Pristine

Pristine is exactly the kind of place locals have been waiting for—a bistro that takes its mission seriously without taking itself too seriously. The exposed stone walls and industrial fixtures create a warm, unpretentious atmosphere where you can actually hear your tablemates over the music. What sets this place apart is their commitment to hyperlocal, seasonal ingredients that somehow taste even better for it.

The food is where they really shine. The mushroom tart is a must-order—crispy crust, umami-packed filling, and those paper-thin raw mushroom slices on top add a brilliant texture contrast. Don't skip the eggs mayonnaise with kimchi either; what could be a simple dish becomes something genuinely special with the addition of smoked chili and homemade mayo. Even the bread service with smoke-flavored whipped butter is worth the trip alone.

It's not perfect—the ice cream sandwich dessert felt like an afterthought compared to the rest of the meal—but the savory dishes more than make up for it. The portion sizes are generous enough to share, making it ideal for groups. If you're in the 9th and want to eat well without the pretension, this is your spot.