RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY PAGE

American/Californian:

  • Benu: This 3 Michelin Star restaurant was Chef Corey Lee’s first restaurant in San Francisco and the flagship of his current restaurant ventures. Benu, in 2019, was also named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, an accolade it still holds. Personally, i had one of my most memorable meals here, a few years after its debut in 2010. The whimsical references to Chef Lee’s Korean ancestry runs through the menu, the style is distinctively French, American, and avant-garde. The tasting menu is a delightful journey of flavors, textures and visual beauty. The wine program is fantastic and distinctive, featuring a great selection of sakes and other Asian libations. The location is quirky, but valet parking is available for $30.00. Jackets for gents may not be required but strongly recommended so as to not feel out of place, similar advice for the ladies. Reservations are required.

  • Blue Plate: Truly a neighborhood gem of in Bernal Heights/Mission District. Casual dinners that is as comfortable and relaxing as a supper at home. The menu changes with the season, but the Blue Plate Meatloaf and the Fried Chicken (boneless) has been on the menu for as long as i can remember and are not to be missed. Also wonderful as a starter or a light dinner is the Toasted Farro with Slow Egg. No dress code, reservations strongly recommended.

  • Frances: The first restaurant (Octavia being her second) opened by Chef Melissa Perello (two of Chef Perello’s dishes is on my “death row last meal” menu), Frances is a darling neighborhood gem in the Castro. Fiercely farm to table focused with elegant flavors, Frances has been PTM’s second home for over 10 years. The menus at Frances is frequently changed, aligning with the changing provisions at the San Francisco farmer’s markets to brings out the best of the seasonal Bay Area. Chef Perello has established a tradition of dishes built on elegant and delicately layered flavors and textures, each bite is joyful and moreish! Accompanying the Frances menu is a compact but well curated wine list. No dress code, reservation is a must.

  • Front Porch: A taste of Southern fare in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights/Mission District. Grab a Bucket O’ Chicken or some Fried Okra and be transported. The Gumbo and Shrimp and Grits is also a satisfying nosh that satisfy that craving for Southern flavors. Their brunch menu is a feast for both the eyes and appetite, the Country Fried Steak is not to be missed. The Buttermilk Biscuits, served during brunch or dinner, is fluffy within, flaky without, buttery and a perfect vehicle for honey, more butter, or to clean the plates with! No dress code, full bar and talented bar staff, reservations would be recommended.

  • Harris’ Restaurant: If you want “classic steak house in SF”, then you should find yourself ensconced in the comfortable and lofty dinning room (wood paneled, well upholstered booths, well dressed waiters and well made cocktails). The service is crisp and prompt, the menu is well focused on steaks, chops, and large salads all featuring California’s bountiful products. The steaks are handled with reverence, ask for it “black and blue” and you will get charred steak with cold center, a delight for me! Food and drink portions are bountiful without being ridiculous. Valet parking is available but if you are patient, there are street parking within a 2 to 3 block radius around the restaurant to be had. No dress code but a great occasion to dress up! Reservations are very very highly recommended!

  • Morris, The: The restaurant on the edge of Potrero Hill district of San Francisco was opened by Sommelier Paul Einbund. As you would expect from this, the wine list and wine knowledge at The Morris is unparallel. Accordingly, the food, in the kitchen headed by Chef Gavin Schmidt, is fantastic and a great partner to the vast assortment of wines available on The Morris wine list. Walk in, marvel at the Smoked Duck that is usually being prepared for plating and salivate. Take a look at the bar in the back of the restaurant and loose yourself in the selection of spirits and liquors The Morris stocks. Do order a Cocktail or three, and enjoy it with the house made Charcuterie. Don’t miss out on the Smoked Duck, the best duck in SF (in my opinion, sharing that pride of place with Mr. Jiu’s Roast Duck), and savor the espresso infused duck jus. Make sure, also, you try the Chartreuse Slushy, a slushy for adults that delights and refreshes and do entertain the Burger, it is that good. Keep in mind that the Buckwheat Donuts has been on the menu since The Morris opened — it is that good. No dress code, reservations a must. Say hello to Paul, a friendlier and nicer host is hard to find, besides, his encyclopedic knowledge of alcoholic beverages is something to wonder at.

