San Francisco has seen some exciting culinary offerings lately, and that’s what you can expect when visiting this bayside city.
The restaurant scene is constantly changing, especially in a city like San Francisco, which is world famous for its top-notch, fresh, diverse cuisine and above all, hip Restaurants. So how is a self-respecting foodie supposed to keep up?
The answer lies in this delicious guide to the new restaurants in San Francisco that landed on the map this fall. Much like the city’s current and past culinary oeuvre, these latest offerings are as eclectic as they are trendy, but don’t let that fool you. These new kids on the block both got style and substance and are sure to become one of Bay City’s most popular spots due to their delicious and inventive offerings that would make any discerning foodie want to skip the next flight to SF
Japanese cuisine at Nisei Restaurant
While there’s no shortage of Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area, this debut restaurant by former California chef David Yoshimura aims to marry soulful Japanese cuisine and fine dining — an ambitious (and delicious!) prospect. With a nightly tasting menu designed to elevate California wasoku (harmony of food), the elegant offer of Restaurant nisei are the perfect marriage of Japanese home cooking and California flavors.
- Site: 2316 Polk Street
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Reservations: Yes
- What to try: The tasting menu changes every night, so customers are in for a delicious surprise. However, before dining, be sure to visit the restaurant’s partner bar Iris where diners can try a specialty cocktail like the Pop Quiz, made with Japanese vodka.
- Price: 12-course tasting menu $174/person
The Fantastic The Fantastic
A seafood/wine bar in San Francisco’s trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood, The fantastic has it all – the vibes (vinyl is the music of the day), the freshest fish and lots of great French wines. Come for small plates (including sides of incredible bread), and stay for the mid-century modern urban atmosphere where patrons can sip bubbles and enjoy the awesome tunes.
- Site: 22 Franklin St.
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Reservations: Yes
- What to try: Miniature eclair topped with smoked onion crème fraîche, banana maple glaze and caviar; Japanese crab with sushi rice and Hollandaise sauce; Crispy padrons with bonito vinegar
- Price per person: $$$
Steak is on the menu at Miller & Lux restaurant
The latest offering from celebrity chef Tyler Lawrence, this sleek and spacious steakhouse is luxurious, yet casual; elegant, yet approachable. Located in the city’s Chase Center (home of the Golden State Warriors), Miller & Luxury offers a sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed and refined atmosphere.
- Site: 700, boul. Terry A. Francois
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 5pm-10pm
- Reservations: Yes
- What to try: 32 oz. Tomahawk Ribeye (Black Angus dry-aged for 45 days); Lobster Thermidor; Caviar donuts (appetizer)
- Price per person: $$$$
Mediterranean magic at the Estiatorio Ornos
This downtown Greek seafood restaurant is the latest from award-winning restaurateur Michael Mina. It aims to continue its commitment to providing innovative cuisine that “delights the senses and exceeds expectations”. And if the first reviews of Estiatorio Ornos are any indication, Mina and her team certainly succeed with their plethora of Mediterranean-inspired Greek dishes where fresh fish is the star. There’s also a four-course tasting menu for those who want to try some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Tasting menu $115/person
- Site: 252 California Street
- Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5pm-9pm; Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Reservations: Yes
- What to try: pink snapper; Filet Mignon Souvlaki; Ornos Signature caviar service: ‘Axnista’ mussels (aperitif)
- Price per person: $$$-$$$$
Abaca: Fabulous Filipino Cuisine at Fisherman’s Wharf
This first brick-and-mortar restaurant from chef Francis Ang is open, welcoming and bright, setting the stage for inventive cuisine that pushes the boundaries with its diverse and delicious offerings, including fresh desserts. The cocktail menu has also been carefully curated and is just as colorful as the food itself. Be sure to try the Ube-Colada, the restaurant’s inventive take on a piña colada.
- Site: 2700 Jones Street
- Hours: Dinner is Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Panaderia cafe and breakfast available Wednesday through Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Reservations: Yes
- What to try: Banana heart salad; Bay scallop pancit; Lola Pork Lumpia; Abacá Seafood Chowder
- Price per person $$-$$$$
Other New Restaurants of Note
Believe it or not, there are even more new fall offerings that have recently been added to San Francisco’s hip and vibrant dining scene. Below are some additional offers that are definitely worth checking out.
- Breakfast (and, by extension, brunch) remains the most important meal of the day, so stop by Washington Square Park’s Newbie Hilda and Jesse to try their inventive three-course tasting menu filled with treats like steak and eggs and their famous pancakes
- Modern Cantonese cuisine is the basis of Chinatown’s new offering Empress by Boon. Diners can choose from a prix fixe menu ($78/person) or small bites served at the bar. Be sure to try the steamed dumplings or the smoked pork chops.
- Any list of new SF restaurants would be incomplete without a new sushi spot and Sushi Sato certainly fits the bill with its ultra-fresh offerings that include an a la carte menu filled with treats like the Fatty Tuna Uni Truffle Bowl and Tuna Carpaccio. Sushi Sato also offers an inventive cocktail menu and around *80* different types of whisky. So, visitors will definitely find something to their liking while tasting their favorite fish.
There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in San Francisco, but these bright and shiny new offerings are the latest on the city’s hip and tasty restaurant scene. With distinctive menu offerings that incorporate a unique California sensibility and flair, these newest entries in the annals of Bay Area cuisine are sure to become favorites of locals and visitors alike for years to come.
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