The Bay Area’s restaurant scene continues to wow with exceptional and daring talent. Here are our picks for the places that are thrilling us right now.
The Pubu Martini at Pabu Izakaya by Michael Mina sets the stage for a decadent meal.
1. DALIDA
Dalida beckons with its fusion of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and California seasonality. A chic ambiance sets the stage for culinary delights—think chubby pita with hummus, fattoush salad, pork cheek souvlaki and grilled turbot. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking an exquisite dining experience. 101 Montgomery St., Ste. 100, The Presidio, dalidasf.com
2. 7 ADAMS
At this culinary gem, husband-and-wife chef duo David Fisher and Serena Chow Fisher create innovative seasonal cuisine that’s elevated and beautiful. A recent tasting menu included cured hiramasa, beet tartare with buttermilk foam, celery root ravioli, A5 wagyu ribeye with bone marrow sauce and coconut sorbet with poached strawberry rhubarb. 1963 Sutter St., 415.655.9154, 7adamsrestaurant.com
3. COLLINA
Is there anything more comforting than a perfect plate of lasagna bolognese? You can’t beat Collina’s elegant version. The kitchen team also makes excellent focaccia and raviolo al uovo, and it roasts chicken under a brick with salsa verde. 1550 Hyde St., 415.775.1542,collinasf.com
4. IL PARCO
If you haven’t checked out Presidio Tunnel Tops, visit during the next sunny afternoon and stop by Il Parco. The new all-day, casual hot spot has gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and delicious pizza, coffee, salads, pastries and more. 215 Lincoln Blvd., ilparcosf.com
5. BLUE WHALE
Soup dumplings, sesame prawn toast, wild mushroom noodles and other elegant Asian dishes are on the menu at Blue Whale. 2033 Union St., 415.592.6009, bluewhalerestaurantlounge.com
6. LITTLE SHUCKER
Fillmore Street’s seafood sensation Little Shucker is our new favorite place for oysters on the half-shell, fresh crudo and mussels. There’s no better place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon meal with a glass of wine while people-watching. 2016 Fillmore St., littleshucker.com
7. HOLBROOK HOUSE
A sophisticated downtown happy hour spot, Holbrook House is the place to order a perfect martini. Push a button at your plush booth, and a dedicated bartender rolls out the cart with gin, vermouth, blue cheese olives and chilled glasses. Holbrook House is also open all day and has an excellent breakfast. 1 Sansome St., 415.515.6444, holbrookhousesf.com
8. BROAD STREET OYSTER CO.
While some locals avoid Ghirardelli Square, savvy gourmands know it’s a place to visit nowadays, thanks to chef Christopher Tompkins. The Los Angeles-based seafood maven opened his Broad Street Oyster Co. in March to much-warranted fanfare. His lobster rolls are delicious; we like the mayonnaise-based version. 900 N. Point St., broadstreetoyster.com
9. ELENA’S
Elena’s is perfect, from the high ceilings and airy atmosphere to the warm tortilla chips with melty queso and the friendly and engaging staff. 255 West Portal Ave., 415.622.4440, elenasmexican.com
10. CULTIVAR
Cultivar, Chestnut Street’s longtime wine-centric restaurant, opened a wine bar in Ghirardelli Square. Guests savor flights of the brand’s 16 current releases while snacking on cheese, charcuterie, truffled popcorn, and other light bites. 900 Northpoint St., Ste. E -211, cultivarwine.com
Tonya Pitts at One Market
1. TONYA PITTS, ONE MARKET
At One Market, Tonya Pitts has introduced wine drinkers to exceptional varietals, lesser-known producers and grand slam bottles for 16 years. The compassionate and kind wine professional is a champion of labels by women, BIPOC and LBTQ winemakers and is a recognized leader in the local wine community. 1 Market St., 415.777.5577, onemarket.com
2. GENARO GALLO, EIGHT TABLES
