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3583 16th St. (at Market Street)
San Francisco CA
415-252-7500
I'd Sneech for Starbelly
By A.G Royale
It's amazing what a jump start the Castro District neighborhood has had in the last year when it comes to great places to eat. By far my favorite incarnation has been the star that is Starbelly: modern, contemporary decor, with a rustic twist on "California Comfort Cuisine" and a delightfully friendly neighborhood style of service make Starbelly a must when dining out in the Castro District San Francisco.
Again, the food is AMAZING thanks to Executive Chef Adam Timney. I can never decide: fries, flat bread, small bites, steak, seasonal salads, or... The menu is constantly evolving, making each visit an adventure. Almost everything I’ve had at Starbelly is nothing short of pure perfection. Although, I do have some favorites. The fig and blue cheese flat bread is fresh and bursts with salty sweet deliciousness. (Although it is taking a short break from the menu). My boyfriend always has the burger. It's juicy, moist, delectable and quite possibly the best burger in the Castro, maybe anywhere. With the burger we order a side of fries with their delicious pesto aioli. (Don't forget to ask).
"Are there any downsides to Starbelly?", mycastro.com readers may ask. Not many, except maybe some of the timing issues around food delivery. It seems that whomever is expediting the line with the kitchen is working out how to get food delivered in a more harmonious synchronization. This can most certainly be overlooked as my taste buds were singing sweet happiness by the end of our meal. Which brings me to the best part, dessert.
My favorite sweet treat is the Carmel pot du crème with rosemary short bread cookies. The crème is smooth, silky, and sinful all at the same time. I suggest breaking the cookies and dipping them right in. The herbal sweetness makes this the perfect dish to end your meal and head out for more fun in the Castro District San Francisco.
Be sure to check it out Starbelly for lunch as dinners are serving up quite a wait! Also, the patio just opened and it's a charming spot to spend the day sipping a cocktail, or baking in the sun with a full belly.
Here's a peak of the menu to wet your whistle:
snacks
house cut fries with three dips
white bean puree & chili oil, grilled sourdough flatbread
domestic cheese plate, artisan selection & seasonal accompaniments 5 each or three for 14
starbelly salumi: 5 each or select any three for 14
lardo, mortadella, prosciutto, spanish chorizo, wild boar salami sec, salami finocchiana
warm bread & olivera olive oil 2
salads
starbelly salad, leaf lettuces, local goat cheese, market pear, salt & pepper vinaigrette 7
little gems, market oranges, raw goats milk feta, kalamata olives & shaved red onion 9
warm bloomsdale spinach, smoked almonds, asian pear, crispy onion & shallot vinaigrette 8
fried oysters, red frill mustard, bacon, cherry tomatoes & green goddess 13
small
house made chicken liver pate, buttered bread, sweet onion marmalade, grain mustard 10
cream of hominy soup, Mexican chorizo & lime zest 8
house salted cod brandade & toasted bread 11
pan seared day boat scallops, English peas & basil puree 14
spring gazpacho, avocado & pimenton 9
pan roasted black mussels, Mexican chorizo, market chiles & cilantro 10
whole local sardine, green garlic, chile, grilled lemon 7
fried crushed potatoes, grana padano & pimenton aioli 6
burrata Di Stefano, blistered tomatoes & basil 13
sides
oven roasted broccoli di ciccio & fresh grated horseradish
sautéed sugar snap peas, olives, garlic, basil & lemon
wilted greens, sea salt & vinegar
pizza
starbelly bacon, jalapeno, arugula & green goddess dressing 13
house made chorizo, sunny eggs & cilantro 15
market mushrooms, cave aged gruyere, thyme & roasted onions 16
asparagus, manchego & hard egg 14 add prosciutto 3
pizza margherita, fresh mozzarella & basil 11 sub burrata 16
add house-made bacon, salami, Italian sausage, prosciutto, farm eggs or mushrooms for 3 each
add roasted onions, extra cheese or arugula for 2 each
plates
Prather Ranch burger, house cut fries & pickle, grilled sesame bun 11
add white cheddar or Pt. Reyes blue, avocado, starbelly bacon or roasted onions for 2 each
roasted half local chicken, asparagus & mascarpone risotto 16
pan seared flounder, grilled asparagus, fregola & Italian sausage, lemon 19
fresh spaghetti, starbelly bacon, jalapeno, tomato sauce & basil 12
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