A former San Francisco restaurant known for its experimental, globally-influenced cuisine with a Japanese lens, initially operating as a 'food lab' before transitioning to fast-casual.
Chef Nick Balla is renowned for his innovative approach to Central European cuisine, emphasizing sustainable, seasonal ingredients, and a strong focus on bread baking, fermentation, and food preservation. He...
Motze was conceived as a limited-run 'food lab' restaurant, exploring new cooking methods and business models. It initially offered a globally-influenced menu with a Japanese lens, later pivoting to a fast-casual, counter-service format. It was known for its experimental approach to dining.
Customer perception was mixed, with one prominent critic describing it as 'more food lab than enjoyable dining experience' and noting that the 'palate shortcircuits' due to its experimental dishes. The restaurant was seen as highly experimental rather than consistently enjoyable.
Additional Details
Motze was opened by the team behind the acclaimed Bar Tartine. It was located at 561 Valencia St, San Francisco. The chefs, Nick Balla and Cortney Burns, later moved on to open a new restaurant called Duna, focusing on Eastern European cuisine, indicating Motze's closure or change of concept under new management.
Outstanding Hospitality at the Fairmont San Francisco!
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Fairmont, San Francisco with my family, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The level of friendly service and excellent hospitality truly sets this hotel apart. From the elegant lobby to the beautifully appointed rooms, everything felt first-class, but it was the people who made my stay truly memorable.
The entire staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring — always ready with a smile and happy to help with anything I needed. A special shout-out to Elle Dodson and Liam, who went above and beyond during my stay. Their kindness, professionalism, and extra effort made me feel like a valued guest rather than just another visitor. Whether it was thoughtful recommendations or simply checking in to ensure everything was perfect, they exemplified what exceptional service looks like.
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in San Francisco with heart and genuine hospitality, the Fairmont is the perfect choice. I’ll definitely be back on my next trip!
Thank you to the entire team — especially Elle and Liam — for making my stay so special! ✨🏙️
My stay at the Fairmont San Francisco was absolutely exceptional. From the moment I arrived, the staff provided first-class service and made me feel genuinely welcome. The hotel's historic charm, elegant architecture, and stunning location atop Nob Hill create a truly unforgettable experience.
The room was spacious, beautifully maintained, and offered incredible views of the city and bay. Every detail reflected luxury and comfort, from the bedding to the amenities. The hotel's location made it easy to explore San Francisco, with cable cars and many of the city's most iconic attractions just steps away.
What stood out most was the outstanding customer service. Every team member I encountered was professional, friendly, and eager to help. The combination of timeless elegance, breathtaking views, and exceptional hospitality makes the Fairmont San Francisco one of the finest hotels I've ever stayed in.
I highly recommend the Fairmont to anyone visiting San Francisco and look forward to staying here again on my next trip. Five stars all the way!
Incredible stay once we moved to the new building!
We had a fantastic stay at the Fairmont San Francisco, though it started with a slight hiccup. Our first room was in the older building, which wasn't quite what we were looking for. However, the staff was incredibly accommodating and moved us over to a suite in the new building instead.
The upgrade made all the difference. The suite was stunning, modern, and offered absolutely amazing views of the city.
The service throughout our stay was excellent, the property is beautiful, and the location is perfect. Highly recommend, especially if you book a room with a view in the newer tower!
My stay at the Fairmont San Francisco was honestly outstanding from start to finish.
This was my very first experience with the Fairmont brand, and it completely lived up to what you would expect from a true luxury hotel. The level of hospitality was exceptional throughout the entire stay.
From the moment I arrived, the welcome felt warm, genuine and extremely professional. I was lucky enough to receive an incredible room upgrade, along with many thoughtful attentions that immediately made the stay feel special.
Every time I needed assistance, the staff responded immediately with precise, helpful and solution-oriented answers. Even though it was a relatively short stay, everything felt perfectly coordinated and effortless.
Beyond the service itself, the hotel is simply beautiful. You can truly feel the history of the place. The building has character, elegance and that rare atmosphere that makes you feel like you are traveling through time while still enjoying a premium luxury experience.
The location is also very convenient, well positioned between downtown San Francisco, Pier 39 and the Golden Gate area, making it easy to explore the city.
More than anything, I will remember the kindness of the teams and the overall feeling of being genuinely welcomed and valued as a guest.
A truly memorable stay, and without hesitation one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had in recent years.
Excellent stay and experience at the Fairmont. It was magical walking into the lobby on our first day in San Francisco. It got even better upon checking in. We had an amazing experience with Hamid who helped us check in. He helped me select the perfect suite for me and my family. He went out of his way to ensure we were happy. I can tell he really cared about our trip and making it perfect. I 100% recommend this hotel and recommend the Golden Gate Suite. The views are incredible.
