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SAN FRANCISCO | Skool is a seafood focused restaurant in San Francisco’s Design District that, unlike many themed restaurants, pulls it off just right. The name Skool has a two pronged meaning – it refers to a group of fish, but also nods in the direction of school. Menus are printed on what looks like notepad binder paper, and pencils take the place of pens. Thankfully it’s all minor touches which add to the fun of the place rather than take things too far. The space is small, bright and airy, opening out to a spacious outdoor patio, with upcycled furniture and fittings.
Skool is run by two husband and wife teams – Toshihoro and Hiroko Nagano run the kitchen, while Andy and Olia Mirabell run front of house. The food is all about sourcing sustainable and local ingredients. Chef Toshihiro Nagano’s seasonal menus utilise international accents and focus on challenging preconceptions about less popular, but sustainable fish like sardines and mackerel, using techniques like marinading and curing to great effect. There are lots of vegetarian and gluten free options too. It’s Japanese tinged Northern Californian food and works really well.
The Uni Flan, with light sea urchin, ikura, fresh uni, and fleur de sel is delicious, while the daily sandwich, on our most recent visit an open faced sandwich with generous portions of cured sardines and avocado, is always a good option. Even the Katsuo skinny fries topped with bonito flakes and crispy nori, add an interesting ocean twist to a simple side. Other exciting dishes include things like Snow Crab Devilled Eggs, Lime Cured Wild Hokkaido Scallops, and Hamachi Kama.
The wine list features around 30 different options, with a focus on whites that compliment the seafood, along with craft beer and cocktails. Try the “Samurai”, a cocktail of Beluga Noble vodka, lemongrass ginger syrup, rose sake, fresh lime, and kaffir lime leaf.
Skool
1725 Alameda Street
San Francisco
California 94103
United States
Telephone: 415 255 8800
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon: 11:30am to 2:30pm; 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Tue – Fri: 11:30am to 2:30pm; 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat: 11:00am to 3:00pm; 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Sun: 11:00am to 3:00pm; 5:00pm to 9:00pm