The Ultimate 2023 New San Francisco Restaurant Guide

By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | March 27, 2023 | Food & Drink, People, Lifestyle, Restaurants, Wine and Spirits, City Life, Architecture, News and Features, Culture, Neighborhoods, Features, Drink, Trends, Events, Women of Influence Latest, Local, Community, List - Restaurants,

San Francisco is a culinary capital that is ever-expanding and evolving with the trendiest and most cutting-edge cuisine, and this trailblazing ingenuity definitely continues as we go through 2023!

From fast-casual chicken sandwiches with an attention-"grabbing" twist, to a much-anticipated local favorite, kick off your new year right at these impressive must-try dining destinations that are brand new and recently opened.

AFICI

680 Folsom St / (415) 537-1111 / Website

Opened late September 2022, AFICI reinvigorates SoMa with an incredibly upscale sense of refinement and sophistication, not only in their intimately opulent interior, but also in their precise execution of their curated menu of high-quality meats and seasonal ingredients. From its chic lounge chairs, to the rentable bottle case display and glamorous cocktail offerings, this cozy cove by visionary Chef Eric Upper is a fabulous SoMa stop when in the museum and retail-filled neighborhood.

Also be sure not to miss out on their rotating exclusive one-night dinner specials which highlights AFICI's commitment to utilizing the whole animal in their multi-course menu while also providing exceptional insight of their local sourcing partnerships, such as this upcoming one with Iberico Pig!

Akikos At Avery Lane

430 Folsom St / (415) 397-3218 / Website

The extraordinarily-beloved Akikos has now expanded to The East Cut's Avery Lane, where you can be among the first to receive their acclaimed omakase along with their new nearby Embarcadero location. This swanky downtown hotspot boasts a stunning 2,700 square foot space masterfully designed by world-famous interior design firm AvroKO that puts the limited-seating Chef's Stage at the center in a modernized bespoke 70's vintage aesthetic. Grab a coveted seat at this main attraction with a glass of their reserve sake while you experience their brilliant omakase that's been kindly nourishing the city since 1987.

Aphotic

816 Folsom St / (415) 865-0529 / Website

Meaning "without light" in Greek, this trendy new SoMa retreat references the dark depths of the ocean in which the divinely fresh seafood is sourced from. Crafted by Chef Peter Hemsley, his devotion with Aphotic consists of genuine transparency and traceability with his ingredients, particularly towards the seafood which becomes precisely uplifted and delicately honored in his 10-course tasting menu. The libations are also a shining beacon here, as the Californian-inspired spirits are distilled in-house, and the poetic eight-cocktail tasting menu pays inventive reverence to global waters and their cultural histories.

Birdbox

680A 2nd St / Website

Need a new trusted hangout near Oracle Park? Birdbox is calling your name and welcoming you in with open arms, or should we say "claws?" This is a fun and casual addition to the family-friendly area from the remarkably creative couple of Michelin-Starred Birdsong fame that's been an instant hit on Instagram due to their playfully notorious Claude the Claw sandwich, which features a hefty serving of battered chicken, claw and all!

You're sure to capture some attention with this uniquely photoworthy offering, which is only further enhanced by their scrumptious cornbread and rich Cheesecake Pie.

Casaro Osteria

2136 Union St / (415) 374-7788 / Website

In case you needed another reason to bring family over for a homestyle dinner in Cow Hollow, Casaro Osteria is your new destination for rustic and approachable Italian cooking. Opened on February 15, this vividly eclectic space honors eateries from Napoli through their aesthetic, authentic atmopshere, and the can't-miss Napolitan offerings of pizza, Crudo di Scallops, Ziti alla Genovese, and slow-cooked pork ribs. The Italian and Northern Californian wines also meld together its two classic and modern worlds, as well as their craft cocktails that are proudly and unequivocally San Francisco, evident in their gin-forward San Francisco Fog, and unforgettable Espresso Martini.

Cassava

401 Columbus Ave / (415) 640-8990 / Website

From the Outer Richmond to the heart of North Beach, Cassava's recent October reopening in this vibrantly cultural neighborhood has been imeediately welcomed with overwhelmingly positive adoration. This comforting cornerstone by inspiring owner Yuka Ioroi and husband/Executive Chef Kris Toliao is bright, colorfully sleek, and presents elevated modern Californian cuisine in a thoughtfully affordable prix-fixe menu. If you're looking for a new location that is both elegant and snug, Cassava's kind staff and chic interior will truly take care of you for their customizable brunch and dinner.

Harlan Records

18 Harlan Pl / (415) 400-4083 / Website

Opened in late September 2022 in the former Bar Fluxus hideaway, Harlan Records is the gorgeous definition of a hidden gem destination with its Japanese-style record lounge. Glamorously vintage-chic, this is a relaxed and groovy hangout that's sultry, retro, and puts caring emphasis on their musical playlist, record displays, and creative song-inspired cocktails. This is an exceptional choice for a lowkey cove when you desire a refreshing and refined reprieve from the bustle of Union Square, just simply venture to discover their elusive alleyway.