Over 1,000 rare wine selections are available at Eight Tables by George Chen. Twenty-three-year- old dynamo Genaro Gallo oversees this extensive collection with aplomb and skill. The Spanish native is one of just 30 individuals in Spain to be certified with the Master Sommelier Court. 8 Kenneth Rexroth Place, 415.788.8788, eighttables.com
3. IAN COBB, NISEI
Since opening Nisei in 2021, general manager and sommelier Ian Cobb has established it as one of the city’s best beverage programs. Most recently, Cobb has poured himself into the world of sake and now holds the prestigious WSET Sake Sommelier Sake Level 3. 2316 Polk St., 415.827.6898, restaurantnisei.com
4. GRACE ACKERMAN, OSITO
Grace Ackerman oversees the small and focused wine list at Osito, paying more attention to unheard-of regions than well-known places. Each new menu requires a wine pairing with a specific theme, and Ackerman thinks outside the box, highlighting rosés from high-elevation islands or bottles from female-led wineries. This makes her program thoughtfully curated and fascinating. 2875 18th St., 415.817.1585, ositosf.co
1. THE MATHESON
The Matheson offers three distinct experiences in one venue: a wine wall where guests can sample 88 varietals, a main dining room where chef Dustin Valette serves exemplary wine country cuisine and a trendy rooftop with pizza and cocktails. 106 Matheson St, Healdsburg, thematheson.com
2. GOODNIGHT’S PRIME STEAK + SPIRITS
Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits is a traditional yet modern steakhouse. Chef David Lawrence encourages diners to experiment by offering a diverse menu of salts and sauces to pair with prime cuts of beef. There’s lobster thermidor, decadent baked potatoes and whole roasted cauliflower. 113 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707.543.1000, goodnightsrestaurant.com
3. GENTLEMAN FARMER BUNGALOW, A STUDIO FOR GUSTATORY WELL-BEING
Book breakfast or lunch at Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, A Studio for Gustatory Well-Being. The gentleman farmers (Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham) are talented vintners, incredible chefs and charismatic hosts. Their delightful space brims with family heirlooms. They whip up buckwheat blinis with smoked aubergines and hand them to you warm to pair with their chardonnay. 1564 1st St., 707.948.6107, gentlemanfarmerwines.com
4. THE RESTAURANT AT NORTH BLOCK
Go to Yountville’s Restaurant at North Block for a serene lunch in a warm, charming courtyard patio. Order a dozen oysters on the half shell, a sensational farm-to-table salad and a mortadella sandwich with stracciatella and pickled red onions. 6757 Washington St, Yountville, 707. 299.5030, northblockhotel.com
5. THE LAZEAWAY CLUB
The Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa is a 67-year-old legendary oasis with a fantastic restaurant. At Lazeaway Club, chef Chris Ricketts serves diverse flavors of the Pacific, like ahi poke and bibimbap. 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707. 510.4533, lazeawayclub.com
6. MOLTI AMICI
Molti Amici, our favorite new restaurant in Healdsburg, serves fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to sit in the back patio. With its bocce ball court and pizza oven, the people-watching is fun and fabulous. 330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.756.3169, moltiamici.com
The sleek design of Bar Iris
1. STARLITE
Starlite, the city’s iconic bar, has been reborn for a modern era. The space overlooks Union Square from the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand Hotel and features drinks by mixologist Scott Baird, bites by chef Johnny Spero and music by Nina Tarr. 450 Powell St., beacongrand.com
2. THE DAWN CLUB
There’s no place quite like the Dawn Club. It’s a dazzling downtown space steeped with a rich history. Who doesn’t want to sip sensational cocktails while listening to live music in a gorgeous setting? 10 Annie St., 415.5083296, dawnclub.com
