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South Food + Wine Bar - CLOSED
Categories: Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Restaurants Wine Bars, Restaurants [Edit]
330 Townsend StSuite 101
(between 4th St & 5th St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 974-5599
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
334 reviews for South Food + Wine Bar
Review Highlights
"Nice selection of Australian and New Zealand wines."
(in 14 reviews)
"I highly recommend the bushman's sampler plate."
(in 68 reviews)
"the kingfish sashimi with goat cheese was superb."
(in 16 reviews)
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334 reviews in English
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Review from Luis C.
12/31/2009
Ta ta, Hooroo!
I've been told that's a common way to say good bye in Australia.
Oy! the only bay area Australian restaurant met its ends this year.
Considering how Australian products are marketed as larger than life, the space seemed like a contradiction since it's tiny. Like a small bar at a train station or airport. On the other hand the food was good.
The one remaining owner plans to reopen the revised concept in February 2010 (don't know the new name yet), with help from her new partners at Tres Agaves and the former chef of Cortez.
I'll wait with anticipation. But, please, please, please don't tell me it's going to be another taqueria.Listed in: CLOSED, out of business,…
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Review from Bill M.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2008
It was my GF's birthday and we just got engaged so I'm happy we took a trip over there. It was the best way to cap off the night and we'll always remember South.
It's really close to our place and I do not know why it took us this long to make it over there. It is far enough from the ballpark to avoid the baseball traffic that it's neighbors District or Tres Agaves gets.
The host was a sport for arranging a bottle of champagne at the table for us. I like little things like that. It's intimate with lots of dark wood furnishings and good tunes so it feels cozy. I'm happy our host took a minute to explain all the Australian and New Zealand Rieslings to us. I'm only familiar with Austrian and American Rieslings so I got turned onto a whole new region to explore.
We started off with the bushman's plate. Although I doubt bushmen eat food with this much variety, it was perfect. You get a great sampling of foods all cooked differently and arranged perfectly. It's a great combo of seasonal vegetables, meat, fish and a few strategic starches to tie it all together. In the future, I can see us just stopping by for a glass of wine and the bushman's plate for a snack. I ended up getting the braised lamb and my GF got the barramundi fish entree. I'll have to try to cook the barramundi. It's like sea bass but not quite as buttery and it holds together a lot better.
I'll have to try desert next time...we were too stuffed to order any;)
It's the holidays so don't wait for the last minute to make a reso.
go! -
Review from Janice C.
2/11/2010
CLOSED!
how am I supposed to cross off #69 Licorice parfait at South on my Big Eats SF list?
Indeed a very sad day!Listed in: 7 X 7 Magazine's Big Eats SF…
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Review from Jeremy S.
Updated - 8/18/2008 3 photos
I've been back four times now and it has become one of my SOMA favorites. My experience has ranged from five stars to four stars, my original four star rating still seems reasonable.
Friday night I had the steak, excellent though it had cooled too much by the time it came out. I really loved the tabiko (flying fish) roe dribbled on top, it looked neat and tasted great. Also split the bushman's plate for 2 which had and excellent and eclectic collection of nibbles.
Service has consistently been excellent and I do like the space (although it's small and noisy). I'm going to keep coming back...
Disclosure: South is still a Yelp advertiser and I work at Yelp.Listed in: SF Date Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/27/2008
Just my style.
I really enjoyed the intimate atmosphere, sure it's a small space but I never felt… Read more »
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Review from Devon F.
6/8/2008
Pop Quiz: How do you make a male water polo player even hotter?
Answer: Make him Australian.
Go ahead. Be jealous. I spent the afternoon getting a tan and watching the Men's USA water polo team beat Australia in a friendly exhibition match out on the other side of the tunnel. Good looking men everywhere, let's all have a drink! So aside from realizing that I'll be able to say that I slowdanced to Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" at junior prom with an Olympian, I had Moraga Moms nudging me left and right to go "introduce myself" to the other players. And after all that Transpacific eye candy, I needed something a bit more substantial. Enter South.
Pop Quiz: How do you make a restaurant in SOMA even better?
Answer: Make it Australian.
Go ahead. Be jealous. My friend and I shared a quality meal in this VERY small and cozy restaurant (although something needs to be done about the windows - maybe get an awning so that half the patrons aren't squinting into the sun?). We had a bottle of wine and the bushman's sampler - essentially a smattering of appetizers. The salmon ceviche, fried calamari, asparagus, and roasted bread and hummus were great, and really whetted our appetite for the main course. We both ordered the Queensland sirloin with marrow butter and a bean and potato salad. The steak was cooked perfectly and the butter added a good level of moisture, while the salad was light and full of flavor (which is a huge compliment, considering I hate potato salad - this is not the bbq staple of your childhood, not even close).
I'm a little sad that all of my future husbands on the polo teams are heading out to Beijing soon, but I take comfort in knowing I can head to South and enjoy something very tasty and Australian.Listed in: Culinary Traveling
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Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2008
My lovely friend Liz S. always recommends the best places. So when we decided to have brunch before an event last weekend I went right along with her suggestion of South.
Now I had been to South before for dinner and while I enjoyed the food and wine, I was ambivalent about how much I paid for the privilege, especially the entree prices. Like that just-okay date, I couldn't say I hadn't enjoyed myself, but I wasn't sure there was enough spark for date #2.
So going back with Liz was akin to a 'maybe the timing was just off' second date. And like the best second dates, South really delivered the goods this time.
