Morella, which debuted on November 9, 2024, is the newest dining and drinking destination in the Marina District and the first Argentinian-Italian restaurant in San Francisco. Catering to locals and visitors alike, the new gathering spot is located on the bustling corner of Fillmore and Chestnut Streets and will highlight the melting pot of South America and Europe. The name Morella is a derivative of the word Morel, the earthy, nutty, and rare mushroom that is prized by chefs and restaurant connoisseurs.
Morella is the sixth concept from Proof Positive, which is known for building imaginative restaurants, bars, and entertainment concepts in San Francisco and more recently, Southern California. “We’re excited to introduce an entirely new concept to San Francisco — a restaurant that celebrates the intersection of Argentenian and Italian food,” says Proof Positive founder Kingston Wu in a statement. “Immigration from Italy and Spain to Argentina in the turn of the 20th century introduced the country to pasta, milanese, and other European cuisine. We’re celebrating this convergence of cultures at Morella.” With this new venture, the efforts and loyalty of senior Proof Positive employees have become part-owners of this latest venture. According to Kingston, “Many employees have treated our businesses as their own, and deserve a piece of the ownership. I’m excited to work alongside these individuals as true business partners in the years to come.”
This new Chestnut Street restaurant celebrates the gastronomic influences that immigrants from European countries, particularly Spain and Italy, had on Argentinian cuisine in the decades following the mass migrations at the turn of the 20th century. Morella features traditional empanadas, wood-smoked meats, pastas and internationally inspired drinks — all meant to be enjoyed in a bright convivial space.
Executive Chef (and now co-owner) Jesus Dominguez, who spent 10 years as Sous Chef at the two Michelin-starred Taj Campton Place, and now oversees the culinary programs for Proof Positive in Marina District, will helm the stoves – and wood-fire grill — at Morella.
The Antipasti selection at Morella will feature traditional Argentinian Empanadas: beef, pork, chicken withvegetable ($6 each); Dirty Martini Dip: blue cheese, mascarpone cheese, gin, and olive brine served with red peppers, stuffed olives, and pita chips ($16); Prosciutto Bruschetta: garlic sourdough toast topped with traditional bruschetta, prosciutto, shaved parmesan cheese, and arugula garnish ($15); Arancini: Morella’s signature risotto croquettes with porcini mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and fines herbs served with pesto marsala sauce ($17); and Asado de Pulpo: grilled Argentinian octopus, potato soubise, marvel potatoes, and shishito peppers ($25). Greens include the Beets and Hemp Seed Salad with roasted red and golden beets, roasted corn, onions, shaved carrots, toasted hemp seeds, cucumbers, toasted pistachios, and Greek yogurt dressing ($17); a unique twist on the Caprese Salad with fried green tomatoes, burrata, strawberries, frisée, and balsamic reduction ($18) and the classic Caesar Salad ($15).
While milanesa and pasta both originated in Italy, they have a very prominent place in Argentinian cuisine. Pastas at Morella will include Midnight Pasta: spaghetti, braised beef, parmesan cheese, and chili flakes ($23); Crab Ricotta Ravioli: squid ink ravioli stuffed with Dungeness crab and ricotta ($28); and Gnocchi with pancetta, green peas, sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic cream sauce ($25). Main dishes from the wood-fired grill include Pan Seared Scallops served with cherry tomatoes, Morel mushrooms, caper white wine sauce ($28); and Chicken Milanesa: Mary’s chicken breast breaded and fry, smoked ham, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, fried shallot ($29).
The Asados a la Carte menu cooked on the wood-fire grill includes Argentinian-style Sausages: duck-apple-brandy; duck-orange, pheasant-mushroom, pheasant-cognac, wild boar garlic marsala, rabbit white wine ($8 each); Argentinian Picanha Steak: 14oz top sirloin steak with herb butter ($38); and Braised Short Rib served with truffle beef sauce and fresh horseradish ($49). A variety of sides can be added to complete the meal such as Sauteed Garlic Broccolini ($8); Yuca, Shoestring, or Sweet Potato Fries ($12); Creamy Polenta, or Mashed Potatoes ($10). Additionally, a Lamb Burger with cucumbers, roasted peppers, grilled onions, arugula, whole grain mustard, sun dried tomatoes, pesto and roasted garlic mint yogurt served with fries ($27) will be served only in the bar/lounge area.
