Nopa Restaurant With The Best Brunch In San Francisco

Now that I feel like I can call San Francisco my home (over two years after I arrived from New York City) it’s also fair to say Nopa SF sometimes feels like a home away from home. It’s that spot that always comes to mind if I want a comfort drink (or for that matter my go to Gin Gimlet), a lively bite at the bar or my most common Saturday brunch visit with literally every out-of-town visitor.

So why Nopa? What’s so great. First, their bar. It’s on my San Francisco Best Restaurant Bars post so I won’t say too much here (you’ll need to read that post for the scoop) but it’s amazing with killer cocktails and always a lively scene. Both the Bar and the Kitchen both open until 1am. After my many visits to Nopa I’ve gotten to know their amazing staff which makes it that much more fun and enjoyable.

Second, their Chef and fabulous team make them awesome. I’m a huge fan of their Chef Laurence Jossel. We volunteered together when Chef Laurence lead a Sprouts Cooking Club class and in my eyes anyone that not only makes fabulous food, has a successful restaurant and business and still finds the time and cares to give back is beyond impressive and someone I want to know better. Chef Laurence is just that! He is clearly well-respected and loved by his staff. He’s loved by the customers. I can say that every guest I bring adores his charm, dry sense of humor, and how fun he makes a meal at the Chef’s counter.

Me and Chef Laurence Jossel at a San Francisco Cooking School event (he’s on the board for the SF Cooking School)

Third, their food. It’s amazing food with locally grown ingredients and an ever changing menu. After interviewing Chef Laurence I learned he’s at the market 3-4 times a week sourcing the freshest, seasonal ingredients. As a result the menu always reflects what’s seasonal, fresh and ingredients he handpicked for his guests. With these ingredients the team infuses amazing flavor, love with a simple minimal presentation that is always amazing.

What’s not to love. There’s no other spot I’d prefer to have brunch than at Nopa’s Chef’s Counter beside Chef Laurence. No surprise, Nopa Restaurant is on my San Francisco Top 10 Restaurants list & my San Francisco Top 10 Burgers. 560 Divisadero St. SF, CA. 94117. 415-864-8643.