Reviews - Shadowbrook
Reviews summary
Perched waterside and reached by a charming gondola or winding stairs, this quirky, multi-level restaurant delivers romantic, treehouse-like dining with attentive service, scenic views and standout seafood and steaks. Menus accommodate vegetarians and gluten-free diners, and outdoor/garden rooms elevate the experience. Expect reservations and limited parking. Occasional slow service, inconsistent cocktails (over‑iced or diluted) and the rare mis‑cooked steak are noted, but the food, setting and warm hospitality make it a memorable spot worth revisiting.
Reviews from various users
Last update : 25.12.2025
This place is fun and different. Love the atmosphere and everyone was friendly. They also had great food options for the kids. I had two problems though. One, I ordered a steak medium rare and it came out well done (see my picture). I tried to get myserver's attention, but she didn't come out for about 10 minutes so I just ate it. Second issue is parking. There's a small lotbut street parking is by permit only in immediate vicinity. The cocktails were nothing to write home about either. I'll try thisplace again for a date night when I make a reservation so I can try out the dining room.
Great atmosphere and food is amazing. I’ve been to this place a few times for family gatherings. We all enjoyed our food. I removed a star for two reasons. We waited 30 minutes to be seated when we got there. Our reservations was for 6:45 and we wereseated at 7:15. They did comp us our appetizers which were delicious but still, we had a party of 8 at the start of the eve sonot sure why the big wait. The other reason was the few cocktails we had that were whiskey drinks had lots of ice instead of asingle or maybe two ice cubes. They were watered down. For the price of those drinks they shouldn’t have the same ice as thewater and sodas. My dad had a scotch served they looked like it was a soda and he had to fish all the ice out. Other than thosetwo things the service was wonderful and food on point. I’d just suggest you order your ice on the side.
I had Thanksgiving dinner at shadowbrook in 2022. Parking is a bit difficult but if you can access a side street the restaurant is only a block away. It is a quaint and beautiful setting. If you are feeling gregarious, you can take numerous flights ofwinding stairs down to the restaurant, or wait to take a steep escalator/elevator down. The environment is warm and cozy, withmultiple levels for dining. The food was excellent although I am a vegetarian so I couldn't speak to the dishes that containedmeat or fish. However, family and friends spoke very highly of their meals. Given the high quality of the food I thought theprices were reasonable. I would recommend this restaurant!
Wow! I love this restaurant. Came here for lunch and was totally amazed! The ambience is truly unlike anywhere else in the Bay Area, and the romantic theme was definitely captured throughout. While that was great, the food was also excellent. Had theCaesar salad, Blackened Shrimp Mac and Cheese, and the steak sandwich. Each dish was better than the last Cannot wait to comehere for dinner!!!
A fabulous spot for some warm/attentive service and delectable bites. Do yourself a favor and get there early to walk the beautiful grounds before checking in at the host table. Take the one minute gondola ride back up to the parking area at the endfor the experience and views. If you're staying nearby, have them pick you up in their classic cab. Outdoor seating is right onthe waterfront and tables in the garden room overlook the outdoor seating/water area and offer a treehouse feel, as you sitsurrounded by greenery and expansive panels of windows, which elevates the dining experience. The fillet was one of the bestprepared I've had- charred on the outside and extremely tender. All the seafood was well cooked- firm/bouncy in texture and verymoist/flavorful.
Last update : 13.05.2023
I had Thanksgiving dinner at Shadowbrook in 2022. While parking can be a bit challenging, there are side streets nearby that make it easy to access the restaurant, which is just a block away. The setting is absolutely stunning and picturesque. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a series of winding stairs down to the restaurant, or wait for the steep escalator or elevator. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with various levels for dining. The food was excellent, although as a vegetarian, I can't speak to the meat and fish dishes, but my family and friends raved about their meals. Considering the high quality of the food, I found the prices to be quite reasonable. I definitely recommend this restaurant!
The second issue was with the cocktails. The whiskey drinks came with a lot of ice, rather than just one or two cubes. It felt diluted, which is disappointing considering the price of the drinks. My father was served his scotch almost like it was a soda, and he had to dig out all the ice. Aside from these two points, the service was wonderful, and the food was spot on. I would just recommend that you order your ice cream directly from the menu.
Wow! I love this restaurant. Came here for lunch and was totally amazed! The ambience is really different than elsewhere in the Bay Area, and the romantic theme was definitely captured everywhere. While that was great, the food was also excellent. Had the Caesar salad, Blackened Shrimp Mac and cheese, and the steak sandwich. Each dish was better than the last Cannot wait to come here for dinner!!!
Absolutely amazing dining experience. Getting to the restaurant, you have the option of a gondola/trolley like ride or stairs. At the bottom of the restaurant, you can find some stunning views that look like they're out of a fairy tale. The calm water makes a beautiful mirrored scene. Getting into the restaurant the staff are all friendly and polite. The views, lighting, and ambience are well on point. The brie appetizer and jalapeno jam was delicious. I enjoyed my lamb entree. The coffee and cheesecake at the end was fantastic. I love that I didn't feel overwhelmed by quantity of food. It was just the right amount to make me satisfied. The only thing I didn't like was I ordered a margarita and the lime inside looked a bit old. In all fairness, it was my mistake to order a margarita. The wine selection was awesome and the server was knowledgeable in his recommendations. I would definitely make a trip out here again when I can.
A fabulous spot for some warm/attentive service and delectable bites. Do yourself a favor and get there early to walk the beautiful grounds before checking in at the host table. Take the one minute gondola ride back up to the parking area at the end for the experience and views. If you're staying nearby, have them pick you up in their classic cab. Outdoor seating is right on the waterfront and tables in the garden room overlook the outdoor seating/water area and offer a treehouse feel, as you sit surrounded by greenery and expansive panels of windows, which elevates the dining experience. The fillet was one of the best prepared I've had- charred on the outside and extremely tender. All the seafood was well cooked- firm/bouncy in texture and very moist/flavorful.
