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I celebrated my recent birthday with my family at Chotto Matte in San Francisco. This renowned restaurant, known for its vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, offered us with an unforgettable culinary and dining experience. The ambiance, service, and, most importantly, the food, exceeded our expectations in every way!
Here’s a detailed review our delightful evening along with the food and drinks we devoured:
The ambiance at Chotto Matte is nothing short of spectacular. As you enter from the street into the hallway with the elevators to take you up to the rooftop, you are greeted by colorful pendants dangling from the ceiling, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
The grand rooftop boasts a massive indoor dining space with two open kitchens and almost a rainforest-like structure in the center, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand.
The outdoor dining options offer stunning views of Salesforce Tower on one side and Union Square on the other, making for a picturesque setting.
Adding to the cool and welcoming vibe is a neon sign behind the hostess check-in booth that reads, “Come as you are.” Right across from it is a bright and colorfully decorated waiting area with comfy chairs to wait before you are shown to your table.
Inside, the dining room buzzes with pulsating music and is dimly lit like a nightclub, with a DJ playing live music at the center of the restaurant, enhancing the energetic and dynamic atmosphere.
Wabi-Sabi
The Wabi-Sabi, a zesty and herbal mix, featured Tanqueray London Dry gin, Barsol Quebranta pisco, dry vermouth, aji inca, acacia honey, kumquat, grapefruit, and lemonade. Its complex layers of flavor provided a delightful start to our dining experience.
The Story of Jade
The Story of Jade was equally captivating, combining Tanqueray London Dry gin, junmai sake, cardamom, wasabi, curcuma, cucumber, lemon, and ginger ale for a fresh, floral, and aromatic profile. Both cocktails were expertly crafted, enhancing the overall dining experience with their unique and sophisticated flavors.
Lychee Ceviche
Our meal began with the Lychee Ceviche, a refreshing and vibrant starter. The sweetness of the lychee paired beautifully with the tangy leche de tigre. Enhanced by chive oil, sweet potato, Peruvian corn, and cilantro, this dish was a perfect blend of textures and flavors. It was a light and zesty beginning to our feast, setting the tone for the courses to follow.
Spicy Tuna Crispy Sushi
Next up was the Spicy Tuna Crispy Sushi, which brought a delightful kick to our palates. The tuna tartare, seasoned with Peruvian chili, sat atop a crispy sushi base, creating an irresistible contrast. The balance of spice and freshness made this dish a standout favorite among the appetizers.
O-Toro Aburi Sashimi
The O-Toro Aburi Sashimi was a showstopper. This premium tuna belly, paired with smoked duck butter and Chotto soy, was flamed tableside, adding a theatrical touch to the dining experience. The rich, buttery texture of the O-Toro, combined with the smoky notes, was nothing short of sublime. This dish was a true testament to Chotto Matte’s innovative approach to cuisine.
Black Cod Aji Miso
For the main courses, the Black Cod Aji Miso was a highlight. Marinated for 72 hours in chili-scented miso and accented with yuzu and chives, the cod was perfectly cooked and flaked effortlessly. The subtle heat from the chili miso and the citrusy yuzu created a harmonious flavor profile that left us wanting more. I happened to have had the opportunity to go back to the restaurant with other friends and I ordered the cod again. I am so in love with it!
BBQ Huacatay Broccolini
The BBQ Huacatay Broccolini, flavored with Peruvian black mint, red chili, and cilantro, was another standout side. The broccolini was cooked to retain its crunch, and the huacatay (black mint) added a unique herbal note that elevated the dish.
Pollo Picante
The Pollo Picante featured tender pieces of chicken marinated in red and yellow anticucho. The hint of yuzu and the sprinkle of chives elevated the dish, making it a flavorful and satisfying option for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Wood Fired Brussels Sprouts
Among the sides, the Wood Fired Brussels Sprouts were exceptional. Topped with queso fresco and aji amarillo, these Brussels sprouts were charred to perfection, offering a smoky flavor complemented by the creamy queso fresco. Even those who typically avoid Brussels sprouts would find this dish irresistible.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
The BBQ Baby Back Ribs, glazed with apple honey ponzu and topped with mixed nuts and cilantro crumb, were a delightful surprise. The ribs were incredibly tender, and the glaze provided a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The mixed nuts added a pleasant crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.
Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée
We ended our meal on a sweet note with the Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée. The tangy passion fruit custard, paired with sake-poached pineapple, offered a refreshing and tropical finish to our sumptuous meal. The perfectly torched sugar crust added a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
Matcha Crêpe Cake
For a birthday surprise, Chotto Matte presented us with the Matcha Crêpe Cake, an impressive dessert lit with birthday sparklers. Layered with hazelnut chocolate, dulce de leche, and topped with raspberry crunch, this cake was as delightful to the eyes as it was to the palate. The matcha provided a subtle bitterness that balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the hazelnut chocolate and dulce de leche, while the raspberry crunch added a delightful texture.
Chotto Matte in San Francisco delivered an extraordinary dining experience, making my birthday celebration truly special. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted, combining the best of Japanese and Peruvian flavors in innovative ways. The vibrant atmosphere and attentive service further enhanced our evening. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable meal, Chotto Matte is a must-visit destination. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their exquisite menu!
