When Bergerac debuted in 2013, it was billed as a “clubby SoMa cocktail hideaway.” Now, just over 12 years later, the team behind Bergerac has reimagined the space, closing down in early October 2025 for renovations. On Tuesday, December 9, the space at 316 11th Street will be reborn as Bella, mustering Italian summer vibes paired with the feel of a vintage listening lounge. It’s a step away from the dark woods, deep purples and greens, and “shabby-chic interior” that Bergerac debuted with all those years ago; in 2025, the space is brightened up with lime-washed terracotta walls and new furniture, plus an improved speaker system and DJ booth, food menu, and drinks.
“Bella” isn’t a person; as co-owner Jeff Davis explains it, it’s about a vibe. The ownership came up with the fictional character dubbed “Bella,” who lives on the Amalfi Coast in the late ’60s with a house that rock stars, politicians, and socialites gravitate towards for a good time of cocktails, bites, and playing records. “It’s a sexy vibe, but not pretentious,” Davis says. “The idea is to stay away from being pretentious and, ‘Oh, it’s too fancy.’ We don’t want it to be a jewel box you’re afraid to come into. … There’s no dress code, there’s nothing like that. It’s still San Francisco at its core.”
Audio, the music venue above the bar, has continued with its live shows during the renovation, but Davis considers the two spaces “polar opposites.” Audio is the more intense, ticketed live-music experience, while Bella is an open-to-the-public escape from the chaos for cocktails and a bite.
Signature cocktails at Bella will clock in at around $15, while the food also aims for affordability, with the goal of attracting a wide-ranging clientele. If that pricing wasn’t already impressive enough for our expensive city, consider that a happy hour running from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, will see pricing slashed down by 50 percent, to about $8 per drink or dish. It’s perfect for luring in neighbors and workers, Davis notes, detailing the crowds he’s seen in SoMa. “I’m excited for this neighborhood, I’m excited for the rebirth of San Francisco and bringing something new to SoMa in general,” Davis says.
Chef Jake Lucas of Palm House developed the lounge-friendly, Italian-influenced dishes that are aimed towards a bar-going crowd. Think an arancini tower, creative shrimp cocktails, pizzettas, Parmesan fries, and chicken sliders. The team will also offer free bar bites, such as their version of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, but without “the orange stuff.” (Which should help keep the furniture cleaning to a minimum.)
Beverage director Antonio Ricardez bar menu focuses on specialty cocktails, martinis, and spritzes. Those sections will get their own Bella take, again folding in Italian influences. Spritzes branch out past the typical Aperol-laden version, such as the Amalfi Spritzer, which incorporates limoncello and prosecco in it, while others take on different amari. Even their espresso martini features an amaro in it, Davis says. The Traveler is their gin and Campari cocktail, with passion fruit, Manzanilla sherry, and lemon in it. Groups can also splurge on a punch bowl that serves four to six people. It’s just the thing to bring back groups into downtown.
“The vibe is, [Bella] goes from daylight to sundown to the midnight hour,” Davis says. “The music transforms, the light transforms, the vibe transforms. It goes from an afternoon cocktail, and the next thing you know, it’s one o’clock in the morning, and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’ve been here for this long,’ but it’s because you don’t want to leave.”
Bella (316 11th Street, San Francisco) debuts on Tuesday, December 9, and is open from 5 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.