3. LEFT DOOR
The Marina’s hottest new watering hole, Left Door, feels more like a sophisticated home lounge than a traditional bar. There are separate rooms that are intimate and expertly designed, snacks like wagyu carpaccio and skillfully crafted cocktails. 1905 Union St., 415.295.2042, leftdoorsf.com
4. COMSTOCK SALOON
This is our go-to venue whenever we’re thirsty for a cocktail in North Beach. The 14-year-old bar serves sublime libations, hearty fare and live music. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the classic South Side. 155 Columbus Ave., 415. 617.0071, comstocksaloon.com
Doug Dalton, co-owner of Dawn Club, a slice of jazz heaven downtown
5. COLD DRINKS
China Live’s upstairs bar, Cold Drinks, is an oasis in Chinatown. It’s a moody and masculine yet sexy and stylish space where the drinks are well-balanced, potent and provocative. 644 Broadway, 415.788.8188, chinalivesf.com
6. BAR IRIS
Polk Street is home to Bar Iris, a refined cocktail bar with an extensive selection of Japanese whiskey and spirits. It’s high-end and the sort of place that’s easy to love with beautifully presented drinks and Japanese-inspired small plates. 2310 Polk St., bar-iris.com
7. TRICK DOG
For the past 11 years, the team behind Mission District mainstay Trick Dog has created an entirely new menu every six months. The bar debuted its 20th roster in January, a pirate-themed extravaganza known as The Salty Dog. If you’ve never been, stop everything and go tonight. 3010 20th St., 415.471.2999, trickdogbar.com
8. BAR SPREZZATURA
Bar Sprezzatura transports guests to Venice with its creative spritzes and delectable cicchetti Native Italian Carlo Splendorini is behind the mixology magic, and chef Joseph Offner crafts the heavenly snacks served daily at this cosmopolitan watering hole. One Maritime Plaza, Ste. 100, 628.466.0230, barsprezzatura.com
9. ELIXIR
Elixir is quite possibly the best neighborhood bar in SF. It’s also one of the oldest neighborhood watering holes, having housed a bar on the corner of 16th and Guerrero Street for the past 165 years. Last year, it celebrated its 20th anniversary under owner H. Joseph Ehrmann, a pioneer of the craft cocktail movement. 3200 16th St., 415.552.1633, elixirsf.com
10. BUENA VISTA CAFE
Opened in 1916, the Buena Vista Cafe is best known for its Irish coffee. The whiskey coffee whipped cream concoction synonymous with the bar didn’t come along until 1952. Today, it’s still their most popular drink for good reason, as it’s a comforting classic that warms you up when the fog rolls in. 2765 Hyde St., 415.474.5044, thebuenavista.com
11. LASZLO
We’ve never had a bad night at Laszlo, the two-story Mission Street bar with comfortable seating and a vast vinyl collection. Order an avant-garde libation or two; if you’re hungry, order from Foreign Cinema. Te restaurant is next door and shares the same owners. 2526 Mission St., 415.648.7600, laszlobar.com
1. MELISSA PERFIT, POPI’S OYSTERETTE
At Melissa Perfit’s Marina eatery, Popi’s Oysterette, she serves excellent oysters, fried calamari, and Dungeness crab rolls fit for a First Lady. When Jill Biden was visiting the city earlier this year, she stopped by and ordered one for lunch. 2095 Chestnut St., popisoysterette.com
2. DAVID BARZELAY, LAZY BEAR
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Lazy Bear, the Mission eatery that throws an upscale dinner party every night. David Barzelay is committed to helping build a better San Francisco, and rumor has it he plans to open an exciting new space soon. 3416 19th St., 415.874.9921, lazybearsf.com
3. SERENA CHOW FISHER, JACK & REMI
Serena Chow Fisher recently launched a new ice cream company. Jack & Remi offers unique twists on classic flavors like shiso mint chip, orange bay leaf and our favorite: sourdough toast and jam. Order pints directly from her website and have them delivered to your doorstep. scoopjackandremi.com
