After six weeks of repairs, Izakaya Rintaro, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient 8 years in a row, reopened to the public Wednesday. Owner and operator Sylvan Mishima Brackett announced the good news on the restaurant’s Instagram page on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The restaurant sustained severe damage last New Year’s Eve, when San Francisco experienced its second-wettest day since 1849. Brackett shared a video on Instagram that day showing the extent of the flooding. In the video, he stands on a table as he pans the camera across the exterior of the restaurant. As Brackett and a few co-workers attempt to escape the deluge, their ankles are visibly underwater.
However, after weeks of repair, and more than $185,000 donated via a GoFundMe campaign, the cherished Japanese restaurant finally reopened. Modeled after a traditional izakaya, a type of Japanese bar with small plates paired with alcohol, the restaurant is perhaps most known for its yakitori plates. These skewers of small pieces of meat are grilled delicately over a charcoal grill, piping hot with binchotan, or white charcoal. Rintaro also serves specialty dishes such as homemade tofu, sashimi and handmade udon.
The reopening of Izakaya Rintaro is a testament to the hard work of the restaurant’s staff and the generosity of the community. Brackett and his team worked hard to repair the damage caused by the flood, and the GoFundMe campaign raised enough money to cover the cost of repairs.
The reopening of the restaurant has been met with much excitement from the local community. On the restaurant’s Instagram page, customers have expressed their joy and gratitude for the restaurant’s return.
“It’s so great to see you back in business!” one commenter wrote. “We’ll be there soon to show our support!”
Izakaya Rintaro is a beloved local spot, and its reopening is a reminder of the resilience of the San Francisco community. Reservations are available once again on Resy, and the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; closed Sunday. Omakase Rintaro on Monday by reservation.
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, Izakaya Rintaro is the perfect place to go. The restaurant offers a unique and delicious menu of traditional Japanese dishes, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. After all they’ve been through, it’s time to show them some love and support.
