! You've got a successful future ahead of ya!