The former Locanda location is now home to ANCORA, which means “anchor” in Latin, from owners Andi and Joe Conte of Water2Table, the local hook-and-line and sustainable fish company that services Bay Area restaurants (and now consumers). They were originally going to open as Seven Fishes, but the pandemic had a funny way of changing things, and they ended up running their pandemic meal delivery service out of Locanda, eventually deciding to take over the location permanently.
They brought on Nick Anichini, formerly chef de cuisine at Atelier Crenn, who is now executive chef and partner. According to their website, “Inspired by his love of European simplicity and fine dining technique, Chef Anichini has designed a thoughtful prix-fixe and a-la-carte menu to be shared with family, friends, and neighbors.” The prix-fixe menu is $125, and the bar will be serving a relaxed format of snacks and fish charcuterie.
The beverage program, led by certified sommelier Andi Conte, will include a diverse wine list focusing on local producers and low-intervention vineyards, as well as wineries highlighting California’s coastal expression.
You can read more in this Eater piece. Sample menus here—it all sounds so delicious. Did someone say cardoons and artichokes with ham fat-poached sablefish, herbs, Aleppo, and breadcrumbs? Grilled spot prawn with smoked mussel-caviar sauce? Pappardelle with sugo made from abalone? Foie fat waffles á la mode for dessert? Oh yeahhhh. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-9:30pm. 557 Valencia St. at 17th St.
Just around the corner is a new Indian restaurant, AAHA INDIAN CUISINE, with a menu that has a number of Southern Indian dishes, like three kinds of vadas, dosas, uthappams, and egg bajji! Bring on the rasam and pomfret fish fry. Based on the long list of biriyanis, and pics of their dosas and naan, I really wanna check this place out! It was most recently Brazilian Restaurant Brewing. Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm and 5pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm. 3316 17th St. at Mission.
Also in the Mission: there’s a new Lebanese spot that opened in the former Mission Beach Cafe space (most recently El Capitan) called MEZZE AND MOOORE. The menu goes beyond the usual hummus, falafel, kefte, and shawarma wraps—you’ll see homestyle hot and cold mezze like fattet batinjan (fried eggplant topped with garlic yogurt sauce, pita, and croutons), beets, lentil soup, and moussaka (there are halal options). I tried calling a few times for details but no one ever picked up. Hours (unconfirmed) are Mon-Sat 11:30am-9pm. 198 Guerrero St. at 14th St.
I’m happy to see THE OLD CLAM HOUSE has officially reopened, SF’s oldest restaurant (161 years old!)! A couple months ago, I mentioned the new owners are the family behind Mona Lisa in North Beach, and planned to keep things mostly the same. You can take a look at the menu here, and check out the extensive pasta selection they added. Open for lunch and dinner daily, 11:30am-9:30pm. 299 Bayshore Blvd. at Oakdale.
There are a few new Vietnamese spots that just opened, starting with CHEZ NGUYEN downtown, serving a couple versions of pho, Southern Vietnamese bo kho (beef stew), a bun cha vermicelli salad bowl, chicken rice, and a steak and eggs plate. There are two floors, so there’s plenty of room for you to sit and slurp your noods. Open for lunch Mon-Fri 10am-2:30pm. 132 Bush St. at Battery.
Over in Bernal is PHO DAY, offering an extensive menu of banh mi, pho, and rice plates (plus some wonton soup and potstickers are on there), with coffee and boba drinks. You can’t miss the jaunty yellow and white exterior. Open daily 10:30am-8pm. 59 30th St. at San Jose Ave.
And over in the Inner Sunset, faithful tablehopper tipster Paul G. let me know about BAHN BAHN GO, coming soon to a former laundromat space. The menu includes banh mi and some American sandwich classics, like turkey and egg salad. 434 Irving St. at 6th Ave.
Oyster service at the new Ancora in the Mission from Water2Table. Photo: Joseph Weaver.
