Beautiful space, incredible food and drinks, and impeccable service. 5 stars all around!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathy C
SF East Bay. We ordered a bunch of small dishes & liked them all! Service was top notch too. Do try & we definitely wouldn’t mind eating here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Savory Ricotta Doughnut
BayAreaFoodEnthusiast
Excellent service all around, starting with prompt responses to my questions over text message, to a warm welcome when we arrived and attentive service from all the staff throughout our dining experience. All the dishes we ordered were amazing; from the raw and grilled oysters, salads, to the sandwiches/entrees and hand crafted cocktails/drinks, everything was delicious. What a gem in this neighborhood! Definitely recommend, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion. We had such a great time for my birthday.
That Guy
Definitely been our new local favorite. Food is always amazing and Christina is a great host. All that combined with Marco kicking out some epic cocktails behind the bar You're guaranteed to have a good night. And do not skip the whole rockfish it's a star of the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Curry Mussels with Fried Shaved Fennel, Oyster on the Half Shell
NASAman
Second time going to Top Hatters and, as before, TH did not disappoint! Service wonderful, food delicious, and atmosphere very good. Though this could be a description about many restaurants, two things stand out about TH. First, the location. It's in a quiet neighborhood and easily accessible by freeway (whose noise you don't really hear.) It feels like a well-kept secret. Second, the food. I personally didn't understand about 20% of the words I was looking at (ok, a bit of hyperbole). The dishes were unique, flavorful, presented well and just right quantity-wise. the food reminded me of the SF restaurant State Bird Provisions in the Fillmore district. The food and the cost (a bit on the high side) won't be for everyone, but if you want to try something different, you won't be disappointed.
Pamela
This was my second visit in three weeks, and I tried all new dishes. Every dish and every cocktail both times was a complete winner. Surprising combinations, exceptionally prepared and beautifully presented. The second time, we ordered via QR code ... the first time, a waitress took our order. The QR menu is much better than the paper one -- it has pictures of all the dishes and more fulsome explanations. But ordering by the app is not as good as ordering with a person.
Mamaseacat
What a hidden gem!! I wasn't sure what to expect driving up to Top Hatters because I saw an old, vintage sign from the street and thought, "Why do I need reservations for this dive?" Don't judge a book by its cover! I walked inside a beautiful upscale restaurant! Very impressive! I love that all the menus (cocktail, bites and sweets) were in a little plastic holder with the QR code printed on the caddy. Lots of signature cocktails to choose from, and a variety of small bites and entrees with delicious descriptions. It made it difficult to choose but the staff was ready to give you their recommendations. However, I don't think you would go wrong with anything you order from Top Hatters! We ordered: Cherry Chullo - refreshing fruity bevvie that packs a punch! Spiced Sami - smoky tequila cocktail Grilled Galangal Pork Skewer - fantastic flavor, definitely recommend! I loved the pickled daikon on the side. Savory Doughnuts - amazing chew and crunch, another great recommendation! Grilled Broccolini w/ Mung Bean Cream - this complemented the pork skewers well but I can also eat this by itself. Loved all the commingling of flavors and textures. Lemon Ricotta Zeppole (Italian doughnuts) - Just like the savory doughnuts but for dessert. We could decide which dipping sauce to try so we got all 3! My friend preferred the matcha cardamom cream but I loved the earl grey chocolate ganache. The spiced apple butter was okay. Overall I love this place! I'm going to bring the hubby next time and try more dishes from the menu (which changes seasonally). So I guess I'll be returning many times.
Ollebo
For the adventurous and discering palate, you can't do better than Top Hatters. The flavors and presentations of the dishes are first class, and the creativity of the carefully selected ingredients are always a pleasant surprise. Service was as good as it gets - attentive without being intrusive, friendly and easy-going. It's a pleasure to recommend this place!
Sharon Ross
Amazing birthday dinner. Was able to snag a Friday night rez with minimal notice. We ordered savoy doughnuts, tissue bread, a farmers box with cheese, oxtail and grits, sesame mochi, and the lemon zeppelis. Service was great, and our server was a delight. I found this gem by chance over a year ago and I was so glad I picked this for tonight. Truly tasty bites!
Food was incredible, I see why this place has a Michelin star. The savory Donuts melted in your mouth, and the vegetable curry I got was perfectly balanced with spices. It was light but still very flavourful. Highly recommend!
