If you thought brunch couldn’t get any more fabulous, think again! We ventured to Movida Lounge in San Francisco’s dynamic SoMa district, where Persian-Mexican fusion cuisine meets high-energy drag performances for an unforgettable Sunday experience.
Movida Lounge, celebrated for its MICHELIN Guide recognition, is not just a restaurant but a vibrant destination for culinary adventure and entertainment. Nestled just blocks from Oracle Park, this hotspot merges the rich, aromatic flavors of Persian cuisine with the bold, comforting dishes of Mexico, creating a brunch experience like no other.
Our brunch began with an explosion of flavors. The Chilaquiles were a standout—a decadent plate of seasoned corn tortilla chips drenched in tomatillo and green plum salsa, topped with over-easy eggs, labneh, avocado, cotija cheese, pickled onions, pomegranate chicken tinga, and fresh cilantro. Each bite was a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and sweet, making it a must-try for any brunch enthusiast.
The Avocado Toast was another revelation. Movida’s take featured house-made barbari toast layered with zaatar avocados, pickled shallots, dill, toasted pepitas, pistachio crumble, and a perfectly cooked egg. It was a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy, with a hint of spice from the zaatar.
We also indulged in the Persian Greens, a fresh and vibrant salad of local greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, sumac onions, pepitas, and cotija cheese. Dressed with a pistachio green goddess dressing and served with saffron chicken skewers, it was a refreshing yet hearty dish that captured the essence of Persian flavors.
For dessert, Movida Lounge does not disappoint. The Churros, crispy and dusted with cinnamon sugar, were served with a decadent combination of chocolate, urfa biber, saffron, and rose water. The Baklava, with its flaky pastry, pistachios, walnuts, and smoky guajillo pepper syrup, provided a sweet and slightly spicy finish to our meal.
Adding to the allure of Movida Lounge is its Sunday Funday drag brunch. Our visit featured thrilling performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor Deedee Marie Holliday, Drag Race Philippines’ John Fedellaga, and the tantalizing tita The Ariola, all masterfully hosted by local drag icon Ehra Amaya. Each performance was a burst of color, energy, and charisma, making it clear that Movida is as much about the spectacle as it is about the cuisine.
For those who missed our visit, don’t worry! You can dive into Shishi Drag Brunch Sundays on September 29th for a blend of world-class drag performances, bottomless brunch, and signature cocktails.
Sunday Brunch Menu & Shishi Specials
- Bottomless Food & Drink Packages – Unlimited champagne pours, craft cocktails, and mocktails packages starting at $69. Plus get 25% Off wine and champagne bottles.
- Persian-Mexican Fusion Brunch Entrées – Savory and sweet traditional menu items like, Koobideh Breakfast Cheeseburger, Chilaquiles, Brioche French Toast, and Pistachio-Infused Aroz Con Leche.
- Hand-Crafted Cocktails & Mocktails – Signature drink items include Movida Pomegranate Mimosa, Tomatillo Mary, Cama De Rosas and the fresh Pico Lima mocktails.
- Caviar Service – Packages Starting at $97.
Movida Lounge is where extraordinary brunch meets unparalleled entertainment. Don’t miss this exceptional fusion of award-winning cuisine and high-energy drag performances. For more details and to make reservations, visit: www.movidalounge.com
Check out our video recap here: