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Under the Radar Food Towns in the Bay Area

Under the Radar Food Towns in the Bay Area

Picture of Christina Mueller

Christina Mueller

Once drive-bys, these Bay Area towns have kicked their food scenes into another gear. Add them to your bucket list.

Featured Photo: Alley & Vine

A simple illustration depicts concentric circles with lines pointing to four labeled dots. The labels are Tiburon, Petaluma, Richmond, and Alameda—Bay Area towns each indicating a location on the circles. The background is white, and the labels are in green text.

Under the Radar Food Map

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Alameda

A gourmet dish on a black plate features thinly sliced scallops arranged in a circular pattern, garnished with radish slices, green herbs, roasted cashews, and various sauces artistically drizzled around. This under-the-radar culinary masterpiece is perfect for foodies exploring Bay Area towns.
Photo: Courtesy of Nicola Parisi

Alley & Vine

The pink panther cocktail is impossible to resist with its cheery hue and sly hints of reposado tequila, but the menu from chef Jason Ryczek (Waterbar, Farallon) thrills at every turn. Oysters sing of the sea yet hint of basil, a dusting of serrano chile on scallop enhances its briny character without overwhelming and duck ‘a l’orange hints of Julia Child until it hits a bergamot high note to take the dish to a new place. alleyandvine.com

In a quaint Bay Area town, a colorful salad in a white bowl is topped with shredded yellow and purple vegetables, green bell peppers, peanuts, and crispy fried onions. A hand squeezes a lemon wedge over it, while surrounding dishes and ingredients await discovery.

Burma Superstar

A branch of the San Francisco original, this is the spot to find their famous fermented tea leaf salad (it, too, bedeviled by global supply chain issues), garlic noodles and ginger lime soju margaritas. burmasuperstar.com

A table filled with under-the-radar dishes, including a salad with chicken on a yellow plate, chips and guacamole, black beans, Cuban sandwiches, tamales, fried plantains, and a drink with a straw and ice. The food is arranged on colorful plates and bowls reminiscent of vibrant Bay Area towns.

Cholita Linda

Order a papito sandwich (steak, plantains, griddled onions) at the counter and wait for the buzzer to tell you your food is ready. While you are waiting, also order a tofu taco. All of the tacos are topped with a generous helping of addictive cabbage slaw and a customized lashing of crema for that hi-lo lunchtime savory idyll. cholitalinda.com

A close-up of a plate of pasta topped with crab claws, garnished with fresh parsley and crispy fried shallots. This under-the-radar dish is plated on a blue, round ceramic plate, emphasizing the rich textures and vibrant colors of the ingredients.

Spinning Bones

Lauded by Michelin in 2019 with a Bib Gourmand designation, a temple of barbecue and rotisserie leans into Asian spices and flavors. The St. Louis Ribs with yellow curry salt and pickled jalapeños are a hit, even better as the Double Dutch — they are paired with half a koji-inoculated chicken and served with chimichurri. spinningbones.com

A gastronomic presentation features neatly arranged fish pieces surrounded by small potato balls and red tomatoes in a rich, dark broth, garnished with herbs and crispy fried shallots—all served in a beige ceramic bowl, presenting an under-the-radar culinary delight reminiscent of Bay Area towns.
Photo: Courtesy of Juan Jaquez

Ceron Kitchen

Anticipation is high for this not-yet-open venture from chef Juan Jaquez (Boulevard) who launched a home-based catering business for his mole-braised short ribs and cod with minted pea puree and pea “granola” before landing a brick-and-mortar location to call home. ceronkitchen.com

Petaluma

A table with several dishes, centered by a bowl of meatballs in sauce. Surrounding plates include a serving of butter, bread, mashed potatoes, a dish with cucumbers, a boiled egg, and a plate with yellow sauce and a radish slice—reminiscent of the hidden flavors found in under-the-radar Bay Area towns.

Stockhome

Known for his work at San Francisco’s now-closed Pläj, Chef Roberth Sundell built a menu of foods he craved while in his native Sweden for his latest restaurant. Scandinavian comfort foods like meatballs and gravy thickened with veal stock, cream and allspice as well as the Mediterranean lamb kebab with saffron rice are top sellers on an eclectic menu that earned a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, but Sundell says his pickled herring is not to be missed. Imported Swedish herring is served with pickled vegetables, dill and rye crackers. “It’s a Swedish classic,” says Sundell who recommends the dish with a pilsner as the perfect holiday repast. stockhomerestaurant.com

A fluffy golden bun, split open to reveal succulent, shredded seasoned meat inside. The bun appears soft and slightly crisp on the outside with pepper seasoning sprinkled on top, resting on a white napkin against a blue background—a delicious find in one of those under-the-radar Bay Area towns.

