The Dorian in San Francisco, a nod to the classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and eras long gone, delivers the ambiance and atmosphere one may be looking for in a restaurant—18th-century London, mysterious and sleek.

Dining at The Dorian was our first time dining curbside when visiting San Francisco due to COVID-19, but it was pleasant enough out to enjoy even at night. Gazing inside, I could make out a beautiful bar — something I was sad to miss but hopeful for a future, additional visit.

Beginnings of splendor at The Dorian.

To start our meal, I ordered two oysters for each of us, forcing Barrett to partake. What’s not to like about an oyster? You douse it in sauce and slurp it down. Delightful! The presentation on the oyster tray was impressive.

Following the oysters, we indulged in the truffle fries since it was Happy Hour. Once again, terrific! Fried to deliciousness in all the right ways, down to the tiny, crunchy last pieces.

For drinks, we had the “I Forgot My Jacket” and black tea — warming Hot Toddy-type beverages that kept us warm to the core out on the streets of San Francisco. Sipping the spiked black tea and peering out over the hustle and bustle, I enjoyed the journey.

Please, sir, can I have some more?

We continued on our eating adventure with tomato soup and grilled cheese, and ahi tacos as main entrees. I loved the tomato soup. Slightly tangy, hot, and perfect for dipping savory buttery slices of grilled cheese. As for the grilled cheese, I could have downed another sandwich. It was great!

To finish, we shared cauliflower lettuce cups, because why not? Original and refreshing, cauliflower replaced the chicken-held standard for most lettuce cups. The cauliflower was grilled and tasty on a bed of lettuce and brightly flavored sauce choices.

Eating stop one in San Francisco complete, The Dorian set the bar high from the start.