Pearl 6101
Restaurant · Outer Richmond ·
Mediterranean-inspired pastas & seafood, plus specialty cocktails
Mediterranean-inspired pastas & seafood, plus specialty cocktails
"Housed in a former drug store on California Street and praised by the Michelin Guide, this low-lit corner restaurant is one of the least braggy, most-focused spots in San Francisco. It’s a la carte, and I’d focus on the starters: the Japanese sweet potato is one of my favorite dishes of the year, its miso tahini an umami bomb with a toothsome peanut salsa macha and mint leaves, untreated, that sing through the textures and flavors. That love for smaller plates isn’t a knock on the mains—the simple, well-executed, seasonal menu makes them easy picks, with a few staples like the white Bolognese handkerchief pasta; for now, try the glazed pork belly atop a creamy parsnip puree. The beverage program is dialed in, and the central bar is a big draw, pouring old-world hitters and new-school natty wines; for teetotalers, the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni is a fruitier take and one of the city’s better iterations. Step in from the nippy west side weather and it feels like the belly of a storybook sailboat, with a cadre of hip, friendly servers buzzing around and plenty of outdoor seating; it’s the Outer Richmond’s go-to, so you won’t get a primetime walk-in—make a reservation." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Pearl 6101 in the Richmond feels like a cozy neighborhood bar crossed with the plant and light-filled apartment we wish we had. This place always makes us feel at home whenever we settle in for the night with some cocktails and a bunch of small plates for everyone to share—like the seasonal crudo with strawberry and nuoc cham, the chicory caesar showered in fried prosciutto, and the must-order handkerchief pasta with white bolognese." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez
"This spot in a retro drugstore packs in the crowds young and old—not unlike neighboring sister, Pizzetta 211. The big and airy space is designed for all-day dining —whether that may be coffee and wood-fired bagels during the day, or a substantial dinner (and cocktail) later. The kitchen turns out a Cal-Mediterranean menu heavy on seafood and pastas, like rustic handkerchiefs in a velvety white Bolognese sauce. Carnivores can get down on a grilled bone-in pork chop, accompanied by gently charred broccolini and nectarines. And that San Francisco must—brunch—is brilliantly executed here, with enticing eggs in purgatory or Dutch baby pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped crème fraîche." - Michelin Inspector
"This Richmond spot looks like an Airbnb in the Hamptons crossed with an HGTV-staged apartment, complete with lots of natural light and cozy booths. It’s also a date night restaurant that’s not too stressful to get a table at, plus they have great cocktails and small plates built for sharing. Definitely get the seasonal crudo with vinaigrette or roasted cauliflower with black tahini hummus as well as a couple of bigger dishes like the handkerchief pasta with rich white bolognese." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"Pearl 6101 is one of those places that gives us our Cheers moment—it makes us feel like we've been a regular here for years. The atmosphere is warm, the servers are friendly, and this spot is always appropriately dim and cozy. Head here for date night and get a few things off their California-inspired Mediterranean menu, like the handkerchief pasta with white bolognese, halibut crudo, or cauliflower with black tahini hummus. The wine list is also reasonably priced and not overwhelmingly long." - taylor abrams, lani conway
