Looking for somewhere new to eat? We've got you covered. Here’s your monthly cheat sheet of five brand-new places that recently opened around town.
Now open in the renovated Warwick San Francisco, this downtown beauty has a number of ways to charm you. Chef Casey Thompson (yes, she of early Top Chef fame) is cooking from the heart here, with an elegant, New California sensibility. Creative dishes like crab and shrimp macarons, an egg yolk beignet wrapped in lardo and Wagyu beef, and her vegetable garden plate will get your attention. This stylish spot is dialed for a date, and start your night with a cocktail at the European next door (or enjoy a nightcap); you’ll also find Thompson is behind the innovative bar bites menu. 490 Geary St. (at Taylor St.)
Russian Hill has not only gained an awesome new-yet-old-fashioned butcher shop, but the neighborhood scored an attractive restaurant as well, complete with electric-blue leather booths. The menu highlights all kinds of quality meats from the sustainable Belcampo ranch, ranging from steak tartare to fried guinea hen to braised lamb belly (there are some vegetarian dishes to; it’s not a total meat-fest). There’s also a cheeseburger with your name on it. 1998 Polk St. (at Pacific Ave.)
This casual new Marina spot literally just opened (on July 2!), offering a New American menu that’s designed to share while you work your way through their extensive wine-by-the-glass and craft beer list. Deviled eggs, smoked brisket with onion jam, and a baby kale Caesar salad are all there; and with the kitchen open until 1a.m., the Marina also just scored a new late-night burger stop. Three words: donut bread pudding (which uses donuts from neighbor Allstar Donuts). 2346 Chestnut St. (at Divsadero St.)
The Marina is lucking out this month with late-night spots, because North Beach’s Chubby Noodle just opened in the former Gatip Thai location, and is open until 12:30 a.m. nightly (well, except Monday nights—that’s up for discussion). Come by for an appealing but tight menu of dim sum, seafood (like crudos or a hot fried snapper), brunch for dinner (hickory-smoked bacon jook with a fried egg), and a variation on fried chicken ramen. Clever wine cocktails, plenty of beer, and sake on tap seal the deal. 2205 Lombard St.
While the Outer Richmond address is a bit of a haul, the baked goods alone are worth the journey to this heartfelt neighborhood café. There’s more than just coffee and amazing breads and bagels: you’ll find menus for each meal of the day, from baked eggs for breakfast to ale-steamed mussels for lunch, and gnocchi with early summer vegetables for dinner (dinner is served Thursday nights through to Sunday supper). Enjoy some well-priced wines, craft beers, and vermouth (the outdoor patio will be especially perfect for a late afternoon aperitivo), and be sure to pick up some bread for home, baked in their custom-made, wood-fired oven. Closed Mondays. 3619 Balboa St.
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
