This blog post dives into Grand Lake Kitchen’s first San Francisco location in Noe Valley. It covers the opening date, the Wasems’ East Bay culinary style, standout dishes, price points, and some dates Marin County readers might want to jot down.
From Tiburon weekend getaways to Mill Valley brunch hunts, locals know SF dining can be a bridge to lively neighborhoods like Noe. This spot brings a brunch-forward, day-drinking vibe with Old Bay charm and a modern California twist.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Noe Valley Debut: Grand Lake Kitchen Brings East Bay Flavor to San Francisco
Owners May and Dave Wasem picked Noe Valley for a mix of personal and practical reasons. May grew up in San Francisco, and the couple met working at Balboa Cafe.
The opening on Saturday, March 14 lands right at the intersection of city buzz and familiar East Bay energy. Marin County diners might notice the vibe if they’re planning weekend trips through the Richmond or Golden Gate Bridge corridor.
The menu draws from their East Bay locations, reviving classics and layering on some neighborhood-specific twists. Sausalito day-trippers and Tamalpais-district commuters will probably see a few favorites with a fresh spin.
The Noe Valley spot gives Marin folks a new cross-river option for Saturday or Sunday brunch. It still tips its hat to the East Bay’s relaxed style and generous servings.
The restaurant’s bright, social setting—big windows and a planned parklet—makes it easy to linger over a cocktail or slushie. Maybe after a walk through nearby parks or along Market Street for city views.
Menu Highlights
- $32 caviar pie with chopped hard-boiled eggs, shallots, crème fraîche, caviar, and chives, served with Ritz crackers
- Steak frites: 8-ounce hangar for $34 or 16-ounce New York for $68
- 12-ounce bone-in Berkshire pork chop at $33
- Signature fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and sweet corn aioli
- Oyako egg-salad sandwich with crispy chicken skin
- Pork belly sandwich with porchetta, broccoli rabe pesto, fontina, and Calabrian chile aioli
- Porcini-battered savory French toast
- Chilaquiles verdes
- Eggs Benedict variations
Signature Dishes and Brunch Offerings
The kitchen loves generous, shareable dishes. These work well for a post-hike meal from Mill Valley to Fairfax or a late brunch after a Larkspur ferry ride.
They mix classics with inventive pairings, echoing Marin’s blend of casual brunch and a polished main event. It’s great for anyone who wants a quality meal without losing the comfort vibe.
Drinks, Bar and Parklet Vibe
The bar focuses on martinis—classic, dirty, lemondrop, and appletini. There are also boozy and nonalcoholic slushies, like a gin-based Salty Dog and a Dole Whip-style slushie with optional rum.
Noe Valley’s open design and plans for a parklet create a perfect scene for sipping slushies and people-watching. Maybe after exploring the neighborhood markets or a quick ride through the Castro corridor.
Opening Hours and Timeline
Initial hours run dinner Wednesday–Sunday, 5–9 p.m. Brunch begins March 21. Full seven-day hours (9 a.m.–9 p.m.) are set to start April 6.
If you’re coming from Marin County for a weekend trip, this schedule means you’ve got a reliable spot. Imagine anchoring your day with a ferry ride from Larkspur or Sausalito, then wrapping up with a city-side meal in Noe Valley.
What This Means for Marin County Diners
Grand Lake Kitchen’s Noe Valley spot brings that familiar East Bay vibe right into the city. It’s a bridge between Marin’s Sunday farmers markets and a more urban brunch scene.
If you live in Corte Madera, San Rafael, or Santa Venetia, here’s your cue to mix in some Noe Valley sunshine. The menu sticks with polished classics, bold flavors, and prices that don’t make brunch feel stuffy.
Marin weekend routes often loop through Sausalito and Tiburon before heading home. Now, Noe Valley is a smart pit stop for a longer, laid-back brunch with a bit of Bay Area practicality and charm.
Maybe you’re in Mill Valley, Fairfax, or Novato, looking for a new brunch anchor. This Grand Lake Kitchen debut in Noe Valley could be the one you’ll want to mention next time you’re swapping food stories.
Planning a Friday night drive from San Rafael? Stop by here on your way back. The menu’s got something for both big appetites and those who just want a little taste—very Marin, if you ask me.
Here is the source article for this story: An Oakland Brunch Icon Brings Dole Whips and Caviar Pie to San Francisco
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
