Octavia (San Francisco, CA)

Octavia
1701 Octavia St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Dining date: 11/28/15

Octavia is Melissa Perello’s second restaurant following the success of Michelin-starred Frances. Frances has been consistently popular since opening in 2009, so it was no surprise to hear Perello would open this sequel six years later. Opened in April, Octavia’s garnered mostly positive reviews including its very own Michelin star this year.

I stopped in for a late, rather spontaneous dinner over the Thanksgiving holiday. Pictures were taken with my phone for this post.

“DEVILED EGG” Fresno Chile Relish, Marash Pepper & Spice

The deviled egg is one of the signature dishes here. Octavia’s take on the dish is with a poached egg. The yolk oozed at the first touch, topped with plenty of chili and spice.

Chilled Squid Ink NOODLES Cortez Bottarga, Fennel, Lemon Oil

A cold squid ink pasta was next with a subtle heat and plenty of bright lemon zest. There was a nice chew to the pasta too.

LINGUINE al Pesto Winter Greens, Parmesan, Fennel & Meyer Lemon

This linguine was served warm, rich and cheesy with a hearty pesto and more lemon zest.

Gulf SNAPPER Charred Tomatillo “Cioppino,” Tokyo Turnip & Arugula

Crispy-skinned snapper was cooked well with moist flesh. The tomatillo broth packed plenty of flavor alongside the juicy turnips.

Sonoma DUCK BREAST Muhammara, Charred Mandarin & Flamingo Peppers

We finished with this beautifully cooked duck breast with crispy skin and tender meat. A flavorful romesco sauce made went nicely with the duck, as did the bold sautéed peppers.

Octavia presented a solid meal, executed well. It wasn’t a particularly memorable dinner, but it was good. I would get the deviled egg again.