Equal Parts SF

A ‘Top Chef’ Alum Serves Noteworthy Green Cioppino at This Scene-y San Francisco Restaurant | Eater SF

"Bringing a bit of Mexico City flair to a traditionally Italian stretch of North Beach, this scene-y restaurant showcases Melissa Perfit’s seafood-focused cooking, especially a standout green cioppino made with tomatillos in a memorable broth loaded with mussels, shrimp, clams, and squid. The Gulf shrimp cocktail is a nice bite, with tender, snappy shrimp and an in-house cocktail sauce served in a glass, fish-shaped bowl that’s a cute touch for food photographers. A gluten-free fried chicken serves as a crowd-pleaser, accompanied by Crystal hot sauce, though the red pepper salmorejo steals the sauce show, with a white barbecue sauce offered as well. The vibe starts at the street, where a long walkway draped in willow branches forms a welcoming tunnel to the front door, and inside the space feels lush and spacious thanks to abundant plants, basket-woven lampshades, and exposed wooden rafters. Seating options range from a lengthy bar and lounge to intimate two-tops and circular banquettes toward the back, plus an enclosed patio with heat lamps, making it easy to accommodate groups of all sizes, and the serious cocktails from co-owners and bar veterans Victor Pichardo and Jacob Cortes round out the experience. Brunch is also on the horizon, with a menu in the works and set to debut in the spring." - Dianne de Guzman