South Food & Wine Bar (CLOSED)

This is San Francisco's first dining import from Australia, an intimate 50-seat dazzler with an international vibe and a chef (Luke Mangan) who brings with him a global reputation for inventiveness and refreshing simplicity. Most dishes are imbued with Asian influence; highlights include marinated pork belly with scallops and tamarind dressing, fish and chips with wasabi mayo, and pan-fried islands snapper with curried lentils and coriander yogurt. No, there's no kangaroo on the menu, but there is an excellent wine list of Australian and New Zealand vintages.