We hosted our wedding at STEM in August and had the most incredible day. Daniel and the entire team were wonderful, so helpful during the planning process and truly went above and beyond for us and our guests on the wedding day. The venue was perfect; we held our ceremony outside in the Garden and our reception inside, and everything came together beautifully. A huge thank you to the entire STEM team for making our wedding day absolutely perfect, we couldn’t have asked for more!
Overview
Stem Kitchen | Garden is a refreshing gem located at 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94158, offering a unique dining experience that blends modern cuisine with a vibrant garden atmosphere. This spot isn’t just another restaurant - it’s a destination for anyone who loves fresh, locally sourced ingredients and beautifully crafted dishes. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance, where the natural elements seamlessly mix with the urban environment. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, enjoy delicious food, and appreciate the thoughtfully designed space around you.
The menu at Stem Kitchen | Garden reflects the restaurant’s commitment to sustainable eating. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, there’s something for everyone. A standout feature is their seasonal menu, which changes to ensure that only the freshest produce is used. On any given day, you’ll find a variety of dishes featuring locally grown vegetables, responsibly sourced meats, and unique plant-based options. For example, the roasted cauliflower with chickpea purée and a sprinkle of smoked paprika is a dish that brings together both texture and flavor in a way that’s unexpectedly satisfying.
For those who prefer a more indulgent meal, the wood-fired pizzas are a crowd favorite. With toppings ranging from prosciutto and arugula to roasted mushrooms and truffle oil, the pizzas are perfectly crisp and deliciously savory. Stem Kitchen also has a fantastic selection of craft cocktails, like their signature rosemary gin fizz, which pairs beautifully with the fresh, herbaceous flavors that are prevalent throughout their dishes.
The atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant feels open and airy, inviting in plenty of natural light. The garden area outside is perfect for al fresco dining, with greenery surrounding the space and creating a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Whether you’re here for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner, the setting contributes to a memorable experience that’s both laid-back and elegant.
If you're planning to visit, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation, especially on weekends when the place can get pretty busy. The friendly staff goes out of their way to ensure your visit is enjoyable, offering recommendations based on your preferences and making sure that your meal goes off without a hitch. Many reviews mention the attention to detail in both the service and the presentation of the food, and it’s clear that the team behind Stem Kitchen | Garden is passionate about providing a top-notch dining experience.
In terms of location, 499 Illinois St. is in a great area, offering easy access to both local and visiting guests. Whether you’re a San Francisco native or a tourist exploring the area, the restaurant’s proximity to the waterfront and popular attractions makes it an excellent stop during your day. The surrounding neighborhood is quickly becoming a hotspot for food lovers, with several other eateries and cafes nearby, but Stem Kitchen stands out for its dedication to quality ingredients and a refined, yet relaxed vibe.
What truly sets Stem Kitchen apart is its ability to combine the best of both worlds: high-quality, gourmet food in an approachable, comfortable setting. Many guests rave about the thoughtful balance of flavors in each dish, and it’s evident that the chefs take great care in crafting each menu item. They don’t just rely on trendy food concepts; instead, they focus on creating dishes that highlight the natural beauty and taste of the ingredients.
As a regular visitor to the restaurant, I can attest to the consistency of the dining experience. Whether I’ve had a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the food never disappoints. Even if you're not sure what to order, the staff is always ready with suggestions, and they make sure you're completely satisfied with your meal. It’s one of those places that you’ll want to return to again and again, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a beloved spot in San Francisco.
The menu at Stem Kitchen | Garden is constantly evolving, reflecting the changing seasons and the availability of the best local ingredients. It’s a great place to experience the flavors of California in a truly memorable way. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing place to enjoy a delicious meal, Stem Kitchen | Garden has something for everyone. From their seasonal menus to the welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place that embodies the spirit of good food, good company, and a good time.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great wine listPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Transgender safe spacePayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Paid parking lot âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 366 reviews
I was looking for a place to have lunch before a doctors appointment and found this online. I was intrigued by the description as I like to eat organically. It can best be described as an upscale cafeteria. The staff was really nice and accommodating and the atmosphere was open and airy. I had a soba noodle salad, which I thought was very delicious and my friend had a chicken salad sandwich. He objected to the overuse of sweet pickles in the chicken salad, however. Other than that, he thought the quality of the food was good, as did I. Definitely a great place to eat if you are in the area. Their garden is beautiful and very well-maintained and you can eat outside and smell the herbs and flowers.
We didn't sit and eat at the actual restaurant. My son had a field trip here, where the kids made pizzas with fresh ingredients from their garden and fruit kabobs. Both Chef Nina and Chef Ray were great. It was a tasty and educational experience. Thank you
Our niece and her fiance chose well in having Stem Kitchen as their pre-wedding meet-and-greet venue. Atmosphere was casual and light. Food was tasty. Dessert was delicious. Drinks were refreshing. A henna artist was onsite for those who wanted a tattoo. Of course I had mine on my hand.
We had the absolute best experience at the STEM Kitchen & Garden! Working with Daniel was truly a blessing. When I say he came through last minute, I mean it — just a week before our event he managed to accommodate our large party of 60 people and helped us host the most beautiful tea ceremony before our wedding. The space itself was gorgeous, and Daniel gave us the flexibility to add our own little decorative touches, which made the celebration feel so personal and special. The food was absolutely brilliant — our guests are still talking about how amazing everything tasted! Daniel made the entire process so easy. He was friendly, professional, and made sure everything ran smoothly. Honestly, it was a blast to work with him — he turned what could have been a stressful last-minute scramble into an unforgettable and seamless event. If you’re looking for a beautiful venue, delicious food, and someone wonderful to work with, Daniel and the STEM Kitchen & Garden team are simply amazing. All day!