  • Octavia: The second restaurant opened by Chef Melissa Perello, currently helmed by Chef Nico Pena, Octavia is situated on the corner of Octavia and Bush. Although a sister restaurant to Frances, both restaurants have their own unique menus. Octavia features an excellent and ever evolving tasting menu that is a great way to sample the best of the menu (and some off menu delights). The Aged Rib-Eye (off-menu and available until sold out, be sure to ask after it) is 32 oz of well aged, perfectly cooked Flannery Beef goodness, something not to be missed if beef is on one’s mind. The entire menu is broken up into 4 sections, what can be loosely called small bites, medium sized dishes, mains, and desserts. Though everything on the menu is fantastic, Chef Nico’s pastas are not to be missed. That said, be sure to save room for dessert, they are whimsical, creative, and assertive! The wine list, curated by wine director Sommelier Iris Rowlee, is well appointed and a delight to explore, be sure to check with Ms. Rowlee and the knowledgeable staff to complete your dinner with a memorable bottle. No dress code, reservation a must!

Asian influenced fusion/Chinese/japanese/Thai/Vietnamese:

  • Ernest: Located in the Mission District and opened in 2021 during the pandemic, Ernest has quickly made a name for itself. Helmed by Chef Brandon Rice, Ernest serves a seafood forward Asian inspired menu that blends global culinary traditions. The restaurant space is open and airy, comfortable without feeling put upon. The bar program is fun and delicious with a thoughtful wine list if the bar is perhaps too aggressive for your dinner. Do not miss the dessert of Shaved Ice with seasonal flavors and toppings! A sight for the eyes and delicious and joyful to conclude a meal with. No dress code, reservation is a must!

  • Four Kings (四大天王): Opened in SF Chinatown on March 14th, 2024 and named after the four Hong Kong triple threats that dominated 1990s Hong Kong (Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok and Leon Lai), Four Kings serves up the nostalgic HK dishes that is loved by Chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long, both alums of the famed Mister Jiu’s. Their menu is ever evolving and refining. Start with some small bites, their Chili Crisp Pighead and Sichuan Cabbage are mouthwatering. Move on to some skewers, the Xinjian Lamb Skewers vies for supremacy with their fantastic Popcorn Chicken and creamy Salt Egg Squash Croquette. Their fantastic Porkchop Rice begun its life as a perfectly fried porkchop over rice, tomatoes, red and green peppers and peas, all with gravy goodness ladled over. Then cheese was added in the second iteration before, as a nod to summer, it became Creamed Corn Porkchop Rice. The Fried Squab is not to be missed, along with the HK Black Pepper Steak (ask for a bowl of rice to sop up all that black peppery beefy sauciness!). Their free bite of Roasted Peanuts takes me back to my childhood in Taiwan and their Mapo Spaghetti is hot, spicy, numbing and a glorious cheesy decadence in flavor! No dress code, reservations a must!

    Here is an Eater SF article about Four Kings

  • Izakaya Rintaro: On the edge of the Mission District, walking into Izakaya Rintaro’s courtyard is like stepping from the Mission into Japan. Inside the restaurant, cast your eyes at the interior architecture and enjoy the beauty of the construction, touch the bar and revel at the beauty of the cedar from which it is made. Opened by Chef Sylvan Mishima Brackett in 2015, Izakaya Rintaro’s Hand Rolled Udon dishes are a touch of Japan that is transportive. The menu is composed a traditional Japanese dishes modified for the local fresh ingredients. The Chiizu Tori Katsu (chicken katsu stuffed with raclette cheese) is not to be missed. The Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese folded omlette) is a personal addiction for me. No dress code, reservations are a must, very limited walk-in seats are available, emphasis on very limited.

