Why You Need To Try Fog City For Your Next Power Lunch

Fog City is one of those institutions I’ve heard about since moving to San Francisco, however, it wasn’t until January during restaurant week that I checked it out.  I was with Foodie pal Sarah of The Aussie Who Ate The Big Apple and my friend Katherine and we all fell in love! It was so yummy and the staff was super friendly and attentive. What’s not to love? I recently returned for a ladies business lunch enjoying it just as much, if not more than my first visit! 

The open Kitchen with views of the Bar & Dining Room

The Dining Room & Bar overlooking the Embarcadero. Pretty killer view!

A mid-day business lunch can be tough as you don’t want to eat too much and have the post lunch food coma but when you’re dining somewhere as yummy as Fog City you also don’t want to have F.O.M.A. Such tough foodie decisions, right? I have just the suggestions for you. I have to admit, lunch was so spectacular I then returned quite shortly after to experience Fog City’s Happy Hour (for an upcoming San Francisco Top 10 Happy Hour post I’m working on). Lucky for you, you’ll get to read about their Happy Hour very soon….. 

For starters, it’s hard to visit Fog City without enjoying their Local Oysters on the Half Shell. They also make their own hot sauce served alongside the oysters which I find beyond adorable (I’m a sucker for presentation). 

Blistered Shishito Peppers are always a nice light dish and these were delicious! I enjoy more milder of peppers, however, I was the lucky one that ate the hot pepper, a pretty memorable experience! 

To avoid the Lunch Food Coma, I recommend a Salad. The Sesame Chicken Salad we enjoyed (it’s seasonal so may not be on the menu when you visit) was perfect. Although I was sharing this with two friends we managed to finish the salad, a burger, oysters AND Ribs. It sounds like a lot of food, but trust me the portions are reasonable so it was the perfect combo of dishes for three to share. The salad was super light with delicious grilled chicken, nuts, and veggies.  My only request would be dressing on the side next time as it was a bit overly dressed.

The Fog City Burger has become one of my favorite Top 10 SF Burgers. It reminds me of my child hood as it’s fairly simple with house-made American Cheese,  yet it’s so yummy and easy to eat that next time I won’t be sharing this. Seriously, I want my own!

After meeting Chef Javier and asking what the specialities were, he suggested the St. Louis Ribs. He was right, they were extremely tender, literally falling off the bone (just how I like them) in a tasty sweet BBQ sauce. Another great dish to try. I would suggest avoiding these if you’re on a hot lunch date as we all know how messy good ribs can be.

Chef Javier Montano who is awesome. After three visits in I really want to grab a beer and eat a burger with him. That would of course be his Fog City Burger. Super cool, nice talented guy!!

Chile Rubbed St. Louis Ribs

Lemon Verbena Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote, Olive Oil Cake, Pine Nut Streusel

The “B” Bomb Glazed French Cruller, Vanilla Frozen Custard, Egg Yolk Caramel

As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of Fog City. Go check it out for yourself and see if you agree with me on the above recommendations and stay tuned for my review of Fog City’s Happy Hour coming soon…. 1300 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111. (415) 982-2000

Photo credits: interior by Cesar Rudio & exterior by Drew Altizer