Spring has officially arrived in San Francisco, and the restaurant scene is absolutely buzzing with new openings and comebacks. Whether you’re craving French cuisine, gluten-free Italian, or a solid smashburger, there’s something exciting happening in the Bay Area food world right now.

Let’s start with some major news from the Castro. After sitting vacant for years, the two-story space that once housed Eureka Restaurant & Lounge is finally getting new life. Bar 49 owner Colm O’Brien is transforming the spot into NOVA, a new restaurant and bar concept. O’Brien is planning to convert the upstairs into a lounge with couches and cocktails, while the downstairs and back patio will focus on dining. You can expect menu favorites from Bar 49, think fish and chips, bangers and mash, and burgers, alongside seasonal entrees. Keep an eye out for a late 2026 opening.

If you’re gluten-free or have celiac disease, Clementina is about to become your new favorite spot. The new Italian restaurant from the team behind Montesacro Pinseria is inspired by their pop-up Alice, which was created after their daughter’s celiac diagnosis. Located at 343 Clement Street in the Richmond, Clementina promises comforting and modern Italian food entirely without gluten. A ribbon-cutting is happening next weekend, with public reservations opening later this month.

Over in the Design District, JouJou, a French brasserie from the Lazy Bear team, is having its soft opening tonight and officially launches on March 17. The restaurant is aiming to be San Francisco’s answer to New York’s beloved Balthazar. The bar opens its doors on March 11, so you can get a head start if cocktails are your thing.

Downtown is also getting some culinary love. Loveski Deli, the new bagelry and coffeeshop from Michelin three-star chef Christopher Kostow, just opened in Jackson Square at the former Postscript Coffee space. They’re serving what the San Francisco Chronicle recently called the best bagels in the entire Bay Area, plus teriyaki bowls, chicken Caesar wraps, and grab-and-go sandwiches.

Not all news is positive, though. Saluhall, the IKEA-affiliated food hall on mid-Market, continues to struggle. Cheezy’s Artisan Pizza, run by award-winning pizza maker David Jacobson and partner Raluca Romero, just closed due to a revoked business license. The food hall now has only three vendors left operating, leaving four vacancies that need to be filled.

On the brighter side, the iconic Big Four restaurant at the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill is reopening on March 17 after being closed since the pandemic. The 104-year-old hotel and its legendary 50-year-old restaurant have received a full renovation designed by local design star Ken Fulk. You’ll be able to enjoy their famous steaks and chicken pot pie once again.