Lower Haight Restaurants

San Francisco is notorious for its exorbitance. However, the sushi at Ken is more affordable than most and just as good. A former Kusakabe team member, Ken Ngai is behind this spot, which centers on omakase and is still in its soft opening phase. Keep tabs on their Instagram for menu updates and pickup instructions.

Chef Melissa Perello's first San Francisco restaurant, Frances, earned a Michelin star for its refined, uncomplicated dishes, so everyone's expecting great things from her next spot, just-opened Octavia. The entire operation, from the speckled pottery dishes to the wooden tables to the meal, is rustic with a modern bend, and the space is light and airy with Scandinavian furniture. Like most Bay Area chefs, Perello changes her menu with the seasons, but recent favorites include a little gem salad with persimmon, a pork chop with escarole and mushrooms. The private dining space in an attached converted bakery is a great space for an event that's special without feeling too fancy.

Come here for sustainable, organic, and healthy Mexican food. Their simple cocktail list offers a straightforward margarita and paloma, plus blue-bottle coffee for abstainers.