My crab omelet with miso broth was utterly delicious, the crumpets and marmalade made me incredibly happy and the Sydney Sunrise drink gave me a fantastic new way to serve sparkling shiraz. The coffee was divine.
South's interior also presents wonderfully in bright morning light. The color scheme is great and the various decor touches (with the exception of the big basket lamps which I think are too massive for the height of the ceiling) are interesting and fun.
This experience, combined with the fact that I always liked the food, wine list and service here, gives me a great excuse to 'date' South again. Anyone for brunch?Listed in: Vino Vino Vino!
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Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2008
We were invited to eat here by South awhile back.
My brother is a Kiwi, so I was excited to sample some Australian and New Zealand cuisine.
I was pleasantly surprised throughout the meal.
While I wasn't blown away by the oysters and the sample appetizer plate, I loved the wine that was paired with them, recommended wisely by our server.
We had been previously advised by Connie C, to try the "fish and chips," and while, the barramundi fish was a buttery delight, I wasn't such a huge fan of the wasabi dip, and it was in fact Nicole's lamb, that had us both sighing in foodie delight (I would probably never order lamb myself at restaurant, but was lucky enough to steal a couple of bites from Nicole's plate)
Throughout our meal, we basked in the intimate warmth of South's atmosphere, ideal for catching up with a nice group or friends after a long week.
Though the lamb was the most memorable part of the meal - South's cream topped merinque Pavlova was the sweetest part of the night. I grew up on the stuff.
It wasn't as good as my mom's but it was delicious nonetheless, and I literally licked the plate clean. Literally.
If you're going to be dining at South - I'd recommend browsing through some reviews for ordering tips, and be sure to make a reservation, since it's not a huge space.
Also be sure to save room for dessert! -
Review from Kristy M.
7/9/2009
Great Happy Hour:
HAPPY HOUR
wine $6
dry spakling brut
crisp kiwi white
gutsy aussie red
bar bites + beers $5
james boags or fosters lager
lamb sliders
salt + pepper calamari
heirloom tomato + stokes point cheddar
kingfish sashimi
barramundi bites
chunky chips
cheese + lavoshListed in: Happy Hour Hot Spots
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Review from Katherine N.
Santa Monica, CA
1/17/2008
South Food came to my rescue today. I planned an earlier lunch meeting at another restaurant and had it derailed by my UPS fiasco.
So I rescheduled for us to meet at South Food since the location was perfect for all parties, especially at 2:30pm. We basically had the place to ourselves and it was perfect.
I've read the reviews on Yelp and am pleased to have had this opportunity to introduce it to my guests as well.
We were essentially hungry so we ordered lots of food. I personally had the south crab omelette. The gentlemen ordered two orders of the steak sandwich, one fish and chips and one open sandwich of sardines. Along with a bottle of Merlot.
I really liked the crab omelette and tried a few chips, steak fries are what they call chips. From what I could tell the food was good since everyone ate like they hadn't had a meal in a week and I definitely got the feeling that it was a thumbs up all around.
The Lunch menu prices range from $10-19 for entrees.
Our server was a very attentive young lady and also the owner come to find out.
The room is small around 900 sq. ft. with an open kitchen, a common table and small tables for two and four in the center with a banquet surrounding the outer walls in a beautiful ostrich print leather upholstery. Nice
The lighting fixtures are the large hanging woven wood shades that everyone seems to be doing now. Music was Costes and Thievery Corp.
It's the perfect place to have a cocktail after work while waiting for your train. In fact this area could use a cool bar for the after work business crowd that take Cal Train home. Captive audience, wouldn't you say.
What's not to like. I'll be back when in the neighborhood. Good Place
http://southfwb.com -
Review from Liz S.
2/23/2008
I know what you're thinking, that San Francisco needs another wine bar like I need another a hole in the head. That's what I was thinking, anyway.
South was a pleasant surprise to me. I have been twice now, once for brunch and once for dinner. Both were thoroughly enjoyable, and the focus is definitely on the food, which is the most important thing to me anyway. Now, does it scream "Australia"? No, not if your version of Australia is a bloomin' onion or Vegemite on toast. Australia is a mix of many things and many cultures, and the menu reflects that. I guess the most Australian thing about it is the attitude - casual, friendly, and sometimes a little loud. I'm down with that.
The place is tiny - you may find yourself looking in back for the rest of it. Reservations are essential, although you might be able to walk in for brunch.
I'll start with dinner - I went with two friends and we shared the "Bushman's Plate", which changes daily. Our offerings were Salmon on flatbread, tempura-battered muscles, a pork dish, and a huge whallop of hummus with bread. All delicious (and I would like to visit the bush where this is what they eat...). We also ate our fair share of bread with house-cured olive oil, and dukka for dipping.
For wine, we enjoyed a reasonably-priced ($44) bottle of Innocent Bystander - a red whose variety escapes me now - it was very good and made us feel all warm and fuzzy. I kind of want to apologize to the table next to us for our rather boisterous personal grooming conversation, but hell, the Aussies would say bullocks (or their equivalent) to that, so I do, too.
For my entree, I had the most wonderful fish dish - the best I have had in a long, long time. It was called barramundi, described to me like a black cod, with the skin left on and cooked crisp, contrasting with the tender, moist fish and covered with a beautiful herb-y salsa verde. There were just enough potatoes underneath, seasoned with harissa, which I love. I savored every bite.
My dining companions had the barbecued beef, which was fork-tender with a lovely seared outside and red inside. It was a bit undercooked for them, but incredible in taste and quality nonetheless.
