Sydney duo behind Hotel San Francisco bar-eatery

With the Australian invasion of California in full swing (Little Ruby, Great White and Ministry of Coffee among the Aussie new arrivals in Los Angeles), a couple of Sydney hospitality veterans have decided to land up the coast in food hub San Francisco.

Both are hard at work with coming Sydney restaurants, Paul Schulte at the controversial Pasadena in Church Point, and Mike Timbs is set to open Teddy Larkins at Freshwater.

But they've found time to team with San Francisco-based Tom Glenwright and Priscilla Dosiou to open the ambitiously named Hotel San Francisco bar-eatery. Since opening last week it has already garnered good reviews for its cod bouillabaisse and kampachi crudo, and its sassy interior.

Schulte says they spotted a gap in the competitive San Francisco market for bars with a strong food menu, so decided to jump in. After numerous delays and opposition to the Pasadena development, Schulte says he's enjoyed an easy passage for the opening of Hotel San Francisco.

While they didn't want to play to an Australian theme with their Californian start-up, it does offer a few clues: there's a rhinestone boomerang on the wall and reviewers are quick to point out Aussie "lollies" arrive with the bill.

Hotel San Francisco, 653 Commercial Road, San Francisco.