North Beach's venerable hilltop restaurant, Julius' Castle, which has been closed for renovations since last summer, is now set to reopen by Memorial Day. New owners have spiffed up the 1922 landmark and have brought on executive chef Michael Hammonds (formerly of Scott's Seafood) to oversee the classic Italian-French menu, which will revive old-school classics such as lobster Thermidor, abalone almondine and coquilles Saint-Jacques. They'll be serving dinner nightly, along with weekend brunch (1541 Montgomery St.; 415-392-2222).