Now open in the Financial District is the first freestanding ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY CAFÉ in the United States, funnily enough in a former Starbucks. Not only will you be able to take your pick of espresso drinks, but Joyce Goldstein consulted on the savory menu (random trivia: her Square One restaurant was San Francisco’s first restaurant to offer illy starting in 1985). The initial menu includes panini like grilled Fontina cheese with prosciutto, and mortadella from Bologna; salads like a Caesar and farro salad; along with frittatas, seasonal fruit salads, pastries, and desserts. Look for some cool design as well, including a chandelier made from 96 espresso cups—and there’s free Wi-Fi. Hours are Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm. 123 Battery St. at Pine, 415-544-9960.
Hastings Law students will be able to perk up at an upcoming location of PHILZ COFFEE that will be opening on the corner of Golden Gate and Larkin Streets, according to BeyondChron (via Eater).
And in SoMa, the almost-a-year-old SHOWPLACE CAFFÈ has expanded their offerings to include soups (like curried butternut squash) and housemade sandwiches (like prosciutto with Brie, sun-dried tomato, and Dijon), along with fresh bagels and pastries every day. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (weekends hopefully someday soon). 715 Brannan St. at 7th St.
The new Espressamente illy; Yelp photo by Johnny O.
