One Ferry Building
Lunch and dinner served daily, with lunch ending at 2:30pm.
Price range: Lunch entrees, $8.50-$16.50/ Dinner entrees, $14.50-$26.50.
Specialties include Slanted Door Spring Rolls, Shaking Beef, and Sugar Snap Peas.Today,
The Slanted Door anchors the north corner of the newly restored and historic
Ferry Building, a location that makes it a popular afternoon getaway or after-work meeting place. Located across from The Embarcadero and right at Market Street, The Slanted Door occupies a prime spot for tourists, commuters, and really, anyone wanting to sit down at an acclaimed restaurant and relax the day away. In its new digs, The Slanted Door can seat 150 people in the dining room, an additional 34 people in the cocktail lounge and 20 at the bar. Reservations are recommended.
Spring Rolls
Not surprisingly, the restaurant is usually very busy, but to help accommodate all orders, The Slanted Door created "Out the Door" - a take-away service that enables you to enjoy the same dishes at home. If you're crunched for time and need to catch the next ferry or cable car, then "Out the Door" is the solution for you. Located in the main hall of the Ferry Building, this convenient service makes it easy as possible for you to get your favorite Slanted Door entrees and appetizers - right on time and on your way.
When I last visited, it was during the lunch hour and the restaurant was of course busy! We made reservations but still had to wait a bit before being seated. However, once we found our table, it was wonderful. The staff was very attentive and didn't rush us at all. Somehow, they were able to accommodate everyone who walked through the door, but given that the restaurant doesn't overbook, this should not be a surprise. Once you're seated, you should take your time and enjoy your meal at your pace. There never seems to be a rush (unless of course you need to catch that ferryboat).
The comprehensive menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, and meat, seafood and vegetable dishes. There are indeed vegetarian options on the menu, such as the Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Vegetarian Glass Noodles. These dishes are specifically noted on the menu, but if you have a question about any other items, just ask. For instance, the Crispy Vegetarian Imperial Rolls, you may want to ask how these are prepared. And if you're a vegan, you definitely should ask about how certain dishes are made. The staff is very helpful and won't mind checking for you.
As said, the menu offers a variety of dishes. These are relatively expensive, but have such a reputation that patrons don't seem to mind the price. Presentation is also a winning point for this restaurant, as dishes are served in clay pots that are as pretty as they are functional. Choose from Crispy Egg Noodles to a Catfish Claypot with cilantro and Thai chilies, or if you prefer, order one of the restaurant's specialties, Shaking Beef, with a side of Spicy Japanese Eggplant. The Slanted Door's menu presents an awesome mix of dishes for a range of palettes, from mild to spicy and sweet to sour.
