Izzy’s Steaks & Chops, the second-generation flagship dining institution by The DuVall Family Hospitality Group, known for its neighborhood charm and timeless steakhouse fare, proudly unveils its reimagined space after a six-month historic restoration and renovation in collaboration with AD100 studio, GACHOT. A cornerstone of the Bay Area dining scene for nearly 40 years, Izzy’s reopens its doors on Wednesday, February 12, inviting diners into its expansive 4,800-square-foot, two-story location in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District. The redesigned interior blends an inviting, convivial atmosphere with elevated yet approachable design elements, seamlessly paying homage to the restaurant’s storied past. Led by Executive Chef Daniel Lucero, the next iteration of the menu offers a fresh take on the classic steakhouse experience, while maintaining the integrity of Izzy’s dedication to quality, as well as several of its signature dishes. Under the guidance of Izzy’s founder Sam DuVall’s daughter, Samantha DuVall Bechtel, Izzy’s reopens with a renewed vision that honors its timeless legacy while ensuring its signature hospitality and exceptional dining experience endures for generations to come.
“Taking the reins of my father’s four-decade-old legacy has been both an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” stated Samantha DuVall Bechtel, Managing Partner of The DuVall Family Hospitality Group in a statement. “With this renovation, we’re not just refreshing the space—we’re elevating every detail to meet the standards of today’s diner while staying true to the heart and soul of Izzy’s. It’s about building on the foundation he created and reimagining it for the next generation of San Francisco. Izzy’s has always had a strong soul. Our job is to keep that soul alive.”
Izzy’s presents a familiar yet new evolution of its menu with inventive preparations of comforting steakhouse classics with European influences and a nod to San Francisco’s cultural and culinary scene. With Chef Lucero – formerly of Bouchon Bistro, Joël Robuchon and AFICI – at the helm of the Izzy’s expert culinary team, guests can enjoy seasonal, responsibly grown and sourced ingredients that reflect the bounty of Northern California. Chef Lucero is dedicated to showcasing creative adaptations of signature seafood dishes, while preserving the integrity of Izzy’s renowned steaks and chops. The restaurant’s sophisticated new design by GACHOT creates a nostalgic yet elevated setting for diners to enjoy freshly caught seafood, mouthwatering steaks, craveable sides and shareable starters.
“As we reopen our doors, I am proud to offer a fresh perspective to both our loyal regulars and new guests alike. My goal is to blend creativity with premium ingredients, while honoring the familial and culinary traditions that have made Izzy’s a favorite of the community for so long. We are profoundly committed to sourcing amazing local produce, bringing in bold flavors, and pairing our menu with excellent service and genuine hospitality,” commented Chef Lucero.
To begin, diners can savor a variety of salads and shareable plates, including the Classic Caesar and refreshing Wedge, and the Smoked Salmon Dip served with housemade potato chips. New additions to the menu include the Oysters Rockefeller with a miso twist; and the classic Drunken Prawns, now prepared with Cajun spice and paired with puffed grits as a nod to Sam DuVall’s Mississippi roots. Izzy’s is committed to serving humanely raised, exceptional-quality meats, sourcing 100% Black Angus from Creekstone Farms, showcased in dishes like the classic Ballpark Strip Loin Au Poivre, the new 8oz Chopped Steak with caramelized shallots and black garlic hotel butter (a new version of Izzy’s original Hamburger Steak), and “The Gomez,” a prime rib accompanied by favorite sides, Izzy’s Own Potatoes and Creamed Spinach. Other savory mains include the double-smash Izzy’s Burger with caramelized shallots and a charcoal bun, and the Prime Rib Ravioli prepared with housemade stuffed pasta, ricotta, and porcini mushrooms, as well as fresh seafood options like the Alaskan Halibut crusted in sourdough and infused with flavors of clam chowder, a playful tribute to San Francisco’s iconic dish. To round out the dining experience, diners can indulge in the signature, made-to-order Glazed Crullers for a perfect sweet finish.
