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Located in San Francisco's theater district, Ponzu, the contemporary Asian restaurant and bar, makes a design statement at the door and then carries it throughout its striking, sexy décor. At Ponzu's front door, guests can't help but notice an iron-bracketed wall sconce holding an exaggeratedly large magnifying focus. Windows along O'Farrell Street are tinted dark, emphasizing the air of mystery and sophistication.
A collaborative effort between Puccini Consulting Design and Development of San Francisco and Design Development of Los Angeles, Ponzu's design and décor conspire to transport guests to a grown-up fantasy land. The space, in which the bar is the focal point, is all about curves and swirls, shimmering light effects, dramatic custom glass light fixtures and original art. "It's a combination of contemporary and sophisticated, romantic and cool," said Ron Lieberman of Design Development. "Fun grabs you when you walk through the door."
All of these descriptions are displayed in dramatic fashion in Ponzu's bar, with its three 125-gallon glass aquariums, stocked with vividly colored tropical fish. Mounted on the bar, tall glass torches with hand-blown glass shades throw shadows, mixing with their ambient glow. The terrazzo floor in the bar area is Pacific Ocean blue, punctuated by an occasional white orb, like so many sand dollars scattered on the sea floor. This pattern feels organic to the space and is echoed overhead in the curved ceiling.
A series of low, curved walls faced in shimmering gold leaf divide the bar and two elevated dining areas. Dining tables and chairs are of light wood, accented by handcrafted cobalt blue Asian ceramics. Burgundy and blue carpet, with a spiral pattern atop a checkered background, covers the dining area. One undulating wall lined with upholstered settees is covered in a full-length sheer, slightly metallic-looking drapery lit from above. Drapery also accents a small private dining niche, tucked away in the back corner. Throughout the room, pendant lights in warm golden colors inlaid with jewel-like glass, as well as light "urns" of hand-blown molten glass in purples and blues, create a warm glow and highlight the exceptional original drawings and paintings decorating the walls.
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401 Taylor Street
San Francisco, California 94102
Tel: (415) 775-7979
Fax: (415) 351-7656
Ponzu accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club.
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m
Not open for lunch, but available for private functions and business meetings.
Sunday - Thursday, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Open daily at 4:30pm
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