Izzy’s on the Peninsula (formerly Izzy’s San Carlos), the second-generation, family-owned and operated dining destination, announced its grand reopening, this winter 2023. With a redesign by AD100 firm, GACHOT, Izzy’s on the Peninsula will debut a refined aesthetic that celebrates its unique history and community-oriented ethos, while breathing new life into the stylish space. A 7,500 square foot oasis in the heart of the Peninsula, Izzy’s will present a fresh take on the classic steakhouse, marrying a relaxed elegance, warmth, and character with an elevated yet approachable new menu, and genuine hospitality.
Representing GACHOT’s first restaurant project on the West Coast, the design concept pays tribute to Izzy’s deeply rooted family ties, and the restaurants providing respite to late founder and restauranteur, Sam DuVall, as his home away from home. The decision to bring renowned GACHOT on board is reflective of his daughter Samantha DuVall Bechtel’s commitment and investment in the future of the San Francisco Bay Area, its thriving culinary scene, and the Peninsula community that Izzy’s has called home for nearly two decades. The 245-seat restaurant will feature an expansive main dining room, a bar with ample lounge seating, two private dining rooms for celebrations of all kinds, as well as an al fresco garden with lush landscaping and custom, flexible seating.
“We are delighted to announce the highly anticipated reopening of Izzy’s on the Peninsula later this year,” said Samantha DuVall Bechtel, CEO and Managing Partner of The DuVall Family Restaurant Group in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming back our community and introducing this stunning new space with design by GACHOT, which continues to honor the legacy, traditions, and defining pillars that have made Izzy’s a cherished piece of the Peninsula for almost 20 years. Our hope is for the new Izzy’s to continue to be a treasured neighborhood spot that’s frequented by colleagues, friends and family for casual midweek gatherings, celebratory nights out, and special events of any size so that every visit is lively and memorable.”
Helmed by Executive Chef Vincent Castillo, Izzy’s on the Peninsula’s new menu will feature interpretations of traditional steakhouse dishes, as well as a selection of new items. Izzy’s on the Peninsula will offer a dining experience for guests centered on seasonal, responsibly grown, and sourced ingredients and sharable menu items. Shareable starters will include Dungeness Crab Fritters, Prime Rib Sliders, the famed Drunken Prawns, and more. Entrees will range from a 12oz New York Strip Steak and 8oz Filet Mignon, both offered simply grilled or blackened, to The Gomez, a 10oz prime rib served alongside Izzy’s own potatoes and creamed spinach, to the Salmon served with peppers and pickled fennel, Pan Seared Whole Trout, and Blackened Cast Iron Burger, a smash burger with white cheddar and house sauce. Izzy’s sources its premium beef from USDA-certified Creekstone Farms, as well as special off-menu cuts from local purveyor, Flannery Beef. These quality cuts will appear in the restaurant’s signature entrees such as the meticulously prepared Seared 21-Day Wet-Aged Beef, expertly paired with Izzy’s sides and a bold cabernet.
The wine list at Izzy’s on the Peninsula is being thoughtfully curated, featuring the best of the old and new worlds with a focus on elegant wines and cult favorites. Additionally, to support local businesses in the greater Bay Area, many notable California-based varietals will be featured from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and beyond. The opening wine list is a collaboration between Jose Gutierrez, Izzy’s Assistant General Manager and Beverage Director, Debbie Zachareas, who is also guiding the creative direction of the beverage program. Guests will be able to enjoy a glass throughout the restaurant and bar, as well as within the chic Isadore’s Table, located just off Izzy’s entryway, a semi-private space where guests can revel in the energy of the main dining room while enjoying a glass or two.
Opposite the main dining room, the bar at Izzy’s on the Peninsula will take center stage, considering the social nature of the surrounding neighborhoods and the origin of Izzy’s as a Barbary Coast saloon. It will be newly positioned, anchored to the back wall between two exterior doors that open to the garden. Guests can start with a drink at the bar or enjoy burgers and martinis in the lounge area.
In collaboration with WestBev, Izzy’s on the Peninsula will present a holistic cocktail and spirits program that features classic cocktails, seasonal specials and a selection of crafted non-alcoholic beverages for an inclusive bar experience. Cocktail highlights will include Notable Harlots, with vodka, vanilla, passionfruit, pineapple, lime, and a rose bubbles sidecar; the Kitty DuVall with rye whiskey, Le Verge Terroir liqueur, Carpano Antica, and orange bitters; and the Portuguese Coffee comprised of rum, coffee liqueur, hot coffee, Cointreau, cinnamon, cream and a caramelized sugar rim. Rooted in timeless steakhouse tradition, imbibers may also summon a Digestif Cart tableside at meal’s end, offering a curated selection of Amari, liqueurs, non-alcoholic digestifs, dessert wines, and select single malts.
Featuring a generous capacity for private and semi-private events for groups of 6–70 people, Izzy’s on the Peninsula will comprise two refreshed, flexible private dining rooms, the Pacific Room and the Barbary Room; the intimate Isadore’s Table; The Garden; and the bar and lounge area. The restaurant will also be available for full buyout events spanning across all its beautiful spaces for larger receptions and cocktail parties for up to 250 guests.
Izzy’s on the Peninsula is located at 525 Skyway Road in San Carlos and will be open daily for dinner nightly. Event bookings are now being taken for late December 2023 and 2024.
