A report by Dana Massey-Todd. As reported by tablehopper back in May, Russian Hill mainstay ~PESCE~ is reopening on Market Street in the Castro. They’re moving into the former 2223/Jake’s space, which means they’ve more than doubled their seating capacity. They’ve also been able to turn the bar into one of the main draws, with a long, marble bar in front and a standing bar in the back for additional drinkers. A bench with high tables adds even more options, allowing the bar area to seat 38 people. There is also a new cocktail list driven by Italian spirits and flavors. The drinks skew toward the lighter side, to pair well with the food. There’s a Negroni, of course, but also an orzata punch with brandy, orzata, lemon, soda, and vin santo.
In addition to being able to order drinks at the bar, there is a selection of cicchetti, or Venetian-style bar snacks, to nibble on. All of the choices will be displayed behind the bar, and are priced at either $2 or $3. Folks seated at the bar will also be able to order from the menu. In addition to new cocktails and cicchetti, the wine list has grown to about 50 selections, 8 of which are available by the glass. The beefed-up wine list is almost entirely Italian, and includes reds, white, and sparkling selections. For a full list of cocktails, beer, and wine, take a look here.
The main dining room features high ceilings, warm banquettes, and those classically elegant bentwood chairs. The room feels like an old-world salon, with lots of marble, pressed-tin ceilings, and natural light. In the back is an additional private dining room which will eventually be available for groups; total capacity between the two rooms is about 75. The dining room menu has largely remained the same, with one spiffy addition: pizza. The new space already had a pizza oven, so they’ll be offering a range of seasonal and classic pizzette, or mini pizzas; the Caprino, with fennel, goat cheese, and grapes, looks like a stunner. The rest of the menu includes salads, pastas, and main courses of both fish and meat; here’s a preview of the likely opening menu.
The doors should open in the next couple of days, as soon as all the paint dries, and hours will be daily; with the bar open 5pm-11pm and the dining room 5:30pm-11pm. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday will be added in the next few weeks, as well. Unfortunately, there’s no news yet on the plans for the Polk Street location, we’ll let you know when we hear! 2223 Market St. at Sanchez, 415-928-8025.
The bar at Pesce. Photo: Dana Eastland. © tablehopper.com.
