Sushi
OZUMO
161 Steuart St. San Francisco, CA 94105
415-882-1333
Inspired by an elegant Zen-like garden, Ozumo features a modern Japanese design with breathtaking bay views. Boasting a sleek 30-person sushi bar and sake lounge, this sushi haute spot has one of the largest sake lists in North America. If you’re not sure what to order off of the extensive menu, try the Chef’s Osusume Course, a personalized meal selected by the Executive Chef.
KI
540 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94105
415-278-0495
Ki is SoMa’s latest haute spot for Japanese food, situated inside of Temple Nightclub. Futuristic twists, backlit walls and Geisha pop art fills the dining space. Ki serves both fresh sushi and skewers. The Pacific Rim Roll is a popular choice; and the varied menu offers something for every palate.
MINAKO
2154 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94110
415-864-1888
Minako is a charming and cozy Japanese restaurant in the heart of Mission Street. Organic sushi, hand-written menus and small tables are all part of the eatery’s charm. The restaurant’s infamous Spicy Tuna Roll is always a hit, but other menu favorites include the Corn Tempura Fritters, the Ume- Hotate Salad and the Maguro-Avocado Sashimi Bowl.
MORIMOTO
610 Main St. Napa, CA 94559
707-252-1600
The iconic Morimoto always requires advance notice, but if you’re headed up to Napa, then the restaurant is a must. Legendary Chef Jeffrey Lunak, stunning décor and phenomenal Japanese food are what make Morimoto great. Touted as the best sushi in the Bay area, signature dishes include Sashimi with five sauces and Table- Side Yellowtail Buri Bop.
HAMANO
1332 Castro St. San Francisco, CA 94114
415-826-0825
This quaint spot in Noe Valley is perennially packed, yet always manages to accommodate everyone who walks in the door. The food is a perfect blend of traditional and modern Japanese eats, while some of the specialty rolls are the Sunset Roll—spicy tuna, shrimp tempura and ooba topped with seared salmon, green onion and tobiko with garlic pon-zu— and the Mission Roll—yellowtail and jalapeno topped with white tuna, radish sauce and green onions.
Power Lunches
BARBACCO
220 California St. San Francisco, CA 94111
415-955-1919
Barbacco is a casual eatery serving up delicious Italian fare. Inspired by a small trattoria on the Ligurian coast in Italy, this lunch destination boasts a high-energy atmosphere perfect for impressing power players. For a midday meal, Barbacco serves a seasonal and rotating selection of salads, sandwiches and pastas.
ONE MARKET
1 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94105
415-777-5577
This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its delicious New American cuisine. Perfect for a power lunch is the Business Lunch menu, featuring a starter and main course. Choose from Cauliflower Soup or Kale Salad for an appetizer, and then select the Grilled Pork Chop or Steamed Flounder. Finish off your midday meal with a Singular Sensation dessert, such as Banana Cheesecake or the Duo of Crème Brûlée.
PARK GRILL
333 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
415-296-2933
Park Grill boasts spectacular views of San Francisco—especially from the garden in the outdoor terrace—making this haute spot the perfect power lunch setting. The Executive Chef combines market fresh cuisine with interesting tastes to create a menu full of flavorful dishes. To complete your meal, Park Grill offers the best wines from local Californian vineyards.
WEXLER’S
568 Sacramento St. San Francisco, CA 94111
415-983-0102
This FiDi restaurant is the choice for lovers of country style comfort food. Wexler’s serves delicious sandwiches, which contain all the flavor of BBQ without all the mess—so there’s no need to worry about ruining your suit during an important lunch. Finish off your mid-day meal with an Inside Out Root Beer Float, a delectable combination of vanilla soda and root beer ice cream.
LUCE
888 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103
415-616-6566
Situated next door to the Moscone Center, Luce is the ideal destination for those in need of a quick lunch between conferences. This haute spot offers a prix fixe Market Menu, making your lunch even quicker. Select an appetizer—either Heirloom Carrot Veloute or Babe Farm Baby Beets—and an entrée—Artic Char or 72 Hour Short Rib. End your power lunch with a tempting dessert, such as Mango Parfait or Chocolate Chestnut Pot de Crème.
Nightclubs
HARLOT
46 Minna St. San Francisco, CA 94105
415-777-1077
It’s all about a dark and sexy atmosphere at Harlot. The nightclub boasts modern-Goth decor, perfect for the more discerning late night San Francisco crowd. The semi-private upstairs area is fully equipped with a bar, lounge and small dance area. Downstairs, DJs keep the lively crowd swarming the dance floor.
TEMPLE
540 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94105
415-978-9942
Temple’s impressive size, upscale ambiance and music diversity makes it one of the hautest nightclubs in San Francisco. Temple’s Shrine Room boasts two bars with several booths and tables for bottle service. The Destiny Lounge features low leather couches and a cozier atmosphere. The third room—the Catacomb Room—is filled with hip-hop music, low ceilings and a sultry ambiance.
111 MINNA
111 Minna St. San Francisco, CA 94105
415-974-1719
Art gallery by day, event space by night, 111 Minna always attracts a sophisticated crowd. Enjoy world-class DJs, live performances and film screenings—all while gazing at the featured art. The gallery showcases a unique blend of local and international artists in the 4,000-squarefoot space. If you want to combine art and nightlife, 111 Minna is the place to be.
VESSEL
85 Campton Pl. San Francisco, CA 94108
415-433-8585
Vessel is a sleek and upscale nightclub located near Union Square. At first glance, the space appears small—but walk past the coat check and down the stairs to find a sleek and spacious venue. This haute spot boasts a long, dark bar, luxurious couches and an intimate dance floor—not to mention a slew of guest DJs.
CAFÉ COCOMO
650 Indiana St. San Francisco, CA 94107
415-824-6910
Salsa anyone? Café Cocomo is the premiere nightclub for salsa dancing and offers lessons to beginners and intermediate students. When the club opens, get ready to put your salsa skills to the test on the dance floor with a live band on Thursday and Saturday nights. This haute spot also features a spacious outdoor patio, the perfect spot to cool off between dances.
News
March 18, 2012The Scene: SMUIN Gala
