Luella
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 674-4343
- Cross Street:
- Green Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm, , Sun 5pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Luella – by Daniel Liszt
The Scene
The L-shaped space welcomes neighborhood locals with dim lighting and walls splashed in earth tones. Mirrors above a light-green banquette reflect a petite bar area, where gray-haired couples sip wine next to 30-somethings. Further back, a floor manager scopes the scene near a semi-exposed kitchen, swooping in to assist waitstaff.
The Food
Generous portions of mostly southern European dishes comprise a rotating menu. Diners craving a salt fix should order the cod brandade souffle, a dazzling and deceptively hearty appetizer. The tartare served three ways is a neat idea, but overpowered by a citrus tang that masks the natural flavors of the tuna, steak and fennel. Chef Ben de Vries used to cook at Mission's Anadalu and resurrects his signature dish: Coca Cola-braised pork shoulder, an indulgent entree coated in a candy-like glaze. Equally delicious is the osso buco, loaded with smoky lamb that's fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitOn a sunny day, reserve an outside table. Groups of around six will be most comfortable reserving the restaurant's lone booth.
ParkingFinding a street spot in this 'hood is next to impossible. Go with $10 valet parking in front of the Old Alhambra Theatre (on Polk, between Green and Union streets). Staff will even drive you to Luella's front door.
What to DrinkSip a reasonably priced wine from southern Europe or California. Beer lovers will enjoy Belgian Chimay.
User Reviews for Luella
09/18/2008 Posted by Kimby22
Had dinner here with some girlfriends and have nothing but wonderful things to say about the place. The hostess was very welcoming and our server had great suggestions for food and wine. The prix fix menu is great, and the artichoke soup was to die for! Highly recommend it!
09/25/2007 Posted by inkognitoinboulder
We were walking through Russian Hill this morning since it was our last day in town and we wanted to check out all of the row houses and climb a few hills. We came across Luella's and my husband decided we should check it out for dinner. WE ARE SO GLAD WE DID!!! The food, the service, the neighborhood are all absolutely incredible! He ordered the coca-cola brazed pork shoulder and he didn't even need a knife to cut it. Yeah, it was that tender. Amazing! I ordered the New York strip and it was wonderful! We didn't really have room for dessert, but ordered it anyway. We had the orange ricotta fritters, and oh my gaaawd!
Pros: food, service, ambience, neighborhood
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