Fandorin Restaurant

It helps to be Russian, or at least to understand Russian culture, to really appreciate Fandorin. I have spent many festive nights there with my family and friends.
This place is great for family style dinners and large parties. The food is delicious. The vodka is plentiful. The music is cheerful.
I was fortunate enough to be a part of one last celebration before Fandorin closed it’s doors for good. We didn’t leave until about 3:30 at night. Too much good time, if there is such a thing.
Thank you Fandorin for all the good times and great memories. I hope to see you reincarnated in a new location some day.

Fandorin is a great restaurant. Was there at several birthday parties and always had fun. The food and service were excellent and the ocean view is beautiful!!!
Have never had problems with parking. Maybe I am just lucky))) ha!)))

ABSOLUTE NO FOR PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES! My company is having a holiday party here and so — being a Celiac I was doing my due diligence to call ahead and find out if I can eat the food. The person spoke to made it clear that they have flour all over the kitchen and do not under any circumstances accomodate people with gluten allergies. Which wouldn’t be so bad, if they didn’t also forbid me from bringing outside food in, because they don’t want to be held responsible, if someone my own safely prepared food was contaminated. This is the least accommodating restaurant I have experienced since my diagnosis. I would not recommend this place for anyone with food allergies of any kind.

Ohhhhhh, we and my best friends spend there many lovely celebrations. Birthdays, weddings, baby-​showers and more and all what i can tell you this place will give you great European service and in a moment you can feel that you somewhere in Europe. Last time when we were there was one European DJ, DJ Shant so his party was great we all had a fun and we wished that this music never never stopped.
More than month we wait another party and finally Today DJ Shant again will be in this beautiful palace with Hennessy party :-) i wish you good luck and see you there !
i love your music and your style !
Thank you Shant you connecting people !!!

If you are looking on a new spin of going out try Fandorin. The music is great, the food is excellent and atmosphere is European. We always have a wonderful time with great friends.

What can I say: food is pretty horrible, patrons look like software engineers by day and «Russian mafia» by night, so do their dinners dates — very middle aged vulgar, cheap looking women.
This place has nothing to do with Russia besides the «ghetto» «Odessa» accent those people speak the beautiful language of Pushkin and Tolstoy.
If you are not too intimidated by amount of black clothes with golden tassels, strong smell of perfume mixed with sweat vodka and borsht, come on in for a biggest mockery or Russian cuisine ever presented. I ate at small train stations on my way from Moscow to Vladivostok and can say that food at the ratio of price/​quality is 1000 time better and at least gangsters and hookers looked more authentic
Overall I think this place needs to shut down by sanitation and audited by IRS.

Food as excellent as usual, this is my favorite Russian restaurant so far. We went there for my parents Anniversary and service just leave you alone so you can have fun and enjoy the Celebration and the excellent authentic food. Highly recommend!

Came here a few days ago for a post-​funeral meal. The place is small, but the view of the bay and the airport landing area is great. The service was horrible. The waiters did not have enough tables set and when asked to set more tables because more than estimated people came in, instead of quickly rectifying the situation, they were very visibly upset about it. The food was served buffet-​style so I cannot comment on their table-​side manners. Speaking of food, the food was mediocre at best. It was bland, no taste, no flavor. I heard stories that some people got upset stomachs or food poisoning from something they ate at Fandorin, so I was cautious not to eat their smoked fish or herring.
Since I wasn’t there for a party or wedding, I cannot comment on how this place is during these celebrations or on their sound system and music setup. But judging by the type of service and waiter’ attitude that I have experienced that day, I don’t think I would want to host any events there. I am Russian and I know what a real Russian restaurant should be. Fandorin is not it.
For better food and much better service, go to Russia House in San Francisco.

This is the worst Russian restaurant in the history of Russian restaurants, you are better off going to a Russian market store somewhere in San Francisco and getting the food you really like there.
Overpriced to the point when you want to scream out — Really?
The food itself is the worst part — it’s simply bad.
Acoustics in this place — horrible, people are only coming here because of the lack of Russian restaurants around.
I remember Metropolitan — had the best food, it was in SF Downtown. It was great there.
Fandorin Restaurant is a very sad parody to what is called an authentic Russian Restaurants, it has been bought over and changed hands a couple of times and the changes are the worst. The owners only want to make money and care less about the service, quality and YOU.
That is exactly why they will overcharge you for the worst food and service in the history of Russian Restaurants — Go to Royal Market on Geary Blvd in San Francisco, try some Russian food there, it will cost you about 700% cheaper than in this dirty place.

Fandorin catered our wedding recently at the Ritz Carlton and we could not have been happier. The amount of food, the quality of what was on the table, and the way it was plated all left our guests speechless. People are still telling me how wonderful our food was. Irina is a gem to work with and really cares that her brides and grooms get a 5+ star experience. I cannot recommend Fandorin enough for special occasions at the restaurant, which I have been to numerous times, and never left unhappy, or as a caterer!

