Amélie

(Nob Hill)
1754 Polk St.  
415-292-6916 Map it
www.ameliesf.com

$$
French
bar scene, dine at the bar, good for groups, notable wine list, singles scene

SCENE: It’s easy to miss this French-owned wine lounge and small-plates restaurant amid Polk Gulch’s dive bars and shops. While weekends are standing room only, Euro tunes play nightly as groups convene by the ruby-red bar, at tables in the back and on vintage ‘60s theater seats. You won't find any signs of Amélie, the movie, here—as this spot was named after the owner's goddaughter—though the wine-bottle-shaped lights do add a touch of whimsy.

EATS: The signature raviole de Royans—a ravioli stuffed with Gruyère and chanterelles—pairs well with the hearty Chateau Coufran cabernet, just one of the 20-some red and 20-some white wines by the glass, predominantly from California and Europe. Expertly presented cheese plates come with such accoutrements as homemade blackberry jam or toasted nuts to round out the offerings. While the focus is on wine, soju cocktails and an eclectic 10-bottle beer list are also available.