Stellina Pronto

A wide counter and a few tiny tables make the latest effort from chef Christian Caiazzo (Osteria Stellina) seem more like a bakery than a restaurant. Sure, you can have an impeccably sourced salad or a focaccia sandwich with marinated chicken and arugula, but the Italian-inflected pastries are, indeed, a highlight. There’s a classic torta della nonna with vanilla custard and pine nuts and fresh veggie frittatas atop a glass case stuffed with morning buns, chocolate croissants and muffins. Chef recently detoured to Milan with two takes on brioche Veneziano, a yeasty, not-too-sweet breakfast bun that hails from Lombardy: one traditional, dusted with sugar and stuffed with pastry cream; the other savory with anchovy-braised Niman pork inside. stellinapronto.com

A slice of cheesecake topped with a red berry sauce, garnished with a sprig of mint and a cinnamon stick, served on a black plate with a small white bowl of dipping sauce to the side. The scene feels like one of those cozy spots in under-the-radar Bay Area towns, complete with a potted green plant in the background.

Ayawaska

Ridiculously fresh seafood is at the heart of a menu that features Peruvian flavors. Savor the catch of the day (it was recently halibut) in ceviche a la Huancaina with a “gravy” brightened with aji chile and yellow pepper or the pulpo anticuchero — that’s grilled octopus swiped until glistening with a bright chile sauce. The less adventurous can go for the seafood fried rice with fresh shellfish or the beef tenderloin with tomatoes and onions. ayawaskasf.com

A close-up image of a plate with a cut-open burrito stuffed with meat and vegetables, topped with green sauce. Next to it is a colorful side of shredded cabbage slaw. The background shows a busy kitchen environment with blurred figures and utensils.

Pearl

Middle Eastern flavors take the stage at a daytime cafe in Petaluma’s wharf district. The menu changes frequently but a pan-fried chicken falafel plate and local sand dabs with saffron corn and black-eyed pea salad express the California by way of Marrakesh cuisine. Enjoy it all on the sun-splashed patio or inside the small dining room. pearlpetaluma.com

A juicy cheeseburger topped with melted cheese, pickle slices, and shredded lettuce on a toasted bun sits on a white plate next to a generous portion of crispy golden French fries, much like the hidden culinary gems you’d find in under-the-radar Bay Area towns.

Brewsters Beer Garden

Yes, it’s a pub and you can call it grub but please do add an “elevated” for the distinct flair and seasonal inspirations that dot the menu. The must-order is the Sho-Burger, so named for the former chef, Todd Shoberg. Toppings change frequently (just roll with it) or try the rubbed baby carrots with buttermilk ranch and a rub flecked with paprika, cumin and cocoa powder. It all tastes even better on the huge patio — it’s wreathed in Edison bulbs for that just-so glow. brewstersbeergarden.com

Richmond

A close-up view of a pizza on a wooden surface. The pizza has a thin crust with slightly charred edges. It is topped with a generous amount of melted cheese and a dark, possibly black truffle or mushroom spread, distributed unevenly across the surface—an under the radar gem often found in cozy Bay Area towns.

Anaviv's Table

The indoor dining room boasts a huge communal where a tasting menu is custom-designed for your group by chef de cuisine Ian McQueen. Outdoors, however, the Open Market experience welcomes smaller parties. Pizzas are a must — fired over almond wood, the sourdough crust is topped with foraged mushrooms and huitlacoche and three cheeses for an umami bomb that is utterly unexpected in this industrial setting. The gluten-free fried chicken is marinated in ginger and gochujang before a toss in pulverized koshikari rice and rice flour, then dunked in rice bran oil. The result is a crisp, orange exterior that gives way to juicy flesh. anaviv.com

Close-up image of crispy, golden-brown quesatacos under the radar in Bay Area towns. The tacos are stuffed with melted cheese, cilantro, and finely chopped meat, with cheese oozing out and slightly browned on the hot skillet. The tortillas have a vibrant orange hue and are lightly dusted with spices.

El Garage

A driveway pop-up in a residential neighborhood launched the quesabirria trend in the Bay Area a few years ago and shows no sign of stopping. The San Francisco Chronicle included them in their Top 25 Restaurants list earlier this year and here’s why: the quesabirria tacos from the Montanos family — crunchy outside, irresistibly soft with just the right amount of salt and melted cheese inside — are irresistible. They formalized the deal last year, moving into a brick and mortar building not far from the original pop-up. elgarage.online

A white plate of creamy ravioli topped with shrimp, crumbled bacon, and garnished with chopped parsley is presented, creating a mouth-watering dish reminiscent of under-the-radar Bay Area towns.