Took a good friend out to lunch to celebrate a landmark birthday. Sitting in the garden on a sunny day was lovely (and quieter than tables inside. That was great because we could really have a conversation. She loved Top Hatter too, as I do. (I've taken 8 people here by now and given gift cards also.). If you've never been here, you're in for a treat. Pleased Repeat Patron.
Great service, ambience, food, and lots of street parking! We had the charcuterie pate, tissue bread, red snapper, and pork belly. My favorites: tissue bread and pork belly (it was super tender with so much flavor)! I'd definitely come back and add cocktails to my list.
TaraB
Fabulous food, cocktails so good even our non alcoholic drinkers enjoyed the mocktails, desert was divine and so impressive may just have to come back for a drink and desert. Only complaint is parking and with two handicapped people it's always a struggle but so worth it. Would suggest to anyone looking for a great place for a special meal. Shouldn't all meals be special.
KirstenM
I love Top Hatters, always a great place to dine in a leisurely fashion with friends who enjoy innovative global cuisine and appreciate attentive service. The menu changes seasonally so you can always find something new here. You'd pay a lot more in San Francisco. And, oh, did I mention there's always parking on nearby streets!
ValH
We've dined here multiple times and it never disappoints. The food is always interesting and delicious. We ordered the candied bourbon yam chips; broccolini with mung bean cream; seared rice cake with pork, shrimp cotton and lap xuong sausage; and seasonal farm grazing box and spreads with dry chorizo picante. They were all made with very fresh ingredients and were a little more than enough for 2 hungry adults (we were a bit stuffed). They have vegan and gluten-free options and substitutions also. The hand crafted cocktails are just as wonderful as the food. They are unique and always adorned with garnishes that add to the flavor and presentation. We had the Old Milliner and Laylah Veil - both were delectable. Their cocktails are some of the best we've had in the Bay Area. We ate in the outdoor courtyard and the noise level was low and atmosphere was relaxed even though all tables were full. They have you order and pay via a QR code which we liked since you can place your order/pay whenever you're ready. The servers that checked in were friendly, responsive and knowledgeable.
Beautiful space, incredible food and drinks, and impeccable service. 5 stars all around!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SF East Bay. We ordered a bunch of small dishes & liked them all! Service was top notch too. Do try & we definitely wouldn’t mind eating here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Savory Ricotta Doughnut
Excellent service all around, starting with prompt responses to my questions over text message, to a warm welcome when we arrived and attentive service from all the staff throughout our dining experience. All the dishes we ordered were amazing; from the raw and grilled oysters, salads, to the sandwiches/entrees and hand crafted cocktails/drinks, everything was delicious. What a gem in this neighborhood! Definitely recommend, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion. We had such a great time for my birthday.
Definitely been our new local favorite. Food is always amazing and Christina is a great host. All that combined with Marco kicking out some epic cocktails behind the bar You're guaranteed to have a good night. And do not skip the whole rockfish it's a star of the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Curry Mussels with Fried Shaved Fennel, Oyster on the Half Shell
Second time going to Top Hatters and, as before, TH did not disappoint! Service wonderful, food delicious, and atmosphere very good. Though this could be a description about many restaurants, two things stand out about TH. First, the location. It's in a quiet neighborhood and easily accessible by freeway (whose noise you don't really hear.) It feels like a well-kept secret. Second, the food. I personally didn't understand about 20% of the words I was looking at (ok, a bit of hyperbole). The dishes were unique, flavorful, presented well and just right quantity-wise. the food reminded me of the SF restaurant State Bird Provisions in the Fillmore district. The food and the cost (a bit on the high side) won't be for everyone, but if you want to try something different, you won't be disappointed.
This was my second visit in three weeks, and I tried all new dishes. Every dish and every cocktail both times was a complete winner. Surprising combinations, exceptionally prepared and beautifully presented. The second time, we ordered via QR code ... the first time, a waitress took our order. The QR menu is much better than the paper one -- it has pictures of all the dishes and more fulsome explanations. But ordering by the app is not as good as ordering with a person.
