Osito, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, is the first in the city to feature a 100% live fire-based tasting menu. Opened in December 2021 by Chef/Owner Seth Stowaway and business partner Jennifer Yoo, Osito has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative approach to cooking and unique dining experience.
Key Points
- Osito offers a unique live fire-based tasting menu in a communal dining setting
- The menu highlights local, seasonal ingredients from Northern California
- Osito has earned a Michelin star within its first year of operation
Exploring the Culinary Philosophy at Osito
At the heart of Osito’s culinary philosophy is a commitment to showcasing the bounty of Northern California’s coast through live fire cooking techniques. Chef Stowaway and his team work closely with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors to source the freshest, highest-quality ingredients for their ever-evolving tasting menu.
The live fire kitchen is the centerpiece of the restaurant, with all nine courses of the tasting menu prepared over open flames. This approach allows the chefs to infuse each dish with a unique smoky flavor and create a captivating dining experience for guests.
Signature Dishes and What Makes Them Stand Out
While Osito’s tasting menu changes seasonally, there are a few standout dishes that have garnered attention from diners and critics alike:
- Antelope and Cantaloupe, Cottage Cheese, Mint: A unique combination of thinly sliced antelope, cantaloupe, and cottage cheese
- Coal Cooked Egg Custard, Haricot Vert, Fermented Mushroom: A velvety egg custard cooked in ashes and served in an eggshell with uni and beans
- Lonestar Rye Bread, Hearth Dried Sungolds, Apricot, Cultured Butter, Chanterelle: A perfectly balanced toast with nutty, sweet, salty, and earthy flavors
Each dish showcases the chef’s creativity and the high-quality, locally sourced ingredients used in the kitchen.
The Dining Experience at Osito
Dining at Osito is a communal experience, with guests seated at a large wooden table that can accommodate up to 22 people. The open kitchen provides an exciting view of the chefs at work, pulling smoking potatoes from the ashes and decorating dishes with edible flowers.
The restaurant’s interior is designed to feel like a serene plant store, with lush hanging ferns and monsteras creating a cozy atmosphere. Despite the live fire cooking, the space remains smoke-free, adding to the overall ambiance.
Osito’s Role in the San Francisco Culinary Scene
As a newly Michelin-starred restaurant, Osito has quickly made an impact on the San Francisco culinary scene. Its unique live fire cooking approach and focus on local, seasonal ingredients set it apart from other high-end dining experiences in the area.
Osito’s success is a testament to the passion and artistry of Chef Stowaway and his team, who have created a truly memorable dining experience for food-driven travelers and local foodies alike.
Guest Reviews and Testimonials
Since its opening, Osito has received praise from diners and critics for its innovative cuisine and unique dining experience. Many guests have commented on the impressive live fire kitchen, attentive service, and the use of interesting, locally sourced ingredients.
While some have noted that the tasting menu may not be as groundbreaking as expected for the price point, most agree that Osito offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that is worth trying at least once.
How to Plan Your Visit to Osito
To experience Osito’s live fire tasting menu, reservations are required and can be made through the restaurant’s website. The tasting menu is priced at $250 per person, with an optional wine pairing available.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a cocktail at Liliana, Osito’s sister bar, which opens at 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating, it is recommended to make reservations well in advance.
FAQ
What are the must-try dishes at Osito for a first-time visitor?
Some standout dishes include the Coal Cooked Egg Custard, Lonestar Rye Bread, and the Antelope and Cantaloupe.
How does Osito contribute to sustainability and local farming?
Osito works closely with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors to source the freshest, highest-quality ingredients for their tasting menu, supporting sustainable practices and the local food community.
Can Osito accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Osito works hard to accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions. However, guests with highly restrictive diets may not receive a substitute for all dishes due to the nature of the tasting menu.
What are the reservation policies at Osito?
Reservations are required and can be made through the restaurant’s website. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required, and cancellations or rescheduling within 72 hours of the reservation will forfeit this deposit.
How has Osito influenced the dining scene in San Francisco?
As the first restaurant in San Francisco to offer a 100% live fire-based tasting menu, Osito has introduced a unique and innovative dining experience to the city’s culinary scene. Its focus on local, seasonal ingredients and commitment to sustainability has also contributed to the growing farm-to-table movement in the area.
