Located just behind a beautiful wooden door with a carved owl and in a prime Hayes Valley location, Nightbird invites you into its nest with a small and sleek dining room. If you arrive early, don’t miss a delicious craft cocktail at their sibling spot next door, Linden Bar, as it’s the perfect lead-up to Chef/owner Kim Alter’s five-course tasting.

Though the menu changes often, Alter’s presentations are consistently gorgeous. Witness a tender scallop “cooked” in yuzu juice, topped with uni, spring peas, radish, pea shoots and a truffle vinaigrette. Or go for a beautiful tableside presentation of white asparagus from the Loire Valley with paddlefish and salmon roe, a single leaf of nasturtium, as well as a drizzle of beurre blanc studded with escargot.