Dessert was the only miss - we had the coconut rice pudding, which from the first mouthful was a shocker because it was hot, not cold. The caramelized pear and lime was good, flavor-wise - I just didn't love it.
Brunch was an equally good experience, made even better by the wonderful light pouring in through the windows and allowing the space to open up fully. I had the sweet corn fritters with maple syrup and bacon - you absolutely cannot go wrong with this combination. My two friends liked their dishes very much as well.
I didn't know of chef Luke Mangan before coming here, but apparently he is well-known and loved in Australia. I think it's great that he chose San Francisco as his USA-based city for a food venture, and we are lucky to have his presence and influence in our midst.
Don't make the mistake of dismissing this restaurant as just another wine bar - if you love good food, give South a try. It's right across from Cal-Train so easy choice for meeting people after work - early dining on weekends is probably a little more quiet.Listed in: Best of 2008, No W(h)iners
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Review from Jenny L.
Updated - 7/9/2009 6 photos
Power lunch - important lunchtime business meeting: a meeting over lunch that gives somebody the opportunity to cultivate an important contact or discuss high-level business matters.
Granted, we weren't on a power lunch. But that doesn't mean that the service has to be, and I quote, "slow as a glacier." It took over two hours out of our day for this lunch.
Granted, the food was good. I really enjoyed my coconut soup, pork sandwich and licorice parfait. But the lack of attention from the waitstaff left a bad taste in all of our mouths.
Definitely better for a lazy Sunday brunch.Listed in: 7x7 Big Eat SF - 100 Things to…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2008
Went in this afternoon for brunch; the staff was friendly, the atmosphere was fantastic, and the… Read more »
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Review from Angella S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/9/2009
Can someone say, GROUNDHOGS DAY?!
How can I bump my rating when nothing changed? (Except this time, sans annoying video camera). From my vegetarian point of view, the menu was identical to that from my last visit.
**I still adore this place so don't get me wrong. Yummy, delish, tremendously flavorful food hasn't changed a bit** Flatbread and veggie pie are scrumptious. Next time though, I hope I'll be eating a different dish.
I have to get down with one minor critique....something that really skeeves me...ISN'T THERE SOME OSHA REGULATION THAT PROHIBITS BATHROOMS AND DINING AREAS FROM BEING IN THE SAME SPACE? If not, I wish there was. I HATE seeing into a bathroom while I'm dining. I know it's one large square area (a very well decorated area I might add), but *just section that sucker off!*
That's all. Love this place and you'll see me there again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2009
Friday night was interesting...
I was so excited that my girlfriends wanted to try this place! The… Read more »
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Review from Nicole G.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2008
South is such an innovative little resto! And I do mean little -- the place is super tiny. It's adorable and cozy and perfect for intimate conversation. South manages to be modern and still incorporate warm elements like curtains and wall hangings that make you want to linger over your wine for hours.
You'll definitely need the help of your server to walk you through the menu, which felt a little foreign (if not exotic) upon first glance. Jessica and I took all of our server's recommendations, and were happy we did. He was extremely knowledgeable about the wine, and set us up with some awesome pairings.
The oysters were definitely a fun starter, and with a lime coconut granita, they tasted surprisingly of a sweet curry. The Bushman's was the type of sampler plate that leaves you begging for more, and the kampachi sashimi was fresh with crumbled feta on top. The barramundi fish and chips were excellent, as expected, but the lamb loin stole the show! I suppose anything "loin" is good.
Good times all around. SOMA's got another hit on its hands!Listed in: Hot Restaurants in San…, Wine in San Francisco
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Review from Aspasia s.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2008
South, down under ... out-of-the-way ...
An unattainable bar.
Cozy spot, simply deco'ed with dramatic modern light fixtures hanging from the wall, while communal space compete with tables for two. This is the only spot where even shared table space is a reservation candidate, WTF?
Pretentious attitude, process and non-chalant behavior.
I would have desired to give it another try, but after tonight, you can keep South and your location near the old-school "Level 3" colo-facility, to yourselves. After all, L3 brings back painful memories of the dot-com customers (grandparents of Web 2.0 companies), late nights upgrading firmware for a big-storage-company.
South seemed to be an after shock of dot-com: pretentious, shallow and hallow. -
Review from Shelley H.
Kaneohe, HI
5/11/2008
Even if the food had not been good I would have still loved the idea of South. Maybe I am out of the loop, but I've never had the pleasure of even hearing word of an Australian themed restaurant in California. With my slight Aussie fascination, I've always wondered what dressed up Australian fare with an American influence would taste like. To my pleasure, it was great. The barramundi caught my eye immediately, mostly because of the funny name. How could you not want to eat something that sounds like a fuzzy cartoon character? Gladly the taste of the food was as entertaining as the sound. Not woolly and CGI but moist and firm like salmon, only white.
The atmosphere was also pleasing. We were afraid that on a Friday night there would be no room for two diners without reservations. Though the place is small and intimate, they were able to seat us without a wait. This is definitely not a place for a group, as a party of more than 10 people would take over the entire restaurant...hmm... Mental note: try to book South for birthday dinner.
I can't wait to come back and give brunch a try. A nice Aussie Shiraz and a wattle seed muffin. What's a wattle seed? I don't know. Big, blue and furry? The anti-Barney. How about a Maori bread? Ferocious and tattooed? Carrying a big stick. I'll let you know.Listed in: Wine Wine Wine
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Review from Amy E.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2007
Go "South" and get there as fast as you can! At least to Townsend and 4th....
