The 5 Hottest Restaurants To Dine In SF Right Now

From Paris to Peru, these are SF’s hottest new restaurants this season.

Jack and Beanstalk at Altamirano, a new venue that explores the culinary essense of Peru.

ALTAMIRANO

“Opening our flagship location in NoPa isn’t about introducing another restaurant—it’s about deepening our commitment to sharing the rich, diverse flavors of Peruvian and California-centric cuisine with the community,” says Carlos Altamirano, chef and owner of Altamirano. This is his eighth eatery and the culmination of years of passion and hard work. The menu features classic Peruvian cuisine—think ceviche and anticuchos—and the dining room is light-filled and inviting. Altamirano hopes “to create a space where guests can experience the true essence of Peru.” 1775 Fulton St., 415.947.7007, altamiranosf.com

Chef Bruno Chemel at Le Parc Bistrobar

LE PARC BISTROBAR

The Financial District is now home to a French hot spot. “Le Parc Bistrobar has lounge space and bars,” says chef and owner Bruno Chemel. “Now I can serve the simple French bistro food with a modern twist and also be able to offer customers cocktails or a glass of wine in an engaging space.” Diners can look forward to Chemel’s elegant preparations of sole meunière and ratatouille alongside excellent drinks like the Vesper and Aviation. 185 Sutter St., leparcbistrobar.com

MERCHANT ROOTS

Merchant Roots, formerly a fine dining destination in the Fillmore, has moved to a larger location in SoMa. “This is not only a physical move,” says chef and owner Ryan Shelton. “The new space enables us to dive deeper into our creative possibilities and serve a meal that can genuinely be classified as an adventure.” The rotating menu format means Shelton and his team create a new restaurant four times a year, starting with a theme that focuses on color. 1148 Mission St., merchantroots.com

The dining room at Merchant Roots

BOMBAY BRASSERIE

Innovative Indian cuisine with a French flair is on the menu at Bombay Brasserie, a new restaurant at the Taj Campton Place in Union Square. “Bombay Brasserie is a celebration of Indian heritage and a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when two culinary worlds come together,” says chef Thomas George. He uses high-quality ingredients to make fried chicken with curry leaves, truffle paneer with olive tapenade and lobster thermidor with shallot cream. 340 Stockton St., 415.955.5555, bombaybrasseriesf.com

Lobster Thermadore at Bombay Brasserie

LUCE

Luce has long been an incubator for some of SF’s top chefs, but the downtown eatery was closed for part of the summer to transform. Now it’s back and better than ever with a sophisticated look, a new menu of Greek traditions and hearty Italian flavors from chef Dennis Efthymiou. “The fall tasting menu captures the essence of the season—a celebration of harvest, comfort and the simple beauty of nature’s transformation,” he says. 888 Howard St., 415.616.6566, lucewinerestaurant.com