New Izakaya, Northern Thai Cuisine, and Michelin Additions Shake Up San Francisco's Food Scene

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San Francisco's food landscape is abuzz with new openings, chef changes, and closures. Highlights include the debut of TBD, a new Japanese izakaya in Union Square, the arrival of Northern Thai restaurant Ka Kai in the Castro, and updates at Izzy's Steaks & Chops in the Marina. The Michelin Guide has also expanded its Bay Area presence, adding five new restaurants to its roster. Meanwhile, beloved spots like Trumer Pils and Black Hammer Brewing Company are saying goodbye. The city's culinary scene continues to evolve, offering a mix of new and familiar flavors for locals and visitors alike.

Why it matters

San Francisco is renowned for its diverse and innovative food culture, and these latest developments showcase the dynamic nature of the city's culinary landscape. The arrival of new dining destinations, chef-driven concepts, and Michelin recognition highlight San Francisco's status as a premier food destination, while the closures of longtime establishments underscore the challenges facing the industry. These stories offer insights into the trends, tastes, and economic forces shaping the Bay Area's vibrant food scene.

The details

The former Akikos space at 431 Bush Street has been transformed into TBD, a new Japanese izakaya collaboration between Ray Lee of Akikos and Tommy Cleary of Hina Yakitori. The menu promises a fresh take on Hokkaido scallop crudos, tsukune, and chicken karaage. In the Castro, the new Northern Thai restaurant Ka Kai, run by alums of Farmhouse Kitchen, has introduced a menu featuring mu thod and ka paw duck. Izzy's Steaks & Chops in the Marina has undergone a transformation with a new chef, Cory Armenta, who has updated the menu with seasonal offerings like asparagus and sauce gribiche, as well as crispy artichokes. The Michelin Guide has expanded its Bay Area presence, adding five new restaurants to its roster: Restaurant Naides, Le Cigale, Dingles Public House, and Wolfsbane in San Francisco, and Yeobo in Menlo Park.

• The former Akikos space at 431 Bush Street has been transformed into TBD, a new Japanese izakaya.
• Ka Kai, a new Northern Thai restaurant in the Castro, had its soft opening last week.
• Izzy's Steaks & Chops in the Marina has undergone a transformation with a new chef and menu updates.
• The Michelin Guide has added five new Bay Area restaurants to its roster ahead of the full California guide update this summer.

What’s next

The Michelin Guide is set to release its full California guide update this summer, which will include new star and Bib Gourmand ratings for Bay Area restaurants.