This new, New Zealand/Australian hot spot is one of the most unique restaurants I have seen lately emerge in San Francisco. I'm not aware of any other Kiwi-influenced places to dine in the city (put it this way - there was not even a sub category in Yelp to describe this one as far as region!) -- so I was excited to give it a try, as a guest on Wednesday's pre-opening celebration.
We have all noticed an influx of sprouting restaurants in San Francisco over the year (which is a warm welcome), some creating more of a buzz than others. I'm certain that "South" will be on the top of everyone's list soon. I can see how it will appeal to all with the common interest of desiring quality food, unique wines in a friendly & warm environment.
I went with a girlfriend on this occasion and we enjoyed lively conversation, more in a festive fashion; but I can also see how the place can serve to be a romantic date spot as well. Our waiter was so cute - I'm afraid my flirty tendencies progressed with each glass of wine. Speaking of which - the wine is amazing; let them suggest a glass with each dish and you will be set.
The food is modern, elegant yet grounded at the same time. Just start with the salmon app and sprinkle each smooth swallow with either some bubbly or rose (loved, loved the rose) and you will be slithering around in your cushy seat with a smirky know it all kinda grin. The shrimp app is equally alluring - plump and sultry. From there, we had the Barramundi, a wonderful white sea bass from Australia. Next time I prefer not to share. It's just too good.
The open layout and warm decor creates a relaxing environment. I am not a fan of large restaurants and in fact prefer smaller spots such as "South" that allow for more of an intimate feel. The keyhole view of the active kitchen is enticing. The level of service is clearly passion provoked. The owners, the chef (Luke - found his bio: http://www.lukemangan.com), the entire staff - they all seem to have that air of knowing - they are creating something new and exciting. As far as location, it couldn't be better. South is located right next to Caltrain, close to the ball park. If I were a commuter, I'd not be able to walk past this place & I'd have to crash at the waiter's pad. Likewise, getting to a Giant's game will be difficult too as I'd just say screw the game and order up more scrumptious seafood!
It all looks damn good and tastes even better. -
Review from Christa W.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2008
LOVED South. Went with an authentic Aussie which made it even more fun, even though he kind of laughed at the seemingly pseudo Australian fare. I had the lamb- delicious, cooked to perfection, fantastic flavors. Bf got the steak..also very good. If you are with a group, get the appetizer sampler. Its enough to share and has a good variety of delicious options.
The wine selection was good, and had reasonably priced options. The service was attentive and friendly. Yes the location is a little out of the way (deep SOMA) but its well worth it. And there are bars in the area for an after dinner cocktail, so you really could make an evening out of it.
Lastly, the space is very cute and quaint-read SMALL, although not annoyingly so. The tables are "family style" meaning large with bench seating and you will likely be sitting right next to the group nearest you. I have actually never eaten at a restaurant styled this way and didn't think I would like it. However, South was very tasteful about it didn't cram us all in together. They maintained our individuality. The only beef I have is that the bench sitting doesn't afford a back rest, which for a sloucher/ low rise jeans wearer like myself isn't always ideal. You girls know what I mean.
Definitely worth making a trip down South..... of Market, that is. -
Review from Elaine T.
4/3/2009
Last weekend, the boy and I finally had the chance to try out South. My first impression: wow this space is small. In my mind, I imagined it to be much larger. Or at least larger than a living room with a bar. No matter- we all know that space isn't any indication of quality. Just take North Beach's House as the perfect example.
We started with the Bushman's Plate, which was a great sampler dish for two. Definitely was a great way to try out little bites of everything. We particularly enjoyed the fresh calamari. Just note that the calamari is not available to order as an additional side dish (as opposed to the roasted beets, etc). It would be a special order for the chef, and you will be charged accordingly.
I ordered the South crab omelette with enoki mushrooms + miso mustard broth along with an order of cauliflower cream soup. The boy ordered the braised victorian lamb with celeriac, pomegrante, baby chard + olive tapanade. Everything was flavorful and such a delight.
It's also kinda neat that South has affordable products from Australian brands like Maggie Beer or Luke's available on their webbie. Since this IS a wine bar, check out their food + wine club options ($40 monthly gets you "Aussie or Kiwi pantry items" plus a great bottle of wine from down under). Nice way to try out new things, especially if you're not so experienced in wine pairing.
Docked off a star because we weren't served any of their bread with signature spread. BOo. It's cuz we're Asian, huh? Kidding. Please don't start any more race talk threads.. -
Review from Shreya C.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2009
Couple thoughts..
Positives - Enjoyable dishes (good barramundi), great atmosphere (very cool), decent service.
Negative - So we came in at the end of the night for a drink. Though they didn't seem excited to see us they brought us drink menus and took our order. 10 minutes after getting our drinks, we're contemplating how a great stripper performance is like a fine wine - but with breasts and probably the clap (words to live by), the waiter tells us they're closing and we need to finish up. 10. F*cking. Minutes. Now, I've heard of restaurants pulling this dick move, but I didn't peg South as one of them.
Congratulations South. You officially achieved Douchebag status in my book. -
Review from Derek B.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2008
Minus one star for no bloomin' onion, Aussie cheese fries or kookaburra wings on the menu.
Just kidding!
I reeeally like this place. Super small, totally cute, friendly service and completely Australian obsessed - I love it. Everything has weird names so just ask lots of questions.
I had what is apparently the the most popular dish, the Barramundi. It was good but Dave C. got the snapper, which our server recommended and it was reeeally good. If you get fish, get that. I highly recommend the bushman's sampler plate. You get to try out lots of yummy things... I thought the hummus was pretty much to do for. We had some el rey/chocolate/brulee (weird names, ask questions) thingamabob for dessert and it was delish.
