Nopa: Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants 2018

Nopa

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When Nopa debuted in 2006, few had heard of the term for the San Francisco neighborhood north of the Panhandle that has since exploded with dining options. However, it was this restaurant, located in a former bank, that helped to define the area and give it culinary cachet. The partners, Laurence Jossel, Jeff Hanak and Allyson Jossel, did such a great job with the expansive interior, the food and the bar program that they became a national sensation. And because the restaurant serves late, it has become a gathering place for night owls and the city’s restaurant workers. Laurence Jossel puts a keen focus on farm to table, turning out rustic specialties from the rotisserie and grill. The perfectly grill-marked pork chop may be served with parsnip cream, carrots, grape mostarda and crispy sunchokes. The rotisserie chicken is adorned with preserved lemon and herbed yogurt, Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts and the unexpected addition of kiwi. The hamburger is one of the best in the city, and the menu is also vegetarian friendly, with items such as a Moroccan vegetable tagine. The three also own Nopalito, where they use the same local-sourcing approach to Mexican food.