Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 777-4200
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sat 10am-3pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun 10am-3pm 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant – by Jen Robbins
The Scene
A bright, minimalist-inspired space is replete with sleek lines and polished surfaces. Marble-topped bars--one overlooking an open kitchen and one that focuses on an extensive selection of wine pours--bracket the room, while a dark wood communal table holds court at the center. Black and white photos covered by a sheer screen on one wall are a sophisticated touch. Friendly waiters know the ever-changing menu inside and out.
The Food
Well-executed California cuisine takes advantage of the Bay Area's bounty: Butter and watercress salad comes studded with chunks of Point Reyes blue cheese, and flavorful rotisserie chicken comes from a farm in Sonoma. Standouts include the truffled fries tossed with shaved parmesan and wood-fired pizzas topped with a light dusting of sauce and ingredients like Humboldt fog cheese and Serrano ham. Don't skip dessert: the tiramisu, which manages be rich and creamy yet light as air, is a stunner.
Hits: Expect Local to be the new brunch favorite with choices like a goat cheese and chanterelle mushroom omelet and waffles with fresh berries and crème fraiche.
Misses: Parking can be a challenge; expect to circle for 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkSommelier Mark Bright (formerly of Michael Mina) has crafted an impressive wine list with 40 by-the-glass options featuring bottles from California, Europe and emerging wine markets such as India and Japan.
Know Before You GoDining solo? Pick up a magazine at the front host desk (choices run the gamut from Harper's to Elle) and grab a seat at the bar. Another perk that will be much appreciated by the FiDi crowd: free Wi-Fi.
The ExtrasVisit the adjacent wine shop for a bottle of wine and sundries like baguettes, cheeses, Nutella and yogurt. Open daily 12pm-7pm.
Where to SitSmall parties looking for a more intimate setting should request the private back room, which holds up to 14 people.
Look GoodHot date? Swing by Cocoon, the cushy-yet-casual day spa housed above the restaurant, for some pre-dinner primping.
User Reviews for Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant
04/03/2008 Posted by ghom30
I typically NEVER write reviews unless something is so stellar, or really bad. Unfortunately, the service we had tonight at the bar was the worst experience I have ever had in all of SF. Hands down. Aloof, unattentive, and uninterested. He actually took the menu from my friend and gave it to his buddy, before asking us if we wanted to order any wine. He also stopped mid-sentence to go serve his friend first with some wine and chit chat before asking us if we wanted water, or anything else. Then, he forgot our order because he didn't write anything down, and proceeded to ask us again what we wanted. I am only giving it one star because the pizza was somewhat decent, and the decor is pretty nice. Let's hope the table service is a lot more professional than what we experienced this evening. What a disappointment. My two friends were equally unimpressed and frankly there are so many good places in SF that this is one place we won't be rushing back to.
Cons: AWFUL service at the bar, the wine was warm since the glass was out of the dishwater.
02/16/2008 Posted by c_money
I've been here twice for dinner- wonderful service, great simple food and fabulous wine selections. Thin crust pizza very tasty and entrees and good. Sit in the bar area just on the other side of the open kitchen and watch the fellas do their thing- I really feel they enjoy the company as well. I'll try to sit at the wine bar next time!
Pros: ambience, various sitting areas
Cons: none
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