Some changes over on Polk: after six years in their location, Will and Karen Gioia are moving GIOIA PIZZERIA to Hayes Valley, and opening a slice shop in the former Two Sisters Bar & Books space in early 2019. They are closing the pizzeria this Saturday October 6th (come by to say goodbye and for specials, like $8 glasses of wine), and when they reopen in the tinier 900-square-foot space, they’ll be serving whole pies, pizza by the slice, meatballs, chicken and meatball Parm hero sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. You’ll be able to dine in or take out. They are going to miss their neighbors, but wanted to streamline into a smaller space with counter service (like their Berkeley shop, which they’ve had since 2004). 579 Hayes St. at Octavia.
Taking over their space will be a second location of Outer Richmond’s FIORELLA, so at least quality pizza will continue from Boris Nemchenok and Brandon Gillis. Look for nightly dinner and weekend brunch too, stand by for dates and more. Get ready for some fun wallpaper. 2240 Polk St. at Green. [Via Eater.]
Over in the Castro, SOFIA CAFÉ has closed after two years of serving empanadas and café fare, and taking its place will be GAI from Kevin Lieu, serving Vietnamese-style chicken and rice plates for lunch and dinner in mid-October. 3463 16th St. at Dehon. [Via Hoodline.]
After opening in 1994, Brigitte and Andrew Thorpe have closed fondue palace THE MATTERHORN SWISS RESTAURANT so they can retire (off to Florida they go!). Eater reports “The Matterhorn’s landlord will retain the restaurant’s chalet decor and hopes to find a new operator from Switzerland.” 2323 Van Ness Ave. at Green.
In the Mission, the Mexican sports cantina from the Tacolicious team, BAR SAN PANCHO, has closed—I’ll be sharing details about the new project, Elda, from Eric Ochoa soon. 3198 16th St. at Guerrero.
And across the water in Tiburon, the Michael Mina Group is taking over the GUAYMAS waterfront space after a big upgrade—they plan to open by summer of 2019. Stand by for more on the concept. 5 Main St., Tiburon.
Gioia Pizzeria’s exterior signage. Photo: Rebecca Kinney. © tablehopper.com.