  • Izakaya Sozai: A small, often packed Izakaya in the Inner Sunset. Get ready to know your neighbors well as the restaurant is small and the seats are closely placed. Good ramen and excellent seasonal specials! The menu eats well, relaxed atmosphere that feels like you are in your neighborhood hang. No dress code, reservations are recommended.

  • Ju-ni: Located near the famous Painted Ladies, Ju-ni (Japanese for 12) was named for the seating capacity of the restaurant. Serving an omakase menu with a la carte sushi available to supplement, at Ju-ni, you are treated to a very personal dinning experience as each chef attends to only 4 guests. The seafood served are exceedingly fresh and those that are cured and manipulated are prepared with care using traditional Japanese techniques in house. If you are a fan of fine sushi, you will not be disappointed at Ju-ni. If you are a fan of sake, Ju-ni provides a very well stocked list tended by a very knowledgeable staff. No dress code, reservations are a must!

  • Mr. Jiu’s and Moongate Lounge: In a city of where Chinese restaurants are legion, the 1 Michelin Star Mr. Jiu’s stands head and shoulders above the rest. Opened in 2016, Chef Brandon Jew’s transformed the long emptied space into a restaurant that pays homage to the building’s past as one of San Francisco Chinatown’s grandest Chinese banquet restaurants Hang Far Low, and later, Four Seas. Several years after the opening of Mr. Jiu’s, Moongate Lounge, upstars from Mr. Jiu’s, was opened as a casual lounge concept venue for people who perhaps didn’t want a full sit down dinner but wanted to sip the night away in the company of friends. Moongate Lounge is also available for private events. The menu at Mr. Jiu’s is seasonal and changes according to what is available at Mr. Jiu’s partner farmers. Although every menu item that is prepared by the kitchen headed by Chef Franky Ho (Chef De Cuisine) is an amalgamation of traditional Chinese flavors presented with modern techniques and preparations, don’t overlook the large format dishes, of which the Peking Style Roast Duck is a constant presence (as well it should be). Made using Liberty Farm duck in the true peking duck style through air drying, the roast duck is tender, juicy and clad in a delightfully crisp skin that one associates with peking duck. Served with traditional steamed crepes (perfect thickness and wonderfully chewy), house made peanut hoisin sauce, traditional vegetable compliments, and a flavorsome duck liver pate, the Peking Style Roast Duck is a dish to be remembered (though one really can say that about almost the entire menu, oh, and i didn’t even mention the bar and cocktails!!). No dress code, reservations are a must! Enjoy the grandeur of the dining room and take in the elevated view of SF Chinatown.

  • San Ho Won: The third restaurant from Chef Corey Lee is his homage to Korean cuisine. It is also an example that not all Korean BBQ is the same. The quality of the ingredients at San Ho Wan sets it apart and elevates it. Chef Lee went so far as to have his charcoal specifically made in Korea just to his exacting specifications. On the menu are a wealth of Korean traditional Banchans, house made Kimchi (exquisite) is served upon being seated. Though the focus of those who dine at San Ho Wan is the meaty bbq, do explore the non-bbq Korean dishes! The Tteok-bokki, grilled or stewed Korean rice cakes, are a treat, and the Galbi-tang will linger on your mind days after your dinner, so rich, delicious and elegant. No dress code, reservations a must, though you can snag a rare walk-in spot if you arrive at opening.

  • Stonemill Matcha: A temple to Japanese comfort food like Japanese curries and sandwiches, Stonemill Matcha is a fantastic place to stop in for a quick bite that will satisfy the taste buds and the foodie soul. Truly, their Katsu Sando (breaded and fried pork cutlet with tonkatsu sauce on Japanese milk bread) is something you will find yourself thinking about when you are the least aware. It recalls simpler times and a slower pace. No dress code, reservations never hurts!

