Fresca

(Pacific Heights)
2114 Fillmore St.  
415-447-2668 Map it
www.frescasf.com

$$-$$$
Peruvian
brunch, business lunch, dine at the bar, good for groups, lunch, open 7 days, open kitchen, romantic

SCENE: It’s not unusual to see crowds of well-dressed locals waiting outside the doors here for sophisticated Peruvian fare. Like the neighborhood, the restaurant—one of three Frescas in SF—has an upscale feel. Diners can watch the chefs in action via the open kitchen in the back.

EATS: Punchy with citrus and chiles, the ceviches here are the stars, from a more traditional halibut in lime and ginger to a black ceviche made with calamari, scallops and squid ink. For entrées, the grilled bone-in pork chop, glazed with cider and Peruvian pisco brandy and served over a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth boniato (sweet potato) mash, is unbelievably juicy.