4. ANTHONY STRONG, PASTA SUPPLY CO.
Anthony Strong, who made his name overseeing the Delfina empire, recently opened two locations of Pasta Supply Co. It’s a fantastic destination to shop for fresh pappardelle, spicy tomato vodka sauce, antipasto vegetables, cured meats and more. He also serves a casual dinner and offers pasta-making classes. 236 Clement St., 415.236.2668, pastasupplyco.com
5. RYAN MCILWRAITH, ALORA
We’ve been huge fans of Ryan McIlwraith since he opened Coqueta on the Embaracadero 11 years ago. In a full-circle moment, he’s returned to the waterfront with Alora. His prowess is evident at the new coastal Mediterranean restaurant—everything from the muhammara to the octopus is flavorful, memorable and satisfying. The Embarcadero Pier 3, Ste. 108, 415.738.6004, visitalora.com
6. DAVID NAYFELD, CHE FICO
Whether ensuring that his staff receives fair wages or perfecting his dough recipe, David Nayfeld is making moves. In the past year, he’s opened three new places: Che Fico Pizzeria at Chase Center, Che Fico Menlo Park and a new grocery store at Springline, Il Mercato di Che Fico. 838 Divisadero St., 415.416.6959, chefico.com
1. ORIGINAL JOE’S
There’s no place on earth like Original Joe’s in North Beach. The family-owned Italian eatery is outstanding in every way, and that’s why it has served a loyal following for over a decade. Here’s hoping it’s an SF standby for another! 601 Union St., 415.775.4877, originaljoes.com
2. FANG
Kathy Fang grew up in the kitchen of her family’s famous restaurant, House of Nanking, before opening Fang Restaurant with her father in 2009. Fifteen years later, Fang is still in the kitchen daily, serving those who want to meet her from her TV fame; look for Cantonese favorites like crispy chili short ribs and honey apple shrimp. 660 Howard St., 415.777.8568, fangsanfrancisco.com
3. ABSINTHE
Absinthe is our favorite place to have dinner before a show at the War Memorial Opera House or Davies Symphony Hall. The bustling bistro, which turned 25 last year, continues to serve classic French-inspired fare and outstanding cocktails. Hayes Valley wouldn’t be the same without the restaurant’s vibrant neon green sign. 398 Hayes St., 415.551.1590, absinthe.com
4. BOULEVARD
There’s a reason Boulevard, a Nancy Oakes Embaracadero institution, celebrated its 30th birthday last year. The restaurant is, quite simply, superb. The staff is warm, sincere and attentive; the beverage program is extensive, diverse and engaging; and the food is thoughtful, seasonal, and delicious. It doesn’t get more quintessentially San Franciscan than this. 1 Mission St., boulevardrestaurant.com
5. GOTT’S ROADSIDE
The beloved Ferry Building burger joint is 25. To celebrate, the team is serving a special sandwich and milkshake every month this year. It’s a soft-shell crab sandwich with a cherry cobbler parfait milkshake in June. One Ferry Building, The Embarcadero, 415.318.3423, gotts.com
6. GREENS
Chef Katie Reicher is breathing new life into Greens, the vegetarian establishment that has served seasonal farm-fresh cuisine since the 1970s. Her new menu includes smaller plates that focus on micro seasonality. She’s also hosting an exciting guest chef series throughout the year. Building A, 2 Marina Blvd., 415.771.6222, greensrestaurant.com
7. TADICH GRILL
Tadich Grill is one of SF’s (and the nation’s!) oldest eateries—175 years old! There’s something wildly comforting about dining there. It’s fun to know people have been savoring the seafood and enjoying the space since 1849. 240 California St., 415.391.1849, tadichgrillsf.com
8. SPRUCE
Spruce, the Sacramento Street destination, has served its devotees luxe California cuisine since 2007. The restaurant remains one of the best, and we never turn down an invitation to dine there. 3640 Sacramento St., 415.931.5100, sprucesf.com
9. MOURAD
It feels like just yesterday that we excitedly waited for chef Mourad Lahlou to open his namesake restaurant, Mourad. But in fact, it was nine years ago. The Moroccan food is still as vibrant, fresh and delicious as it was on day one. 140 New Montgomery St., 415.660.2500, mouradsf.com
Niku Steakhouse
1. NIKU STEAKHOUSE
Floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood walls and plush leather chairs make Niku Steakhouse a stylish gem. Aya Yanagisawa of Aya Designs and co-owner Kash Feng are behind the design, which also features a 16-seat counter where guests watch executive chef Dustin Falcon work his culinary magic. 61 Division St., 415.829.7817, nikusteakhouse.com
2. LA CONNESSA
With a backlit floor-to-ceiling bar, French bistro rattan chairs, patterned floors and massive circular chandeliers that look like ceiling jewelry, La Connessa is one beautiful space created by S. B Brady and Left Coast Design. The restaurant is the Spruce team’s take on a classic trattoria, featuring a tasty pasta and pizza menu. 1695 Mariposa St., 628.221.0123, laconnessa.com
3. QUINCE
Quince, Michael and Lindsay Tusk’s landmark restaurant, spent most of 2023 closed for renovation. It reopened last November with a new look by designers Steven Volpe and Diego Delgado-Elias. The remodeled space is more relaxed and organic, with an open dining room, an earthy palette and natural wood elements. 470 Pacific Ave., 415.775.8500, quincerestaurant.com
4. COPRA
Inspiring coastal Indian cuisine is on the agenda at Copra, chef Srijith “Sri” Gopinathan’s lively and happening eatery. The breathtaking space, designed by Schoos Design in collaboration with Studio Mood and co-owner Ayesha Thapar, features lush greenery, macrame lanterns, cotton ropes, earthy pottery and vibrant floral prints. 1700 Filmore St., 415.873.0795, coprarestaurant.com
Copra's main dining room
5. EMPRESS BY BOON
At Empress by Boon, there are intricately carved wooden pergolas, curved booths in rich hues of blue, large murals by graphic artist Lucy Wright and stunning city views. Lily Jordan of Atelier Llys designed the space with chef and owner Ho Chee Boon*. 838 Grant Ave., 415.757.0728, theempresssf.com
6. MILLER & LUX
The booths are the thing at Miller & Lux, Tyler Florence’s Chase Center steakhouse that overlooks the shimmering Bay. Ken Fulk created the interiors to evoke old-world glamour with chic light fixtures, art deco accents, crisp white tablecloths and smooth leather banquettes. 700 Terry A Francois Blvd., 415.872.6699, millerandluxrestaurant.com
7. BAR CRENN
Chef Dominque Crenn worked with production designer Ethan Tobman, whom she met while consulting on the film The Menu, to remodel Bar Crenn. A massive record collection anchors the resulting space, which feels more like a sophisticated living room than a traditional bar. 3131 Fillmore St., 415.440.0460, barcrenn.com
Todo El Dia
1. TODO EL DIA
The Tacolicious team has debuted a new Noe Valley all-day eatery with an ample back patio and terrific breakfast tacos, available from 8 to 11 a.m. Also, on the menu? Chia pudding, avocado mollettes, huevos divorciados, quiche granola bowls and more. 4063 24th St., todoeldiasf.com
2. EARLY TO RISE
To avoid a line, visit Early to Rise, the new breakfast-only restaurant from Southern-born chef Andrew McCormack, on a weekday. He makes everything from the hot sauce to the English muffins from scratch, and it’s all unbelievably good. The eggs Benedict with greens and Canadian bacon is a must-order. 1801 McAllister St., earlytorisesf.com
Bagel and lox at Early to Rise
3. ABACA
Contemporary Filipino-California cuisine shines at Abaca, which offers weekday breakfast and weekend brunch. Delight in exciting flavors (huckleberry scones with calamansi and quince jam) and hearty filling fare (black truffle loco moco with wagyu burger steak and garlic rice) while chilling in a vibrant atmosphere. 2700 Jones St., 415.486.0788, restaurantabaca.com
4. MILLER & LUX PROVISIONS
The next time you’re downtown, pop by Union Square to try Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux Provisions. It has two locations: one off of Powell with croissants and pastries, and the other is on Stockton with larger brunch dishes like avocado toast and smoked salmon Benedict. 225 Stockton St., 415.548.2073, millerandluxrestaurant.com
Abaca's loco moco
5. BOICHIK BAGELS
Emily Winston’s bagel empire has finally arrived in San Francisco! the past few weeks, she’s opened three bagelries in the city. Find her chewy, satisfying everything bagels and more on Sacramento, Fillmore and Battery Streets. 3665 Sacramento St., boichikbagels.com
6. LE MARAIS BAKERY
We find our favorite croissants at Le Marais Bakery in the Castro and Tenderloin. The Castro location is also an all-day cafe that serves a sit-down brunch with croque madame, French toast and strawberry crepes. 498 Sanchez St., 415.872.9026, lemaraisbakery.com