  • Yummy Yummy: A Vietnamese restaurant so yummy they named it twice! Located in the Inner Sunset District, Yummy Yummy has one of the best Pho noodles around. Rich and fragrant soup triggers the appetite and gets one ready for some serious slurping. Try the BÁNH XẾP CHIÊN, labeled as pot stickers but really are Vietnamese arancinis (deep fried rice balls with a meaty center), a unique dish that is both texturally enjoyable and delicious. The various traditional Vietnamese noodle and rice dishes are solid and freshly prepared. The THỊT NƯỚNG CUỐN (bbq pork rolls) are a personal favorite, along with the more traditional shrimp rolls. No dress code, reservations not required and the tables turn at a quick pace even on the busiest of nights.

European/French:

  • Chapeau!: Classic French with a modern twist in the Richmond District. Chapeau! has been serving up delicious French bistro fare with a well curated wine list since 1996. A family restaurant opened by French natives Phillip and Ellen (who greets each visitor with warmth and bonhomie), Chapeau! is an inviting restaurant for those who enjoy French food and, on a cool San Francisco evening, one of the best Cassoulet in the city. No dress code, reservation strongly recommended.

  • Matterhorn Restaurant and Bakery: The venerable San Francisco temple to fondue and Swiss Alpine cuisine, Matterhorn is located in a nondescript stretch of Van Ness identified by the prominent Swiss Flags hung street level on the several floor tall apartment building. The focus of the restaurant for dinners is of course the Fondues, both cheese and stock fondues (though, admittedly, more cheese options and only one stock option). However, do not ignore the Alpine Specialties section! The dishes within that section is bountiful, delicious, and quite authentic indeed! No dress code, reservations required. Enjoy the Swiss Alps styled dinning room and go and take a look at the miniature train in the back of the restaurant. If you want a unique seat, ask to see if you can be seated in the authentic Gondola found near the entrance of the restaurant.

  • Monsieur Benjamin: The second restaurant opened by Chef Corey Lee, Monsieur Benjamin is his love letter to the classic French Bistro, elevated. The Francophile in you will rejoice in the elevated classics that is served at Monsieur Benjamin and revel in the atmosphere of this Hays Valley restaurant. The menu changes according to the season, but one can always find the trusty Duck Leg Confit and Steak Frites waiting to entertain your gastronomic evening. Take advantage of the full bar and the well curated wine list to make the night complete! No dress code, but generally folks are a little dressed up, business casual seems to be the norm. Reservations are required.

Italian:

  • Cotogna: If Italian pastas and spit roasted or grilled meats in the Italian fashion is what you crave, run, don’t walk to Michael Tusk’s Cotogna, located in Jackson Square near SF China Town. The full bar serves one of the best Negroni in town, and the pastas served are stuff of dreams. Every rotating menu featuring the season’s best flavors, a meal at Cotogna is never disappointing. Don’t want the hardship of deciding on what to eat? Order the tasting menu for 2 and settle in for a ride through the Italian culinary countryside. No dress code, reservation very strongly recommended though the bar has seats set aside for walk-ins (~6 seats).

  • Itria: Opened during the pandemic in 2022, Itria is steps away form the Mission and 24th Bart Station. Step inside and you will find a comfortable and casual long dining room that is a quiet oasis from the bustling Mission District outside. Italian crudos and pasta dishes are the focus of the restaurant. Chef’s Tasting Menu is available for the entire table if you would like to trust the kitchen. The menu is filled with seasonal ingredients. The Mafaldine Cacio E Uova is a rich, decadent and peppery dish where the toothsome mafaldine pasta stands as the central focus. The Gramigna with sausage ragu, english peas and parmigiano reggiano is a beautiful plate of al dente pasta dressed in a flavorful, rustic, and meaty sauce that will sure to please. Small but delightful wine list with a nice selection of sake that presents an interesting and fun pairing to your dinner. Sake is so much more than just for sushi and sashimi indeed! No dress code, reservations are a required.

