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Nestled in the heart of Bernal Heights, San Francisco, 3rd Cousin is a stylish restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with a focus on Californian and New American cuisine. Located at 919 Cortland Ave, this elevated neighborhood gathering spot is perfect for food enthusiasts seeking a blend of innovative dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual dinner, 3rd Cousin promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

3rd Cousin features a diverse menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. Signature dishes include: 

Soft shell crab, a must-try favorite among diners.

Uni crème brûlée, known for its rich flavor and unique twist.

Gigli pasta with a delectable cheese sauce, perfect for pasta lovers.

Tender pork chop served with a blackberry sauce, a crowd favorite.

Seasonal desserts, including a delightful soufflé.

Conveniently located in Bernal Heights, 3rd Cousin is surrounded by a vibrant community and is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Nearby attractions include: 

Bernal Heights Park, offering stunning views of the city.

Local shops and cafes that showcase the neighborhood's charm.

Public transportation options that make it easy to explore San Francisco.

Stylish, elevated neighborhood gathering spot serving Californian & New American mains for dinner.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3d3JPQm1RRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ-XhIwll-j4AR5epLtDr2Bco/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3d3JPQm1RRRAB

I celebrated my birthday dinner here as a surprise from my gf. Our table was a little small and right against the wall so it was a little cramped. Other than that the dinner was great! I highly recommend the soft shell crab, it was one of my favorite bites of the night, I told my gf I could have probably ate like 5 of those back to back. The uni creme brulee was packed with flavor and was my gf's favorite. The gigli pasta was delicious and the cheese sauce was excellent. I thought it had lobster in it, but it has lobster mushrooms which look exactly like pieces of lobster haha. For our entree, we ordered the Porkchop and Steak. Steak was perfectly cooked, but I think it could have used a little more salt. However, the pork chop was fire! It was so tender and the blackberry sauce and campfire beans was a great combination of smokey and sweet. I ended up cleaning the bone, which was probably rare to med-rare, but worth getting sick for. Lastly, we finished the meal with a souffle.

Great experience overall! The staff was very attentive and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday dinner.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzOGR2VW5RRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ-XhIwll-j4AR5epLtDr2Bco/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzOGR2VW5RRRAB

Celebrated wedding anniversary here! Their restaurant week menu is just as amazing!

Love the signature uni dish, waygu & sea bass are great mains! Can’t leave without the hojicha pudding !

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQaW9IeWpRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ-XhIwll-j4AR5epLtDr2Bco/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQaW9IeWpRRRAB

I'm gonna start by saying, the ambiance of the restaurant was great; a cozy, dimly-lit and intimate neighborhood spot.

Equally great was the staff. They were very attentive and welcoming. They did a great job at explaining the menu and making us feel like we belonged. The only other comment I have about the service was the fact that one of the servers was wearing a flannel top; they did not match the vibe of the establishment and the other staff members. Although minor, this stuck out to me when considering the price and ambiance of this restaurant.

This is where the good things I have to say about my experience come to an end. The quality of the food is usually the great equalizer when it comes to rating a restaurant. Many foodies I know would tolerate a sub-par establishment if it meant that the food was amazing. Unfortunately this was not the case with 3rd Cousin. We chose this restaurant for their vegan tasting menu, an advertised up-scale dinning experice at a hefty $120+! For that price we got two salads, a mediocre pasta, a mushy and bland tofu dish with undercooked beans, and two sad (and very small) scoops of sorbet.

I understand that this was not their main menu, but it is embarrassing to even advertise this vegan tasting experience. While others enjoyed interesting appetizers with their tasting menu, we had to settle for TWO salads back to back. They were fine, but it was just really lazy to do two salads out of 4 total dishes (excluding the dessert). The pasta dish was the most fun part of the meal, because my party and I couldn't stop laughing at how mediocre it was. This was (with no exaggeration) cooked pasta with butter and a few small pieces of squash and garsnish. It reminded us of something a child would cook for their sick mother if she could not cook for herself. The main was absolutely awful, the tofu was totally bland and mushy and the beans on the side were undercooked. When a place cannot be bothered to cook beans until they are soft, you know something is really off. The desserts were uninspiring at best. It was sorbet. They did nothing creative or innovative. A great chef can recreate anything in a vegan version; 3rd Cousin did not even try.

Comparing to something like Astera/Workshop's (Portland) vegan tasting menu, priced at the same level, my experice at 3rd Cousin paled in comparison (foodwise). If you are vegan and are looking for a nice upscale dining experience, stay away unless you are ready to be disappointed. But hey, at least the beer was tasty.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMM19MSnh3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ-XhIwll-j4AR5epLtDr2Bco/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMM19MSnh3RRAB

Called in advance to let them know it was my lady’s bday. Showed up there was a card on table and every staff person we came in contact with wished her happy birthday. And at the end of the dinner got a candle and special message on her dessert.
There was a couple seated at the next table and I could tell it was also the lady’s bday, although she only got a candle. Their interaction was much different than ours.
Pro tip: whenever it’s your partner’s special day, do your due diligence and call that day to remind the staff.

As for the food and atmosphere. It was a Thursday evening but a light seating. We got the pre fix menu and I’ll rate the food as pretty good. I’ll admit, considering their rating, I was expecting to be more impressed.
The staff is awesome!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNycktHdHhBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ-XhIwll-j4AR5epLtDr2Bco/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNycktHdHhBRRAB

3rd cousin... Interesting name... Anyway, we had this on our list for awhile. We really wanted to try their uni creme brulee. We decided to order a la carte because their tasting menu has a 20% service fee along with the 7% sf health "mandate". We ordered a few different plates. We were asked if we wanted to make one of the pastas a large because it only came with 6pc. We weren't expecting them to also change the other pasta size to large. The pasta ended up being $48-50 each so that was upsetting. The pasta itself was good but not worth $50 each. We have mixed opinions about the octopus and hamachi crudo. They were good but there were only enough for 4 bites. The uni creme brulee though was amazing! It's unique and the caviar on top was a nice touch.

Indulge in 3rd Cousin: Premier Bernal Heights Dining in SF

Dine In

Takeout

Outdoor Seating

Restroom

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Coffee

Serves Dinner

Good for Groups

Serves Dessert

In the heart of the vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, the culinary jewel known as 3rd Cousin awaits to whisk your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. This charming restaurant, perched along Cortland Avenue, offers an intimate yet lively atmosphere where the hustle and bustle of San Francisco fades into the background. The moment you step inside, the warm decor and inviting aromas greet you, promising a delightful experience steeped in local flavors and creativity. Diners are treated to a menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients, showcasing the best that California has to offer. Each dish is a work of art, expertly crafted to highlight rich textures and bold flavors. Whether you’re snacking on inventive small plates or indulging in hearty main courses, the culinary team at 3rd Cousin is dedicated to elevating the dining experience, emphasizing freshness and creativity in every bite. The ambiance exudes community spirit, where neighbors gather to unwind and chat about the day's happenings, fostering a sense of belonging and warmth. As you savor your meal, the picturesque view of the San Francisco skyline peeks through the windows, a perfect backdrop to a delightful evening. For those seeking more than just a meal, the location serves as a gateway to explore the eclectic shops and green spaces that surround it, making for an ideal day out. With its unique offerings and strong community presence, 3rd Cousin is not just a place to eat; it's a destination that captures the essence of San Francisco’s culinary landscape. A visit here promises not only satisfaction but also a deeper connection to the soul of the city.

3rd Cousin

Savor delicious eats at 3rd Cousin in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience today!

Indulge in 3rd Cousin: Premier Bernal Heights Dining in SF

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