Trained at Quince, Chef Alexander Hong has a true gift for pasta at this Pacific Heights perch where a rooftop garden provides herbs, edible flowers, herbs and seasonal vegetables. Smoky potato zlikrofi drizzled with sharp plum mostarda and shaved horseradish, or thick strascinati bathed in a ‘nduja-infused sauce with tender butter beans and lovage are two highlights. His ricotta gnudi are exemplars of the form: cloud-soft, accented by crisp fried sage and bright pops of sour cherry.
In addition to a pair of pastas, discover some deliciously contemporary small bites, including madai crudo with yuzu and cured egg yolk, or dry-aged beef tartare with a hint of pink peppercorn. The duck breast course is truly a sight to behold—complete with its brilliant trinity of golden-crisped skin, juicy meat and earthy red kuri squash purée.