San Francisco, CA -- Mayor London N. Breed today joined City leaders and workers from the Civic Center area to celebrate the opening of beloved San Francisco eatery Limoncello's new outpost in the Civic Center Plaza café kiosk - building on the City's momentum to successfully enliven the area that was kickstarted last fall with the creation of a popular skatepark and full roster of fitness classes and concerts in neighboring UN Plaza.

The Italian deli, grocery, and café - a neighborhood favorite in Pacific Heights and the Mission District - will begin serving pizza, sandwiches, and gelato in its third location today. With a backdrop of City Hall and an outdoor gathering space next to the Helen Diller Playgrounds, Limoncello is the latest addition to the Civic Center area's revitalization.

The opening will also coincide with a larger day of celebration in the Civic Center area with the unveiling of the Dr. Maya Angelou Monument.

"Our parks and open spaces are so vital to our neighborhoods and a significant resource for San Francisco families and kids, residents and visitors," said Mayor London Breed. "The investment we have made into revitalizing the Civic Center area, including UN Plaza, is good for the surrounding neighborhoods and it is great to see people from everywhere enjoying these amenities. Now with Limoncello moving into the cafe kiosk, we have more to feature in this area that serves so many people."

Through the City's multi-agency coordinated efforts to strengthen public safety, enhance streetscaping and maintenance, and provide fun programming in a safe and clean environment, there has been a 70% drop in daytime drug-related incidents at UN Plaza over the last 10 months compared to the same period in 2022-2023.

Adjacent to the renovated UN Plaza is the Heart of the City Farmers Market, where summer crowds have exceeded last fall's average when the market first moved to Fulton Plaza. And the monthly SF Vintage Market, a new addition to Fulton Plaza, attracted 1,600 visitors just last month alone. Additional plans for the area include a football field-sized array of color changing lights over Fulton Plaza by San Francisco-based light artist Josh Hubert and Illuminate.

San Francisco Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the Civic Center CBD, Urban Alchemy, San Francisco Public Library, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Parks Alliance and recreation providers, have transformed Civic Center, Fulton and UN plazas with an array of entertainment and programming, drawing visitors and residents. Nearby events such as First Thursday block parties add to the fun. The addition of stepped-up street cleaning efforts in the area by San Francisco Public Works and ramped-up safety patrols have contributed to the area's revival.

"Limoncello's arrival at Civic Center Plaza is another fantastic addition to the ongoing transformation of this iconic space," said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. "Through partnerships and programming, we've created a vibrant, welcoming environment where food, culture and fun come together. We're excited to see this area continue to thrive as a destination for both residents and visitors alike."

Jelal Heydari first opened Limoncello in Pacific Heights in 2016 and its second location opened in the Mission neighborhood in 2022. His warmth for the community and use of fresh local ingredients has attracted loyal customers across the City. Heydari's first event at the new location today will be an appreciation party for the field crews and first responders working in Civic Center.

"We love being part of this city. Seeing the renewed energy and fun activities in the Civic Center presented an opportunity to serve people in an all-unique park venue," said Limoncello owner Jalal Heydari. "I'm excited and grateful for all the support from my family, my customers, the City and the Civic Center Community Benefit District. We are proud to be part of the revitalization of the area and look forward to contributing to the vibrant atmosphere."

Limoncello is located at 52 Grove Street in the Civic Center Plaza café kiosk. The kiosk opened in October 2018; part of a Civic Center renovation funded by a $13 million gift from the Helen Diller Family Foundation. Limoncello will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A weekend of activity in the area will follow. On Friday, indie rock band Portugal. The Man will perform in Civic Center Plaza, the second of three free concerts in Downtown plazas produced by Another Planet Entertainment. Limoncello will remain open until 9 p.m. for concertgoers. On Saturday, "Back to the Plaza," skateboarding competition will be held at UN Plaza while the SF Vintage Market is held at adjacent Fulton Plaza. Saturday and Sunday will feature an artwalk along four blocks of nearby Market Street.

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