"Birch & Rye is a new Russian restaurant in Noe Valley, opening on February 9 for dinner and adding brunch on February 20. It is an intriguing addition in a city with few Russian restaurants. Chef Anya El-Wattar presents bold and beautiful dishes using foraged and fermented ingredients in a neutral and natural space filled with birch trees. The menu includes savory porridge, wild mushroom stroganoff on einkorn noodles, and vodka infused with sea buckthorn. The restaurant aims to fill a void in San Francisco and offer a modern Russian dining experience. The menu features breads such as naturally leavened rye sourdough and spelt khachapuri, caviar, house-cured salmon, borscht, einkorn pelmeni dumplings, and larger plates like golubtsi wagyu dish. Brunch highlights include millet porridge with poached pear and buckwheat nest with delicata and nameko mushrooms. The restaurant also offers infused vodkas and a strong cocktail list. The space is intimate with 49 seats and includes natural motifs and birch decorations." - Becky Duffett