If you’re like me, and always want to keep on top of the newest openings in San Francisco check this Top 10 New Openings list (or my favorite of the recent openings I should say). The below list is in no particular order, but includes some recent openings I have experienced and adore. If you have any suggestions for new openings that I am missing, please share them I as always I love a great recommendation.
City Counter
I am beyond excited to share the latest hot new opening in San Francisco, City Counter. City Counter is a beautifully designed downtown luncheonette. The concept is high-end sandwiches, salads in a bright modern setting with a throwback to a luncheonette. They describe it best as “We’re the place you come with your best friend to celebrate nailing that big presentation at work.” When I visited I was torn between their great sandwiches and a salad so I tried them both. This is for sure, the way to go. Go with a friend so you can get a few dishes and share or by yourself and take some leftovers home. The salads were extremely flavorful with Mediterranean inspired ingredients and the sandwiches were wholesome, flavorful, comfort eats and super delicious! 115 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94104
City Counter photos by Kassie Borresson
Media Noche
The fast casual trend continues to welcome amazing new restaurants to San Francisco including the recently opened Media Noche. Set in the Mission this beautiful, bright cheerful destination has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a Cubano (a traditional Cuban sandwich), a bowl with incredibly flavorful proteins and beans, a salad or snacks such as an empanadas or ceviche the menu offers something for everyone. With a casual fresh setting and a stunning interior decor you will be sure to return back soon for this delicious, affordable Cuban cuisine. 3465 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110.
Photos by Molly DeCoudreaux
China Live
China Town’s long awaited China Live has finally opened it’s doors early March. This culinary destination will have various restaurants, including a Cafe, fine dining even a Tea Bar as well as a lounge with craft cocktails. Be sure to check it out for some incredible dining, shopping and culinary classes and programming. 644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
The Riddler
The Riddler, located in Hayes Valley, opened by Magnum P.R. Founder Jen Pelka, combines two of my favorite things: Amazing wines and talented women. No joke, the Riddler was founded by Jen and has a team of other successful passionate female investors and owners. Learn more about Jen and The Riddler by reading my interview with Jen here and my full blog post on The Riddler here. 528 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Riddler photos by Kassie Borresson
The Saratoga
The Bacchus Management Group has done it again. The Saratoga, the newest addition to their group (which includes, San Francisco’s Spruce, and The South Bay’s Village Pub to name a few…) is their latest San Francisco location and it’s incredible. With one of the sexiest, most stunning new bars in the Tenderloin and a super swanky lower level with mood lighting perfect for a date or a romantic cocktail, you will fall in love. Plus, the cocktails are top notch, as is the food. I recommend starting with the Free Trade Agreement cocktail which has a lovely crisp citrus taste and great balance. For food, I recommend the Seven-Spice Chicken Slider. 1000 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Albaray’s
I could not be more excited for the recent opening of Albaray’s named after Chef Adam Rosenblum’s daughter Alba and Partner/OwnerAlvin Garcia’s son Ray. This is an incredible Cajun Restaurant not to be missed. Not only is their food amazing, so is their wine list and cocktail program. A few of my favorite dishes which you don’t want to miss include the Strawberry Daiquiri, House Garden Salad, Shrimp & Grits, tableside Creole Chicken & Pork Jambalaya. Also check out my video interview here with Chef Adam. He’s pretty awesome. 2293 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110.
Chef Adam Rosenblum hard at work.
We started with the Garden Salad and a Strawberry Daiquiri and both were heavenly. I loved all the unexpected ingredients in what I thought would be a fairly basic plain salad (boy was I wrong).
The yummy Shrimp Grits.
The incredible table side Jambalaya. So yummy!
The Beignets, for being a non dessert girl these quickly converted me. So light, delicious and hard to put down.
Contrada
Union Street is lucky to welcome newcomer Contrada to the Cow Hollow dining scene. While experiencing this new gem, I fell in love. The interior is super cool and modern with a nice warm touch, and the food is incredible. With one of the most high-end pizza ovens made in Italy, Chef Jason Tuley is creating amazing pizza that is super light yet flavorful and hard to put down. I also tried all of the pastas on the opening menu which were each unique and have differing flavor profiles. The Bar was hands down my favorite with a simple red sauce, but I enjoyed them all equally and had seconds of everything. 2136 Union Street, San Francisco.
Contrada photos by Mike Norquist
Finn Town SF
Finn Town is another incredible addition to San Francisco’s dining scene led by Chef Ryan Scott. The setting could not be cuter, with a swanky front bar that you will want to settle into and never leave. Their back dining room is equally as charming. When I visited, I tried a lot of the food and drinks, and they were all very delicious. I recommend the Finn Town Burger, The Chopped Salad, and the Beet Blini with caviar. Finn Town recently opened brunch service too which no surprise, is also amazing! 2251 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
The Finn Town Burger. DIVINE!
Flores SF
As a girl who loves Mexican cuisine and adores Back of The House Restaurant Group (the team behind Super Duper, Belga, Delarosa, Uno Dos Tacos, Starbelly, Lolinda, El Techo Lolinda) I am thrilled with their newest restaurant, Flores. Named after GM & Partner Luis Flores, Flores SF offers super yummy Mexican cuisine led by Alejandro Morgan executive Chef and Partner. They also just started offering brunch,which is great. Swing by to experience a lively scene bustling with flavorful food, drinks and fun! 2030 Union Street, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, CA 94123
He’s the GM (and a partner).
The bar area overlooking Union Street. I’m obsessed with the floor and the cozy setting. It’s super inviting and once you sit down you’ll never want to leave!
Flores pictures by Aubrie Pick
Rooh
Recently opened Rooh located in Soma is offering an Indian destination of diverse food and cocktails. The fresh seasonal dishes are an interpretation of Indian sensibilities using international techniques and interpretations combined with local California ingredients. Led by Chef Sujan who was recently awarded Times Chef of the Year in India and was running two of the country’s most successful restaurants, EkBar – a modern Indian gastro bar, awarded the 2016 best new cocktail bar in the world by Condé Nast Traveller UK and Olive Bar & Kitchen which is one of the finest European dining destination has extensive experience he brings with him to Rooh. With one of the most stunning interior designs I have seen in a while you will be sure to fall in love with this new destination. The food is vibrant, flavorful with incredible service in a setting you will fall in love with. 333 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.
Rooh photos by Sameer Yagnik
What do you think?