I want to go back! Who's coming with?Listed in: Amazing Dining in SF
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Review from Jen C.
10/8/2007
Location...super
Wines...super
Wines...pricey
Service...spastic
Food...blah -
Review from Amy A.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2008
OK, so like, where's the Shrimp on the Barbie, the Bloomin' Onions, the Foster's Beer or the Crocodile Dundee posters? I didn't see a single stuffed koala! How can they call this authentic? I've been rippped off! I want a refund! I demand to speak to the authorities!
Oh wait. Hey, this food is actually really creative and delicious. I can't testify to how Australian it is, except for the wines. But who cares? They offer some really surprising combinations like green curry with yogurt sauce over raw oysters. Simply fabulous! I haven't had a dish here which wasn't extraordinary.
I will make one tiny little gripe which is that it always gets my dander up when a host acts like he's "fitting me in" for not having a reservation --and the house is empty. Oh please! OK, another little gripe is that it's pricy, even by my standards. Better count on a light meal (and I mean light) for two costing $90.
However. Save this place on your "treats" list and bring your mates along.Listed in: Lunch Near the Ballpark
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Review from Melanie N.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2007
I spent four months 'down unda' in 2001, including a wine trip to the Barossa Valley...so needless to say, I was excited to try out South as all the wines were from Australia/New Zealand.
As Australia is a large mass of land, I expected South to reflect that...but boy was I wrong...it's more like Lichetenstein (okay, maybe I'm being a bit silly here...work with me!)
It's a really small space but this works for them because it always looks busy. I didn't have any food (save one steak fry) but what I saw come out looked delicious, and I've heard good things about it from others.
They had a good selection of wine and I tried about 4 different ones, three of which I liked. The Zinfandel tasted decidedly un-Zinfandel-ish. Had a very pungent aftertaste. The Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, was pretty decent for a cab. A light spicy, full bodied wine. I also tasted the St Hallet, Gamekeeper Reserve, Grenache Shiraz which was surprisingly good. A really lovely smoothness to it.
We ended up sitting at the bar as the community table was full, but had a great time nonetheless. The wait staff were attentive and knowledgeable (and easy on the eyes!)
Looking forward to going back and having the full experience!
Note: No kangaroos were harmed during the making of this review. -
Review from Morgan H.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2008
I went here with 3 friends who took me for a suprise birthday dinner and some drinks. The space itself is modern, and a little small and it gets pretty loud once its full. Lighting could be a bit nicer - its a little too....I dunno its not quite right in my opinion..too bright. The wine list they have going is great -- all Aussie wines and the two that I had I enjoyed very much.
I was really ready to give this place higher marks being we had such a great time but my food really wasn't all that. I had the fish n' chips with wasabi mayo which sounded pretty good to me and the waiter recommended it. Sadly, Id rather have gone to Edinburgh Castle where they get their food from that hole in the wall The Old Chelsea on Larkin. Now that's fish n chips my friend.
This version wasn't very crispy, kinda oily and the wasabi mayo was TOO STRONG. Holy crap it was hard to choke down. My friend who came here before tried it and said the same thing. Maybe whoever made it that night went overboard.
go for drinks, food is meh. -
Review from Judi K.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2008
On a stormy winter night... we braved our souls and ventured off to South Food & Wine Bar. We had a group of us so we could try most of the dishes they had. I came with no expectations and wanted to try for myself. Understanding that NEW restaurants could be a hit or miss. Depending on the chefs moods. My friends and I wanted to see the passion behind Aussie food, what is Aussie food all about??
We tried a 3 small dishes and 2 larger dishes. I'll just tell you now it didn't disappoint us. Dinning there for about 2 1/2 hours with only 1 bottle of white, Muddy Waters Reisling (YUMMY, very crisp, sweet and refreshing!)
1. Bushman's plate: you must try, it's a sampler more or less, but we loved every bite.
2. marinated pork belly, scallops, cauliflower puree, pickled cucumber + tamarind dressing: if we didn't have to share this, it would be my choice of entre! Let's just say Pork Belly=juicy bacon.
3. south crab omelette with enoki mushroom + miso broth : Not sure where the miso broth comes in play, guess they must've cooked with it. It looks like an omelette! With some garnishes on top. But don't let that fool your taste, the flavor was full and robust. You can taste the miso, crab and mushrooms. Nice combo!
4. pan roasted barramundi, rozelle spices, crushed harissa potatoes + salsa verde
* we wanted to try something different and something Aussie, I think we hit the jack pot! What's a BARRAMUNDI??? It's fish. Rozelle spices has a nice kick to it, I'm not one of spicey food, but I loved it.
(I can't handle Spicey, but I'll eat it, then suffer later)
5. new zealand LAMB with beetroot puree, dates, pomelo, goats feta + almonds
* Sounded interesting, it was either that or the beef, we picked the lamb. I asked my table, where's the MINT? Lamb with no mint... they replied, australian has NO MINT... (kidding of course)
Blah, Blah, Blah... Not impressed.
DESSERT, if you read this far why not some more??
PLEASE TRY!!!
*Luke's licorice parfait with lime syrup *
WOW!! Licorice?? What? LIME?? ORDER IT!! TRY IT, it'll blow your mind!!
I DON'T even like licorice!!!!
And of course the ICE WINE, GO FOR IT! Missine one star -
Review from Gina P.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2007
How to say this.
