Chotto Matte, the sprawling rooftop Peruvian-Japanese restaurant atop a former Macy’s men’s store near Union Square, is set to open on Sept. 23, reported EaterSF.
Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez speculated that the restaurant could be the largest in San Francisco. It could add steam to the city’s attempt to recast Downtown as an entertainment and nightlife destination and could help counter the gloomy predictions that have proliferated about the city’s urban core.
The high-end chain launched back in 2013 with a flagship Chotto Matte in London, and the franchise has since expanded to locations throughout the United States, Canada and the Middle East. Founded by Kurt Zdesar, the restaurant group highlights Nikkei cuisine in its architecturally appealing settings.
Zdesar’s ascension to the upper rungs of haute cuisine had humble beginnings—the Australian-born restaurateur's first job was at McDonald’s, which he credited with providing invaluable experience. Zdesar went on to launch the first European location of the luxury Peruvian-Japanese fusion chain Nobu in London before opening Chotto Matte.
Reservations for the restaurant, located at 50 O’Farrell St., will open Sept. 1, according to EaterSF.