Walk into the building and go upstairs! A lovely open restaurant awaits you. Order at the counter and sit wherever you please— even outdoors on a lovely patio that is nestled right up against the water! The music is just the right volume to be relaxing and the office buildings protect from the strong ocean winds. The garden is beautifully designed, with thoughtful flowering plants supporting butterflies and has a comforting, natural ambiance. The food itself was lovely. We got the tarragon chicken sandwich and the peach burrata salad. The ingredients were fresh and the combos were light and flavorful. If you’re looking for a light but filling lunch, a rocks throw from UCSF Hospital, this is your place.
Found this place online and am a huge fan of farm to table type restaurants. The gardens outside of the huge bay view windows gives you insight as to where your lunch is coming from. The food tastes fresh and looks vibrant. They have a menu that accommodates vegan and gluten free visitors to the fullest. To top it all off. The beer is good.
We visited Stem Kitchen & Garden on a Tuesday afternoon and pretty much had the place to ourselves. It’s a very nice and spacious venue with a modern sleek look. The staff were friendly, made conversation with us and made sure we enjoyed the food. We totally enjoyed the food! We ordered the Buttermilk Friend Chicken sandwich and the Skirt Steak Sandwich. Both were amazing! The quality of the food is top notch! It’s just a whole different level from your average restaurant. We left feeling satisfied and not “weighed down.” I love the fact that the veggies are straight from their on-site garden as well! Overall very pleased and excited to return and try more of the menu. Thank you for a great experience!
The food, which is what you first come for when you go out, was truly delicious. The Margherita and Sausage pizzas were thin, and perfectly charred on the underside. The olives were delicious. The fries were slightly garlicky and plentiful. The cheese and meat board was great. You order at the counter and food comes fast, service is attentive. The atmosphere is a bit cold and not warm so it’s not a date night kinda place (with a name like STEM, it’s not intended to be)
Love the outdoor space! I've been around this area many times, and I have never seen this beautiful, hidden garden. The staff were wonderful and the food was great. We'll be back again!
Gluten free pizza crust here is handmade in Berkeley, frozen, and baked. Not bad. Felt like real pizza. The chef came out to discuss options with me and was super respectful, accommodating, and knew all about separation in the kitchen. The sausage and green olive pizza is delicious. Our group of ten had a wide variety of lunch options and there are enough non-alcoholic drinks for a midday work lunch. Parking below building, MUNI T line a block away, or street parking. It's hard to find located inside the building, up one floor at the back facing the bay. Ask the guard for directions or walk the ramp on the outside to enter from the Bay side. Fresh, healthy food, nice service, although be sure you communicate clearly with wait staff or they may throw out your pricey left overs. Sadly, they are still dark ages and only have one fryer that has gluten. Better places have two separate fryers. So be careful with allergies.
This is a rather high-end place as part of the UCSF campus. A big call out for the coffee, which is fantastic. The food is excellent and prepared in line with a high-end natural restaurant. If you’re in the area go there.
Great spot. We sat outside as a large group of 10. The heat lamps were great, especially with the cold breeze. As for the food, it was superb. The pizza was delicious - not the best, but above par (7/10). The halibut was rather small, but it packed a decent punch. I'd rate it 5/10. As for the appetizers, the corn balls were not bad at 6/10, but the meatballs were the highlight at 9/10. The waitress unfortunately spilled two drinks on my back and it soaked my jacket/pants, but I don't want to ding her for it. I'd definitely come back here - just wish they gave us something for the big spill!
Sat outside and had the burger with bacon. Burger was pretty good but the bacon stole the show a bit. Smokey and delicious! Also highly recommend the brussels sprouts and their lavendar drink (berry soda was out that day but was told it was amazing). Will definitely be back to check out the patio for happy hour. Just look at it.. so much room for activities.
I had the pleasure of hosting my wedding at STEM in March! I can’t say enough good things about Daniel and the rest of the team! He worked together with my vendors seamlessly and my day was absolutely perfect! He was patient, considerate, professional, but also easy going to make every interaction with him wonderful! He was actually one of my most communicative vendors—didn’t have to go longer than a day to get an answer. The restaurant is truly a beautiful spot as well! Although we didn’t get to use the garden much because my guests were afraid of the cold, it’s a great spot for a wedding! The food… even now people won’t shut up about it. The desserts? The pastry chef was able to recreate a cake my partner has loved since he was a child. He had tears in his eyes as he was eating it! Everything was delicious and so fresh! Can’t recommend the place or the people enough!!
We love this place! We used STEM as a venue for our wedding and words can’t express how magical our wedding was. From the views to the food, everything was absolutely perfect. We’re still on cloud 9 thinking about all the details. Every single staff member was kind and helpful, and the chef is amazing! His food is insanely good. So flavorful. Daniel, the wedding venue coordinator was top tier. His communication and attentiveness over the past year ensured things ran smoothly day of. We highly recommend STEM kitchen and garden- for casual dining but especially if you’re looking for a great place to hold your wedding.