A gorgeous rooftop bar and all-day Italian eatery are on our must-visit list for spring.
Mili, a new wine bar near Rincon Park, features terrific international vintages.
MILI
“We’re avid travelers and enjoy going to wine regions of whichever country we visit,” says Shubhra Sarkar, who owns Mili, a new wine bar near Rincon Park. Wine Director Renée-Nicole Kubin curated the extensive list that features international bottles from faraway places like Austria and Uruguay. Small 2-ounce tastes are available, and wine lovers are encouraged to experiment. To pair with the Sancerre, choose from a few snacks: cheese, charcuterie and pork rillettes from Maison Nico. 110 Folsom St., miliwinebar.com
The South American design vibe at Cavaña
BELLARIA DESSERT STUDIO
Locals have enjoyed pastry chef Luis Villavelazquez’s memorable desserts at places like Absinthe and China Live for the past two decades. Now Villavelazquez is bringing his dessert prowess to the masses at Bellaria Dessert Studio. “Our reservations will be like a restaurant, except people are coming for dessert,” Villavelazquez says. Diners should expect to spend 90 minutes at the studio for the multicourse tasting menu, but items are available a la carte. Think souffle bread pudding, Earl Grey and bruleed mandarin doughnuts, and vegan cookies. 442 Hyde St., 415.741.8666, leselementssf.com
Anticucho de pollo at Cavaña
CAVAÑA
While the views from Cavaña’s new rooftop bar are quintessentially SF, everything about the space exudes vibrant South American energy. “Our primary mission at Cavaña is to showcase the beauty of Latin American culture and present it in a way that is elegant and full of life,” says co-owner Anthony Parks. “We want our guests to feel immersed in this through our cocktails, food, service, art and music.” With sensational brisket arepas, a stellar passion fruit colada and groovy Spanish-language beats, Cavaña accomplishes its mission. 100 Channel St., 17th Floor, 415.757.1470, cavanasf.com
Karl the Fog cocktail at the new Orafo at the Four Seasons
ORAFO
The Four Seasons is bringing luxe Italian fare to Sansome Street at Orafo. San Diego’s Gunnar Planter has relocated to become the hotel’s executive chef, and Aom Aphiradi Lee is behind the wine list. “We’re working to establish ourselves as a top restaurant destination while providing memorable dishes that will leave guests looking forward to their next visit,” Planter says of the food and experience, which features tableside finishes. Italophiles can look forward to Tuscan and Calabrian specialties like burrata and culatello or porchetta with creamy polenta. 222 Sansome St., 415.276.9888, fourseasons.com
Chef Matthew Accarino brings Mattina to Bush Street, with an all-day a la carte menu.
MATTINA
Fans of SPQR will be delighted to learn that chef Matthew Accarrino is opening a new eatery around the corner from the Fillmore Street restaurant. “Mattina will be an all-day concept, offering coffee and pastries in the morning and a more casual a la carte menu throughout the day,” Accarrino says. Pacific Heights patrons can grab coffee and a breakfast sandwich that Accarrino ensures will be a customer favorite in the morning and return later for a glass of wine, lunch or dinner. 2232 Bush St., mattinasf.com
Photography by: MILLE DECOUDREAUX; EMILIO AND MIGUEL SALEHI; ANTHONY PARKS; MARC FIORITO, GAMMA NINE; STEPHANIE AMBERG