If I was a teacher..
I'd grade them this way:
service a+ - attentive but not intrusive. excellent!
decor b - interesting light fixtures! cool bathroom sink.
bathroom d - a one stall unisex, in the highway where kitchen, bar, waiter station and kitchen intersect. Where do you stand when forming a queue, exactly?
wine list b- all aussie and new zealand. ok but somewhat overpriced. $20/glass for pinot?? and only 20 wines on a WINE BAR menu? WTF?
Food. C-
As a vegetarian, I look for variety. I want to see nice options for my meat eater friends AND something good for me. There was not an entree... so I had two appetizers. The fig tart sounded awesome. however... it came cold, and with not really any blue cheese to speak of. bonus for the truffle oil, which i didn't even know about as it's not listed on the menu. however, it had a huge pile of flat leaf parsley on top which overpowered the figs. The corn/feta/apple salad - again, more parlsey than anything else. Parsley is a GARNISH, people!! Even for vegetarians!
Plus, we had this interesting pinch bowl of spices on our table. I wondered throughout the whole meal what it was for. After we ate our entrees, (which were the size of a credit card, roughly) we realized it was intended to go with the olive oil and bread that we NEVER GOT. lovely.
My meat eating companions ordered the fish and the quail, respectively. The fish came as about 3 oz of lovely fish... with nothing alongside but PARSLEY. Parsley is not a side dish... again, I remind you all... it's a GARNISH
Noise: F - louder than town hall, people!!
At the end of the night, we had a $300 bill plus tip for 4 ladies who drank two so-so bottles of wine and left hungry. I'm not going back. -
Review from Kelly P.
2/27/2008
For the past few months I'd heard a lot of buzz about this place: the food, wine, hip interior, Aussie servers...
To my delight, all the buzz is true--this place is great.
I planned to meet a friend here for a glass of vino only, but our party extended from 2 to 4 (then later, 6) and despite the packed house, we scored a table right away. I think we were lucky, because even on a Tuesday night the reservation list was full. The atmosphere is hip and modern, but has an organic and down-under feel to it with uniquely shaped wooden lamp covers and dark, heavy wooden tables. The back side of the menu has playful stories about Aussie and Kiwi myths, facts and stories to enhance the motif.
The wine list, which appeared almost entirely comprised of wines from the Aussie and Kiwi regions, was extensive but manageable, and listed in fun (and for me, helpful) categories for white (sparkly, crisp, fruity, creamy) and red (lively, silky, spicy, gutsy). I opted for a crisp and a silky glass, both were delicious and lived up to their description.
To pair with our wine, we ordered the salmon sashimi (with lime and curry spice) and butternut squash with goat cheese. We also shared the bushman platter, which had an interesting sample of fried mussels, cooked salmon on crackers, pork belly with pickled cabbage, fresh hummus and bread and olives. The other members of our party shared the Aussie beef dish, which was topped with root vegetables and seemed like a good-sized portion.
One important note: if you're thinking of skipping dessert, don't. We glanced at the menu thinking we'd pass in exchange for another glass of wine, but one smart and daring member of our party ordered the chocolate creme brulee, which tasted like a rich, decadent chocolate pudding with a caramelized sugar top. To transcend this dessert from awesome to insanely awesome, it came with baked orange slices and dollops of mascarpone cheese to dip into the creme brulee.
Service was excellent. Despite our server also manning the bar, he was very attentive to our table and made great recommendations. The Aussie accent only enhanced our great experience. 6 glasses of vino, a large sample platter ($25), an entree (Aussie beef, $22), an appetizer ($14), a side dish ($6), and dessert ($8) total came to $200. Definitely a splurge place, but well worth it for the quality.
I'd come back here in a heartbeat with locals or out-of-towners. -
Review from Fiona T.
San Jose, CA
4/8/2008
I had a wonderful time at South! The food was great - we got the bushman's platter appetizer plate, the lamb and the sirloin. The platter was a good variety of stuff but the mains were the best - the meat in both dishes were cooked to perfection. And the licorice parfait was absolutely fabulous :) I'd go back just for that dessert.
Just minus one star for seating us SUPER close, in between two other couples. Literally right next to them so that it felt like we were sharing a table! That was the only drawback though. -
Review from chris i.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2007
Just ate at South for lunch with a couple of other SOMA 9-5ers. Before writing my review I read previous entries, it seems like everyone is really coming down hard on recent bourgeoisie eateries that are popping up in SOMA. Here's the deal: next time you feel like a meal under $10, get a burrito. It's 2007, and we're in San Francisco - I'm just looking for epicurean adventures where I can hang with some friends over a great meal and good wine.
First, we had the Rose Sparkling Wine from Tasmania. It was chilled and served alongside our table in a carefully placed silver bucket. Nice touch.
I had the sandwich with prosciutto, avocado, hummus and rocket on ciabatta. It was excellent. Simple, tasty and perfect for lunch. The ciabatta was toasted and the hummus was a perfect compliment to the prosciutto.
Friend #1 had: Australian lamb, crispy shallot and rocket salad. She said it was excellent but didn't satiate her lunchtime hunger completely. Still, the lamb was cooked perfectly, and she finished it off without any complaints other than its portion size.
Friend #2 had: Venison burger with spiced beetroot chutney + fries. He was more than satisfied and added that the venison as a burger was a great idea. He'd have it again in a snap.
My friends had two desserts. One chocolate tart dish, and a berry meringue dish. They were both impressed with the chocolate dish (it takes 8 or so minutes to prepare) and were so-so on the meringue. Great Americano's too.