I mean, if i could rate this restaurant 10 stars, i would.
I have been coming here for years, for birthdays, anniversary’s, kids birthday parties and i have NEVER been disappointed. This restaurant goes all out to make you a happy customer. I love it, my family and friends love it, and my husband who is American and who is pretty picky with food, loves it also. We literally have a blast every time we come.
We actually had our wedding here and i kid you not, people still talk about the location, food, atmosphere, view, live band and drink, and our decorations!. Everything went smoothly and if we were going to re-​new our vows, i would definitely do it here again! The place was glowing. It was PERFECT. And til this day i appreciate everything that IRA (the owner and her staff) and Nelya my wedding coordinator (Actually i have to thank Nelya for giving us the idea of having our wedding here) a huge, and i mean, huge thank you to them both!!! As well as the waiters, waitresses, chefs, and the food and band and the service that Fandorin provided us.
My husbands family is is picky with food as well, and they LOVED IT. We also had our 2^nd day brunch there also and it was just as perfect. It literally puts a big fat smile on my face just thinking about it.
P. S. I am so excited and cant wait to try the new restaurant in the city!!!
If you are looking to party with your friends, this is DEFINITELY the place to let your hair down, have some deliciousness and you will for sure have an amazing night to remember! GO!

Great Food Great People !!! Live Music !!! Love it !!!

Really good restaurant. Great music, super fancy. I am sure there is a dress code. I always come really dressed up over there. Service is great and the food is really good.
The view from inside the restaurant is really nice too and you can see airplanes land through the window. Truly is a wonderful place.

Let’s just say that the lack of Russian restaurants in the vicinity is what brings people back to this place. The ownership has definitely went through some changes, probably for the worst.
The service here stinks, the food is sub-​par, and the acoustics are just terrible. All-​in-​all, a mediocre place to have Russian parties, but since there really isn’t anything else to choose from, what can you do.
Bring back places like Metropolitan and Stagecoach, at least people enjoyed going there, regardless whether they were pretty much the only places to go in the city!

I can only give this restaurant 1 star for the nice décor and view.
This is not my first time here, but after this visit it might be my last. We arrived at 8:00 pm for dinner on Saturday night. The valet parking was packed and only one person was valeting.
The food wasn’t what I can say «Russian». They served items like ahi tuna with salmon roes, crab salad, etc. More American/​Hawaiian style. We call for reservation 1 week in advance and order the banquet style and this was served to us. I’ve been to plenty of Russian restaurants and this one is on the bottom of my list for now.
The bill come out to be $ 650. for 6 people which is crazy in my book for the quality of food we were served and the bad serves to boot. The charge us an extra $ 55. for a third bottle of Russian Standard Vodka. The vodka is usually $ 20. They brought it over to our table without asking and of course the drunk people in my party opened it and had a shot or two.
We had left overs and what do you they did with it? It went to the garbage. It didn’t dawn on them to pack it up for us. How stupid is that?
It will be last visit to this crappy restaurant and I’ll be talking my friends.

First off, we were invited to attend a friends birthday party here. I didn’t know what to expect, other than having been promised an authentic Russian restaurant.
Upon driving up, it didn’t look like much, and I didn’t see many cars in the parking lot, so I was unaware of what to expect. When we pulled into the parking lot, we were approached by the valet, who opened the door, and asked us «you here for restaurant?» (imagine the thickest Russian accent you can muster.) We looked at each other, then back to him and said yes. He replied «I take car» and handed my hubby a valet number. We both blinked, and thought… what in the hell are we doing here?
As we walked towards the front door, there were several ladies sitting outside smoking cigarettes, and looking warily at us. A black couple entering a Russian restaurant probably seemed a little odd to them. It didn’t necessarily look «mafioso» but to certainly did feel ‘Russian’ if there is a way to describe the feeling of the place.
Upon entering, I was surprised at how under dressed I felt in some dress slacks and flats. All of the women, and I do mean all, were in at least 4 inch heels, and all of the dresses were no lower than the knee, regardless of age. We found our table, and without surprise it was brimming with food, as we had arrived a little later than the rest of the guests.
Upon sitting down we were handed shots of a very tasty vodka, asked to toast… and the night went swimmingly from there. I have to admit, if I didn’t read this post, (
) I would not known what to expect, and might have been a little perplexed. Honestly though, you need to just go with the flow.
The music will be loud, and very dated, the food will be voluminous, but tasty. The vodka will be plentiful, but so divine It won’t matter. One of the other guests and I were chatting about how it was like we were at a wedding, only most weddings weren’t nearly so much fun or so corny at the same time!
One word of caution, take your time, go slow, and make sure to have a native Russian speaker with you to ease the transition if you plan on going on a weekend. Don’t eat everything in the first round… because there is more to come after the appetizers. Definitely do dance to the great Russian band playing in-​between servings. It will help with the digestion, and get you ready for the next round of toasts that will inevitably happen once you return to your table. Incidentally this is sooooo not the place for serious dieters, vegetarians, or vegans. Everything is rich in taste and calories… but, oh… it is all so delectable.
The meal was all pre-​fixe, but for a party of 20 people, including vodka, wine, coffee, soda, water, appetizers, entrees and desert it was incredibly reasonable. We ended up staying until around 2 am. I would certainly suggest this place for a party… but this is not a place for hipsters. Go if you want to enjoy the dinner ambiance, but you MUST participate. No wall flowers here.

