Laïola
photo: Kevin Bond
A Spanish restaurant without sangria and vino? When San Francisco’s newest Iberian-inspired nightspot, Laïola, opened its door last week in the Marina (2031 Chestnut Ave.; 415-346-5641), last-minute permitting issues meant its well-edited selection of Spanish wines, including a specially vinted Sonoma-based proprietary blend dubbed Bodega Laïola slated to be served on tap, were off-limits.
The eatery quickly adopted a temporary BYOB policy (with no corkage fee) for diners who want a little Rioja with their charcuteria – luckily Chestnut Street has a few liquor shops in walking distance. For those who don't mind a meal without alcohol, head bar manager Camber Lay, who came over from Frisson, has been renamed the restaurant’s resident juicetender, as she’s been pilfering chef Mark Denham’s fresh fruit stash to craft nightly drink specials such as a watermelon-plum concoction and peach juice with citrus and soda water.
Diners should call ahead to confirm the alcohol policy.
– Meesha Halm