Bay Area/ San Francisco
Published on January 03, 2020
SF Eats: Meraki Market closes, Lush Gelato shutters its Polk St. location, & Matcha Cafe Maiko opensMeraki Market. Photo: Carrie Sisto

Here's the latest in SF food news. In this edition, a specialty foods market closes in the Tenderloin, a gelato spot closes in Nob Hill and a matcha soft serve eatery opens in Chinatown.

Closings

Tenderloin

Meraki Market (927 Post St.)

The wood stove that kept prepared foods warm throughout the day. | Photo: Carrie Sisto

Tipster Bill O. has alerted us that Meraki Market has shuttered. The closure was announced on its website, dated December 30th, 2019. It says:

“This is to inform you that we have closed Meraki Market for restructuring.

You had been a valued customer and we'd like to thank you for your loyalty and patronage over the past couple of years. It has been our pleasure serving you.”

The market opened in October 17, selling high-end grocery items that include gourmet sandwiches, fresh pasta and caviar.

We’ve reached out to its owners to find out more about what the restructure entails, and whether the business will eventually reopen. We will provide updates when we have them.

Nob Hill

Lush Gelato (1817 Polk St.)

Photo: Lush Gelato/Yelp

An anonymous tipster has informed us of another SF eatery closure: Lush Gelato has ceased operations at its Nob Hill Location at 1817 Polk St.

A sign on the business’ window says that its North Beach location at 520 Columbus Ave will remain open. There is also a Berkeley location at 1511 Shattuck Ave.

The business opened on Polk Street in October of 2014, offering artisanal gelato flavors, such as ricotta lemon zest, bourbon Butterfinger, fresh mint chocolate chip, popcorn truffle, and more.

Openings

Chinatown

Matcha Cafe Maiko (756 Grant St.)

Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline tipline

While walking through Chinatown, veteran tipster Al M. noticed that Matcha Cafe Maiko recently opened its doors at 756 Grant St. According to its Facebook page, the outpost debuted late last month.

It’s the eatery’s third location — the other two are at the Stonestown Galleria (3251 20th St.) and Japantown (1581 Webster St. #175).

The ice cream shop is best known for its matcha soft serve but also offers a selection of teas, lattes and more.

Thanks to Bill O. and Al. M.! If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.