Nine Tasting Menus You Can Actually Afford

By Food & Wine
Updated August 30, 2016
© Greg Powers
The latest restaurant trend that’s sweeping the nation? Multi-course tasting menus that won’t break the bank. San Francisco is leading the charge, though you’ll find worthy spots from coast to coast. Here, a few of our favorites.This piece originally appeared on Travel + Leisure.
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Babu Ji in New York City

Courtesy of Babu Ji
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The Progress in San Francisco

© Ed Anderson

What it is:

Family-style meal from the State Bird Provisions team. The whole table has to agree on what to order (except for dessert).The price: Six courses for $65.The menu: Dishes run the gamut of cultures: everything from Thai basil curry oil-marinated raw albacore to “everything” roti with smoked soubise, vinegared squash and summer herbs to grilled cauliflower with smoked prune romanesco.

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Trestle in San Francisco

Courtesy of Trestle

What it is:

A tiny, new Jackson Square spot from Hi Neighbor restaurant group (Stones Throw; Fat Angel).The price: Three course for $35 (not too good to be true).The menu: Simple yet inspired dishes like a falafel salad (with crispy lavash, cucumber, tzatziki, and mint) and sausage-stuffed roast quail, which comes with grilled peaches, Red Russion kale, farro, and quail jus.

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Mina Test Kitchen in San Francisco

Courtesy of Mina Test Kitchen

What it is:

A special Middle'terranea menu—the first in a pop-up dinner series—at Michael Mina’s restaurant. It’s running through the fall.The price: Family-style meal for $45 (tickets available online).The menu: Consider this an introduction to eastern Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing the flavors of Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Lebanon.

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AL's Place in San Francisco

© Molly DeCoudreaux Photography

What it is:

A Mission District hotspot from chef Aaron London (hence the “AL”).The price: Family-style meal for $60.The menu: You’ll get options from the “cold/cool” section (shelling beans, eggplant mayo, blackberry vinegar, and green fig), “warm/hot” (campanelle with heirloom tomato, goat’s milk gouda, and basil), and sides like pork belly with galangal soda, bok choi, and roe.

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Aster in San Francisco

Courtesy of Aster

What it is:

Casual and creative California cuisine from chef Brett Cooper and local favorite Daniel Patterson.The price: Four courses for $59 (includes tip).The menu: Dishes like potato-black pepper dumplings with maitake mushrooms, peas, and yogurt, and local halibut with radish, sunflower seeds, nectarine, and basil are refined yet approachable.

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Sbraga in Philadelphia

© Michael Persico

What it is:

Seasonal modern American run by a Top Chef star.The price: Four courses for $55.The menu: Current dishes include beer tartare with toast, cherry peppers, and sharp provolone; spaghetti with king crab, tomato butter, and calabrian chili; and octopus with potato, olive tapenade, and piri piri. For dessert: Caramel bavarian with blueberry, hibiscus, and oat crumb; or olive oil cake with strawberries, fromage blanc, and sorbet.

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Pubbelly in Miami

© Juan Fernando Ayora

What it is:

Asian-inspired gastropub in Miami Beach.The price: Seven courses for $39.The menu: Diners select dishes from separate sections, including “flour + water” (think duck confit ravioli and short-rib gyozas) and “pig out” (pork cheeks with potato foam and steak frites).

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G by Mike Isabella in Washington, D.C.

© Greg Powers

What it is:

A sandwich shop that transforms into a modern-day Italian spot at night.The price: Four courses for $40.The menu: Classics get a 21st-century twist: lasagna Bolognese is punched up with lemon-basil ricotta, while the squid-ink pasta comes with clams and smoky bacon breadcrumbs.

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