You might not have heard of in San Francisco, but if you've strolled through the city's iconic Little Italy, you've probably caught a whiff. The name Stinking Rose may sound like a slightly odd floral reference, but it's actually a nod to an old nickname for garlic — fitting for a restaurant that celebrates the ingredient in nearly every dish. The Stinking Rose was opened on July 3, 1991, and has since expanded into neighboring spaces due to its popularity.
Celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. have dined there, and the restaurant goes through over 40 pounds of garlic daily. The restaurant offers California-Italian cuisine heavily seasoned with garlic, and your appetite will be satisfied, but your breath might make a post-dinner kiss questionable.
The quirky decor amplifies the experience, with strung along the walls and playful garlic figures scaling the light fixtures. A mannequin dons a garlic-themed hat. It's a cool spot for a unique night out, especially if you're fending off a persistent vampire.
Plus, if you love an early night, your garlic-infused breath might get you home well before bedtime. If you're the type who always wants to keep the night going, there's hope – . Expect items like garlic martinis and garlic ice cream If you thought you'd just be getting a little extra garlic on your pizza at The Stinking Rose, you'd be mistaken.
With over 40 , including the infamous "gartini" (garlic martini), this restaurant takes garlic to levels you never thought possible. .
