"It’s a weekday, and you haven’t made dinner plans. Everywhere is booked. The fridge is empty, and hanger is settling in. Even worse, the group chat is turning more passive-aggressive by the second. Enter: Piroo, the Nepali restaurant in Lower Nob Hill that shapeshifts into the ideal backdrop for any casual, last-minute occasion. The two-story spot is more private upstairs, so you can tuck into a corner with a date, share a plate of momos over wine, and exchange flirty one-liners or tips from your therapists. Or, pack a group of friends around a high-top in the relaxed downstairs and keep the soju cocktails flowing. If you aren't already convinced to get here for a second date with someone you swiped right on, or an easy solo lunch while you wait for your oil to get changed down the street, they do Happy Hour with $2 oysters. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Since this back-pocket restaurant will quickly become your go-to, you’ll be pleased to know that the mostly small, shareable Nepali dishes stand out. Chatpate, a street food filled with instant noodles and puffed rice, hits your nose with spice and lime. Their panipuri are delicate little flavor bombs. And entrée-sized dishes, like the chicken choila rice bowl, are a much better alternative to whatever wilted leftovers you were planning on eating later. These dishes linger in your subconscious like a catchy Top 50 pop chorus—just another reason to return the next time you forgot to make a reservation. Food Rundown photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Chatpate Piroo’s version of the Nepali street food dish is packed with zingy, spicy flavors that’ll have you grabbing one spoonful, and then another. The instant noodles and puffed rice add crunch to every bite. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Pork Momo These are a must-order. The pork filling is juicy and tender. The wrappers may rip when you pick them up (they’re that delicate), but the momos are so good you won’t mind. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Panipuri You could easily order a cocktail and a round of these, and leave satisfied. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Papdi Chat The papdi chat is blanketed in crispy sev and leans sweet. Get one for the table to share. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Choila Wraps The carb-less version of their choila rice bowl, wrapped up in velvety butter lettuce (they also have a vegetarian version with jackfruit). This is even better drizzled with chili oil." - Julia Chen
