Four Seasons opened the brand-new MKT Restaurant at their San Francisco SoMa hotel last June. The restaurant, which was designed to be bar-centric, opened last year after an extensive renovation. It is the first restaurant renovation at the hotel since its 2001 opening.
The MKT Restaurant is perfectly suited to a modern taste that prefers the small plate in a social atmosphere to more formal dining. The menu is decidedly California, thanks to Executive Chef Mark Richardson and Restaurant Chef Chris Aguirre. Between the two, they have developed a fine selection of steaks and small plates are designed to be shared among groups of friends and family members. It is the perfect choice for the modern San Francisco.
Richardson and Aguirre set about to create a unique dining experience by grouping menu items that encourage a more communal and social atmosphere. The lunch and dinner groupings are appetizers, communal dishes, and California cuts. Those enjoying brunch will experience a full menu of starters, brunch dishes, and sides. The restaurant also serves breakfast beginning at 6:30 AM. The staff at the restaurant on a recent trip to the restaurant created a friendly, almost family-like atmosphere, making constant recommendations. By the end of the meal the server had created a close relationship with those at the table.
The Bar
Being that MKT is a bar-centric restaurant, it was necessary to make sure that the bar was the anchor of the space. It is obvious this has not disappointed. The gorgeous, L-shaped bar can easily be seen from the lobby as guests pass by, inviting you into an open and welcoming space featuring small tables, couches and excellent views of the bustling financial district outside.
No world-class bar would be complete a without world-class variety of drink selections. MKT’s bar invites you to enjoy a specialty, handcrafted cocktail made with ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the city. A couple of favorite drinks from the recent trip included the “Hop-dog” (Hophead Vodka, Grapefruit Ice Ball, Salted Rim) and “Scarface” (Tempelton Rye, Grapefruit, Agave, Orange Bitters, Basil).
Beer and wine lovers will also feel right at home at the MKT. A number of craft beers are offered as well as an extensive wine list from around the world. Half of MKT’s wines come directly from California while the other half hail from France, Russia, and beyond.
The Atmosphere
The fact that MKT’s entrance is on Market Street plays a big role in the ambiance and atmosphere. The designers of the space, New York-based AvroKO, wanted to take advantage of the neighborhood’s history for newspapers and publishing. What it has accomplished is absolutely stunning. Inside the space you will see the dark oak floors, plenty of brushed brass, wallpaper made with recycled newsprint, green and black leather accents, and numerous pieces of decoration that hearken back to the golden era of the newspaper.
The atmosphere lends itself to informal and casual dining in the main bar area. However, the restaurant also features a number of private dining rooms for your party or business gathering. There are three private dining options: Windows at MKT, the View dining room, and a dedicated pre-function space for small business gatherings. Windows at MKT offers floor-to-ceiling glass for spectacular views of the financial district. For especially large groups, all three spaces can be used together.
Four Seasons’ MKT Restaurant is the place to be in San Francisco’s financial district. But then, we would not expect anything less than the best from the Four Seasons properties. Make it a point to visit MKT Restaurant for casual, bar-centric dining on your next party or business gathering. It is open daily from 6:30 AM until midnight.
About Four Seasons San Francisco Hotel
The Four Seasons San Francisco hotel is a world-class, luxury property located in the heart of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Arts District. The hotel offers 231 guest rooms, 46 suites and 136 residential units, for a total of 277. Guest rooms feature exquisite furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows for the best views of the City by the Bay.
Amenities include access to world-class spa with steam rooms and saunas, a 127,000 square feet fully equipped fitness room, a basketball court, and a swimming pool. The hotel is within a short distance from championship golf and other outdoor activities. Four Seasons San Francisco is the place to be if you’re looking for unparalleled luxury in the heart of the city.
Four Seasons San Francisco Hotel
www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco
757 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103
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