By David Landis, The Gay Gourmet–
The Gay Gourmet’s (@gaygourmetsf) #Igers (Instagrammers, for those of you older than 30) may not be as sizeable as those of Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, but I will say they’re an exceptional group of loyal followers.
So loyal that I thought it was time to “pay it forward.” I asked them to be the stars of this week’s column, inquiring what their favorite #foodporn San Francisco restaurants were—and why. Interestingly, more of my followers voted for Italian restaurants (8) than any other cuisine. And, the highest vote getter, with 6 votes? One Market. The results might surprise you, plus you also may get some cool new ideas of where to dine. Here goes:
Kibatsu Sushi (@kibatsusushi) from @destroyeats: “family owned, great ambience, innovative new omakase, and sake.”
Thai Spice (@thaispicesf) from @meatballsandmojitos: “The khao soi is so tasty, and I’m always craving it.”
Cotogna (@cotogna_sf) from @greta_davis: “It offers beautiful indoor and patio seating, with attentive service that elevates the experience of enjoying any authentic Italian spread. This is my go-to escape for intimate gatherings.” (also a favorite of @makenzijordan)
Kokkari Estiatorio (@kokkarisf) from @rachelkeigley: “Kokkari, because of the Manchego cheese. That is all.” (also favored by @pwikonen)
Bella Trattoria (@bella_trattoria) from @olivecorya: “So delicious, with such a cozy feel!”
Mattina (@mattinasf) from @makenzijordan: “Because the wine, pasta, salad, meat, and small bites are all fantastic. The exceptional customer service and stunning ambience make it even better.”
Original Joe’s (originaljoessf) from @briannemm: “Because the martinis are always as perfect as the pasta.” Also favored by @dustindurham: “I’ve eaten here for over a decade, and the service, food, drinks, and ambience are always 10/10.”
Frances (@sf_frances) from @therowill: “It has been a consistent gem.”
Zuni Café (@zunicafe) from @rch3r.0: “Perfect service and perfect food that wows me with its freshness and simplicity, while also being a comfort meal I return to again and again.” From @jweatherlyneal: @zunicafe “because it never disappoints, and ages like fine wine.” From @bossmanafco: @zunicafe “landed in SF 27 years ago, and friends took me right to Zuni. To this day, it still feels quintessentially SF. PS, and of course we love all of our clients, too.”
Beretta (@berettasf) from @srlatour: “Always good food, prices, and cocktails.”
Firenze by Night (@firenzebynightsf) from @robincarr811: “Hidden gem in North Beach: family-owned, authentic Italian dishes, served by the staff who makes you feel right at home—in Firenze!”
Fiorella (@fiorellaitalian) from @jay_rabbit: “Never misses. Casual, affordable, great wines, quality food. When my friends and I can’t decide where to eat, we always default to Fiorella with zero complaints.” (also endorsed by @olivecorya)
One Market (@onemarketsf) from @kmfroelich: “It’s a classic and quintessential SF restaurant, with the best food (and I’ve been loving their all-day happy hours).” Also a fave of @missmichelle_lee: “An absolute must whenever I visit SF.” Also, from @malia_oconnor: “Quintessentially SF, great location, consistently great food, and the team is incredibly passionate.” And, from @em_vincent22: “Love @onemarketsf! Espresso martinis are my favorite.” And from @laurenposeyy and @rekharichardson: “@onemarketsf is the best! Great food and vibes.”
Perbacco (@perbaccosf) from @stacylreinert: “I love it because it is family-owned, has amazing Italian food, and a wonderful wine list.”
Miller and Lux (@millerandlux) also from @stacylreinert: “I love it for their table-side service, martinis, and champagne cart.”
Picaro (@picarocafe_from @lawrence_abella: “No fuss, quality food, approachable pricing, and it always feels like home. It’s my favorite place to bring people whenever they visit me in the city.”
Barcha (@barchasf) from @liannawehhh: “The food, staff, and vibe are all an 11/10.”
Early To Rise (@earlytorisesf) from @apixxie: “Their breakfast is incredible, but the donuts are truly unique—especially the passionfruit one! I’ve never had anything quite like it!”
