Located just behind a beautiful wooden door with a carved owl and in a prime Hayes Valley location, Nightbird invites you into its nest with a small and sleek dining room. If you arrive early, don’t miss a delicious craft cocktail at their sibling spot next door, Linden Bar, as it’s the perfect lead-up to Chef/owner Kim Alter’s five-course tasting.Though the menu changes often to follow the changing seasons, Alter’s presentations are consistently artful. For example, a composition of roasted duck breast and tender confit might be arranged with summer squash and a bright compote of gooseberries, plus a chaser of spiced duck broth. House-made breads like a crusty farro loaf or fluffy Parker House rolls arrive at separate points of the meal to gild the lily.