All in all a great lunch destination. I'd go back for sure. -
Review from Gretchen T.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2008
I decided South would be a good place to jump off the wagon. The green-eyed boy and I decided to detox a bit after the holidays and embarked on a two-week (that felt like a two-month) dry spell. I felt like the very blood in my veins, so accustomed to a steady stream of lovely red wine, was actually in revolt.
So with my dear friend Marissa in tow, we scurried out of the downpour into South last Friday night. My first impression was that it was so much smaller than the pictures I'd seen. But it was warm and not over crowded and both the bar and communal table encourage quick turnover while also accommodating proper diners at the other tables. We sidled up to the bar where James proceeded to take excellent care of us while we dried off from the rain.
The wine list is well-chosen and seems to be fairly priced. I love when restaurants/wine bars list my favorite beverage by their character, i.e, "silky," or "gutsy." I REALLY enjoyed my choices (gutsy Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and spicy Henschke, Keyneton Estate Shiraz Cabernet Merlot) but it could be b/c it was like hot s*x after an interminably long drought....
We also shared the bushman's plate, which was much more interesting than we even expected--salmon on toasted wheat lavash, house-made hummus, warm olives, lamb links, and fried mussels. My favorite though, was the curried roasted butternut squash with sea salt and goat cheese!! If that doesn't hit the spot on a frigid night, you've got big problems, mate.Listed in: Top eats, Wino Forever
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Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2008
I have always been a big fan of all things Australian. Including but not limited to: the bloomin' onion at Outback, the australian flag, the accent, the saying "the dingo stole my baby" and last but not least The Thunder from Down Under.
Now I am able to add one more thing to this list: South Food + Wine Bar! I loved the food, the service and the Australian wine. The menu is really done well, with the back covered in stories and funny facts. The place itself is small and cozy and it makes for a very intimate meal. I loved the architecture and the great lighting that I am told was inspired by fishing cages. The service was really prompt and friendly and we felt very welcomed.
I would suggest the Bushman's plate for starters and the Salt Toyko's kampachi sashimi. Side note: they also have a monthly wine club you can join! -
Review from Michael S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/15/2008
Solid service. Brother's steak was a little luke warm. The bushman's platter was great. My fish lacked something, maybe it was missing a sauce or something. It was cooked quite well. Still held it's 4 stars after 5 months when I first visited.
Bathroom was clean and I liked the photos of the wine people on the walls, it's creative and I like that kinda stuff.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2008
Surprised by the overall 3.5 star rating at the time of this review.
I've been to New Zealand. This… Read more »
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Review from Denise M.
3/27/2009
Friday night with the hubby. Good food, good wine... Shared the flat bread. Very thin and crispy flat bread with chorizo and goat cheese sprinkled on top. So good. Not very filling.
I had the bbq chili/lime rubbed beef. VERY GOOD. They sell their chili rubs in little metal canisters, but unfortunately, this is a new rub and not available yet. I asked for medium, but it came rather rare (which I don't mind, but for those that do, this is something to watch out for). Hubby had the fish and chips. Not the best. The fish was good, but not the best choice for this style of serving. Fries were good. Not crazy about the wasabi mayo.
As usual, no room for dessert. Even though we didn't give it 5 stars for the minor issues, we do look forward to going back and trying more from their ever changing menu.
They are open for lunch, but unfortunately, only on the weekdays. -
Review from Dee C.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2008
Not too much, not too little, but just right...
There was simplicity to this place. The menu is different and it all sounds to be delicious combinations. Their wine selection is broad. The service is great and they all know what they are talking about. Just as if they were making it themselves.
Everything I tried turned out perfectly. I'll continue to visit South! -
Review from Tony S.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2008
The best Australian restaurant in San Francisco! Ok, it's probably the only one in fairness but be that as it may the bar is still set high. Forget going outback tonight, head South! We ventured here for a casual brunch on a Sunday before I headed off on an elongated trip to the UK and it served as a fitting send off!
The food here is both excellent and properly seasoned! Yes, that's right for once I did not have to stick salt onto anything that was stuck in front of me. We started off with crumpets and got an unexpected Aussie twist on the morning good of my homeland, they were fluffy on the inside and nice and crisp on the outside, always a good combination. Slathered with butter and marmalade they did a great job of staving off the beast until our mains arrived.
I ordered up corn fritters with bacon and maple syrup. The corn fritters were a similar texture to the crumpets, with crispy caramelised exterior giving way to a light and fluffy yet rich centre bursting with sweet and herby flavours. The fritters made an excellent basis for the maple (yes, real maple) syrup and crisp apple smoked bacon. The crowning glory of this dish however was the avocado salsa. The citrus doused salsa cut through the rich main dish with laser precision ensuring that not a single mouthful was overwhelming. Bravo!
My dining companions went for truffled eggs with smoked salmon, crab omelette and fish & chips. Silence fell over the table as we all chowed through our meals and I managed to steal some of the chips from my boyfriend's plate while he was momentarily distracted (they were delicious).
Finally I need to make mention of the space. Whilst not in exactly the finest location, stuck between the Caltrain station and Room & Board they have made great use of the space. The design is clean, modern and inviting. I can see this place becoming a firm favourite! -
Review from Joyce L.
4/18/2008
Really... I'm Australian, mate. South Food is fair dinkum (translate: pretty legit) but not, as you Yanks would say, da bomb.
I was taken here on a corporate shindig - so cost wasn't so much a consideration for me but i did try to be kind to my host's expense account.
