Two prominent Bay Area chefs, Chef Ray Lee and Chef Tommy Cleary, are collaborating on an exciting new dining venture set to open in late November 2023. This innovative restaurant will occupy the former space of Akikos, located at 431 Bush Street in Union Square, San Francisco.
While the name of the forthcoming establishment has yet to be revealed, the location is notable for its proximity to other popular venues, including cocktail bars Harlan Records and Pagan Idol, as well as the bakery Posh Bagel and the pub The Irish Bank. The new dining concept promises to bring a unique culinary experience to the vibrant neighborhood.
Although the official menu remains under wraps, reports from test dinners indicate a tantalizing selection of dishes. These include tsukune, a chicken meatball glazed with savory sauce and served with an egg yolk, kawa, a chicken skin skewer, and grilled octopus. Such offerings hint at a focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Chef Ray Lee is no stranger to the San Francisco culinary scene. He founded Akikos in 1987, which is recognized as the first omakase restaurant in the city. The establishment is known for its nine-course tasting menu that highlights dry-aged fish sourced from local purveyors as well as Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Fish Market. Akikos is also celebrated for its handcrafted spirits program, which complements its exquisite food offerings.
In contrast, Chef Tommy Cleary’s journey encompasses a more recent culinary endeavor. Hina Yakitori began as a casual eatery in Oakland in 2016 and moved to San Francisco in 2019. After operating as a pop-up, Cleary closed Hina Yakitori in 2023. The collaboration with Chef Lee marks a significant step forward in his culinary career.
As the opening date approaches, diners eager to experience this new venture can stay informed by following updates on platforms like What Now San Francisco. With their combined expertise and unique culinary visions, Lee and Cleary are poised to make a noteworthy impact on the San Francisco dining landscape.
