San Francisco's Most Anticipated Summer Openings

2012 has already been a great year for restaurant openings in San Francisco: from the arrival of the Lee brother's Namu Gaji on Dolores Park, to Joseph Humphrey's huge San Francisco Presidio project, Dixie, to other hot shots like State Bird Provisions, St. Vincent, Mission Bowling Club and Local's Corner, just to name a few. Lucky for food-loving types across San Francisco, restaurant innovation around these parts shows no signs of slowing down. Here's a fun reminder of what we have to look forward to over the coming summer months.

1) Rich Table: Although owners Evan and Sara Rich have helmed the stoves at Coi, Michael Mina, Quince and more, their first solo venture will offer slightly elevated twists on "everyday" fare at affordable prices. Think housemade tagliolini with duck giblets, aged sake, and angelica, and you get the drift. The husband and wife team bought an old Petaluma saw mill to recreate the 60-seat Paul K. with an elegant, barn-like feel. "It'll be casual, but classy and elegant," says Rich.
ETA: mid to late July

2) Lolinda: The minds behind Beretta, Starbelly and Super Duper have totally reimagined the former Medjool as a Latin themed restaurant offering lots of steak, and wood-fired small plates reflecting the kitchen's whole animal butchery bent. Expect a full-scale cocktail program in the same vein as Beretta's to round things out.
ETA: late July/early August
3) Farina Pizza: A Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant that's been two years in the making, Farina Pizza has been quietly putting the finishing touches on over the past few months—audaciously just down the street from future competitor Delfina Pizzeria. The kitchen, run by the Langella family of Naples' Corso San Giovanni, will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a dining room designed by the same man who did sister restaurant Farina: Brett Terpulek.
ETA: late July
4) La Rondalla: Betty and Luna Barrios have taken over their father's neighborhood sit-down Mexican restaurant with an eye on reinventing it in a more modern light. We're told the killer margaritas will stick around, but if the decor is any indication of what to expect from the menu: it'll be a dressed up version of its former self.
ETA: late July/early August
5) Bar Tartine expansion: Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Pruett have been working on the new arm of their popular Mission restaurant for quite some time/. Touting a unique new bread program deeply rooted in Eastern European styles, the daytime lunch stop will offer sandwiches created by chef Nicholaus Balla along with preserves, pickles and spice blends for purchase.
ETA: August 1
[Photo: Tablehopper]
6) Abbot's Cellar: From the owners of Monk's Kettle comes this ambitious 100-seat sophomore effort: a restaurant for beer geeks, boasting 100 food-friendly bottles, aged options, seasonal flights and 24 beers held on draft at the proper temperature. Chef Adam Dulye will use various beers as jumping off points for a menu that also takes advantage of the kitchen's open brick hearth.
ETA: late July
7) Tout Sweet Patisserie Everyone's favorite Top Chef: Just Desserts winner Yigit Pura has realized his dream of opening a patisserie and cafe in San Francisco. Held on the fourth floor of Macy's Union Square, the space is currently enjoying a very special build-out in preparation for all the macarons and pastries to arrive. Savory breakfast and lunch items will also be offered.
ETA: Saturday, August 25th
7) Capos: Word has leaked out that Tony Gemignani, of Tony's Pizza Napoletana fame, is opening a Chicago-style pizza restaurant in the former Pulcinella in North Beach. His team has totally gutted and redone the space to create a club house vibe with cushy red leather booths. When Capos opens, Tony's pizza school will move into the space upstairs.
ETA: TBA
[Photo: Refinery 29]