A new dining experience is set to elevate San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene. Bombay Brasserie, a beloved and famed brand under Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, made its U.S. debut in the heart of Union Square on Friday, August 23, 2024. With four locations worldwide, including London, Cape Town, Dubai, and most recently Singapore, Bombay Brasserie takes diners on a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, all meticulously crafted with a French twist. The new restaurant reimagines traditional dishes, inviting guests to indulge in a creative exploration of two world-renowned culinary traditions.
At the helm of Bombay Brasserie in San Francisco is Executive Chef Thomas George, a culinary visionary hailing from Kerala, South India. With a background in global culinary influences and a deep-rooted passion for food, chef Thomas has created a menu that seamlessly integrates the vibrant flavors of India with the refined techniques of French cuisine. His approach emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, maintaining the integrity of each element while using spices judiciously to enhance natural flavors.
“Bombay Brasserie is a celebration of Indian heritage and a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when two culinary worlds come together,” says Executive Chef Thomas George. “I look forward to welcoming guests to our table, where each dish tells a story, blending tradition with innovation in a way that’s both familiar and entirely new.”
The menu at Bombay Brasserie has been thoughtfully curated by Chef Thomas George, ensuring a unique and personalized dining experience for San Francisco. Offerings cater to a variety of dietary preferences, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options across six sections, each highlighting a different facet of the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Guests can start with ‘A Partagez/To Share’, featuring shared plates like Yogurt Croquette with Greek yogurt, green mango, cilantro; and Chicken 65, a fried chicken dish with curry leaves and spice marinade. ‘Le Tandoor’ showcases dishes such as Truffle Paneer with olive tapenade, garlic yogurt, and truffle; and King Salmon with Dijon mustard, caraway, and tobiko beurre blanc. ‘Les Entrée/To Start’ includes options like Crab & Coconut Soup with Dungeness crab, ginger, and crab crackers, while ‘Les Chaats’ offers elevated Indian street food-inspired choices like Aloo Tikki, potato galettes with white peas and goat cheese. ‘Les Plat’ features main dishes like Ricotta Kofta with creamy spinach and whole wheat paratha; Prawn Mango Curry with coconut, served with steamed rice; and Halibut served with grilled vegetables and tomato butter.
Finally, ‘Les Classique/Comforts’ feature brasserie-style classics inspired by French and Indian cuisines, such as Lobster Thermidor, bisque, cognac, and mustard, shallot cream; Steak Au Poivre, filet mignon, green pepper, and French fries; and Dal Makhani, a comforting dish of black lentils, butter, and cream. Enticing desserts include Coconut Pudding with mango and coconut cream, and Carrot Halwa Napoleon with cream cheese, fresh berries and almond filo.
The experience is perfectly complemented by a selection of innovative cocktails that incorporate Indian ingredients. Highlights include the Bombay Spritz with Aperol, rainwater madeira, sparkling wine, orange bitters, and rose-citrus mist; Peepli featuring mezcal, Peepli pepper, jalapeño-maple, turmeric tincture, curry leaf, and lime; and Chai Paloma blending blanco tequila, aperol, grapefruit, lime, vintage chai, grapefruit soda, and sea salt.
Throughout the space, the essence of India comes alive through playful and eye-catching motifs of lotus flowers and peacocks. The color palette draws from the earthy spices featured on the menu, infusing the restaurant with rich, warm hues. The banquettes, upholstered in gold ochre, offer a cozy yet sophisticated feel, complemented by sea foam green dining chairs and chairs with an abstract peacock feather motif. These elements are paired with sleek stone tabletops, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and style. Hand-painted peacock wallpaper adorns the walls above the Hollywood booths, while glass lotus flower sconces provide a soft, ambient glow. The gold foil ceiling adds a touch of opulence to the joyful atmosphere.
Bombay Brasserie is located at 340 Stockton St at Taj Campton Place, San Francisco. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Guest parking is available for $10 per hour.
