Golden Rule, Casa Sofia plus more San Francisco restaurant openings and events in June
With warm summer nights just around the corner, the bar scene is booming in San Francisco. Newcomer Golden Rule is making a splash, and various spots, including Holbrook House, are offering adult Happy Meals. A variety of alcohol-fueled events are coming up, such as a beer festival at the Presidio and a pinot noir event benefiting guide dogs.
If you’re looking to catch up on the month’s restaurant openings and closings while looking for upcoming foodie activities, you’ve come to the right place. This is the inaugural San Francisco Foodie Rundown, a monthly column for a quick catch-up on the latest San Francisco food news.
Openings
Golden Rule: The team behind Che Fico is on a roll. In addition to their Tuscan restaurant Via Aurelia being added to the Michelin Guide, they debuted cocktail bar Golden Rule on May 23. In addition to 11 full-sized cocktails ($19-$20), the Little Treats section of the menu offers seven miniature cocktails ($12-$15). Also find spirit-free offerings and bar bites, such as barbecue-spiced quicos and peri-peri cocktail mixed nuts.
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Casa Sofia: Celebrated Peruvian chef Carlos Altamirano (known for Altamirano Restaurant, Sanguchon Eatery, Mochica and more) opened his latest restaurant on May 20. Casa Sofia, named after Altamirano’s daughter, offers cuisine from Peru, Mexico and Argentina. The 120-seat restaurant offers sharable starters ($19-$28) such as empanadas and ceviche, entrees ($35-$195) including lomo saltado and pork chops, and desserts ($18-$19) like arroz con leche brulee and guava cheesecake.
Saltwater Bakeshop: Created by 2018 by Chef Brittany Holden, Saltwater Bakeshop soft opened its first retail location May 13 and plans to host its grand opening May 30. Expect a variety of year-round pastries, including passion fruit kouign amann and chocolate pistachio croissant, as well as seasonal offerings, such strawberry matcha pound cake with matcha glaze or chive and dill cream cheese Danish with an everything-seasoning crust. Bread offerings including sourdough in flavors such as sunflower oat porridge or spelt and cornmeal.
Closures
International Smoke: Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s restaurant at the Millennium Tower has permanently closed after nearly a decade. “A new chapter is on the horizon for Millennium Tower- one rooted in creativity, experimentation, and community,” the restaurant posted on Instagram May 28. The Instagram account’s bio now reads: “Be back soon.”
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Ristobar: After 22 years in the Marina, Italian restaurant Ristobar permanently closed May 25.
Cafe Sebastian, MadLab, Ama: Chef Bradley Kilgore’s trio of restaurants at the Transamerica Pyramid permanently closed May 4 due to the sale of the building to new owners.
Hamburger Project: This smashburger joint went viral for all the wrong reasons and is now permanently closed. In late March, a photo of tubes of raw ground beef sitting on the ground outside the restaurant’s door during a heatwave was posted to Reddit, drawing criticism over food safety. Less than a month later, the restaurant shuttered.
Events
Now through October, Presidio Pop Up: Presidio Pop Up is back for its fourth year, offering a rotating roaster of more than two dozen vendors at Presidio Tunnel Tops. New this year include Kona Ice, Bao Bao Express, Swahili Spot and WhatCoffee & Bakery.
May 30, Parks4All Brewfest: The fourth annual Parks4All Brewfest is an outdoor beer festival with craft beer, local food trucks and live music at the Presidio. The $60 ticket, benefiting the Parks Conservancy’s inclusive programs, includes unlimited beer tasting from 20 local breweries and a souvenir five-ounce tasting glass.
June 6-7, Festa Italiana: The North Beach Italian street fair includes live Italian music, a pizza toss performance by Tony Gemignani, Italian cuisine and wine tasting and kids’ corner.
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June 7, Paws for Pinot: Formerly known as High on the Hog, Paws for Pinot is an afternoon of pinot noir tasting, gourmet bites and live music at EPIC Steak. The $95 ticket benefits Guide Dogs for the Blind.
June 12, Pasta Contest: Six chefs are competing for the title of best pasta, and you can be a judge. Located at STEM Kitchen & Garden and hosted by Museo Italo Americano, Pasta Contest costs $350 for a ticket.
Aug. 15, Pizza, Bagel and Beer Festival: Indulge in unlimited slices of pizza from more than 36 pizzerias and pizza makers as well as cold beer from 15 local breweries at the fourth annual Pizza, Bagel and Beer Festival. The event is a collaboration between Tony Gemignani and the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation.
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