To keep tabs on every San Francisco restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
Nomica
Castro
Just open this week, Nomica comes from the same team as Sushi Ran, which means it’s going to be delicious. The name tips off its location (“NOe-MIssion-CAstro”) and it’s also, not-so-coincidentally, the Japanese word for “drinking house.” Highlights include foie gras ice cream and libations made with the Okinawan drink awamori.
2223 Market Street (map)
nomicasf.com
Mission D&A
The Mission
This pop-up from collaborators who met at NY’s Eleven Madison Park only gets more intriguing. The newest concept, kicking off on September 8th, offers a for-the-public production of the “Family Meal,” the group dining experience familiar to everyone who’s ever waited a table. Get your res now. (Ed. note: Photo above, from the film Big Night, is sort of what we expect, but not necessarily representative.)
Tartine Manufactory
The Mission
If you like Tartine, you may very well love the Manufactory, now open for breakfast and lunch in the Heath building. The eating room is gorgeous, the pastries are on point and we’re happy with the addition of the Cookies and Cream ice cream stand: man cannot live on croissants alone.
595 Alabama Street (map)
tartinemanufactory.com
Waterbar
Embarcadero
Is this the best patio in town? It is if you like oysters — and you’ll want to make a point of getting there to sample Waterbar’s new proprietary oyster, the Golden Fog, developed in collaboration with master oyster farmer Lou Guttilla. Hailing from Washington’s Hood Canal, the Golden Fog promises “subtle sweetness up front and a gentle, briny finish.” Following its debut at last Sunday’s Oysterfest, look for it on menus moving forward.
399 The Embarcadero (map)
waterbarsf.com
Tawla
The Mission
We’re happy to explore this side of the Mediterranean, which speaks of ease and summer days. What we’d go back for: the warm meze (charred cauliflower, horta, duck leg and meatballs) plus the Persian Royale, with vermouth infused with strawberry and spicy golpar.
206 Valencia Street (map)
tawlasf.com
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