The extensive wine collection at Izzy’s spotlights the best from both classic and modern wines, emphasizing elegant varieties, beloved cult selections, and exceptional new finds. Curated by Izzy’s General Beverage Director Daniel Cameron – previously of acclaimed Nopa and The Battery in San Francisco – the opening wine list features a journey through intriguing regional and international vintages. Imbibers can savor their preferred wine anywhere in the restaurant or bar, as well as enjoy a selection of inventive iterations of retro cocktails curated by Izzy’s in-house team. Highlights include The Izzy’s Gibson with a choice of gin or vodka, dry vermouth and pickled onion, and new classics like the Flaming Sazerac comprised of cognac, sugar cubes, bitters and absinthe. The cocktail menu also features seasonal selections such as the Point Blank made with mezcal, blanca tequila, white creme de cacao, genepy des alpes and orange bitters, in addition to several inventive, zero proof cocktails like the Newgroni with wilderton lustre and bittersweet aperitivo, verjus blanc, simple syrup and salt.
Representing GACHOT’s first hospitality project in San Francisco, the redesign of Izzy’s flagship pays tribute to the restaurant’s storied legacy. With elevated ceilings, the restoration of a long-forgotten skylight on the second floor, and the inclusion of original light fixtures, the design thoughtfully integrates architectural and design elements that honor Izzy’s prolific history. At the same time, it effortlessly caters to the needs of the modern diner, blending timeless charm with contemporary flair. “It is truly an honor to work with a family business like Izzy’s, a place that holds such a rich and celebrated history within its community,” said Christine Gachot, principal of GACHOT. “Our goal has been to honor the restaurant’s heritage while carefully weaving in elements of modern elegance that will resonate with both longtime patrons and a new generation of diners. The updated interiors reflect the deep familial roots that Izzy’s is known for, blending timeless charm with a contemporary sensibility. It’s a space that embraces the past and the future, welcoming everyone to experience the warmth and spirit of Izzy’s in a whole new way.”
The tasteful, 72-person main dining room has been transformed to offer a more open layout, featuring a selection of private 2- and 4-top booths and intimate banquettes providing idyllic spaces for romantic dinners or small get-togethers, while the secluded Sam’s Table in the back of the room holds space for groups of ten. Additionally on the main dining level is the refurbished front bar, custom stained, with capacity for 14 guests. The back bar, featuring replicated details from the original Izzy’s and a homage to its legendary bygone era as a Barbary Coast saloon. For those eager to witness the culinary action, a glass-textured window offers a silhouette of the kitchen’s vibrant energy.
Lastly, a captivating wrap-around mural custom created by artist Matthew Benedict, serves as the main dining room’s centerpiece, illuminated and soaring to ceiling height. Drawing inspiration from the life and history of Izzy’s namesake, Izzy Gomez during the prohibition era, as well as William Saroyan’s novel The Time of Your Life, the mural vividly brings to life the colorful characters and narratives that have shaped San Francisco’s unique identity. It captures the city’s lore through iconic landmarks and prominent figures including Izzy Gomez, Sam DuVall, actress Kitty Duval, the policeman and the socialites from The Time of Your Life film, weaving their stories into one striking, visual conversation piece.
As guests make their way up the stairs by way of a rich forest green carpet runner, an alluring mezzanine floor meant to accommodate larger groups, awaits. The second-floor main dining space, fondly called The Front Room as a nod to Sam DuVall’s first restaurant in 1964 on Nob Hill, is defined by a large, curved banquette, complemented by intimate 2- and 4-top tables, ideal for gathering with friends, family, or colleagues. At the heart of the room is a stone-clad fireplace wall, surrounded by plush lounge seating and a large skylight that was uncovered during the restoration, reflecting the moonlight above, providing a cozy backdrop for a variety of intimate socializing and dining experiences. A focal point of the second level is a beautifully curated gallery wall, showcasing 127 pieces of Izzy’s archival artwork gathered over decades that features cherished regulars, San Francisco lore and legends, and more, representing an appreciation for Izzy’s roots. For another private dining experience, The Back Room on the mezzanine level accommodates up to 12 seated guests. With 146 total seats, Izzy’s offers flexible private dining options for 10-50 people on its second floor and accommodates full restaurant buyouts for up to 150 guests.
Izzy’s Steaks & Chops is located at 3345 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123. Opening dinner service will be offered Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Tuesday through Thursday), and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday). Beginning in March, Izzy’s will expand dinner service to seven days a week.