Our host was drinking a Coopers Sparkling - my fave Aussie beer - when we arrived. I was super impressed that they stock the brew (though its not hard to find in SF liquor retail places).
After a quick inspection of the wine list... yet more familiar Australian names like Wynnham, Penfolds, Henschke and Leeuwin Estate... I determined that 1) they stocked the good stuff, and 2) fair amount of it is waaayyy over priced... yet granted these names are now 'foreign' not local, and there's a premium that goes with being special.
A starter of oysters, crab omelet and kimpachi was enjoyed by all.
Agree with Pamela D that oysters were very expensive ($3.50 ea)... I did ask for the price first then declined to order, though my gracious host ordered them anyway.
Also I am quite sure the oysters have been pre-shuck a few days earlier as they've lost their plumpness (i.e. not super fresh)... should they have travelled as whole from British Columbia (where they're from), it may have been better but blah, not complaining.
Overall the food menu echos what you would find in decent Sydney restaurants like Aqua Dining or Flying Fish... seafood focus with slight Asian influence (such as grilled barramundi with a ginger vinegarette dressing), and the perennial fish n chips. I opted for the sirloin steak and it was cooked as ordered, and the accompaniments were simple but good.
They had Pavlova on the dessert menu - my fave!!! The crust was a little thicker than what I like, but the passion fruit, kiwi, strawberry and creme fresh dressing was authentic. Other guests at the table had various stickies (dessert wines) and it was well enjoyed.
I noticed they have the South Luke Mangan olive oil on sale... he is a celebrity chef in AUS but I'm not sure if anyone cares or knows who he is in the US (enough to pay $20 for olive oil at least).
We were never rushed to leave the table, the waiter was super enthusiastic and yeah, the crowd's yuppie... but i was in the company of great people, decent food and lovely wine. Life's good.
Would I go back? Hmmm maybe for special occasion just for kicks. Reminded me a lot of restaurants back home... except you look out on a train track, not harbour view. -
Review from Sally K.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2008
My kind of place!
The interior is warm and inviting. I absolutely love the natural cork flooring and the wooden contemporary pendents. I am a fan of smaller restaurants. I am also a fan of communal tables. South has both of things. Great for dates, large groups, and also just a glass of wine at the bar.
The wine list is incredible and the food matches it. Definitely worth checking out if you're in that hood! -
Review from Katie K.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2009
7x7 list - http://www.7x7.com/con...
#69. Licorice parfait - sounds nasty b/c I hate licorice but the combo with the lime juice was perfect!
Had HH here and sampled the following:
* Kumamoto Oysters - what's not to love about oysters
* Hiramasa kingfish sashimi with ginger shallot dressing, goat cheese from salt tokyo - different with cheese and fish but nice still
* Chunky Chips with garlic aioli - I love fries!
* Barramundi Fish + Chips with wasabi mayo - very mild fish only ok
This visit was special b/c it was the day T.V. wooed and made my heart skip a beat....then again, he made me drink beer. =P -
Review from Shan M.
New York, NY
3/1/2008
To bastardize Shakespeare...
Oh Luke Magnan, how much do I love thee? Let me count the ways....
Since moving to the Bay Area from Sydney a few years ago, I have desparately missed the gems of Sydney's dinner life....like the good ol' Salt Restaurant that Luke opened in Sydney way back when we still a prime minister who refused to say sorry.
I am so excited that Mangan has chosen SF to open South. It is classic Mod Oz luxe - from the comtemporary cool decor, to the menu font, to the wine list, to the open kitchen, to the long tables, to the dishes sent straight from heaven (or Sydney).
The last time I was there I ordered the barramundi and it was perfect in every way a barramundi should be - firm flesh, flavorful with interesting but not overpowering sauces.
The bushman's platter was the perfect starter to share with your friends, and the dessert will end your night on a high...at least until you hit the bars.
I cannot wait to go back again, and often... Now my only concern is - how often is too often? -
Review from Melanie C.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2007 1 photo
First of all, I think their PR person should get a raise. Their website is amazing and their Aussie folklore newspaper on the back of the menu is so cute...
And it's a tiny place! Really nice, warm atmosphere and cool design. The bar isn't that big, so if you don't have a rezzie, then you might be standing a while or you can hope for a spot at the communal table.
After reading the yelp reviews, I had low expectations for the food but we were stoked to discover the food was pretty good, even great...! Plus, it's refreshing to see "modern oz" food where they have the same Euro roots as the US but ties to SE Asia and South Africa.
- The coconut milk-lemongrass broth with dumplings stuffed with perfectly cooked mussels was amazing. It was also the first time in my life I actually appreciated foam. I normally HATE foam with a passion, and the foam in the soup was so, so good.
- Grilled prawns are presented so prettily, and they are cooked perfectly where they pop when you bite em. And such great flavor for a little ol shrimp.
- Barramundi (sea bass/monkfish-like) was super moist with nice crispy skin. Served with watercress, which was kind of too peppery. We voted that it would be better with purslane. (Luke, get some purslane!)
- Cheese plate rocked: killer comte, semi-stinky soft cow's milk, roaring 40s blue mm w/ honeycomb, perfect preserved cherries, and hm something else I can't remember.
Great wines by the glass and lots of bottles as cheap as $30ish and up to a few hundred...
Met one of the owners, who was super sweet.
Only complaints were our server sucked. Horrible even. And it would be good if they had some furniture or room divider or something between the entrance and the dining room. When you walk in you're like oh, I'm in the dining room...