7. FERRY BUILDING
For many breakfast options all in one place, look no further than the beloved Ferry Building, which turned 125 years old in 2023. Find a memorable breakfast at Boulettes Larder (@bouletteslarder), Daily Driver (@dailydriversf), Grande Creperie (grandcreperie.com), Mariposa Baking Company (@mariposabaking) or Blue Bottle Coffee (@bluebottle). The plaza’s farmers market offers even more brunch dishes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. One Ferry Building, 415.983.8030, ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
Pasta at Mattina
1. MATTINA
Chef Matthew Accarrino took over the Out the Door space last year and unveiled Mattina, a new casual pasta place that serves lunch from Thursdays to Sundays. Indulge in melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella with grilled bread, tender cannellini beans with kale, and artisanal handmade rigatoni with bolognese. 2232 Bush St., mattinasf.com
2. RADHAUS
Fort Mason’s Bavarian-inspired beer hall is an excellent location for a leisurely lunch. Savor creamy smoked trout toast, bratwurst or currywurst, or the chicken schnitzel sandwich with horseradish aioli. Pair your meal with an icy cold German brew or a crisp, refreshing glass of Grüner. 2 Marina Blvd. Building A., 415.445.4556, radhaussf.com
3. SAM’S GRILL & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Serving San Franciscans since 1867, Sam’s Grill offers seafood specialties like scallops with sugar snap pea risotto, halibut with puttanesca sauce and classic Dungeness crab Louie. The old-fashioned private dining booths remain, but if you want a more modern experience, you’ll find one in the gorgeous glass patio. 374 Bush S., 415.421.0594, samsgrill-sf.com
4. THE GARDEN COURT
The jewel box restaurant, where green goddess dressing originates, sits inside the Palace Hotel and offers a beautiful backdrop for an elegant meal. Get the crab salad with the modern version of the dressing. It’s scrumptious! 2 New Montgomery St., 415.546.5089, gardencourtsf.com
Vegetarian fare at Besharam
5. MAISON NICO
Discover the prettiest pate en croute and saucisson en brioche you’ve ever seen at Jackson Square’s Maison Nico. The Parisian cafe and market from chef Nicolas Delaroque specializes in traditional French culinary pasty techniques, from terrines to tarts and canelés to quiche. 710 Montgomery St., 415.359.1000, maisonnico.com
6. BEIT RIMA
Beit Rima is a beloved neighborhood staple (for those living in Cole Valley and Duboce Triangle), delivering dishes as close to home-cooked as they come. Named after the owner-chef’s mother, Rima, both locations, although often busy, churn out creamy mezze platters and savory meat dishes with consistency and warmth. 86 Carl St., 415.566.1274, beitrimasf.com
7. BESHARAM
Besharam, the vegetarian Indian restaurant by chef Heena Patel, recently launched a lunch service. It’s served Thursday through Saturday at the Minnesota Street Project and features delectable dishes like a paneer chutney wrap, garbanzo stew with garlic confit and masala omelet with trumpet mushrooms. 1275 Minnesota St., 415.580.7662, besharamrestaurant.com
8. DELI BOARD
No lunch list is complete without mentioning one of our longtime go-to’s, Deli Board, a Soma takeout sandwich shop that’s been around since 2009. The current menu includes over 15 sandwiches like the Armando with turkey, bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese, sprouts, pepperoncini, mayonnaise and Board sauce on a garlic French roll. 1058 Folsom St., 415.552.7687, deliboardsf.com
9. SANDY’S MUFFULETTAS
Peterson Harter of Sandy’s has perfected the art of muffuletta making. He starts by slicing a round of Firebrand Artisan bread, then generously slathers each side with Duke’s mayo before layering on spicy olive salad, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provolone and more olive salad. The resulting sandwich is a New Orleans masterpiece. 1457 Haight St., 415.655.9691, sandysmuffs.com
Exquisite martinis at Harris' Restaurant
2 TRENDS WE LOVE: MARTINIS & CAVIAR
1. MARTINIS
HARRIS’ RESTAURANT
