Hakkasan is an upscale, well designed restaurant in the heart of San Francisco. The restaurant serves Cantonese cuisine, the service is attentive, and the dining experience is best described as ambient with tons of atmosphere. There is a subtle sexiness about the Hakkasan experience, it’s very polished and oozes appeal. The food was delicious and the presentation elevated every dish.
We started the evening with pre-dinner cocktails, I ordered ‘The Hakka’, mixed with Belvedere Vodka, Masumi Okuden Junmai Sake Coconut, Passionfruit, and Lychee Juice. A very refreshing and fruity creation and one we would happily recommend. My partner ordered the ‘Hong Kong Dusk’, an interesting cocktail mixed with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Blandy’s Bual 5 yr Madeira, Qi’ Men Black Tea, and Cedar Wood Smoke, a cocktail not shy of alcohol, complete with strong, defined flavours.
“There is a subtle sexiness about the Hakkasan experience.”
To begin I ordered the Stir-Fry Mushroom Lettuce Wrap, with Pistachio and Pine Nuts. I have to say this dish was wonderfully presented, and the flavours were a joy. My partner ordered the Jasmine Tea Smoked Pork Spare Ribs. Being smoked in Jasmine tea leaves gives pork a very satisfying deep flavour, another superb choice.
For main course I ordered Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin with Pomegranate Seeds. Again, the dish was presented masterfully and delivered on flavour, the Pomegranate Seeds completed this dish perfectly. My partner ordered the Assam Seafood Claypot, with Prawns, Squid, Halibut, served with Chinese Buns. A fine example of a seafood dish, perfectly seasoned, and very satisfying. We also shared a dish of Tofu, with Aubergine and Shiitake Mushroom in a Black Bean Sauce, complete with a generous bowl of Steamed Jasmine Rice. A delicious dish, the Black Bean Sauce had a nice kick, and the Tofu had a wonderful texture.
Ensure that you save space for dessert or get the Macaroons to go, you will not be disappointed. The Macaroons rival any Parisienne patisserie, they are house-made and the flavours change daily so there will always be a refreshing new flavour to tickle your palette.
Moving on to dessert I ordered the Coconut ‘Sago’ Pudding, with Honeycomb, Pomegranate, Hibiscus, Cinnamon, and Toasted Coconut Sorbet. A delicious and sweet dessert providing a fitting end to a superb evening. My partner stayed with the tea theme and ordered a Green Tea Matcha Mousse, with Raspberry Sorbet, Profiteroles, and a Jasmine Tea Foam. This is one to try if you visit Hakkasan, a delicious collection of flavours.
We enjoyed a bottle of 2008, Palmina Nebbiolo, Santa Barbara County during our evening. A ruby red wine delivering a wide range of floral and fruit notes, perfect with meat dishes. We had a superb evening and were well looked after, we wouldn’t hesitate to return.
