Feel like a quick trip to Paris? Head to SoMa and step inside Petit Marlowe, where you'll be instantly transported.
The Big Night Restaurant Group's Anna Weinberg and James Nicholas and design maestro Ken Fulk have done it again—this wine bar and "oysterette" is a Parisian dream, complete with gorgeous vintage street lamps, perfectly pink leather booths, and an antique bookcase holding all the fine wines you could fancy.
Taking inspiration from its big sisters Marlowe and Leo's Oyster Bar, Petit Marlowe offers a range of small plates imagined by chef Jennifer Puccio including deviled eggs, charcuterie, escargot, tartare, and a luxurious raw bar. Not to mention an avocado toast that will knock your socks off.
Whether it's a sexy date or girls night out, you'll fall in love.
Step inside and find a seat at one of the intimate booths. The cozy wine bar decor easily induces meaningful conversations while you imbibe on oysters and rosé.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Petit Marlowe's impeccable Parisian-inspired decor was created by legendary designer, Ken Fulk in collaboration with the owners, Anna Weinberg and James Nicholas.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
The service at Petit Marlowe is perfection—elegant, effortless and enhanced by a bounty of food and beverage knowledge.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Start off with a few small plates such as ribbons of summer squash and pickled red onion over a spread of herbed ricotta with a splash of lemon vinegrette.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Petit Marlowe offers three different types of delectable deviled eggs, such as the Spicy Porc with bruléed lardo, chives, and 'Nduja egg filling.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Chef Jennifer Puccio creates a stunning twist on your everyday avocado toast. Generous halves of sliced avocado are layered atop a blended spread of shredded carrots and yogurt, then topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and dukkah spice.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Petit Marlowe offers three different tartare options featuring scallops, beets, or beef. The Côte du Bœuf, pictured above, blends finely diced beef and mushrooms with truffle, lemon, and a hint of black pepper for a truly decadent appetizer.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
On the oysterette side of things, Petit Marlowe has an extensive raw bar menu with items like this delicious Red Seabream crudo with sweet corn and fresno chili.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
A few glasses of fine wine, open-faced sandwiches, and small plates of seafood make for the perfect light evening meal.
Much of the decor was discovered by Fulk, Weinberg, and Nicholas during a two-week trip to Paris, digging through flea markets and antique stores. An antique bookcase from their journey now creates a fantastic backdrop for their wines and champagne.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
And what would a Parisian wine bar be without cheese? The soft ripened cow cheese is paired with halved tomatoes and purslane, offering deliciously contrasting flavors and textures.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Squares of Essex Feta cheese provide a salty contrast to refreshing cubes of melon over a pool of acacia honey.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Oysters for days! Enjoy from several types of oysters with different house sauces for the perfect small bite.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
No raw bar would be complete without a plump shrimp cocktail or Dungeness crab bites.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
The chic, intimate booths are embellished by light pink leather, inspired by the same material used in Coco Chanel's driving gloves.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Of course, no visit would be complete without an elegant dessert. Savor the delicious rosé ice cream, a flavor created in collaboration with Scribe Winery and Smitten Ice Cream.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
Enjoy all of the original touches, like various hanging vintage kitchen utensils that enhance the Parisian atmosphere.
Photo by Sarah Chorey
// Petit Marlowe is open Monday through Saturday, 234 Townsend St. (SoMa), petitmarlowesf.com.