  • Ragazza: Sister restaurant to Gialina Pizzaria (see below). Rustic Italian dishes and pasta and very good Neapolitan style pizzas. No dress code, reservations recommended.

  • The Tailor’s Son: Located in Lower Pacific Heights, The Tailor’s Son is a large open and airy Italian restaurant with great food and phenomenal, nay, ethereal, risotto. i mean, i’d go and have risotto for starters, main, and dessert, not the same risotto mind you, but one of each of their risottos (funghi, alla Milanese, and alla Milanese with addition of Oso Buco - note, the Oso Buco is not on the bone but deboned and served shredded) and the risotto of the season if i feel exceedingly decadent. Yes, it is that nice, the risotto. But do try their other dishes, which are also quite good, but really, do order the risotto. If you find yourself unwilling to share said risotto, there is nothing wrong with selfishness when food is involved. No dress code, reservations strongly recommended.

Mediterranean:

  • Barcha: Located in down town SF with paid underground parking available at 425 Market Street, Barcha serves up a variety of middle eastern classics that draws from the rich culinary cultures around the Mediterranean Sea. In door and out door seating are comfortable and plentiful. A creative drinks program provides fun and delightful cocktails to accompany your culinary selections of choice. The Persian Tahdig with confit duck leg is a favourite entrée, as is the Spanish Octopus and the Spiced Beef Dumplings from the Mezze portion of the menu. No dress code, reservations strongly recommended.

Burgers/Empanadas/Pizzas/sandwiches and such:

  • Beep’s Burger’s: Like The Whiz (see below), this burger stand in a parking lot across the street from the McDonald’s on Ocean Ave is a throw back to the neon times. In operation since 1962, it serves up juicy beefy burgers in 1/4 and 1/2lb sizes. If you are here, you know you want a burger. If you want a burger, why not get a Beep’s Burger and enjoy your juicy burger smothered in Beep’s sauce. Get the Onion Rings, it is crispy and crunchy, fresh and delicious. If you find yourself here in the morning, their breakfast sandwiches will chase away any demons that may be at your heels. If not, bribe it with a soft serve cone. No dress code, picnic benches first come first served.

  • Del Popolo: What begun as a food truck outfitted with a brick pizza oven over 10 years ago, Del Popolo serves up some of the best pizzas in San Francisco, a city that is not short of fantastic pizzaiolos and fantastic pizza forward restaurants. However, don’t skip over the small plate offerings! You’d be doing yourself a disservice! No dress code, reservation recommended.

  • Delfina (Pizzeria): With locations in San Francisco (Mission and Pac Heights), Burlingame, and Palo Alto, Delfina is a sure bet for a convivial rustic Italian meal with both large and small groups! No dress code, walk-ins are seated quickly. Reservations never hurts!

  • El Porteno: Formerly a staple of Bay Area Farmer’s Markets in their white food truck with the recognizable blue lettering, El Porteno has been serving up delicious Argentinian Epanadas for many years. The flaky buttery crust cradling the delicious, well seasoned and bountiful fillings were something one looked forward to on market days. Today, they have permanent locations at the SF Ferry Building and, in Napa, the Oxbow market. i’ve yet to have a Carnes Empanada that surpasses El Portenos and their delicious Humitas Empanada is something i crave constantly, especially when the temperature warms and the corn is plentiful! No dress code, no reservation, take away and delivery only!

  • Gialina Pizzaria, and the sister restaurant Ragazza: Sharon Ardiana is the chef/owner behind Gialina (since 2007) and Ragazza (since 2010). Located near the Glenn Park statin (Gialina) and Lower Haight (Ragazza), Chef Ardiana serves up delicious antipasti, house made pastas, and Neapolitan style pizzas that will sooth the worse day at work and ease away the rigors of the day. No dress code, reservations recommended.