Lily (@lilyonclement) from @roseguiliano: “It always delivers unique flavors, and it pushes you to explore Vietnamese food in a unique way. Fun and delicious.”
Aziza (@azizasf) from @bellsie6: “Their dinner menu is incredible, and any restaurant that serves a cocktail in a bear-shaped honey glass is (heart emoji).”
Alora (@visitalora) from @elena_rochelle: “The most delicious Mediterranean coastal food, right by the iconic Ferry Building, with amazing views of the water and bridge. Nothing better for a quintessential SF experience.”
Iggy’s Place (@iggysplacesf) from @irinaklay: “Incredible sandwiches, in-house made porchetta, beef tongue, and Italian salamis. And frankly, it’s the best brunch place in the Richmond.”
And The Gay Gourmet’s current fave? Foreign Cinema (@foreigncinemasf), “because you have fine dining in a lovely outdoor courtyard, with a show!”
Bits and Bites
According to The San Francisco Standard, Julius’ Castle on Telegraph Hill may be making a comeback. They just need to find a talented chef de cuisine. So, chefs, here’s your chance to helm one of our city’s most historic spots!
There’s talk that the Castro might just get a night food market on 18th Street. Wouldn’t that be loverly?
One Market is introducing a new monthly dinner and drag show called Sizzle, hosted by the fantabulous drag queen Bobby Friday. The evening includes a 4-course dinner, plus a show. Dates are: September 6 (benefiting the Castro Country Club); October 4 (benefiting La Casa de las Madres); November 1 (benefiting the GLBT Historical Society); and December 6 (benefitng the Transgender District). Werk!!!
San Francisco Travel was nice enough to highlight some of the great local restaurant statistics after the recent Michelin Guide announcement:
This year marks the third consecutive year a San Francisco chef (chef John Wesley at Kiln) earned the “Young Chef Award.”
Seven of San Francisco’s 19 one-star restaurants opened following the pandemic. Another 23 restaurants, also launched between 2021 and 2024, achieved the “selected” designation in the 2024 Michelin Guide California. These joined a list of 65 venues, including stalwarts like Boulevard, Rich Table, and Zuni Café.
San Francisco boasts the second-highest number of Michelin star restaurants in the Americas, trailing only New York.
28 San Francisco restaurants were awarded stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide California, including one-star newcomers Kiln, 7 Adams, and Hilda & Jessie.
I can’t believe it, but stalwart Perry’s on Union Street has just celebrated 55 years in business. Big congratulations to owner Perry Butler and his staff, who offer satisfying American food at affordable prices, and continue to be a great contributor to our community.
Bombay Brasserie, which describes itself as a restaurant “where the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine meets refined French technique,” has just opened its doors at Campton Place in Union Square and is getting a lot of buzz.
Kibatsu Sushi: https://www.kibatsusushi.com/
Thai Spice: https://www.thaispicesanfrancisco.com/
Cotogna: https://www.cotognasf.com/
Kokkari Estiatorio: https://kokkari.com/
Bella Trattoria: https://osteriabella.com/
Mattina: https://www.mattinasf.com/
Original Joe’s: https://bit.ly/3ZaPivF
Frances: https://www.frances-sf.com/
Zuni Café: https://zunicafe.com/
Beretta: https://www.berettasf.com/
One Market: https://onemarket.com/
Perbacco: https://www.perbaccosf.com/
Firenze by Night: https://bit.ly/47f1xcO
Fiorella: https://www.fiorella-sf.com/
Miller and Lux: https://bit.ly/4dNwyah
Picaro: https://picarocafe.com/
Barcha: https://barcha-sf.com/
Early to Rise: https://www.earlytorisesf.com/
Lily: https://www.lilyonclement.com/
Aziza: https://azizasf.com/
Alora: https://visitalora.com/
Iggy’s Place: https://www.iggysplace.com/
Foreign Cinema: https://foreigncinema.com/
Julius’ Castle: https://bit.ly/4e9jVG7
San Francisco Travel: https://www.sftravel.com/
Perry’s: https://bit.ly/3XcsSYr
Bombay Brasserie: https://tinyurl.com/bdhdhn8n
Michelin Guide: https://bit.ly/3AOY34N
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com, Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com
The Gay Gourmet
Published on September 5, 2024
Recent Comments