It’s been a strong month of restaurant openings and this month’s top 3 run the gamut from hip Korean to sleek Austrian — plus a gorgeous new hotel restaurant and bar. We have rounded up our top newcomers for the month so you can get busy eating:
Foxsister, Mission
New Korean spot, Foxsister, is going to be hot. From the playful hip-hop soundtrack to the boozy frozé slushies, this place is fun and delicious. Chef-owner Brandon Kirksey (Flour+Water) serves one of the best bulgogi pork dishes in town (the pork arrives sizzling on a hot plate with traditional lettuce and accoutrements on the side) as well as top-notch kimchi nacho cheese dip and traditional japchae (sweet potato cellophane noodles) laden with Dungeness crab and bok choy.
Villon at Proper Hotel, Mid-Market
In the new San Francisco Proper Hotel, Villon is an elegant respite on a still rough stretch of Mid-Market. An all-star bar team crafts classic cocktails plus new creations from Josh Harris and Morgan Schick of BVHospitality (Trick Dog). There is plenty to delight in, from breakfast pho to a menu of cocktails invented in the Bay Area. On executive chef Jason Franey’s (Campton Place) menu, don’t miss the everything Hawaiian Bread, warm rolls slathered with cultured butter, nectarine preserves or strawberry chicken liver mousse.
Photograph: Yelp/Melissa G.
The Salzburg, North Beach
The Salzburg brings a charming slice of Austria to North Beach from the beautifully carved wood entrance and birch-covered bar to the back patio with a cozy fire pit. The strong wine list features Germanic and Germanic-style wines. The kitchen had a rocky opening, but a simple fondue is sheer comfort and there is promise in dishes hailing from Austria and neighboring Alsace, Hungary and Germany.