Verjus

"One of San Francisco’s biggest pandemic comeback stories roared to life in early November as Michael and Lindsay Tusk introduced version 2.0 of their very popular wine bar, Verjus. In revamping the restaurant for its 2024 reopening, the Tusks left certain things untouched: The bistro-like design, crimson ceiling, and marquee menu board; the convivial and energetic vibe. New to Verjus is a cocktail list, a new menu of contemporary bistro fare from chef Walker Stern, and an installed DJ booth." - Paolo Bicchieri

"Michael and Lindsay Tusk reopened their French-style wine bar just north of the Transamerica Pyramid in November 2024, and the response has been ecstatic. Those who remembered the bar’s opening in January 2019 had just a little over a year to enjoy the space before it shut down during the pandemic, but this go-around maintains the aspects of the bar that most enjoyed (read: natural wine, candlelight, the marquee board menu, and the popular Boursin omelet). That doesn’t mean Verjus hasn’t changed at all; the space has shifted back from pandemic-era grocery store back to a sit-down side room, a new DJ booth has been installed, and now there are cocktails from Thad Vogler of Bar Agricole." - Dianne de Guzman

"The one-two combo of excellent French fare and cozy date vibes makes Verjus a slam dunk for romantic spots in the city. The glossy red ceiling reflects the flickering candlelight around the room, making for a particularly flattering dinner ambiance. There are oysters here if you’re looking for an archetypal aphrodisiac, but one could argue that the Boursin omelet and pate en croute are thrilling in their own right." - Lauren Saria, Dianne de Guzman

"There are some great underground lounges and fancy cocktail bars in the Financial District, but none are as cool, lively, or laid back as Verjus. This natural wine shop and restaurant plays old records, and the wine is organized on book shelves that reach the top of the shiny red ceilings. You will browse them for a new favorite bottle before sitting in the big cozy booth next to the bar to drink orange Chenin Blanc or split French and Spanish small plates with friends. Everything at Verjus is good, but we like the pate en croute, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, get the french toast - it’s one of the best desserts in the city." - will kamensky

"When American couple Braden Perkins and Laura Adrian moved to Paris, they didn’t start with a restaurant: Instead, they cultivated their reputation through a series of under-the-radar dinner party-style seatings—hosted out of their apartment. Called Hidden Kitchen, you could only land a reservation by booking online. The concept—and cooking—was so popular, the duo opened a permanent location, called Verjus, in 2010, situated in a small passageway across from the Palais Royal. It’s distinctly New American and it’s delicious: If you can’t stomach the prices (the tasting menu is 60 euros), hit the bar a vins next door (they also have a sandwich shop)."