Culinary Delights Abound: A Gastronomic Tour of San Francisco's Newest Hotspots

San Francisco's culinary landscape continues to evolve, with a host of exciting new openings and expansions across the city. From a French-inspired bistro near Union Square to a Detroit-style pizza joint on the Embarcadero, the Bay Area's food scene is brimming with innovative offerings. Meanwhile, West Portal welcomes a new Italian wine bar, and the Sunset District prepares to embrace the smoky delights of a popular barbecue pop-up. This comprehensive report delves into the latest developments, providing a mouthwatering glimpse into the city's thriving food and beverage scene.

Indulge in the Flavors of France and Beyond at Le Parc Bistrobar

Bringing Parisian Flair to Union Square

The highly anticipated Le Parc Bistrobar has officially opened its doors, marking the latest venture from renowned chef-owner Bruno Chemel. Nestled within the Galleria Park Hotel, this new establishment promises to transport diners to the heart of France, with a menu that celebrates the classics of Parisian bistro cuisine. Expect to find time-honored dishes such as sole meunière, an escargot pot pie, and a cassoulet-inspired chicken leg ragu, all prepared with Chemel's signature flair. Complementing the culinary offerings is a full-service bar, where classic cocktails and single-ingredient-focused libations, like Chartreuse and Lillet, take center stage. Le Parc Bistrobar will initially operate solely for dinner service, with the potential for midweek lunch service to be introduced in the fall.

A Taste of Detroit on the Embarcadero

Joyride Pizza, the beloved Detroit-style pizza specialists, have expanded their empire with the opening of their tenth location at Pier 1 on the Embarcadero. In addition to their signature thick-crust pies, the new outpost boasts a full-service cocktail bar, offering Negronis, spritzes, and more. Diners can indulge in a range of new pizza creations, including a Greek-inspired option featuring artichoke hearts, feta, kalamata olives, and red onion, as well as a thin-crust variation. The menu also showcases breakfast pizzas and egg dishes, along with Andytown coffee and tater tots with a gremolata topping or a variety of other toppings. The Pier 1 location is open from 10 am to 9 pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 10 am to 10 pm Thursday through Saturday. The Joyride Pizza empire continues to expand, with an eleventh location in the works for the Marina District, set to open in the former Muesi Cafe space within the Equinox Gym complex.

Bon Delire: A French Cafe and Champagne Bar on the Embarcadero

The Embarcadero is also set to welcome a new French-inspired concept, Bon Delire, which will occupy the former Hard Water space at Pier 3. Spearheaded by Kais Bouzidi, the owner of Sens (in Embarcadero Center) and Barcha, Bon Delire will focus on daytime and happy hour service, offering a menu that showcases French cafe classics and a selection of Champagne. Bouzidi has been teasing menu items on social media, including a tantalizing steak tartare, and is aiming to have the cafe and bar open by September.

West Portal Welcomes Binu Bonu, a New Italian Wine Bar

The former La Ciccia owners, Lorella Degan and Massimiliano Conti, have unveiled their latest venture, Binu Bonu, an Italian-focused wine bar in West Portal. The cozy establishment at 230 West Portal Avenue offers a menu of snacks and small plates that can easily comprise a full meal, including cheese and antipasti combinations, salumi and prosciutto platters, and a dish featuring baby octopus. Binu Bonu's selection of olives and freshly baked bread provide the perfect accompaniment to the extensive wine offerings, making it a must-visit destination for oenophiles and food enthusiasts alike.

Smokin' Hot Barbecue Comes to the Sunset District

The Sunset District is set to welcome a new player in the local barbecue scene, as the popular Smokin D pop-up prepares to open a brick-and-mortar location. Owner Daniel Ramirez has secured the former Yum Yum Sushi House space at Irving and 23rd, and the new spot will offer Ramirez's acclaimed 15-hour smoked brisket, sausages, pulled pork, and spareribs. In addition to these savory delights, the menu will also feature brisket bao, breakfast tacos, and mac and cheese, catering to a wide range of barbecue enthusiasts.

Amici's Expands to Fisherman's Wharf

While Amici's East Coast Pizzeria recently closed its last San Francisco location on Lombard Street, the beloved pizza chain is not giving up on the city. The SF Business Times reports that Amici's is set to open a new, 4,000-square-foot outpost at Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf, occupying the former Lorenzo's Pizzeria space. This expansion will allow Amici's to continue serving its signature East Coast-style pies to both locals and tourists alike. Additionally, the company maintains a ghost kitchen in SoMa to cater to the ongoing demand for delivery.

Marin Country Mart Welcomes Buvette du Marais, a Le Marais Bakery Spinoff

Heading north to Marin, the Larkspur's Marin Country Mart has welcomed a new addition, Buvette du Marais, a spinoff of the popular Le Marais Bakery. This new cafe offers a slightly more expanded menu compared to the bakery, featuring Breton-style crepes, quiches, and more. As the Chronicle reports, owner Patrick Ascaso collaborated with the chef at Le Marais' Mill Valley location, Emmanuel Pradet, to develop the new menu. Buvette du Marais is currently open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, with plans to expand its hours in the coming weeks to include full dinner and brunch service.

Persona Undergoes a Chic Renovation in the Former Cellar Space

In the heart of San Francisco, the three-year-old cocktail bar Persona, located in the former Cellar space at 685 Sutter Street, has undergone a complete renovation and redesign. As reported by Tablehopper, the chic, underground bar now features multiple distinct spaces, including a new DJ nest and a rentable private room called Nob Hill Grotto, which can accommodate up to 100 guests. This revamped Persona promises to offer an elevated and immersive drinking experience for its patrons.