Izzy’s on the Peninsula, now on its second week after reopening, continues to wow guests with exquisitely modernized new items at Izzys menu and its newly renovated space. Founded in 1987 by the renowned Bay Area restaurateur Sam DuVall, Izzy’s pays homage to Isadore “Izzy” Gomez, a colorful saloon keeper on San Francisco’s Barbary Coast in the early 20th century.
The second generation of the DuVall family now oversees the operation of Izzys, particularly Managing Partner Samantha DuVall Bechtel, the only child and daughter of DuVall who passed away recently in 2020.
The New Place
Having worked 11 years in the commercial real estate business, it was Samantha DuVall Bechtel who spearheaded the renovations for Izzy’s on the Peninsula together with Gachot Studios – all for the aim of keeping her father’s dream alive.
The transformation has breathed new life into the 7,500-square-foot restaurant, introducing a light, airy, and sophisticated ambiance. The seating capacity has expanded to accommodate 270 guests, featuring two private dining rooms – the Pacific Room and the Barbary Room – as well as a classic bar and lounge, an alfresco dining and event space called The Garden and a semi-private event space called Isadore’s Table.
Highlighting the new place is a painting – mural paying homage to the steakhouse’s history. “There are a number of really fun Easter eggs in that mural that nod to the past in our history,” DuVall Bechtel said. “From the imagery of my father and also regulars and team members that have worked for us for many, many years, there’s just a lot of fun history interpreted there.”
The New on Izzys Menu
According to an interview by Adrienne Mitchel, Samantha recalls how close she and her father were: “My father and I were very, very close.. I had the opportunity to grow up taking drives with him to the Mission to pick up tomatoes and try all the different restaurants that he wanted to try that were opening up in the ‘80s and ‘90s in San Francisco, which was really a lot of fun.”
Under the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Vincent Castillo, the menu at Izzy’s has seen exciting additions this 2024. Guests can expect about 60% of the menu from Izzy’s San Carlos and 40% to be new, according to DuVall Bechtel. You’ll still see steakhouse classics like New York strip steak, filet mignon and prime rib, but you’ll also see vegetarian options like Mushroom Bolognese (made with mushrooms sourced from Gilroy-based mushroom farm Global Mushrooms) and farm-to-table options like the daily crudo.
Shareable appetizers now include a range of options, from small bites like Deviled Eggs and Crudite from the Garden with Green Goddess Dressing to Dungeness Crab Hushpuppies, Fritto Misto, and slow-braised Oxtail Jam with Sourdough Toast Points.
The signature lineup of steaks and chops, sourced from renowned providers such as Creekstone Farms and Flannery Beef, showcases mouthwatering options. The Gomez, a prime rib dish accompanied by Izzys potatoes and creamed spinach, takes center stage alongside the Steak au Poivre. The seafood menu boasts classics like Shrimp Scampi, Snake River Trout, and Atlantic Salmon with bell pepper piperade and pickled fennel.
“We’re really lucky in the Bay Area to have such incredible farms and local purveyors,” according to DuVall Bechtel. “We are really starting to showcase that seasonally on our menu, whereas before, the menu didn’t really change with the seasons.”
At the newly reopened Izzys on the Peninsula, one cannot miss the signature entree, The Gomez, a delectable prime rib paired with Izzy’s potatoes and creamed spinach. The dessert menu has also been refreshed, featuring made-to-order Glazed Crullers and a seasonal Roasted Pear Bread Pudding.
See you at Izzy’s
“We are so excited to be back in this community and want to thank everyone for all of the patience while we finished our improvements and are getting our legs back under us to really be here, hopefully for the next many decades,” DuVall Bechtel said.
As you indulge in the culinary delights at Izzys on the Peninsula, each dish is a testament to the dedication of the DuVall Family Restaurant Group to creating an exceptional dining experience. The combination of a refreshed atmosphere and the tantalizing flavors makes Izzys a must-visit destination for those seeking a delightful dining experience on the Peninsula.
Be sure to visit them soon!
Sources: Mountain View Voice, Izzy’s on the Peninsula Official Yelp Page, Mercury News, Izzy’s on the Peninsula Official Website
For the latest news in San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog
The Gomez
Steak Au Poivre
Deviled Eggs
Mushroom Bolognese
Various appetizers
