For decades, West Portal has remained off the beaten track, a village largely catering to neighbors on the far side of San Francisco.

But on this modest Main Street, the winds of change are a blowin’. West Portal is suddenly cool.

In just the last few months, West Portal has welcomed buzzy Elena’s Mexican Restaurant, the first brick-and-mortar from popular Thai pop-up Khao Tiew, and Binu Bonu, a little Italian wine bar and shop from the original owners of Noe Valley Sardinian restaurant La Ciccia. Next month, they’ll be joined by George’s Donuts & Merriment, an elevated cafe with a diverse array of sweet and savory delights.

Although the newcomers have taken over a few West Portal classics (RIP Portals Tavern), the hood’s old-school haunts—-including dive bar Philosopher’s Club and the nearly century-old Shaw’s candy and ice cream shop—are still going strong enough to balance out the new blood. Both are a part of the neighborhood’s resurgence as a food and drink destination that deserves a second look.

The Best Restaurants in West Portal

(Courtesy of @khaotiew_sf)

If the Little Original Joe’s (393 West Portal Ave.) put West Portal on the SF food map with its pizzas, pastas, and parmigiana, Elena’s (255 West Portal Ave.) sealed the neighborhood’s rising status as a destination neighborhood. The Mexican restaurant by the family behind Original Joe’s is a lively, unfussy restaurant with classic big plates (think fajitas, enchiladas, and pork tamales) that are as good for a celebration as they are for a lowkey lunch or dinner. // The first brick-and-mortar from homestyle Thai pop-up, Khao Tiew (272 Claremont Blvd.) embraces both traditional flavors and a bit of experimentation with rave results. From traditional street food favorites like krapow moo sab (ground pork and basil) to a fresh take on khao soi pad hareng (stir-fried Northern-style curry), it’s impossible to go wrong. // The tasty Eastern Mediterranean and Turkish food served inside the deep blue jewel box of Bursa (60 West Portal Ave.) is a local favorite with warm, friendly service. // Long-standing Italian spot Trattoria da Vittorio (150 West Portal Ave.) specializes in hearty Southern Italian dishes, housemade pasta, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with a casual, bustling atmosphere and an enviable wine list. // Although the menu at Franco’s Latin Table (24 West Portal Ave.) leans Peruvian with a nice selection of ceviches, tiraditos, and causas, it makes sure to include a variety of favorites from around the region, including yummy Salvadoran pupusas, Mexican birria tacos, and Chilean mejillones.

The Best Wine, Beer + Cocktails in West Portal

(Courtesy of @thesherwoodsf)

Binu Bonu (230 West Portal Ave.), the new wine bar and shop from the originators of Noe Valley’s La Ciccia, has a list of sustainable Italian reds and whites 100 deep. The light-filled, pocket-sized space has wine by the glass and bottle (and solid discounts for those you take home); simple Sardinian eats like charcuterie, cheese, and octopus salad; and a welcoming neighborhood vibe. // The Sherwood (179 West Portal Ave.) is a casually elegant spot for seasonal cocktails in front of a cozy fireplace. // In a space decked out with sparkling chandeliers, tufted leather sofas, and silver-toned walls, Unwine’d (9 West Portal Ave.) pours Mediterranean and Californian varietals alongside a menu of Greek and Italian bites and pinsas. // The Philosopher’s Club (824 Ulloa St.) has been a neighborhood fixture since the end of Prohibition. An eclectic dive with a protected back patio, it’s an ideal spot to catch a game, grab a beer, or hoover up cocktails late night.

The Best Sweet Treats in West Portal

Korean bingsu at Snow Bliss Cafe.

(Courtesy of @sweettooth_415)

Korean bingsu, a shaved ice dessert topped with an array of goodies, is the specialty at Snow Bliss Cafe (250 West Portal Ave.), where they also serve sweet and savory Chinese-Korean fusion. // Though its opening day is still about a month away, we’d be doing a serious disservice to the West Portal-curious if we didn’t include George’s Donuts & Merriment (163 West Portal Ave.), the upcoming cafe from pastry chef Janina O’Leary. Expect highlights like donut hole flights with dips, a riff on bacon and eggs, and Euro-inspired paninis, salads, coffee, and wine served in a bright, airy space with soaring ceilings. // At popular Noe Valley Bakery’s West Portal outpost (28 West Portal Ave.), the pastries, scones, cakes, and light bites are just as good as those from the original location. // Shaws (122 West Portal Ave.) has been handing out classic candy, housemade fudge, scoops, and sundaes for almost a century.