The area north of the Panhandle, a tiny, quiet stretch near Golden Gate Park, bordered by Divisadero and Masonic, Turk and Fell Streets, has garnered the notice of multigeneration natives looking for a spot for dining out in San Francisco with the arrival of Nopa, an excellent Mediterranean restaurant. Like any great neighbourhood spot, Nopa feels inviting and warm. A large communal table up front is ideal for solos looking to make friends. Tables in the upstairs mezzanine are best for somewhat quieter conversation. Do as the locals do-don your comfy jeans and order an elderflower gimlet. Choose from hearty Mediterranean fare like wood-roasted sardines and juicy rotisserie chicken. The vibe is funky urban rustic, and invites you to stay a while-even after dessert. Though still a work in progress, Nopa – with its friendly vibe and comfortable Mediterranean fare – has already made history. The restaurant-that-could has become one of the city’s trendiest destinations. Designer jeans and funky boots rule within the urban rustic dining hall, which is packed with a mix of neighbourhood friends and hipsters fresh off the 21 bus from the Tenderloin and Hayes Valley. Hipsters on the party train may think Nopa’s a little out of the way. Do as the Nopans do and make a night of it. The kitchen is open until 1am daily, and the staff are happy to let you linger.