You like to keep up with what’s brand new? Here’s a cheat sheet of five new spots that just opened around town for you to check out.
Abbot’s Cellar
Valencia Street just continues to blow up with new projects. The owners of the nearby Monk’s Kettle are behind this spacious sophomore restaurant that is rather jawdropping in its size—of course beer remains the primary focus, with a slew of glassware to pour it in. Chef Adam Dulye’s menu will change daily and is designed to pair with the large array of beers on offer.
Farina Pizza & Cucina Italiana
Right on the corner of 18th Street and Valencia is this new looker from the Farina crew, serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas (the pizza maker is a fifth-generation pizzaiolo from Italy), along with some pastas and simple but delicious desserts. Don’t miss the montanara appetizer—it’s fried pizza dough topped with tomato and mozzarella (uh huh). Lunch and dinner; outdoor seating coming very soon.
Lolinda
The former Medjool is now a multi-level Argentine restaurant from Adriano Paganini of Starbelly, Delarosa, Super Duper, and Beretta, with a gaucho-rustic look. The menu offers seven kinds of beef cuts, plus an array of appetizers. Each level has its own bar, with a focus on quality craft cocktails, plus plenty of Argentine wines, natch.
Mission Rock Resort
The former Kelly’s Mission Rock from Peter Osborne (MoMo’s, Pedro’s Cantina, Pete’s Tavern) has a brand-new look, but the fabulous view remains. The dinner menu is seafood-focused and features something for everyone, from shoestring fries and rib-eye to ceviche and sea scallop crudo. You can enjoy lunch or weekend brunch as well—and lots of oysters.
Rich Table
This is the official hot ticket in the city right now that everyone is talking about. Chefs Sarah and Evan Rich have created an approachably rustic-chic venue in Hayes Valley, with a nightly changing menu that has an inspiring take on California cuisine. Be prepared to eat your way through the enticing menu. Excellent wine list, and cocktails too, bonus.
Marcia Gagliardi is the contributing food editor for 7x7 and author of the weekly Tablehopper e-column and book The Tablehopper’s Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco. Email her at marcia@7x7.com, and read more at tablehopper.com.