This week, Cultivar Sausalito opened its doors near the ferry landing, serving dinner starting Wednesdays. Siblings Jody Harris and Gingy Harris Gable, who launched the Napa Valley wine brand Cultivar in 2009, expanded into San Francisco in 2017 with a seasonal restaurant in the Marina District and a tasting room in Ghirardelli Square in 2024.
The menu at this new restaurant highlights fresh produce from Cultivar’s garden in Napa and local ingredients. Executive Chef Matthew Curry, who has worked at popular spots like Sam’s Anchor Cafe, leads the kitchen alongside Chef de Cuisine Justin Bruckert.
Diners can start with dishes like shishito peppers with tempura rock shrimp and sunchoke puree, duck confit over fries, or a coriander- and sesame-crusted tuna salad. The charcuterie board features local cheeses, cured meats, pickled veggies, and crostini.
A standout is the Tuscan-made Valoriani oven, where they create artisanal wood-fired pizzas. Some favorites include the North Bay pizza topped with prosciutto and fig jam, and the West Marin variety, rich with grilled vegetables.
The menu also features exciting options like empanadas de mole and roasted branzino with salsa verde. For those who enjoy grilled dishes, there are offerings like a hearty pork chop and a rich white cheddar cheeseburger with bacon jam on a house-made bun.
For pasta lovers, house-made gnocchi and a baked lobster macaroni and cheese are among four pasta selections. Desserts crafted by Pastry Chef Candace Rowan include a cake with Caspar Estate olive oil and a seasonal fruit treacle tart.
Wines on the list are mainly from Cultivar and Caspar Estate, showcasing the best of California’s vineyards. Harris also has a selection of draft wines and craft beers. Many of the cocktails feature house-made syrups from garden ingredients, creating unique flavors.
Harris describes the Sausalito project as a labor of love. The restaurant occupies a historic 1915 building, redesigned by local architects. The interior blends rustic comfort with modern touches, featuring earthy tones and vibrant accents.
The dining space accommodates about 80 guests, with high-top tables and comfortable booths. An outdoor patio, opening soon, will offer additional seating surrounded by garden planters.
The Harris siblings continue their family legacy rooted in Napa Valley agriculture, where their grandparents started farming in 1958. They aim to create a welcoming spot for locals while attracting visitors.
“Our goal is to be an everyday kind of place,” Harris shared about their vision for the restaurant. Cultivar Sausalito opens daily at 5 p.m. and plans to expand hours soon. More details can be found on their website at Cultivar Wine.
As the dining scene evolves, Cultivar Sausalito stands out with a commitment to local ingredients and family tradition, positioning itself as a charming spot worth visiting.
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