Tag: Eastern European/Russian/Scandinavian

SF’s new Gambit Lounge: A wine bar with rare Central & Eastern European eats

Let’s establish two things first: there isn’t enough Central and Eastern European food around. And there is something to be said for industry vets who were part of establishing San Francisco’s dining scene back in the 1990s.

You’ll find both factors behind Gambit Lounge, a new Hayes Valley spot that quietly opened November 2022 to strong user reviews but under-the-radar buzz, in the former Noir Lounge wine bar. Gambit continues the wine bar vibes, backed by two industry vets… Read more →

A Modern Russian Oasis in Noe Valley: Birch & Rye

Of all times to open a Russian restaurant… but, of course, Birch & Rye, debuting February 2022, has been in the works long before the current dire events in Russia and Ukraine. Chef/owner Anya El-Wattar dove in head-first to aid Ukraine by way of her upcoming “Dine for Ukraine” April 13 fundraiser dinner with none other than Dominique Crenn. Why Birch & Rye is a special new modern Russian food (and drink) oasis: Read more →

Top SF Openings — June 2017

June’s notable restaurant openings were RT Rotisserie, Duna, Alta from Daniel Patterson Group in late May, seafood gem Hook Fish, poké and Asian fusion (Korean-influenced burritos, tacos, bowls, etc.) Saucy Asian, another locale from the Big Night Restaurant Group, Petit Marlowe and Mockingbird in Oakland. It’s been a short but mighty list of openings this month, whether opened by a restaurant… Read more →

4 “Best Kept Secret” SF Restaurants

This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. These four San Francisco restaurants, widely varying in style and price range, have been open for awhile — and are worth a fresh look (or revisit) as their chefs continue to innovate and serve damn great dishes. Innovative Indian Cuisine: TAJ CAMPTON PLACE, Union Square Moving up… Read more →

5 New SF Openings, Weekends in Napa, Pasta Menu in Oakland, Healthy Eating Spots for the New Year & More

From my many articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some coverage highlights here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. New SF Openings Californios & Chef Val Cantu’s Creative, Mexican-Influenced Tasting Menus Hot Dish: Chris Cosentino’s “Ham” Burger at the new… Read more →