URGENT UPDATE: A new fine dining restaurant named Naides is set to open its doors in Nob Hill, San Francisco this December, bringing a significant boost to the city’s culinary landscape. This venture, spearheaded by Michelin-trained chefs Patrick Gabon and Celine Wuu, will take over the former Sons & Daughters space at 708 Bush Street.
Naides promises an innovative 11- to 15-course tasting menu that reinterprets traditional Filipino flavors using advanced culinary techniques like fermentation and preservation, typically seen in Nordic cuisine. This exciting development marks a pivotal moment for elevated Filipino cuisine in a city known for its competitive dining scene.
Gabon and Wuu bring impressive credentials to Naides. The couple, who met while working at Alexander’s Steakhouse, have honed their skills in some of the Bay Area’s finest kitchens. Gabon previously worked at the two-Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, while Wuu held a key role at the three-Michelin-starred Benu. Their journey also took them to Restaurant Milka in Slovenia, a two-Michelin-star establishment known for its innovative approach to local ingredients and fermentation.
Naides aims to elevate Filipino cuisine without resorting to flashy fusion. Gabon emphasizes the importance of honoring traditional dishes, stating, “It’s not about lumpia with caviar… we’re rethinking Filipino food through fine dining.” One standout dish will be a reimagined sinigang, featuring barbecue abalone in a clarified broth infused with tamarind, a dish Gabon describes as “speaking to what we’re trying to achieve.”
Wuu, who will oversee the dining room and beverage pairings, is equally passionate about crafting unique nonalcoholic beverages using hyperlocal ingredients and kitchen scraps, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
The opening of Naides is timely, as the Bay Area sees a growing interest in upscale Filipino dining. With the second-largest Filipino population in the United States, San Francisco has a rich cultural backdrop that Naides seeks to celebrate. This restaurant joins a small but expanding roster of fine-dining Filipino establishments, including Abacá, already recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Naides takes over a space with a storied culinary history. Sons & Daughters, which previously held two Michelin stars, recently relocated to a larger venue in the Mission District. Gabon reflects on his journey, stating, “Now I really want to do nontraditional Filipino food,” highlighting a growing trend among chefs who are blending fine dining techniques with their cultural roots.
The restaurant has already submitted a liquor license application and plans to open by the end of the year. Gabon describes this endeavor as a “homecoming” to the flavors that first shaped his culinary identity.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As December approaches, keep an eye on Naides for its innovative tasting menu and unique beverage offerings. This new dining destination is poised to make waves in the culinary community and attract food enthusiasts eager to experience Filipino cuisine in an elevated context.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition to San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene!
