One of SF’s largest rooftop bars is slated to open in Union Square

Ahead of the grand opening slated for October, SFGATE was invited to a media preview of Chotto Matte, on the eighth floor of the former Macy’s men’s department store. The Japanese-Peruvian restaurant is expected to host 400 guests in a dining space that will feature a lava stone sushi counter, a DJ booth and a vast wine display.

San Francisco has been a huge focus for Chotto Matte ever since the international restaurant chain first announced its plans to debut the massive eatery back in 2021. Chotto Matte’s grand opening was proposed for September, but it has been pushed back to late October while crews complete construction and last-minute details. Once it opens, the San Francisco outpost will be the largest Chotto Matte site, larger than even its flagship restaurant in London.

“In the heart of Union Square, we hope to blend into its electric energy and vibrant culinary scene, bringing our innovative dining offerings to its discerning food lovers,” Chotto Matte founder Kurt Zdesar told SFGATE via email last month.

A private elevator lift will take guests to the top floor of 50 O’Farrell St., where they will first spot a robata grill before catching sweeping views of Union Square’s shopping district and the cityscape on the exterior dining terrace. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened or closed to help keep guests warm during the evenings and the chilly winter months ahead.

General manager Adam Chapman told SFGATE that Chotto Matte aspires to add to San Francisco’s energetic nightlife, pointing to where the forthcoming DJ booth and sushi counter will eventually be. Specific operational hours have not been released, but Chapman said the restaurant will likely stay open until 1 a.m., which is later than neighboring rooftop bars Charmaine’s and Kaiyo.

Chapman said that more than 120 employees will undergo a rigorous four-week training ahead of the opening, including kitchen staff who will work closely with head chefs who are flying in from London. Chotto Matte will focus on Nikkei cuisine, with signature dishes like Chotto branzino ceviche, yellowtail sashimi and black cod aji miso, among others. A robust bar, which is also decked in lava stone, will offer about 30 cocktails on the drink menu, featuring Peruvian and Japanese-inspired libations in addition to nonalcoholic drinks.  

Chotto Matte also has locations in Miami, Toronto and Doha, with future plans to expand to Philadelphia, Nashville and Los Angeles.