NOPA – No Ordinary Porkchop Ambitions

NOPA was much larger than I had expected. It’s a open loft-like space with high ceilings and gigantic windows. The restaurant was packed at 6:30pm on a weekday – a diverse mix of diners, families (a rare sight in most SF restaurants), and folks at the bar. Unfortunately, the service suffered. My friend and I waited over 15 minutes for our waitress to take our order, and finally flagged one down someone so we could at least order a drink.

Little Fried Fish & Sauce Romesco – the fish had a slightly unpleasant metallic taste and could have used more seasoning, but the sweetness of romesco sauce was a nice complement.

Shaved Asparagus Salad, Bacon, Sherry Onions, & Poached Eggs – baconlicious! The thick cuts of bacon were so tasty, and the oozing yolk from the perfectly poached egg pulled all the components together…hearty and flavorful, just like I like my salads.
Housemade Tortelloni, Fava Bean Puree, Wild Mushroom, & Ricotta Salata – the pasta had a nice, firm texture, but overall this dish was bland and uninteresting…even the earthiness from the mushrooms seemed watered down.
Country Pork Chop, Artichoke Hearts, Kumquats, & Polenta – WOW! This pork chop was lip-smacking good! It was thick, juicy, and packed with savory goodness. They brine the pork, which keeps it tender and locks in the flavors. This is one of THE BEST pork chops I’ve had in a very long time. The polenta and artichokes were also good, but I couldn’t focus on anything other than that beautifully seared hunk of meat!
NOPA does a phenomenal job with their meat dishes (particularly pork), but the other items I had were lackluster, so I would say come here and be a carnivore…and definitely do NOT eat here without having the pork chop! Oink, oink, baby!

BITE METER: NOPA – 3.5 bites (out of 5)