The July Hit List: Pearl 6101, Prubechu, Nightbird, Liholiho, Old Jerusalem, and More

A crudo starter, Caesar salad to follow, handkerchief pasta with white Bolognese, and a duck Milanese sounds like the perfect order at this Richmond gem, whether you sit inside or outside. Oh, and don’t forget the namesake oceanic Pearl Martini made with sea gin and sea bean, because that bar is special.

Not sure what we want to try more: Mark Liberman’s magical tasting menu celebrating the Colombian coast at Mago, or Albert Ok’s weekend Asian American deli pop-up Ok’s Deli at aforementioned restaurant (Hello Sichuan hot chicken sandwich). Maybe the answer is both.

Welcome back Liholiho Yacht Club, this time in the old Dear Inga space in the Mission. Though the location has changed temporarily (there’s now a gorgeous rooftop), you can still find Ravi Kapur’s same excellent heritage-driven food that blends Hawaiian, Chinese, and Indian (and many more) influences into beautiful modern California dining.

The pandemic made fine dining a bit difficult to experience, so now’s a good time as any to visit Kim Alter’s Nightbird. The five-course and five-bites tasting menu always starts with the sublime quail egg and brown butter — and the pro move is to finish at the adjacent Linden Room for a nightcap.

We know we’re allowed to dine inside now, but the Prubechu guys have done such a wonderful job with their patio that we’ll happily continue to dine outside while the sun shines. Natural wine + Chamorro barbecue plates = good times.

Give a warm welcome back to Old Jerusalem on Mission Street, which closed down last year after a fire but is now back opened. Enjoy generous plates of creamy hummus and turmeric tinged charred chicken — shish taouk — in their beautiful covered back patio.

2966 Mission Street, San Francisco. No reservations.

Whether you’re a brunch person or not, salt fish chilaquiles just might be compelling enough to turn you into one. The dish also features West African red stew, cassava, avocado puree, and a fried egg (because of course), and can be found Sundays at chef Nelson German’s Sobremesa.

From the group that brought you Kon-Tiki comes Palmetto, a “tropical steakhouse” that features fare with Latin American flavors in the old Flora space. You’ll find escargot with charred fresno chiles, shrimp cocktail with tomatillo sauce, and ribeye with ancho steak sauce.

1900 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

If there’s one place in San Francisco we think of when we hear the word “sandwich,” it’s Deli Board, the shop by the eccentric Adam Mesnick. Each sandwich is carefully constructed, piled high with thinly sliced meats on freshly-baked bread. The menu changes daily, and it’s the definition of “Pretty Freakin Good.”

1058 Folsom Street, San Francisco. No reservations.

Come to this Tenderloin family-owned noodle spot for its traditional Teochew cuisine, specifically a big brothy bowls of egg noodles (thick or thin; your choice) with wontons and braised duck legs. It’s truly one of our favorite things to eat in the city.

707 Ellis Street, San Francisco. No reservations.

The Khul family’s old school Jelly Donut is back on 24th and South Van Ness with a fresh little remodel, but still offering classic doughnuts for your face: glazed, yeasted, caked, frosted, and filled with jelly.

3198 24th Street, San Francisco. No reservations.