L.A. Hunter/Gatherer/Chef Planning Two New Restaurants In SoMa

L.A. Hunter/Gatherer/Chef Planning Two New Restaurants In SoMaPhoto: Erik Sun/Instagram
Brittany Hopkins
Published on November 06, 2015

While it's difficult to find a restaurant in San Francisco that doesn't tout its local, organic fare, two restaurants coming to SoMa next year will likely take the practice of sourcing nothing but the freshest ingredients to a whole new level.

Permits filed with the city show that Erik Sun —a partner and occasional chef at the Italian restaurant Bestia in Los Angeles, and an avid game hunter and spearfisher—plans to open Arsenal at 715 Brannan St. and The Hunted at 445 Harriet St. (a warehouse that's being converted into a restaurant).

When asked about the permits, Sun would only confirm that one restaurant will debut in early 2016 and the other will follow in the fall.

West coast is the best coast

A photo posted by Erik Sun (@pursuitoffood) on

Too intrigued by Sun's recent Instagram photos above to sit on our hands and wait, we cruised the Internet in search of clues. Here's what we found:

Born and raised in Orange County, Sun has an eclectic background focused on "The Pursuit of Food," which he defines on his personal website as showing food through its entire process, hunting and preparing a meal with his own two hands. In the video below, Sun describes his process of sourcing meats straight from the source—whether that's land, air or sea—and honoring his catches by using the whole animal in his culinary creations. (NOTE: Vegetarians, vegans and anyone who faints at the sight of blood may want to skip this one.)


Sun has been quite active on Instagram over the past few months, sharing photos of his catches in the Bay Area and Midwest, and explorations in the kitchen. Based on his recent posts, it looks like Arsenal will focus on fresh-caught seafood and noodle bowls, while The Hunted will be the spot for wild game.

With the first of these two eateries set to open in mere months, we'll keep an eye on Sun's culinary expeditions and share more details as the projects come together.