SF Waterfront Restaurant Gets Reno

Sea-to-table dining destination La Mar Cocina Peruana (San Francisco) has taken the wraps off reimagined interiors by Eight Inc. (San Francisco) and an expanded, updated menu by Executive Chef Victoriano Lopez. The refreshed design draws inspiration from Peru and the restaurant’s Embarcadero waterfront setting, creating a sleek yet inviting ambiance, project participants say.

“This transformation elevates the guest experience both visually and functionally, while staying true to our sea-to-table philosophy and spirited hospitality,” said Director of Operations Thomas Medl. “La Mar has always been more than a restaurant, it’s a gathering place where guests can share meaningful moments, enjoy world-class Peruvian cuisine, and celebrate life in a warm, welcoming setting.”

La Mar’s renovation unifies the restaurant’s five key areas: the bar (remodeled in 2023), lobby, chef’s table, main dining room and outdoor patio, creating a seamless and immersive guest experience. The space features deep cyan ceramic tiling, built-in Naugahyde indigo-tide banquettes and a new host stand.

Enhanced lighting transitions the space from day to night, including directional overhead lights and hand-shaped acrylic fixtures that evoke jellyfish above select round tables. A new overhang partially encloses the kitchen to concentrate energy within the dining room, while fluted, reeded glass panels offer a semi-private dining option at the adjacent chef’s table. Outdoors, the refreshed patio now features new furnishings, lush planters, refinished wood flooring and ambient lighting.

The eatery, which opened in 2008 on Pier 1½ on San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, is one of 10 restaurants bearing that brand globally.