7 Unmissable New & Updated Spots On Chestnut Street, San Francisco: The 2025 Must-See List
Chestnut Street in San Francisco’s famed Marina District is not just a street; it’s the vibrant, beating heart of one of the city’s most coveted neighborhoods, offering a quintessential blend of upscale boutiques, cozy cafes, and buzzing nightlife. As of late December 2025, the corridor is buzzing with fresh energy, proving that even classic San Francisco destinations are constantly evolving with exciting new retail and culinary additions.
This dynamic street is a key artery running parallel to Union Street, connecting the historic Presidio to the stunning views of the Bay. From groundbreaking real estate trends to major renovations and hot new dining experiences, Chestnut Street remains a premier destination for locals and visitors seeking the best of San Francisco living and leisure.
The Evolving Landscape: Chestnut Street's Latest 2025 Updates
The vitality of Chestnut Street is defined by its continuous cycle of renewal. The last few years have seen significant investment and new arrivals, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for shopping, dining, and culture. Here are the most significant and exciting updates shaping the street's character right now.
1. The Culinary Scene’s New Star: Morella
The dining landscape on Chestnut Street received a major injection of flavor with the opening of Morella. This new Italian-Argentine restaurant, located at 2001 Chestnut St., is the latest project from the Proof Positive restaurant group. Morella has quickly become a standout, offering a unique blend of authentic flavors, with a menu featuring everything from exquisite steaks to comforting pastas. It’s already garnered a reputation as a great spot for groups, a good brunch option, and a top-tier dinner destination.
2. Retail Revitalization: The Gap Renovation
A major anchor of the street, the Gap store at 2159 Chestnut St., has undergone a significant and celebrated renovation. As one of the last remaining Gap locations in San Francisco, the redesign pays homage to the brand's rich history while introducing a modern, refreshed shopping experience. The newly renovated store, which features items like multicolored hoodies and a fleece shop, signifies a renewed commitment to brick-and-mortar retail in the Marina District.
3. Home Décor & Lifestyle: New Furniture Flagships
Chestnut Street is rapidly becoming a hub for home goods and lifestyle brands. The recent opening of the Joybird décor shop brought a fresh, modern furniture outlet to the corridor. Adding to this trend, there is strong anticipation surrounding the potential opening of Thuma, another popular furniture brand, which has been rumored to be opening a location on the street in late 2025. These additions diversify the shopping experience beyond fashion, catering to the affluent local clientele.
4. The Future of Art: The SFAI Building Reopening
While not strictly on the main shopping stretch, the historic San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) building at 800 Chestnut St. is set for a major transformation. The shuttered, historic campus is planned to reopen to the public under an ambitious new plan spearheaded by Laurene Powell Jobs. This development is poised to reignite the cultural and educational significance of the eastern end of Chestnut Street, impacting the entire surrounding neighborhood with a fresh influx of creative energy.
Chestnut Street Real Estate & Market Trends in 2025
The real estate market surrounding Chestnut Street—primarily within the highly desirable Marina District and Cow Hollow—remains one of the most robust and competitive in the city. The street’s proximity to the Bay, the Presidio, and its vibrant commercial corridor makes it a prime location for high-value properties.
San Francisco Real Estate Snapshot (Q2-Q4 2025):
- The citywide median house price reached approximately $1.86 million in the second quarter of 2025, marking the highest point since Q2 2022.
- District 7, which encompasses the Marina and Cow Hollow, has seen some of the highest median house prices in the city, reflecting the premium placed on this specific locale.
- Specific sales, such as the one at 111 Chestnut St. in November 2025, underscore the continued strength of the market, with properties moving at high valuations.
- Despite some fluctuations, the median listing home price in San Francisco remained strong, hovering around $1.2 million, with a median price per square foot of $945 as of September 2025.
The market’s resilience highlights Chestnut Street’s enduring appeal as a lifestyle destination, where residents are willing to pay a premium for walkability and access to high-quality amenities.
The Essential Chestnut Street Experience: Timeless Entities
Beyond the new openings, several classic and essential entities define the enduring appeal of the Chestnut Street corridor. These are the spots that provide the authentic Marina District experience, blending local charm with upscale offerings.
5. The Gastropub Anchor: The Tipsy Pig
For those seeking comfort food and craft cocktails, The Tipsy Pig is a perennial favorite. This distinctly Californian gastropub is known for its locally sourced ingredients and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect evening spot for dinner or drinks. It exemplifies the neighborhood eatery vibe that balances the street’s high-end retail.
6. Local Fashion Staple: Marine Layer
Chestnut Street is a fantastic destination for boutique shopping, and local brands thrive here. Marine Layer, a San Francisco-based clothing company known for its incredibly soft fabrics, maintains a popular shop on the street. It's the go-to place for picking up that extra layer of casual, comfortable, and distinctly Californian style.
7. Infrastructure and Improvement: Public Works Projects
The city is continually investing in the street’s infrastructure to improve the pedestrian experience. SF Public Works has been actively engaged in ongoing projects, including Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS) work and the installation of bus bulbs and bus pads, particularly at the intersection of Fillmore St. and Chestnut St. These improvements, while occasionally disruptive, are essential for modernizing the corridor and ensuring its long-term functionality and safety for the high volume of foot traffic.
Chestnut Street’s blend of established institutions and fresh, exciting additions—from new Italian cuisine at Morella to the major renovation of the Gap store and the promise of a cultural revival at the SFAI building—confirms its status as a dynamic and essential part of San Francisco. Whether you are interested in the latest home décor, the bustling real estate market, or a perfect weekend brunch, Chestnut Street offers an unmissable, constantly updated experience.
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