Il Porto Coming to Pier 31 in Spring 2027, Bringing a New Waterfront Café and Gathering Place at the Gateway to Alcatraz
Courtesy Buen Rallo
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and Buen Rallo Hospitality Group will create an all-day café connecting visitors and locals to San Francisco’s waterfront and the national park experience
SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 21, 2026) — A new all-day café is coming to Pier 31 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy has signed a lease agreement with Karl City LLC, part of Buen Rallo Hospitality Group, to open Il Porto, giving Alcatraz visitors and Bay Area locals a destination to eat, drink, and take in the waterfront. Construction is already underway, with an opening projected for spring 2027.
Located at the exclusive departure point for Alcatraz Island, Il Porto will give visitors a place to begin or extend their national park experience before or after their trip to the island. It will also offer locals and waterfront visitors a new destination along the Embarcadero, connecting the energy of the city with more than 82,000 acres of national park lands across the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
“We’ve always believed the best park experiences start even before you arrive at your park destination,” said Christine Lehnertz, President and CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “Il Porto brings that feeling right to the San Francisco waterfront. It’s a place to grab a coffee, meet a friend, and feel connected to the Bay and the parks all around you.”
The 3,760-square-foot indoor-outdoor café will feature fresh, locally inspired food, a bar program and grab-and-go options. During the day, Il Porto will build on the spirit of Buen Rallo Hospitality Group’s Il Parco and Colibri restaurants in the Presidio, and the upcoming La Piazza in Union Square, with seasonal offerings and locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, music and light bites will shift the space into a relaxed waterfront gathering place.
The concept is designed to serve the waterfront throughout the day, from morning coffee and pre-Alcatraz stops to after-work gatherings and evenings with friends. Plans also include opportunities for community groups to gather in the space.
“Expanding to Pier 31 felt like a natural next step for us,” said Eduardo Rallo, founder of Buen Rallo Hospitality Group. “The Embarcadero is such a special part of San Francisco and we are excited to bring what we do to that side of the city. Il Porto is the kind of place where you can start your morning, grab a drink after work, or settle in for the evening. We just want people to feel at home.”
Il Porto builds on the Parks Conservancy’s long history of public-private partnerships that enhance the national park experience. That legacy includes Presidio Tunnel Tops, Lands End Lookout and the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. At Pier 31, the café will extend that approach to one of San Francisco’s most traveled waterfront corridors and the gateway to Alcatraz.
The Parks Conservancy and its partners at the National Park Service and Alcatraz City Cruises welcome approximately 1.4 million people annually to Alcatraz Island. Pier 31 is also within walking distance of the Ferry Building, Exploratorium and North Beach, with transit access and year-round foot traffic.
“Some of the best national park experiences begin before you ever set foot on a trail or board a boat,” said David Smith, General Superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. “Public-private partnerships like this help us create welcoming places for people to connect with national parks.”
Il Porto arrives amid continued investment in San Francisco’s waterfront and downtown core. By creating an active, welcoming destination for both visitors and residents, the café is designed to add to the momentum along the Embarcadero and give people another reason to spend time on the waterfront.
"The Port celebrates the arrival of Il Porto to San Francisco’s waterfront," said Michael Martin, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. "The Port welcomes investments that bring new energy and vitality to the Embarcadero, which attracts visitors from across the city and the region. Welcoming places like Il Porto give people another reason to visit, gather, and enjoy. Enhancing the already-popular Alcatraz Landing attraction strengthens the energy of the Embarcadero and supports the city’s ongoing revitalization."
About the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy:
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The GGNRA spans more than 82,000 acres, including iconic park sites such as Muir Woods, Ocean Beach and Alcatraz Island. The Parks Conservancy works to preserve these parks, enhance visitor experiences and foster a community dedicated to conserving the parks for the future. Learn more at parksconservancy.org.
About Buen Rallo Hospitality Group:
Buen Rallo, founded and operated by acclaimed restaurateur Eduardo Rallo, is a Bay Area hospitality group known for its exceptional dining experiences. With a growing portfolio that includes Parranga, Il Parco, Suspiro, Colibri Mexican Bistro, Zazil, and El Jardin, the group is renowned for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, and impeccable service. Buen Rallo is also set to expand its San Francisco footprint with the upcoming openings of Il Porto at Pier 31 and La Piazza in Union Square. Eduardo Rallo’s passion for food and hospitality has shaped the group’s unique culinary offerings across Peruvian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines, creating memorable dining experiences for every guest.
