International Smoke – Mina/Curry Production
Things are heating up south of Market Street with the much-anticipated arrival of International Smoke from celebrity chef Michael Mina and Bay Area girl boss, Ayesha Curry. Curry has slowly been building a culinary empire hosting two TV cooking shows, authoring her own cook book, launching a meal kit company, and now finally creating her own restaurant (not to mention finding time to be the wife of Steph Curry and mom to two adorable children—what can’t she do?).
For those unfamiliar with the journey of International Smoke, it began as one of the rotating pop-up concepts for Michael Mina’s restaurant, The MINA Test Kitchen, which regularly partners with chefs to showcase different menus. Recognizing they had something special on their hands, Curry and Mina collaborated to launch a full-scale restaurant.
This trendy, hip spot is embellished with copper columns, moody lighting, and graffiti in various languages etched into the wall. Naturally, the food here really steals the show—a collection of cuisine from around the world with a range of spice, flavor, and, of course, smokiness. 301 Mission Street.