New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Former Zarzuela Space

Just two months after 24-year-old Russian Hill staple Zarzuela closed its doors, its replacement is already here. Abrazo is now open at 2000 Hyde Street, bringing fresh Mediterranean flavors to the neighborhood and carrying over some Spanish influences from the building’s Zarzuela days.

Abrazo comes from Michael Pawlik, formerly executive chef at nearby Russian Hill restaurant Frascati, and his girlfriend and co-owner Amanda Banks Barker (Mamanoko).

“They’ve been there for so long, and I hate seeing these restaurants just fall off, so I want to keep the Spanish theme going but broaden it regionally” Pawlik told Eater.

The owners have given the space a fresh coat of gray paint and a small, four-seat wine bar — not to mention the new menu, which includes classics like paella with chorizo and seafood; beef and duck meatballs with a smoked paprika-tomato sauce; Spanish tortilla with charred onion creme fraiche; and octopus a la plancha with kumquats and chorizo oil.

Abrazo is open Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

• Russian Hill’s Abrazo opens in the neighborhood’s former Zarzuela space [SF Chronicle]
• Russian Hill Classic Zarzuela Will Close After 24 Years [ESF]