I can’t figure this place out.
So, I just picked up my girlfriend from the Airport and we wanted something different… Elephant Bar… Been there… El Torito… Done that.
Then, next to Benihana is Fandorin. We drive in the lot and we thought Fandorian was closed. Literally 120 cars double parked and jammed into the Benihana lot, and perhaps 4 in Fandorin’s. WTF?
A quick check of Unilocal on the cell phone showed Russian food… and nobody knew why it was so empty… So, we decided to give it a try.
The place is beautiful. The place has an awesome view of the bay overlooking the Airport. I could easily be entertained drinking beers and watching the planes take off and land.
It was empty. There was one other couple eating in a place that could easily accommodate 250 plus. Later, a group of 8 or so sat down… so I’m guessing 12 people all night?
The food was good… but not Russian. In talking to the waiter (with a Russian accent) they had recently changed the menu. I think he called it «Modern European». It leaned more towards Italian if anything.
We had a Caprice (sp) Salad for an appetizer. Fresh, full of flavor and great presentation. My meal was great and my girlfriend liked hers. My diet coke was a bit on the flat side… but that happens.
In talking to the waiter, it sounds like Saturday Night they do a big «to do» with music and a big banquet menu.
This place puzzles me. The food reasonably priced. Tasted good. Great Views. Clean… Nothing really wrong with it. I have no idea why there aren’t more people there… And most importantly, how they are staying in business.
On our way out we walked upstairs to check out the view… I was secretly expecting to see a bunch of Russian mobsters wearing jogging suits unloading the latest shipment of credit cards and hijacked cigarettes, but to my disappointment just some staff ironing table cloths.
I would say give them a try… Decent prices. good food, awesome views… You have nothing to lose!

I’ve only been here twice and they were both laughable.
I think the food is overpriced and not very good. The salad and appetizers were decent. The chicken keiv was funny. Pesto sauce out of a packet and mash out of a box. Servers were slow and not helpful.
The venue is great, but everything else is not so good.

Last week, for Valentines Day, I took my girlfriend to this restaurant. The website seemed nice and the place was gorgeous. However, that is the best part of this story, for it all goes terribly downhill from there.
Our reservations were for 8PM but we did not get seated until 8:45 because their busboys could not be found to clear the table. We had to amuse ourselves by watching their lounge singer sing with a «kill me now» expression painted on his face.
When we were finally seated, there were no napkins and the basket of stale bread that was there came without butter. I kid you not, but after ordering our drinks and asking for butter and napkins 3 times, they finally arrived 45 minutes later. The waiter had a nonchalant attitude and it’s questionable as to whether he understood English.
For an appetizer, I ordered the «Feta Cheese Plate with Fresh Vegetables & Herbs». What came out was laughable as we were served four hunks of Feta Cheese with some brutally carved pieces of tomato, cucumber and a few sticks of GREEN ONION! I’m not exaggerating when I say it looked like a platter of uncooked ingredients.
For her entrée, my girlfriend ordered the Khinkali, which was described as «Georgian Lamb and Fine Herbs Dumplings». What was served was a sopping, lukewarm, grey piece of flesh wrapped in dumpling skin. Imagine if you will, what it might be like to have a piece of dead tabby cat (grey), marinated with vinegar inside a dumpling. She took half a bite and nearly threw up. Now, I eat anything under the sun so I thought she was exaggerating, but when I took a bite, I too spit it out immediately. That $ 18.00 entrée was simply the most foul thing I’ve ever tasted and it went to waste. The server did not ask how our meal was or even offer us a box, probably because he knew the food was terrible!
I WARN EVERYBODY TO STEER CLEAR OF THE FANDORIN RESTAURANT. Poor service, awful food, terrible experience, great view! Stay away!

As far as food goes, this place is OK, even though overpriced.
Service definetely need some major improvements. Waiters staff is not welcoming, they never make an eye contact with you, unless you approach them directly. Parking lot waiting time was awfully long. On weekends the place is overcrowded and very-​very noisy.
The worst thing was a music. It played unreasonably loud and non-​stop, to the point of making my ears hurt, it was like being on a loud train — very uncomfortable. it was impossible to have even a short conversation with other people. Not a pleasant experience.