San Francisco's Saluhall at Ikea Brings a Mix of Flavors to Downtown Dining Scene
ICARO Media Group
San Francisco's Ikea has introduced a unique and diverse dining experience with the opening of Saluhall, a food hall that offers a range of Scandinavian-inspired concepts and flavors. Nestled within the Ikea store on Market Street, Saluhall has quickly become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
One of the standout offerings at Saluhall is Smörgåsland, known for its Swedish pastries. The soft-serve outlet, Snöberg, also draws crowds with its oat-based vanilla soft-serve topped with "unicorn powder" made from cocoa nibs, sprinkles, and edible flowers. The soft-serve, priced at $8.02, has a creamy texture but some customers found it overly sweet.
Casa Boriequeña, a Puerto Rican restaurant, has also made its mark at Saluhall. Lucien Alexander, a customer who grew up between San Juan and New York City, rated the food a remarkable 98 out of 100. Though he noted that it didn't quite match the authentic Puerto Rican flavor, he praised it as being one of the best options for fast food. The mofongo cups, a dish made with fried chopped plantains, were particularly popular, priced at $13 for a plate of two.
Those in search of vegan options can head to Taqueria la Venganza, where the vegan "pollo" taco has garnered attention. Priced at $6, the taco is made with tofu and topped with tomatillo salsa, offering a bright acidity. While some diners found it satisfying, there were also mentions of an evident tofu aftertaste.
Among the bakery offerings, the frosnapper almond twist from Smörgåsland has gained recognition. Described as almondy, crunchy, and perfectly sweet, the foot-long pastry, priced at $6, has become a favorite among customers.
The addition of Saluhall at Ikea has been met with enthusiasm from locals, who hope it will help revitalize the downtown area. Melissa Chow, who works nearby, expressed her optimism, stating, "Maybe this will bring people back." With the recent opening of the posh working space on the fifth floor and plans for an upcoming fitness center on the fourth floor, Ikea's contribution to the downtown recovery has been met with praise. Mayor Breed even declared the opening day, August 23rd, as "Ikea Day" in San Francisco, solidifying the store's impact on the city.
Saluhall at Ikea has successfully created a unique dining experience in the heart of downtown San Francisco, offering a varied selection of Scandinavian-inspired flavors. With its diverse range of food concepts, Saluhall has quickly become a go-to destination for culinary enthusiasts looking to explore new and exciting flavors.