What a hidden gem!! I wasn't sure what to expect driving up to Top Hatters because I saw an old, vintage sign from the street and thought, "Why do I need reservations for this dive?" Don't judge a book by its cover! I walked inside a beautiful upscale restaurant! Very impressive! I love that all the menus (cocktail, bites and sweets) were in a little plastic holder with the QR code printed on the caddy. Lots of signature cocktails to choose from, and a variety of small bites and entrees with delicious descriptions. It made it difficult to choose but the staff was ready to give you their recommendations. However, I don't think you would go wrong with anything you order from Top Hatters! We ordered: Cherry Chullo - refreshing fruity bevvie that packs a punch! Spiced Sami - smoky tequila cocktail Grilled Galangal Pork Skewer - fantastic flavor, definitely recommend! I loved the pickled daikon on the side. Savory Doughnuts - amazing chew and crunch, another great recommendation! Grilled Broccolini w/ Mung Bean Cream - this complemented the pork skewers well but I can also eat this by itself. Loved all the commingling of flavors and textures. Lemon Ricotta Zeppole (Italian doughnuts) - Just like the savory doughnuts but for dessert. We could decide which dipping sauce to try so we got all 3! My friend preferred the matcha cardamom cream but I loved the earl grey chocolate ganache. The spiced apple butter was okay. Overall I love this place! I'm going to bring the hubby next time and try more dishes from the menu (which changes seasonally). So I guess I'll be returning many times.
For the adventurous and discering palate, you can't do better than Top Hatters. The flavors and presentations of the dishes are first class, and the creativity of the carefully selected ingredients are always a pleasant surprise. Service was as good as it gets - attentive without being intrusive, friendly and easy-going. It's a pleasure to recommend this place!
Amazing birthday dinner. Was able to snag a Friday night rez with minimal notice. We ordered savoy doughnuts, tissue bread, a farmers box with cheese, oxtail and grits, sesame mochi, and the lemon zeppelis. Service was great, and our server was a delight. I found this gem by chance over a year ago and I was so glad I picked this for tonight. Truly tasty bites!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Savory Doughnuts, Fried Sesame Mochi, Lemon Ricotta Donuts, Oxtail & Grits
Food was incredible, I see why this place has a Michelin star. The savory Donuts melted in your mouth, and the vegetable curry I got was perfectly balanced with spices. It was light but still very flavourful. Highly recommend!
Restaurantji Recommends
Took a good friend out to lunch to celebrate a landmark birthday. Sitting in the garden on a sunny day was lovely (and quieter than tables inside. That was great because we could really have a conversation. She loved Top Hatter too, as I do. (I've taken 8 people here by now and given gift cards also.). If you've never been here, you're in for a treat. Pleased Repeat Patron.
Great service, ambience, food, and lots of street parking! We had the charcuterie pate, tissue bread, red snapper, and pork belly. My favorites: tissue bread and pork belly (it was super tender with so much flavor)! I'd definitely come back and add cocktails to my list.
Fabulous food, cocktails so good even our non alcoholic drinkers enjoyed the mocktails, desert was divine and so impressive may just have to come back for a drink and desert. Only complaint is parking and with two handicapped people it's always a struggle but so worth it. Would suggest to anyone looking for a great place for a special meal. Shouldn't all meals be special.
I love Top Hatters, always a great place to dine in a leisurely fashion with friends who enjoy innovative global cuisine and appreciate attentive service. The menu changes seasonally so you can always find something new here. You'd pay a lot more in San Francisco. And, oh, did I mention there's always parking on nearby streets!
We've dined here multiple times and it never disappoints. The food is always interesting and delicious. We ordered the candied bourbon yam chips; broccolini with mung bean cream; seared rice cake with pork, shrimp cotton and lap xuong sausage; and seasonal farm grazing box and spreads with dry chorizo picante. They were all made with very fresh ingredients and were a little more than enough for 2 hungry adults (we were a bit stuffed). They have vegan and gluten-free options and substitutions also. The hand crafted cocktails are just as wonderful as the food. They are unique and always adorned with garnishes that add to the flavor and presentation. We had the Old Milliner and Laylah Veil - both were delectable. Their cocktails are some of the best we've had in the Bay Area. We ate in the outdoor courtyard and the noise level was low and atmosphere was relaxed even though all tables were full. They have you order and pay via a QR code which we liked since you can place your order/pay whenever you're ready. The servers that checked in were friendly, responsive and knowledgeable.