  • Little Star: 3 SF locations (Western Addition, Mission, and Albany). Little Star dishes up lovely Chicago style deep dish pizzas that will fulfill your deep dish dreams (for those who are willing to travel, however, Zachary’s in the East Bay — Rockridge location was the first Zachary’s — is still the Northern California gold standard for me when it comes to a deep dish Chicago style pizza pie. No dress code, reservations recommended but walk-ins are usually seated with short waits.

  • Outta Sight Pizza: Where the pizza is indeed outta sight! If you are a fan of the New York slice, look no further than Outta Sight! Crisp and thin pies with a chewy and soul pleasing crust… well dressed with classic and creative toppings with the application of extra burrata or anchovies on demand, each slice you choose is lovingly finished in the counter top oven and topped with a grating of cheese and hand torn herb… Haven’t found a pie that i wouldn’t want to revisit with frequency yet! Submarine sandwiches (Heros, Hoagies, however you wish to geographically call it) are also now available (check their instagram page: @THATSOUTTASIGHT for features and specials!) along with fried chicken wings and a banging macaroni salad! No dress code, tables for dine-in available but capacity is limited. No reservations needed.

  • Submarine Center: Located near the West Portal Muni station and next to a corner gas station, Submarine Center is the place to go for arguably the best sub sandwich in SF. Nothing fancy and no frills, just very good bread and a small oven that has seen the better part of human history or at least it looks like it had. Look at the huge menu board hung behind the sandwich counter and place your order promptly. Confused about how big the sandwiches are? There are wrapped examples of exactly how large each of the three sizes are sitting on top of the glass case of the sandwich bar. Personally, the Submarine, the Hot Pastrami, or the Meatball subs will never disappoint. No dress code, take aways only.

  • Whiz Burger: The address on google reads: Parking lot, 700 S. Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco. It is across the street from the storied Halberstadt Fencer’s Club, Whiz Burger is a throw back to simpler times where neon tubes ruled the night. Literally a building with windows and a counter surrounded by picnic benches on a nondescript corner in The Mission, The Whiz serves an excellent unpretentious burger and variations thereof. The menu is simple, hung high behind the window. Go on, get the Whiz Burger (1/3lb beefy goodness with 2 strips of bacon, avacado, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, mustard, and mayo on a french roll), you know you want to! No dress code, take-aways only. TEL: (415) 824-5888

Bakeries:

  • Arizmendi Bakery: A uniquely Northern Californian bakery co-op where every employee is an owner, Arismendi serves up delicious baked fare and pizzas daily. There is usually a line but the shelves are always well stocked by the hard working Arizmendi crew. Their Cheese Rolls are chewy sourdough rolls (like a snail or an old fashion lollipop) infused with a blend of asiago and swiss cheese before being sprinkled with more cheese to form a delicious crusty top and appetite inducing cheese skirt. These are addictive, so very very addictive. Their pizza menu changes daily, with one flavor a day. Not found a bad one yet, and the spontaneity is quite fun! Their breads and muffins and other baked carbs are equally fantastic and not to be missed! No dress code, no reservations, take-aways only.

  • Craftsman and Wolves: Taking San Francisco by storm with their The Rebel Within (asiago cheese “muffin” with sausage, green onions and a soft cook egg within… careful with the yolk! it will run!), Craftsman and Wolves has not looked back. Their cases are replete with beautiful patisseries, croissants (go on, you want a Pastrami and Swiss Croissant, you know you do!), cakes, muffins, tarts, and cookies (oh my!). i’ve honestly never met a Craftsman and Wolves product that i didn’t like and many of them i have loved! If you would like something a bit more substantial, lite fares like salads and sandwiches are also available. No dress code, tables available, no reservations.

