Lord Stanley (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | June 11, 2015 in San Francisco, California, United States |
| Founder | Rupert and Carrie Blease |
| Defunct | May 31, 2025 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | European cuisine, primarily French cuisine |
Lord Stanley operated as a dining establishment in San Francisco's Russian Hill district, offering primarily European cuisine with an emphasis on French cuisine. Established in 2015 by the chef duo Rupert and Carrie Blease, it was awarded a Michelin star consistently from 2015 through 2021. The restaurant temporarily ceased operations amid the pandemic, during which it hosted rotating chef pop-up events under the name Turntable by Lord Stanley. It resumed service in 2023 but ultimately closed permanently on May 31, 2025.
History
Lord Stanley debuted on June 11, 2015, representing the inaugural project of chefs Rupert and Carrie Blease.[1] The establishment earned a Michelin star within its first few months, in October of that year, and was recognized by Bon Appétit magazine as the third-best new restaurant in 2016.[2] Its Michelin star status was upheld for four consecutive years.[3]
Amid pandemic-related restrictions, the Bleases collaborated with chef Brandon Jew to launch Lord Jiu's, a takeout-focused venture, while simultaneously offering meal kits and wine selections through Lord Stanley. In September 2021, Lord Stanley closed its doors and was reintroduced as Turntable at Lord Stanley, showcasing a series of guest chefs including Argentinian Narda Lepes.[3]
Operations recommenced in October 2023 with Nathan Matkowsky stepping in as chef de cuisine,[4] while Turntable pop-ups continued at separate locations.[5] In March 2025, the proprietors revealed Matkowsky’s departure alongside the decision to close the restaurant permanently as of May 31, 2025.[6]
Restaurant
Situated in a former Thai dining venue within Polk Gulch, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Lord Stanley derived its name from the owners’ favored London pub. The interior design by Boor Bridges Architecture and Upcycle Builders incorporated steel and concrete elements complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden furnishings. The primary dining room accommodated 40 guests, with an additional communal table seating 12 located on a mezzanine level.
At its inception, the menu featured contemporary European dishes accented by Californian influences. The Michelin Guide characterized the cuisine as blending "half European and half Californian" styles with food that was "approachable yet refined." Diners could choose between tasting menus or à la carte options, with service charges included in pricing following European customs. Upon reopening in 2023, the culinary focus shifted toward French fare infused with Asian elements, later described by the San Francisco Chronicle as embodying a "modern bistro" atmosphere.
The inventive approach to vegetable preparation received critical acclaim. In 2016, Michael Bauer of the Chronicle praised Lord Stanley as "a very good restaurant [that] has evolved into one of the most interesting restaurants in the city." By 2020, it was recognized as one of San Francisco’s more affordable Michelin-starred venues.
See also
External links
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- 2015 establishments in California
- 2025 disestablishments in California
- Defunct European restaurants in the United States
- Defunct Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco
- European restaurants in San Francisco
- Michelin-starred European restaurants in the United States
- Restaurants disestablished in 2025
- Restaurants established in 2015