A focal point of the dining room will be an eye-catching whole Jamón ibérico de Bellota leg hand-sliced by ounce in the dining room. Diners will have the option to add the Jamón or Black Truffles (MP) to all Pastas and Asados. The main course menu items will only be served in the dining room, thus encouraging patrons to explore the bar and lounge with drinks and antipasti, and further enjoy Morella as a dinner destination. To finish the night on a sweet ending, the dessert selections will feature Coconut Panna Cotta ($14) and Alfajores con Dulce de Leche: traditional Argentinian cookie sandwich ($12).
Following the opening, Morella will soon introduce a weekly Sunday special of Pork Milanese: breaded and fried pork shoulder, smoked ham, mozzarella cheese, basil, marinara sauce ($26), inspired by Lionel Messi, the most decorated professional soccer player in the world. As an avid soccer fan, it was very important for Chef Dominguez to recreate Messi’s favorite dish. Says Dominguez, “I’ve admired Messi for years and saw an interview where he said the one thing that he missed most from home was his mother’s milanese, so I set out to recreate his all-time favorite dish at Morella.”
Sean Doolan (Morella co-owner) and Shane Caudill of Proof Positive have been tapped as Bar Manager and General Manager, respectively. Collectively, these two have worked in the Marina and the greater San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years, bringing a wealth of passion and experience to the neighborhood they live and work in.
The vibrant, playful cocktail menu is centered around cocktail styles that reflect a certain personality type. The “Spritzy” section features new and familiar flavors, such as The Morella: Italicus bergamot liqueur, blanco tequila, vanilla greek yogurt, lemon and prosecco ($14); and Funky Flamingo: peach and orange blossom infused vodka, Lillet rose, citrus and sparkling rose ($14).
The “Sassy” sour drinks section includes Life’s a Beach: blanco tequila, hibiscus, citrus, egg white ($16) and Loveless: pisco, apricot, citrus, egg white ($16). The “Classy” are spirit-driven, classic cocktails like the Wake me up in Manhattan: rye, Magdala orange liqueur, maraschino, amaro, and Luxardo espresso coffee liqueur ($16) and Summer Martini: gin, fino sherry, Cocchi Americano and Cointreau ($16), a twist on the 50-50 martini. The “Messy” drinks, named after the legendary Argentine soccer star Leonil Messi, are refreshing and citrus forward cocktails. They include Frozen Messi Mojito: Morella’s Rum Blend, mint water, lime and topped with our fresh seasonal fruit and puree ($15).
Paying homage to tradition, the menu will feature a caffeine-rich infused herbal cocktail called the Caffetini with vKetel One vodka, Mr. Black Coffee liqueur, mocha yerba mate, cold brew ($16); and Fernet con Coca as “cheeky shots”: 1oz Fernet Branca, Coca Cola served on the side ($7).
Morella will serve one of San Francisco’s largest by the glass featuring Argentinian and Italian wines as well as Napa and Sonoma wines like Opus One. This will allow diners to explore boutique wines without the by the bottle price.
Morella’s design embraces the bold use of vibrant colors, patterns, and layering to create a space that celebrates Argentina’s immigrant culture. An earthy theme of cordyceps and mushroom-shaped designs will be interwoven throughout the space alongside jewel tones. Pink quartz, emerald, and sapphire colors will be incorporated in the furniture, wallpaper, U-shaped banquette seating, and the comfortable tufted dining room chairs and bar area stools.
The variety of ornate crystal chandeliers will adorn the dining room and gold gilded sconces that grace the space will add sultry mood lighting. Palm and olive tree accents will create a playful and fun subtropical/Mediterranean vibe, and foliage adorning the ceiling will welcome guests walking into the doors and taking a seat. Finally, Morella installed a magnificent atrium mural above the bar area. In essence, the space will be a destination for a night out in the city, a casual drink with friends in the neighborhood, or an intimate social gathering. The design is the definition of maximalism.
The Smoked Spirit Society by Proof Positive is a bespoke bottle club, where discerning and devoted drinkers of the best whiskeys and bourbons can indulge in the finest selections and exclusive experiences with an annual membership. Members can elevate their whiskey journey with curated single barrels, VIP perks, and a community of fellow enthusiasts.
For $450 a year, members receive four handpicked single barrel expert selections, ready for pickup at quarterly release parties as well as exclusive member perks such as 15% off their whiskey tab before 10 p.m. nightly at Westwood in San Francisco, have exclusive access to limited edition and allocated bottles, and engage with fellow whiskey enthusiasts and experts in a community of like-minded aficionados. Now at Morella, Spirit Society Members can access these perks at Proof Positive’s newest concept in the Marina.
Morella is located at 2001 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123. The restaurant and bar will be open Tuesday to Sunday starting at 4:00 p.m. until late, with food service beginning at 4:30 p.m.