The Van Ness Street restaurant Harris’ is a swanky setting for an icy cold gin martini. It’s a generous pour with a little extra on the side, and there’s live jazz nightly at the steakhouse, which turns 40 this year. 2100 Van Ness Ave., 415.673.1888, harrisrestaurant.com
BALBOA CAFE
On a recent Saturday night at Balboa Cafe, we were shocked to look around and realize that practically everyone was drinking the same thing: espresso martinis. The bartenders make so many that they have the concoction of Stoli Vanilla, Kahlua and Top Hat cold brew espresso on tap. 3199 Fillmore St., 415.921.3944, balboacafesf.com
THE ST. REGIS BAR
The luxurious bar at the St. Regis Hotel offers a build-your-own martini experience. First, decide if you prefer your drink to be shaken or stirred. Then, select vodka or gin, a vermouth type and garnish. Next, wait for your chilled glass to arrive and enjoy. 125 3rd St., 415.284.4188, marriott.com
TOP OF THE MARK
If you prefer your martini with a view, head to the Top of the Mark. The bar is on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, which is on the top of Nob Hill, so there’s a stunning 360-degree view of the city. 999 California St., 415.616.6916, ihg.com
LINDEN ROOM
The team takes an innovative approach to cocktail crafting: They age spirits and concoct low-temperature infusions to transform fresh fruits, herbs and other aromatics into bitters, tinctures and liqueurs. 292 Linden St., nightbirdrestaurant.com
ROKA AKOR
Below the restaurant at Roka Akor is a dark and sexy space ideal for a martini. The team elevates the bar experience with traditional and innovative approaches, serving meticulously crafted cocktails that complement luxe Japanese cuisine. 801 Montgomery St., 415.362.8887, rokaakor.com
Anomaly SF's caviar French toast
2. CAVIAR
ANOMALY SF’S CAVIAR FRENCH TOAST
To make his heavenly bite, chef Mike Lanham soaks dehydrated challah in cream, brown sugar and eggs before packing the mixture into a pan and simmering it in a water bath. He chills it overnight, slices it into bite-sized pieces and sears each in butter. These little rectangles are served with a bit of crème fraiche, chives and The Caviar Co. caviar. 2600 Sutter St., 415.510.9468, anomalysf.com
TERRENE’S SEAFOOD TOWER
During weekend brunch, 1 Hotel’s Terrene restaurant offers a sumptuous seafood tower with Tsar Nicoulai caviar. The tower includes ceviche with chive and turmeric marinade, poached shrimp, smoked sturgeon pate, seeded lavash, pickled vegetables, crudites and the necessary accouterments for caviar: smoked crème fraiche and housemade kettle chips. 8 Mission St., 415.278.3777, 1hotels.com
PABU’S MARTINI
Pabu’s martini with caviar combines two trends in one. The ritzy drink, which consists of dry gin, vermouth and plum bitters, comes with a lotus root chip garnish. Four grams of sturgeon caviar rests elegantly on the chip. Dreamy! 101 California St., 415.535.0184, michaelmina.net
TSAR NICOULAI CAVIAR CAFE’S PHILLY PRETZEL
Local pioneers of sustainable sturgeon farming and caviar production, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. At their Ferry Building cafe, caviar lovers go crazy for the Philly Pretzel. It’s a soft pretzel served with crème fraiche onion dip, truffle oil, chives and a heaping dollop of caviar. 1 Ferry Building, 415.800.9282, caviarcafe.com
THE VAULT STEAKHOUSE’S POTATO PAVE TOTS
The Vault Steakhouse potato pave tots are a decadent delight. Thin potato slices are layered with butter and thyme and baked until golden. The pave is sliced into squares, fried until crispy and topped with sieved eggs mixed with chives and shallots, crème fraiche and Caviar Co.’s white sturgeon caviar. 555 California St., 415.508.4675, thevault555.com
THE ROTUNDA’S CAVIAR SERVICE
At Neiman Marcus’s lunch spot, chef Erik Harrelson serves a jar of The Caviar Co. with sieved egg, chives, capers, crème fraiche and chips. Level Four, 150 Stockton St., 415.249.2720, stores.neimanmarcus.com
Photography by: NADER KHOURI; ISABEL BAER; ROHAN UGALE; MAREN CARUSO; TARA RUDOLPH; DAVE BAZZA; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; GLODOW NEAD COMMUNICATIONS; COURTESY OF BRAND; TRACY EASTON; ERIN KUNKEL; COURTESY OF LAZY BEAR; ERIC WOLFINGER; EMMA K. MORRIS; DEEDEE BROWN/RAY STUDIOS; COURTESY OF FANG; CHAD SANTO TOMAS; CHAD SANTO TOMAS; NICOLA PARISI; MELISSA MATA; BRIANNA DANNER; STEPHANIE AMBERG; SARAH FELKER; MICHELLE MIN; ANDREA BARTLEY;
