KAIYO ROOFTOP

"San Francisco's burgeoning rooftop scene includes this one in SoMa, located on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place, so expect city views. The scene is somewhat clubby and always packed—you’ll spot plenty of people on first dates and at least six articles of snakeskin-print clothing. Once you’re up high, sip on white miso-spiked cocktails while staring out at the skyline and taking advantage of the prime people-watching. If you get hungry, they also serve great Peruvian-Japanese dishes like empanadas, chicken karaage, and ceviche in a citrus-y leche de tigre that we drink up like soup." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"At the top of the Hyatt Place in SoMa is Kaiyo Rooftop (sister spot to Kaiyo), a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant surrounded by a panorama of the city. You’re here to get into a spread of Nikkei dishes, like karaage with rocoto aioli or wagyu nigiri with lomo saltado sauce, and sip on cocktails in glasses shaped like a woman’s head. You should reserve a table ahead of time if you’re looking to do a full meal here, since it’s one of the sceniest and booked-up places to do a dressed-up dinner in the area. But if you’re just looking to drink while staring out at the skyline, they take walk-ups at the bar." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez

"Rooftop bars aren’t abundant in San Francisco—but there are still options for when you want to drink on an elevated surface. Kaiyo Rooftop in SoMa is on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place, and has views of the city to go along with a scene that’s as close to an exclusive, no-jeans-allowed club as you can get in town. Peruvian-Japanese dishes like empanadas, chicken karaage, and ceviche in a citrus-y leche de tigre are there for when you get hungry, as are excellent cocktails and wine to drink. There are heaters throughout the rooftop—this is San Francisco, after all—but bundle up in case the wind acts up." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Just a few blocks from the ballpark on the ground floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel, Kaiyo Restaurant — an amped up version of the Cow Hollow original — opened its doors in April serving Japanese Peruvian cuisine known as Nikkei. The menu offers sizable plates meant to share including lomo saltado and shoyu-ginger chicken, but there’s also a small sushi counter where diners can try Nikkei sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. Cocktails come from experienced bar pro Danny Louie, so don’t sleep on the drinks." - Dianne de Guzman, Lauren Saria

"Capacity: 8-225  Kaiyo is a chic rooftop located on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel in SoMa, which means your equally chic birthday or cocktail party has a city-view backdrop. There are a couple of semi-private, intimate lounges, serving solid Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese). Wherever you choose to eat, an event at Kaiyo will get you dishes like empanadas, chicken karaage with rocoto aioli, and ceviche in a citrusy leche de tigre. " - lani conway