Kin Khao

55 Cyril Magnin St / (415) 362-7456 / Website

Finding home in downtown's luxurious Parc 55 hotel is Kin Khao, which is effortlessly blessing the shopping district with much-needed Thai favorites in a bright and airy casual venue. From their Pretty Hot Wings, to their intriguing Rabbit Green Curry and irresistible Black Rice Pudding, this is a lovely family-style landmark that is making a grand return after a two-year hiatus.

The Laundromat SF

3725 Balboa St / (415) 379-4340 / Website

While The Laundromat's name sounds unassuming for a restaurant, a trip to this November-unveiled community favorite in the Outer Richmond will instantly reveal an awe-inspiring wonderland of thick-crust pizza, fresh bagels, and natural wine. Eclectic, cute, and playfully exuding a speakeasy-style reputation, the Laundromat is charming for a quick and filling breakfast run, a chill cocktail night, or for a trusted pizza joint after a night at its adjacent Balboa Theater.

Loquat

198 Gough St / (415) 932-6816 / Website

For all the pastry lovers, we can already forsee Loquat being a repeating favorite in your 2023, simply for their divine Salted Chocolate Babkas, lusciously cheesy Bourekas, and silky Labne Cheesecakes! This is a magical addition to the delectable community of Hayes Valley that brings together business partners from Four Barrel Coffee and the Mill with a pastry chef from Tartine Bakery. Such sweet synergy is joyously evident in their high quality baked goods.

Lyon & Swan

140 Columbus Ave / (415) 429-5200 / Website

Sultry, intimate, and reverently artistic, Lyon & Swan fits rights into the elegant performance culture of its North Beach home. With such great pride and respect for its location's vivid musical past since 1918, Lyon and Swan maintains their roots by being a trusted hideaway for talented jazz, drag shows, comedy, cabaret, and so much more. Pair these captivating spectacles with their equally enthralling dinner and wine menu for a night that's classy, entertaining, and pays homage to storied history while being innovatively modern.

Miller & Lux

700 Terry A Francois Blvd / (415) 872-6699 / Website

Miller & Lux by Chef Tyler Florence is the newest addition to Mission Bay, located behind the Chase Center and overlooking the serene waters while delivering impeccably upscale American favorites. With a glorious 7,000 square-foot restaurant space, this luxurious steakhouse is home to the finest cuts of meat, as well as gorgeously fresh seafood and produce. The tableside-harvested Caesar salad, Champagne and dessert carts, immense Plateau de Mer seafood tower, and climate-controlled in-house estuary are just some of what you'll indulge in at this sultry and sophisticated post-game escape, which will make you feel like a winner every time.

Outta Sight Pizza

422 Larkin St / (415) 829-3108 / Website

With a name like Outta Sight Pizza, you know you're in for a mind-blowing treat. Fitting right into our diverse pizza scene is this Tenderloin hidden gem that gives San Francisco a hearty taste of New York-style thin crust. This no-frills shop is cozy, quick, and deliciously creative with their vodka-sauce Lunch Lady and hot honey pepperoni, making for the ideal stop after exploring nearby City Hall and Civic Center.

Peaches Patties

Ferry Building / (415) 562-7589 / Website

Opened in early 2023, the year was deliciously welcomed properly in the city with the addition of locally-beloved Peaches Patties at the Ferry Building! Adored throughout SF and the Bay for her rich and perfectly flaky Jamaican patties, now fans and newcomers can experience her pockets of flavorful explosions among both the thriving Embarcadero, and the other incredible neighboring eateries at this food bazaar. This is the perfect cultural treat that's portable, quick, and consistently made with love when out enjoying the sunny waterfront.

Pizzeria Delfina

3621 18th St / (415) 552-4055 / Website

With Delfina being a highly-regarded household name in the Bay, fans of this Italian-fusion delight can now visit another location within a prime location. Nestled between both the Mission and the Castro on 18th Street, this glamorous iteration was well worth the two-year wait for its renovation, sporting a high ceiling, chic furniture, and food that is just as ritzy and authentic as you remember.

Rad Radish

301 Hayes St / (415) 916-8548 / Website

For those looking to integrate more veggies and vegan options into your 2023 diet, Rad Radish's ebullient opening couldn't have been more perfect. This nutritious vegan haven in Hayes Valley is a colorful cornerstone that's groovy, casual, and makes eating healthy beautifully effortless, especially when paired with their refreshing organic wines!

Reem’s

1 Ferry Building, #19 / (510) 852-9390 / Website

As if you needed another reason to stop in the ravishing Ferry Building! This food bazaar just got a little more paradisial with Chef Reem Assil's alluring outpost carrying familiar Arab comfort snacks for all the seaside travelers. The Cardamom Cold Brew with their many spiced pastries both savory and sweet make for the most delightful pick-me-ups to take while taking in the sights of this historic waterfront.

With these brilliant restaurants starting off our new year, we can't wait to see what else is in store for San Francisco's culinary scene for 2023!

Photography by: Courtesy of RODNAE Productions/Pexels

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