San Francisco, Like a Local

“There’s an incredible vibe and uplift in the city,” says Gina Thomas of the City by the Bay, where she is director of residences for Four Seasons Private Residences at 706 Mission, San Francisco. Thomas brings her hospitality expertise and instinctive warmth to her role, nurturing connection among the owners at the stand-alone property in the SoMa neighbourhood. (The city is also home to Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco and Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero.) Opened in 2021, 706 Mission marries historic detail and contemporary convenience in two adjacent buildings, the 1903 Aronson Building and a sleek, modern 510-foot tower, designed by Handel Architects. “Our focus is on creating a sense of belonging that elevates everyday living, from the simple to the elaborate,” explains Thomas. Her curated programming for residents spans everything from intimate winemaker dinners to mah-jong to tea ceremonies. A recent highlight brought acclaimed chef Michael Mina, co-founder of Pabu Izakaya, to the premises for a special dining experience. Naturally, we asked Thomas to show us around the area.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

“It’s a lively, active place, with people constantly coming and going. They have a new restaurant at the [ground floor], called Jane on Third, with an open and casual concept. The food is superb.”

Fang

“Peter Fang, a famous chef in the area, and his daughter, Kathy—who star on the show Chef Dynasty: House of Fang—run the restaurant together, with a modern, inventive take on Chinese cuisine. Some memorable dishes are the short ribs and the pork-belly bao.”

MKT Restaurant & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

“The place for people watching. Their seasonal, ingredient-driven cocktails, including the Tycoon Spritz, are not to be missed, and the elevated bar-bites menu is incredible.”

John’s Grill

“This is where Dashiell Hammett is said to have written parts of The Maltese Falcon, and walking in feels like stepping into your own detective story. The walls are covered in photos of famous diners, and the traditional cocktails—a proper Manhattan and martini—are excellent. The Chicken Jerusalem is outstanding. Ask them for a Maltese Falcon key chain.”

Louie’s Bar

“A low-key, elevated bar that’s really friendly. They have their own tortilla press. Their Saturday Suppers have a following, and recently it was corned beef and cabbage. I tell residents, ‘Yes, it’s a bar, but the food is exceptional.’ ”

Ferry Building

“It’s an incredible place with all the restaurants and a farmer’s market.”

XOX Truffles

“This chocolate shop in North Beach has the best chocolate I’ve ever had. The owner makes chocolate truffles crafted in small batches, rotating around 25 different flavours. There are vegan options, and he has a spectacular spicy cayenne-tequila truffle.”

Emily Joubert Home & Garden

“We’ve partnered with this beautiful home and design store, and it’s incredible. It’s a go-to for us now when people ask, ‘Where can we get some design inspiration?’”

Dawn Club

“A great traditional jazz club.”

Local Edition

“You go downstairs and it opens up to this live-music venue. They have country, jazz, DJs, all different styles of music, and we’ve seen line and square dancing there.”

Lands End Loop

“It’s a gorgeous and approachable walk, and you have incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.”