The Hottest New Restaurant Openings in San Francisco This Summer

The Hottest New Restaurant Openings in San Francisco This Summer

San Francisco's dining scene doesn't slow down in summer — if anything, it's just getting started. From a cult Berkeley pizzeria finally crossing the bay to a sprawling new food complex in the Presidio, here are four openings worth knowing about right now.

Rose Pizzeria — Inner Richmond
The Berkeley original, which the New York Times named one of America's best pizzerias, has opened its first San Francisco outpost at 1 Clement Street, and the neighborhood couldn't be a better fit. Sitting across from Arsicault Bakery and the Sunday Clement Street Farmers Market, the new Richmond location has twice the footprint of the Berkeley original — and has been booked solid since day one. One of our personal favorites. Open daily 11:30am–9pm.

Maria Isabel — Presidio Heights
The husband-and-wife duo behind Dalida, Sayat and Laura Ozyilmaz, have brought a new dimension to their portfolio with Maria Isabel, a Mexican restaurant rooted in Laura's upbringing in Acapulco and the coastal flavors of Guerrero. Located at 500 Presidio Avenue, the menu weaves together heirloom corn from Oaxaca, California seafood, and seasonal produce — and already earned a Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award for 2026. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 5–9:30pm.

Esme — NoPa
A modern French bistro from chef-owner Susan Dunn, Esme has settled into the former Ragazza space at 311 Divisadero — and inherited its beloved back patio. The seasonally driven menu is exactly what the neighborhood needed: roast chicken, cappelletti, steak frites, seared halloumi with grilled peaches, and a curated wine list that earns its own attention. It already feels like a neighborhood staple. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 5–9pm.

Mess Hall — The Presidio (Opening Summer 2026)
Keep an eye on this one. Steps from Tunnel Tops Park with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, this 6,200-square-foot food complex will house three concepts from James Beard Award-winning chef Peter Serpico: Breadwinner (smashburgers and hoagies), Korean restaurant Boda, and Dayboat Seafood — alongside a full bar, cafe, and market. Opening at 201 Halleck Street this summer.

Read the full Summer 2026 issue of City Talk at erinthompson.com.