Have you heard about Chotto Matte San Francisco, the new Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Union Square? If not, you’ve missed what’s arguably the hottest new restaurant to open this year in the City by the Bay. Moreover, it’s not only one of San Francisco’s most prominent rooftop restaurants; it’s the largest among this growing global restaurant chain. If that’s not enough, it’s also the first Chotto Matte restaurant to open on the entire West Coast. Coupled with inventively delicious cuisine and a dazzling interior, Chotto Matte San Francisco needs your immediate attention.
Chotto Matte San Francisco
50 O’Farrell St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 234-5650
www.chotto-matte.com/sanfrancisco
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
About Chotto Matte
Now in its 10th year, Chotto Matte is an acclaimed restaurant chain founded by renowned restaurateur Kurt Zdesar. Featuring gourmet Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) cuisine, the first concept restaurant opened in the vibrant Soho section of London’s West End. Today, there are eight locations worldwide, including Doha in Qatar, Miami and Toronto. As a testament to its growing success, new locations are set to open next year in Beverly Hills and Manchester, England. If you were wondering, the Japanese phrase chotto matte means “wait a minute” or “wait a moment.”
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Chotto Matte Founder Kurt Zdesar
Australian-born and later raised in the UK, Kurt Zdesar has worked in the restaurant industry since his teenage years. In his early 20s, he helped open the first Nobu restaurant outside of the U.S. in London. Within a year, Nobu London earned a Michelin star, making it the first Michelin star ever in the U.K. for Asian cuisine. In addition, Zdesar helped open the Hakkasan restaurant, the recipient of the first Michelin Star award in the U.K. for Chinese cuisine. Afterward, he led the famous concept restaurant Ping Pong before introducing Chotto Matte in 2013. The opening of the new Union Square location coincides with ChotMatte’se’s 10th anniversary.
About Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine (Nikkei)
Nikkei is a fusion of traditional Japanese and Peruvian ingredients whose history traces back to the late 19th century. During this time, Japanese immigrants came to Peru primarily to work, save money and eventually return home. Over time, Japanese immigrants and Peruvians began introducing their respective cooking ingredients. In doing so, you could enjoy traditional Japanese and Peruvian dishes, yet with distinctive new flavorings. Today, Nikkei cuisine is popular worldwide and featured in some of the world’s most famous restaurants. For instance, Nobu, led by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Maido in Lima, Peru, are universally lauded for their award-winning Nikkei cuisine.
Chotto Matte San Francisco Location
Just minutes from the heart of Union Square, Chotto Matte occupies the top level of Macy’sy’s formmen’sn’s store. Its prime location makes it easily accessible when you’re driving, ridesharing, or public transportatioIt’st’s close to parking garages and tMuni’si’s new Union Square light rail statioThat’st, not to mention it’s a short walk from Market Street, with additional light rail service and two BART stations. Upon arrival at the street level, you will be directed to an elevator to transport you to the eighth level.
The Ambience
Upon walking into Chotto Matte San Francisco, you’ll instantly know it’s the hottest new restaurant to open this year’s enormous, with 400 guests and a wraparound 3,900 square-foot outdoor terrace. The stylish interior design and furnishings complement the outstanding qualities you’ll enjoy. With world-class hospitality, trendy background music, and a sweeping city view, you’ll soon consider booking your next visit.
Seating Arrangement
Other options exist while most guests are seated in the main dining room. For instance, you can dine at the full bar and the sushi bar, as well as on the terrace. Of course, there is also the lounge and private dining areas for up to 18 guests. However, you can reserve the private dining area and the entire restaurant for special events. If so, contact the restaurant for availability and pricing.
What to Order
Open for lunch and dinner, Chotto Matte San Francisco offers both a la carte menu and five lavish tasting menus. If you want to order a la carte, there are several items you may wish to try. For example, the spicy chicken karange ($20) is superb, as are the Chotto ceviche ($23) and salmon tostada ($13). However, the tasting menus are pretty famous, starting at $85 for the vegetarian menu and $95 for the Nikkei Menu I. On the other hand, if you prefer the ultimate experience, ask for the Nikkei Menu Deluxe ($16), which has ten items.
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Additional Recommendations
Other items for you to consider are from the sushi bar and charcoal grilled items. Among the sushi highlights are el Jardin roll ($17), Sato maki ($24.50), and dressed nigiri ($36.50). Equally important are grilled items like Angus tomahawk ($225), Japanese wagyu ($37.50 per ounce), and grilled seafood. If you like the latter, consider ordering standouts like Amazonian BBQ salmon ($29) and black cod aji miso ($52.50). At the same time, you may also like charcoal-grilled vegetables like king oyster mushroom tostadas ($18), BBQ huacatay broccolini ($17.50), and more.
Lunch Recommendations
The Chotto Matte San Francisco lunch menu offers items tharen’tn’t currently available for dinner. In fact, after first reviewing the lunch menu, you might have to visit earlier in the day to try even more delicious items. In more detail, there are Nikkei-style donburi bowls, like robata chicken ($29) and seared tofu ($24). Additionally, the popular bento boxes helped make Chotto Matte an international sensation. For example, the $49.50 bento box includes sea bass, Nikkei sashimi, Amazonian BBQ salmon, and arroz chaufa. As for the vegetarian box at approximately $27 includes lychee ceviche, shojin Nikkei maki, and arroz chaufa. Please note that bento boxes are available weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Cocktails, Wine and Additional Beverages
You cannot go wrong with any selection from the sophisticated full bar at Chotto Matte San Francisco. While the choice is yours, you can choose from hand-crafted cocktails, beers and ciders, and a wide selection of premium wines. Of course, non-alcoholic beverages are available, like sodas, fruit juices, and sparkling water. Regarding house cocktail selections, you might enjoy Wabi-Sabi, Chicha Sagrada, or Tokyo Tea at $18 each. Similarly, there are “Chotto Ic” ns” like Pisco Sour, Flor de Manzana, and Yuzu Martini at $18 each. You can order wine by glass or bottle from regions like Burgundy, France, Piedmont, Italy, and the Napa and Sonoma valleys. On the low end for wine by the glass is a prosecco from Venice ($10), and $35 for a Laurent Perrie rose champagne on the high end. Prices for bottled wine are as varied as the wine regions, including the California Central Coast and Tuscany.
Recommendations from the Dessert Menu
As typical of a gourmet dining experience at a leading San Francisco restaurant, you’ll want to top off the evening with a tasty treat from the dessert menu. Currently, there are ten items you can order from this hot new San Francisco restaurant. This includes Japanese souffle cheesecake ($19), mochi ice cream ($19.50) and passion fruit crème brule. Of course, vegan options include chocolate peanut brownie ($22.50) and coconut, mango, or strawberry sorbet ($15). As for the ultimate tasting platter, you can opt for multiple dessert selections for $46.50.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.