Go to Meski for the scene over the food - Review - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Pristine upholstered couches, a 7-year-old in a Curry jersey, a full-length sequin dress—just a few things we saw during a meal at Meski, a buzzy spot in Lower Nob Hill co-owned by Draymond Green (ever heard of him?) and the chef-owner of Alamar. The two-story restaurant is the neighborhood’s see-and-be-seen destination fit for just about anyone who wants a bit of a spotlight, whether you’re posted up at the glowing upstairs bar, rolling in for a dressed-up group dinner before a night out, or catching a game at the other bar downstairs. video credit: Taylor Gomez With a velvet rope-flanked line out the door and a gigantic centerpiece hanging above a mini-spiral staircase, the scene outshines the food. The Afro-Latin and Ethiopian dishes range from OK to solid. Skip the lukewarm tiradito, and go for the pollo guisado sambusas to start and the yetsom platter for your entree. But you’re here for people-watching, cocktails, and atmosphere, and on that front, Meski always delivers. Food Rundown Pollo Guisado Sambusas Our favorite dish here. The stewed chicken filling arrives steaming and tender in a golden brown shell. It’s three per order, and you’ll want at least one apiece. PlayMute video credit: Taylor Gomez Meski Yetsom Platter Another hit—especially the buttery plantains—but you can find equally good, if not better, vegetarian samplers at Ethiopian restaurants across town. PlayMute video credit: Taylor Gomez Kitfo Tartare A solid starter. The injera chips are crunchy and tangy, and a nice vehicle for the kitfo. Rabo Encendido Casarecce A bit one-note, but there’s a good amount of shredded oxtail. It gets the job done if you need something heartier after downing a coffee-spiked cocktail on an empty stomach. PlayMute video credit: Taylor Gomez Tiradito You can skip this. It’s pretty, but a little bland. PlayMute video credit: Taylor Gomez" - Julia Chen