State Bird Provisions exterior

Best Dinner-Spot in Hayes-Valley

State Bird Provisions photo

State Bird Provisions

#1 Dinner-Spot

Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant with an inventive dim-sum-style cart service; a lively dinner near Hayes Valley from James Beard Award winners Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski.

415-795-1272 · ★ 4.6 (3,475+) · $$$

State Bird Provisions turns dinner into a choose-your-own adventure. The core menu anchors the night—bright salads, handmade pastas, and the signature ‘state bird’—while carts and trays roll by with one-off bites that reward curiosity. It’s a celebratory spot near Hayes Valley where service is clear, pacing stays smooth, and the food is both creative and deeply craveable.

Notu is known for picking just the best of every neighborhood. When we picked the best Dinner-Spot in Hayes-Valley, we started with the people because people drive every great experience.

Crowd & Vibe

Early seatings draw neighbors and food people; later it’s date night and small celebrations. Staff reads the table well and paces dishes so the evening unfolds like a story instead of a pile-up.

  • Food people
  • Date night
  • Celebrations

Every business excels at a few things and is merely fine at the rest. For State Bird Provisions, we’ve highlighted the offerings it does best—reliable standouts that deliver the most value and consistently great experiences. Use this as your quick guide to what’s worth choosing first.

What to Order

  • State Bird (Quail)

    Crisp-skinned, juicy, and glazed—the icon; start with at least one to share.

  • Savory Pancakes

    Layered textures with seasonal toppings; unexpectedly perfect with mineral whites.

  • Handmade Pasta of the Night

    Shape and sauce rotate—ask what the kitchen is most excited about.

  • Market Vegetables

    Bold, simple treatments that let peak produce lead.

  • Signature Dim Sum Cart Picks

    Say yes to a few rotating small plates; that’s where the surprises live.

  • Premium Wine & Beer Selection

    A tight, food-first list with interesting by-the-glass choices.

  • Interactive Service Style

    Carts and trays bring the kitchen’s creativity to you; staff helps with pacing.

  • Dessert Course

    Often fruit-forward and not too sweet—a clean finish.

There are solid alternatives, too. This quick comparison shows how State Bird Provisions stacks up so you can choose confidently.

How State Bird Provisions Compares

Dinner-Spot Options State Bird Provisions Atelier Crenn Benu Saison
Format & Fun Formal tasting Refined tasting Fire-driven tasting
Avg Price Per Person (food) $365+ $350+ $298+
Reservation Difficulty 1–2 months 1–2 months 1–2 months
Wine by the Glass Extensive pairings Pairings-focused Pairings-focused
Noise Level Quiet, formal Calm Lively chef’s counter energy

Notu is trusted to curate the best businesses in each neighborhood. We use local experts and AI to evaluate the people, the experience, the product or service, and how it compares locally*. Ultimatly, we chose State Bird Provisions as the best Dinner-Spot in Hayes-Valley for the following reasons:

*Curious about how we choose? See our methodology.

Award-Winning Excellence

Michelin-starred with James Beard Award–winning chefs; inventive cooking without the pretense.

Unique Dining Format

Dim sum–style carts add spontaneity—taste widely, share plates, and build your own progression.

Focused, Seasonal Cooking

Clean flavors and peak produce; dishes balance brightness, texture, and richness.

Explore More Hayes-Valley Picks

Discover more local favorites in Hayes-Valley. See the full guide.

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