Lara's Fine Dining

The bayfront location with views of the harbor and San Francisco attracts a crowd on a beautiful day. The Italian-American menu — Caprese salad, soft shell crab sandwich — is instantly familiar. The marina seafood soup and rack of lamb are worth the trip. larasfinedining.com

A brick building with large windows and a peaked roof has people seated at outdoor tables on the patio. The inside of the building is warmly lit, contrasting with the dim, overcast outdoor light. This under-the-radar spot, reminiscent of Bay Area towns, features an industrial look with a tall metal structure on the roof.

Assemble Marketplace

Set along the waterfront, adjacent to the Bay Trail and next to the Rosie the Riveter Museum, this daytime spot is perfectly situated for people watching. Do eat something, though, as the chilaquiles, tropical fish tacos and tri-tip sandwich are top-notch. assemblemarketplace.com

A vibrant pink cocktail garnished with a slice of lime and a skewer of dried chili peppers rests on a wooden table. The glass is rimmed with spicy seasoning, adding a flavorful touch to the drink. In the background, an outdoor seating area exudes charm found only in Bay Area towns.

The Factory Bar

Tables shaded by red umbrellas mark the spot at Richmond’s hottest bar where the patio is flanked by a beautiful garden. Grab a seat amidst the flowers (or inside where the theme is suited to the neighborhood’s ship-building past) for cocktails like a Point Molate margarita or a Winks festooned with grapefruit that celebrates the art of whiskey. thefactorybar.net

Tiburon

A gourmet grilled cheese sandwich cut in half, garnished with chopped chives, is served on a black rectangular plate. A small jar of caviar is placed next to it, and in the background, there's a bowl of potato chips—a delightful find often under the radar in quaint Bay Area towns.

The Caviar Co.

The small, shared bites all feel extra glamorous at this petite café in the heart of downtown Tiburon. Do try the truffle grilled cheese with caviar — it’s made with Pt. Reyes Creamery Toma that’s topped with shaved black truffles before the brioche is pan-seared. You’d think that is as decadent as it gets until you see it comes with sides of caviar and potato chips. Mic drop. thecaviarco.com

A rectangular white plate features two pieces of breaded and pan-fried chicken, garnished with finely chopped green herbs. A slice of lemon sits at the edge. The golden-brown chicken is surrounded by a light sauce, making it a hidden gem dish you'd find in quaint Bay Area towns.

The Caprice

Astonishing bridge-to-bridge views from every seat are just part of the charm of this newly reopened restaurant. Abalone doré is a must-order and, while crab is in season, the crab omelet with white cheddar and spinach is the meal you did not know you needed in your life. thecaprice.com

A gourmet dish featuring steak tartare, garnished with an egg yolk on top, is arranged on a white plate. Accompanying the tartare are toasted bread triangles, a small pile of chopped herbs, a dollop of mustard, some diced onions, pine nuts, and a bit of red sauce—an under-the-radar delight often found in quaint Bay Area towns.
Photo: Courtesy of Angelo Clinton

The Bungalow Kitchen

A globe-trotting chef who lived in Marin for 20 years never managed to open a restaurant in the county until now and it’s a beaut — a two-story grande dame with a casual billiards lounge and bar upstairs and a seated restaurant and bar downstairs, both with wide decks and views of San Francisco. Look for chef Michael Mina’s signature tuna tartare as well as fresh takes on the California cuisine the chef is known for — lobster pot pie, spice-poached shrimp and miso-broiled sea bass. bungalowkitchen.com

A lobster roll sits on a white plate with a blue rim, filled with chunks of lobster meat, finely chopped greens, and herbs. In the background, there are several crispy potato chips. The plate is set on a light-colored surface. This under-the-radar delight could rival any fare found in Bay Area towns.

Sam's Anchor Cafe

Sail up to the dock or queue up for a table on the bayfront patio for shared plates of blue cheese garlic bread and a towering seafood platter. The drinks are as popular here as the food, especially the prickly pear margarita bowl (it’s huge) and the original mai tai with lilikoi foam. samscafe.com

Grilled fish fillet topped with a colorful salsa sits on a bed of black rice, garnished with a fresh green leaf. The dish, often found in under-the-radar Bay Area towns, is artistically presented on a white plate, with small drizzles of sauce and garnishes scattered around.

Tiburon Tavern

Though the influences here are global, a restaurant tucked into a lodge just off the main drag is better known for Italian flavors. They shine in dishes like an Italian frittata (with black truffle and Parma ham) and a chicken sandwich on ciabatta with provolone, zucchini and tomato. tiburontavern.com

More Local Favorites in the Bay Area

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