Ristobar, a longtime Italian restaurant in San Francisco’s Marina District, is preparing to close on Memorial Day Monday. The restaurant team shared the closure announcement on social media and thanked the community for their support.
Ristobar Will Shut Down This Month
A chic and stylish restaurant in San Francisco, Ristobar focuses on a rustic, traditional Italian experience. The restaurant pairs refined Italian dishes with an intimate bar program and neighborhood atmosphere. The menu drew inspiration from the Slow Food movement and traditional Italian family recipes.
Some of the popular dishes on the menu are Agnolotti Del Plin, New York steak, and Fritto Misto. The restaurant’s bar program serves Italian cocktails, European wines, cannoli, and more.
After more than two decades of service, Ristobar will be closing on May 25. In an Instagram announcement, the team wrote, “After 22 unforgettable years in San Francisco’s Marina District, Memorial Day will mark the final service of Ristobar.”
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In the post, the restaurant shared that even though it is saying goodbye, the Chestnut Street space will continue to operate. They wrote, “While Ristobar itself will soon come to a close, the space will continue in a new direction through a partnership with Eria Events.”
More details about the space and its plans will be announced soon. The restaurant team did not share any specific reason for closure.
“Ristobar’s 2300 Chestnut St. space will reopen as Eria Marina, a 5,300 sq ft indoor-outdoor events venue,” stated a San Francisco Chronicle report.
22-Year-Old Legacy on the Chestnut Street
Ristobar is owned by pastry chef Gary Rulli and his wife, Jeannie. The couple also operates the Emporio Rulli bakery, cafe, and wine shop in Larkspur.
The restaurant team reflected on its journey in the closure post and said, “From the early days of Emporio Rulli Gran Caffè to the evolution into Ristobar, this restaurant became a place of celebrations, friendships, familiar faces, and memories shared around the table for more than two decades.”
The Ristobar space features a marble bar, dim lighting, and frescoed ceilings. The outdoor seating of the restaurant made it a neighborhood favorite in San Francisco’s Marina District.
In the post, the owner thanked the team and chefs and mentioned, “A heartfelt thank you to Chefs Angelo Auriana, Michele Belotti, and Alberto ‘Berto’ Chan Bautista, whose talent and dedication made every meal memorable. And a special recognition to Mattia Ballarini, whose hospitality made so many guests feel at home.”
As the closing date approaches, the Ristobar team encourages the community to visit and have a last memorable meal. The closure of the restaurant marks the end of a notable journey in the San Francisco dining community.
