Wine (and design) lovers will find a lot to love at The Salzburg in North Beach

NORTH BEACH Are you ready for this beautiful new wine bar that feels as if an Austrian chalet was dropped into North Beach? Owners Jay Esopenko and Melissa Gugni (Union Larder, Lit... Read More

The Tablehopper

Mamanoko opens in the former Mamacita, and more new spots

By Marcia Gagliardi

There is some life in the former Mamacita space in the Marina, and it’s now home to Mamanoko (2317 Chestnut Street, 415-346-8494). Partners Stryker Scales and Sam Josi (Mamacita,... Read More

New & Notable

Welcome to the world of weed

By Julie Mitchell

It’s possible you think marijuana — otherwise known as pot, weed, bud, and its official name, cannabis—is popular only among Millenials, Baby Boomers who were stoners in thei... Read More

New & Notable

Cultivating a new breed of wine bar at Cultivar

By Julie Mitchell

Wine bars seem to be popping up all over San Francisco, following the proliferation of gourmet ice cream shops and trendy coffee spots. In a city where new eateries open almost eve... Read More

La Deliziosa Vita

Heading into fall, it’s time for comforting pasta favorites

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

When the fall chill hit the air and the days grew shorter, my mom would often make one of my favorite comfort pastas: Romano — cream, butter, and cheese — or burro — with but... Read More

The Tablehopper

Roma Antica brings authentic Roman dishes to the Marina

By Marcia Gagliardi

Now open in the Marina is Roma Antica (3242 Scott Street, 415-896-4002), an authentic and casual Italian restaurant focused on serving Roman pasta (handmade) and pinsa, making it ... Read More

The Tablehopper

Julius’ Castle will return to its perch on Telegraph Hill

By Marcia Gagliardi

TELEGRAPH HILL I never thought I’d see the day that I could write that the long-closed (since 2007) Julius’ Castle (302 Greenwich Street) will reopen on Telegraph Hill. (My g... Read More

New & Notable

Locally distilled Frísco brings a new spirit to the city

By Julie Mitchell

The idea for the new San Francisco-crafted, grape-based spirit Frísco (pronounced “freez-koh” because nobody calls it ‘Frisco) was born in Argentina. Marina resident Charlie... Read More

The Tablehopper

Alfred’s reopens, upper Fillmore gets some action, and a summer beer garden

By Marcia Gagliardi

FINANCIAL DISTRICT Great news, buckaroos. Alfred’s (659 Merchant Street, 415-781-7058, alfredssf.com) has finally reopened after that nasty fire in the basement back in April. Yo... Read More

Hungry Palate

Calzone’s Pizza Cucina: A scene out of a Fellini movie

By Ernest Beyl

As readers of the Marina Times will know, I am a voracious diner in North Beach. Not only do I occasionally review restaurants, but also annually write a column, The Ernestos: Best... Read More

Appetites and Afterthoughts

The chop suey symposium

By Ernest Beyl

I’ve always thought chop suey gets a bum rap. It’s Chinese comfort food — the equivalent of my mother’s Depression-era hobo stew — a little of this, and a lit... Read More

The Tablehopper

A16’s ‘fempire,’ and there’s a new wine bar on Chestnut Street, Cultivar

By Marcia Gagliardi

MARINA Congratulations to chef Nicolette Manescalchi, who has been with the A16 group for eight years, most recently as chef de cuisine at A16 (2355 Chestnut Street, 415-771-2216... Read More

Neighborhood Gem

Seasonal, local Bistro Aix

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

This month we’re introducing a new column dedicated to neighborhood gems: those rare spots that have not only survived but thrived in a restaurant scene rife with high costs,... Read More

The Tablehopper

Portland’s Salt & Straw ice cream comes to Fillmore; more room at Blue Barn Gourmet in Marina

By Marcia Gagliardi

EMBARCADERO Coming to the Waterfront Plaza this spring is Norcina (50 Francisco Street), an Italian cafe and delicatessen from Kaitlynn Bauman of Levi Plaza’s Parlor 1255. B... Read More

Dining

Sushi spots that won’t break the bank

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

“After placing the fish on rice and seasoning each one for maximum effect, he places the three pieces on a square slate slab around a small bowl of cherrywood chips. Using a ... Read More

Dining