URGENT UPDATE: A new culinary milestone is set to debut in San Francisco as Michelin-trained chef Patrick Gabon and partner Celine Wuu prepare to open Naides, a Filipino fine dining restaurant, in the heart of Nob Hill this December. Taking over the former Sons & Daughters space at 708 Bush Street, Naides will feature an innovative 11- to 15-course tasting menu that reinterprets traditional Filipino flavors through advanced culinary techniques.
The announcement comes as San Francisco continues to embrace elevated Filipino cuisine, a trend that has been gaining momentum in the Bay Area. Gabon and Wuu aim to redefine how Filipino dishes are perceived, employing preservation and fermentation methods typically associated with Nordic cuisine to showcase the rich flavors of the Philippines.
Gabon, who honed his skills at the prestigious two-Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, brings a wealth of experience to the venture. Wuu, also a seasoned chef with a background in three-Michelin-starred Benu, joined forces with Gabon after their culinary journeys took them to the acclaimed Restaurant Milka in Slovenia. Their time there inspired the unique approach they plan to adopt at Naides.
Gabon emphasizes that Naides will not follow the trend of flashy fusion dishes. Instead, the goal is to create authentic representations of Filipino food. For example, a bread course will feature pandesal with brioche elements, served alongside chicken sisig, chicken liver spread, and atchara. Gabon describes this as “a pretty fun course” that encourages diners to combine flavors creatively.
One standout dish will be a reimagined sinigang, traditionally a sour soup made with pork or shrimp. Gabon’s innovative version incorporates barbecue abalone in a clarified broth made from dry-aged beef stock, seasoned with tamarind and complemented by pickled daikon. “I would say the flavor is more on the Filipino side, and I’m very excited about that dish,” he shared.
In addition to the food, Wuu is tasked with creating a comprehensive beverage program that will prioritize sustainable and biodynamic wines while also featuring unique nonalcoholic options. Drawing from her experience at Milka, she plans to utilize kitchen scraps and local ingredients to craft beverages that enhance the dining experience.
Naides joins a growing list of upscale Filipino restaurants in the Bay Area, following in the footsteps of establishments like Abacá, which has garnered recognition for its contemporary Filipino-Californian cuisine. With the second-largest Filipino population in the U.S. residing in San Francisco, the demand for fine dining options that reflect this heritage continues to rise.
The new restaurant occupies a space previously celebrated for its culinary excellence, as Sons & Daughters earned acclaim for its New Nordic-inspired tasting menus. Following its relocation to a larger venue in the Mission District, the Nob Hill location is now poised for a fresh chapter under Gabon and Wuu’s guidance.
As December approaches, anticipation builds for the grand opening of Naides. The couple has already submitted their liquor license application, confirming their plans to welcome guests by the end of the year. For Gabon, this venture symbolizes a return to his roots, blending modern techniques with the flavors that have shaped his culinary identity.
Stay tuned for more updates as Naides prepares to redefine Filipino dining in San Francisco.