  • Lung Fung Bakery: 1823 Clement St., San Francisco: Located on Clement St., Lung Fung Bakery’s Dan-Tat (Chinese egg custard tarts) sells almost as quickly as they can manage to bake them. The bakery is your standard Chinese bakery, not much to look at and an atmosphere of controlled chaos in the visible kitchen in the back. However, the baked good are fantastic. The smell of coconut oil permeates the air and many of the baked goods will taste slightly of coconuts. Their dan-tat, as mentioned, is most popular, but so are their fantastic Char-Shu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, Baked) — don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a line waiting for the next batch to come hot out of the oven! One of my favorite is their Pi-Dan Su or Dan Huang Su (depending on my mood but typically i will have one of each). The pi-dan su is a flaky pastry wrapping within it a Chinese thousand year old egg on a sheet of red pickled ginger — the combination of the flaky pastry, the thousand year old egg and the spice of the ginger is out of this world. The dan huang su, on the other hand, is a flaky pastry wrapping a flaky delicious, bright orange, salted duck egg yolk — an unique and otherworldly taste! No dress code, no reservation unless you pre-order baked goods, some tables for seating but unless you are an older Chinese man playing Chinese Chess, mostly take aways. TEL: (415) 386-3775

  • Maison Nico: A finalist (as of date of entry, hope it is the winner as the contest has not occurred yet) in the French Consulate’s “Best Croissant of San Francisco” 2023 contest, Maison Nico is more than just a bakery. Maison Nico’s range of PÂTÉ EN CROÛTE and aspic preparations are a divine ode to old world European cuisine. Also available are fabulous savory tourtes and pithivier (omg!!!). Daily quiche and sandwich offerings are offered along with pate chaud and a wicked habit forming Flan Parisien. Seasonal Tartes are also another thing to get lost in at Maison Nico. Coffee, wine and drinks are also offered. No dress code, some indoor and outdoor tables available on the last visit, no reservations.

  • Sunset Bakery: 1410 9th Ave, San Francisco: Located next to a bus stop, this unassuming bakery makes a delicious Dan-Tat (Chinese egg custard tart) and a fantastic Char-Shu Bao (Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, Baked). Also delicious are the staples of Cantonese baked goods: buns with pork floss, buns with corn and ham, buns with hot dogs of unknown origin, and buns with tuna salad. Yes, they might sound strange, but they are a slice of childhood for me. Their paper wrapped sponge cakes are also a delightful treat! TEL: (415) 759-6538

Pop-ups (because it is a thing now and because there are so many wonderful ones!):

  • Grand Opening Bakery: Opened by Chef Melissa Chou, who headed up the pastry program at the venerable SF institutions Aziza, Mourad, and Mister Jiu’s, Grand Opening pops up at the Mister Jiu’s window on the weekends from 11am till 2pm (10am on Sundays). Her pastries are a perfect fusion of French technique and embodies Asian and European flavor sensibilities. Pastries familiar to the likes of me who grew up in Asia are given a flavor infusion that elevates and evolves it into something wonderful and moreish. An instant addiction. Her cakes are made of sponges so light as to be effervescent, delicately sandwiched withing the sponges are elegant flavors that captures the essence of the ingredient she chooses to feature. It is easier to enumerate the items she has that i dislike (nothing) than to list the items that i adore and am addicted to. No reservations, no dress code, take out only or eat in situ on the side walk or the Mister Jiu benches.

  • Hadeem: “California Jewish Cuisine”, Hadeem is that and more! Rightfully and deservedly lauded as the best SF pop-up of 2023, Hadeem’s food is rooted in tradition but clothed in innovative twists that encompasses the delightfully complicated cultural/culinary tapestry that makes up San Francisco. i mean, who else can dream up of a superb Char-siu Babka that satisfies perfectly a Taiwaneses boy who fell in love with Jewish cuisine in college? Their menu evolves with each event they present, each on a celebration of food cultures that has touched and influenced Chef Spencer Horovitz. Be on the look out for their pop-ups! Don’t miss them!