International Smoke, San Francisco

Reviewer: Foodnut.com

International Smoke

301 Mission St.

San Francisco, CA 94105

415-543-7474

International Smoke Website

International Smoke San Francisco Exterior decor

Why did we dine here? – International Smoke is the long await collab between Chef Michael Mina and lifestyle expert and bestselling cookbook author Ayesha Curry. It is located at the base of the infamous Millenium Tower and used to house RN74.

International Smoke San Francisco Interior Decor

Inspired by Curry’s and Mina’s individual heritages and travels, International Smoke explores global approaches to fire, grilling, and smoke to create flavorful dishes that bring communities together all around the world.

We are fans and had to eat here! Reservations are sold out for the first 3 months!

Insider Tip – Eat at the bar if you don’t have reservations. Happy Hour!

Cuisine – International
Location – SOMA San Francisco
Opened – November 2017

Service – International Smoke was still getting in sync, but had pretty professional service. This is clearly a professional place. The server said most of the staff is new and that the management carried over from RN74.
Verdict – International Smoke is a fun restaurant to visit. It will be popular for sometime. The food was better than expected, although they need to tune the menu.

Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Maybe. 1 Hour? No.

International Smoke Signature Dishes – Ribs, Pork Shoulder

International Smoke’s Menu is all over the place. They need to tamp it down. Both the co-founders have rich heritages but everything from BBQ to Korean to Chinese is a bit much especially for the crowd they may draw.
Happy Hour Menu Monday-Friday 4-6pm is pretty affordable with $2.50 for a Rib, $5 for a slider, and more..

Website International Smoke Menu

International Smoke Food Picks:
House Punch ($7 Happy Hour) was a pineapple – coconut concotion, full of ice. Still pretty strong and priced well.

International Smoke San Francisco BBQ Spiced Chips

Barbecue-Spiced Chips ($3 Happy Hour menu, Complimentary in dining room) are Ayesha’s recipe and really good. High quality spices and some cool green dipping sauce.

International Pickle Jar ($3 Happy Hour menu) is a large jar full of different picked vegetables. Great deal.

International Smoke San Francisco Grilled Oysters

Charcoal Grilled Oyster ($4) also hit the mark. Small oysters with a slight hint on spice, served hot out of the oven.

International Smoke San Francisco (3)

Wagyu Shaking Beef ($19) Bánh Mì Pickles, Lettuce Wraps is a fun dish to get once. The meat arrives raw and they cook it at the table. The meat lacks flavor.

International Smoke San Francisco Smoke Burrata

Smoked Burrata ($16) Spiced Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Pecan is also a fun dish. The salad comes to the table bathed in smoke, within a glass dome that is unsealed at the table. Rich creamy cheese with some nice fruit elements and lots of smoke essence. This shows that this is not a typical meat and potatoes joint.

International Smoke San Francisco BBQ Ribs American Style

Smoked Pork Ribs “St Louis Cut” – American BBQ ($2.50 each on Happy Hour Menu) hit the spot. Tender, nice sauce and definitely a must get.

Smoked Pork Ribs “St Louis Cut” – Cuban Mojo ($19 for half rack) was the same meat but with a dry rub. Definitely not as good as the American BBQ.

OK: (Order if you like this dish)
None

Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None

Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?

Restaurant Map:


International Smoke Overall Rating: (Very Good 2.5)

Come Back?

Food Rating: (Very Good)
Service Rating: (Very Good)
Atmosphere Rating: (Very Good)
Value Rating: (Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:Full Bar
Attire:Dressy
Parking:Street
Reservations:Yes

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