Although fusion cooking has become increasingly popular in San Francisco over the past several years, some confusion remains about what the term means. Fusion means that a chef combines two food items or sauces together, typically by applying heat. He or she may bring two separate flavors, cuisines, or cooking methods together to create an entirely new type of food. Chefs who employ fusion cooking are often looking to expand their expertise and set themselves apart with a unique dish that no other chef had previously created.
Some of the Most Well-Known Fusion Restaurants in San Francisco
Foodies and casual weekend diners alike have their share of fusion restaurants to choose from in San Francisco. These following fusion restaurants have received especially high praise from customers:
- B*Star: Locals and visitors to San Francisco who want to enjoy a combination of Burmese and American food should head for B*Star located at 127 Clement Street. The restaurant’s kau soi dish is an especially popular menu item. Hours vary depending on day of the week and B*Star closes between the main lunch and dinner rushes.
- Blackwood: This is the only restaurant located on Chestnut Street in San Francisco that offers a fusion of Thai and American food. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located at 2150 Chestnut Street.
- Chaya Brasserie: This restaurant is popular enough to have three locations, with the San Francisco store located at 132 The Embarcadero. Chefs here combine Japanese and French food to create several unique dishes. Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and seating for dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. daily.
- Namu Gaji: The Lee brothers, who founded this restaurant, grow organic ingredients for the menu on their own farm. Diners will enjoy a flavorful blend of American and Asian fare. The restaurant closes on Monday but remains open various hours the other six days for brunch and dinner. The address for Namu Gaji is 499 Dolores Street.
- Roy’s: This contemporary American restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional Hawaiian flavors added to well-known international dishes. The Hawaiian theme is evident by Roy’s Aloha Hour from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Located at 575 Mission Street, Roy’s is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and for dinner only on weekend nights starting at 5:00 p.m.
New Z & Y Restaurant Location Now Offering Chinese and Japanese Fusion
Z & Y Restaurant, already known for its famous Szechuan dishes, has recently expanded and opened Z & Y Bistro, offering an exciting new array of Asian fusion dishes a few doors down at 606 Jackson Street. The restaurant has been open for lunch and dinner in its first few weeks and owners have been pleased with customer turnout. Although the menu is still a work in progress, some early items include Heritage Berkshire pork collar, grilled king oyster mushrooms, grilled chicken thighs, and three hot pot varieties including spicy seafood, regular seafood, and vegetables and beef. Z & Y Bistro is open for lunch and dinner Sunday and Monday and Wednesday through Saturday.