Best Restaurants with Private Rooms in SOMA

Fun menu with emphasis on plates to share, creative use of seasonal ingredients and the pita bread is to die for. The Breaking Bread appetizer sampler is a must order. Lamb chops were divine. Our server was friendly, helpful and attentive, but not overly so--made for a delicious, relaxing weekday lunch with girlfriends.

Dinning room seemed a little too crowded. Person at table next to one of us was too close. Service was good especially Constantinos. Notwithstanding that the restaurant was crowded and he was busy, he made us feel welcome and was responsive to questions and requests for minor changes in the menu. The asparagus risotto was especially good.

Three of us dined here before our show at the Curran, just one block away. Started with the large sized Cesar to share. I had 2 appetizers- I eat pasta and pizza at home. So the Kampachi crudo was great as were the meatballs. Plenty of food and a chance to try more things. One friend had the chicken leg confit over polenta and she loved it. The other had the spaghetti with clams and loved hers. A very good meal, excellent service and lively atmosphere. We will definitely be back.

The 7-course prix fixe menu at Taksim is a splendid offering. Great flavors and dishes you don't normally find. The patlican (eggplant) and blackened cauliflower were standouts for us. Choose the beef over the branzino. It's a much better dish all around. I don't usually eat dessert but the Taksim donuts were not too sweet or too large and served with chocolate ice cream, five-spice chocolate and chantilly. Delicious! The restaurant is off the beaten path but it's worth making a trip down Fourth Street.

4 kiwis bowled up based on a recommendation from our local wine shop. Great service friendly and welcoming great knowledge of the wine and food available. Very enjoyable night. Thanks to the great Londoner who looked after us so well