SF 🍽️ Restaurant Week is Here – And This Spot is a Must-Try! 🔥

I’ve participated in SF Restaurant Week several times, but this year’s first pick totally blew me away — more surprises than any previous edition! If you check my profile and search “Restaurant Week,” you’ll find many of the spots I’ve shared are still participating. This time, I’m introducing Abacá — a Filipino fusion restaurant and a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee 🍛🇵🇭. I expected something more traditional, but it turned out to be beautifully designed, with seriously refined dishes. The closest comparison might be the one-Michelin-star Thai spot Kin Khao, but honestly? Abacá wins by a mile. Filipino cuisine is inherently fusion — shaped by Spanish and American influences, yet rooted in Southeast Asian soul. Think tropical flavors with a touch of Chinese seasoning — a perfect match for the Chinese palate, yet totally unique. 🍲 Appetizers We started with a one-bite snack, a rich seafood coconut chowder, and ikan bilis with caviar and pandan rice cake. Portions were fine-dining style (aka small but mighty 😂). Every finger food left us wanting more. That Abacá Chowder? I’d order it again in a heartbeat — a creamy, flavorful fusion of Filipino and San Francisco vibes. 🍡 Chicken Adobo Skewers The national dish of the Philippines, reimagined as elegant skewers. Tender, tangy, and layered with flavor — each bite felt familiar yet full of delightful surprises. 🐟 Grilled Pork Jowl & Tuna Another standout! I’ve had grilled pork jowl at a beloved Filipino spot in the East Bay, but here it’s sliced thin like a net and laid over vinegar-cured tuna with super-sweet grape tomatoes. Refreshing and less acidic than typical ceviche — so good! 🐟 Main: Black Cod Perfectly seared, beautifully sauced — a harmonious blend of Southeast Asian and Western flavors. Their dishes are the kind you taste and think, “How would I even recreate this?!” — familiar, yet completely new. 🐮 Beef Curry Braised beef cheek curry — not too salty, perfectly tender, served with turmeric rice and persimmon sauce. A balanced, comforting bowl. 🌾 Signature Fried Rice The portion looked small, but it was just right. Halfway through, we mentioned the portions felt light — and they complimented us with a plate of their signature fried rice! It was incredible 🍚❤️. 🧊 Dessert A generous serving of taro purée — no explanation needed. Just pure deliciousness. 📖 The Restaurant Week menu is a set offering — no choices, just 11 dishes served family-style. Priced at $75 per person, plus 20% tip and 5% SF fee, it’s actually $10 cheaper than their regular $85 prefixe. Our server shared that all dishes are their signature items. This experience definitely won me over — I’ll be back! A truly successful promotion. If you visit outside Restaurant Week, I’d recommend the prefixe for small groups, or à la carte for larger ones to try more delicious dishes! #BayAreaEats #MichelinRestaurants #SanFranciscoFood #FilipinoFood #AbacaSF #RestaurantWeek #FoodieFinds