San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis is preparing to unveil his latest culinary venture, a restaurant named Noches, located in Mission Bay. This announcement follows a liquor license application that indicates the restaurant will occupy the space at 301 King St., previously home to Death by Tacos, which closed its doors in 2023.
From Soluna to Chao Pescao
Denis has established a reputation in the San Francisco dining scene with his previous establishments. Notably, he owned Soluna Cafe & Lounge, an upscale restaurant in the Civic Center that operated until 2020, when pandemic-related lockdowns forced its closure. Rather than a simple closure, Denis viewed this as an opportunity to innovate. He restructured the menu for takeout and eventually transformed the space into Chao Pescao, which opened in 2021. The restaurant embraces a vibrant aesthetic with bold blues, yellows, and reds, and specializes in Cuban and Colombian dishes.
“I had this deep desire for the food that I grew up with — Cuban and Colombian,” Denis shared with Eater SF in 2021. He identified a gap in the San Francisco market for these cuisines, leading him to offer signature dishes like Tajin fried chicken and Colombian-style chicharron at Chao Pescao. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique offerings and lively atmosphere.
No Details Yet on Noches
As for Noches, details remain sparse. Denis has chosen not to provide specific information about the new restaurant, mentioning only that “Noches” is part of a longer name. This leaves the culinary community and potential patrons eager for more information as they anticipate its opening. Without further insights into the concept or menu, excitement continues to build around what Denis has in store.
With a proven track record of adapting and innovating in the restaurant industry, Denis’s new project in Mission Bay holds the potential to further enrich the San Francisco culinary landscape. As the city continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, restaurateurs like Denis are pivotal in reviving its vibrant dining culture.
For now, food enthusiasts will have to stay tuned for updates on Noches and what promises to be another exciting addition to San Francisco’s diverse restaurant scene.
