Namu

Located in the Richmond District of San Francisco, Chef Dennis Lee has built a restaurant that mixes all the wonderfulness of traditional Korean fare with a touch of Japanese blended in.  Namu can best be described as offering wonderful, refreshing Asian comfort food with a twist.

Namu, which means tree or wood in Korean, is a smallish restaurant with a modern, homey decor.  The counter at the bar is made of all wood, created from a reclaimed tree from Golden Gate Park.  Overall, the restaurant has a very hip and unique feel, a place where you can take your date, business partners or your family.

When I think of Korean food, my first thought goes to kimchee, wonderful spices and bold flavors.  Namu combines those traits with a sophisticated Japanese touch to present a wonderful and diverse menu with plenty to offer.  The appetizers range from the light (soba noodle salad, assortment of housemade pickles, miso soup), to deep fried (vegetable tempura, rice powder crusted tofu)  and several raw and cooked items as well.  Most of the small plates and soups and salads are a fair portion; not enough to get you completely stuffed, but two or three will do the trick if you are looking for a light, small meal.

Cold soba noodles

The entrees on the menu also provide a nice mix of traditional Korean with Californian cuisine.  You have the typical Korean Rice Stone Pot,  Korean Style Hot Pot, Daily Ramen (only six daily servings and it sells out fast) and Namu's own take on Korean Fried Chicken, which serves two people.  There is also a mix of American cuisine in name, with an added Asian twist.  They have a hamburger on the menu, pork and rib eye chop and lamb loin.  Namu also offers several sides, including housemade kimchee, mixed wild rice and french fries.  Quite a diverse mix.

Stonepot w/ sizzling rice

The restaurant also has a nice sake, beer and wine list.  There are also some inventive cocktails, mostly including soju.  The menu changes with the seasons, as Chef Lee bases it on what is available at the local markets.

Namu is a fun, hip and very appealing neighborhood restaurant.  It includes a lot of traditional Asian comfort foods, while also offering American classics with their own unique take.  The Namu crew is also usually out at the Farmers Market at the Ferry Building on Thursdays and Saturdays, offering a sampling of their cuisine.  

Namu is located at located at 439 Balboa Street in San Francisco.  They are open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10-3 and for dinner Sunday-Tuesday from 6-10:30 and Wednesday-Saturday from 6-12.

Phone Number: (415) 386-8332


Prices:
Soups/Salads: $2-10
Small Plates/Appetizers: $7-14
Raw Items: $15 and up
Entrees/Grilled Items: $10-24