San Francisco
The City by the Bay has been a foodie beacon for over a century. Whether it’s white tablecloth dining at Tadich Grill, the celeb-fueled glory days of Stars or Julia Child’s endorsement (and face) on the Tenderloin’s Tu Lan menu, this town sets the pace for food trends around the country. This keeps our editors busy updating our guides featuring where to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner pizza, burger, sushi and steakhouses in San Francisco.
GiGi’s Wine Bar in San Francisco’s NoPa district honors Head Chef Tu David Phu’s Vietnamese roots with bar bites, a couple of salads and main dishes and, of course, an extensive wine menu.
Don’t miss:
The Wagyu dog, with egg, prosciutto, scallion, ginger, furikake, pork floss and jalapeño.
The long-awaited waterfront Bon Délire at the Embarcadero brings French bistro eats to the Bay Area, but with a bit of creativity. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch is served, so visit at all times of day to sample the selection of meals from each menu. There’s also an expansive drinks menu with housemade cocktails, a vast variety of wine and more.
Don’t miss:
From the dinner menu, the poulet roti (French roast chicken) with fingerling potatoes and chanterelles.
With its home base in the Marina District, Milos Meze shares authentic Greek cuisine, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients for a richly inviting meal and experience. Find classic spreads like tzatziki or melitzanosalata (eggplant based) to start off your evening.
Don’t miss:
Souvlaki, which are chicken or beef skewers served with tzatziki and hand-cut fried potatoes.
This new spot, part of the recent revamp of the Transamerica Pyramid Center evokes the comfortable atmosphere and recognizable café menu that others of its kind typically have. But Café Sebastian’s bites are even more curated and elevated for a more refined — but still casual — experience. Indulge in a fresh pastry and a coffee to start the day, or try one of their other savory dishes.
Don’t miss:
One of their seasonal salads — check the menu for the most up-to-date look at what’s currently being served.
The Parthenon serves Greek cuisine with an expansive menu of appetizers, pita sandwiches and more. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their Mediterranean wines, too, for a fully immersive experience.
Don’t miss:
Their top popular item ‘kolokithokeftedes,’ or crispy zucchini cakes with tzatziki.
Che Fico has been an established restaurant for a while now, and they’ve recently opened Che Fico Pizzeria near the Chase Center in response to the community’s adoration for their pizza. This new joint’s menu still also has their beloved salads and sandwiches, but the pies are certainly the star of this show.
Don’t miss:
The vodka sauce pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, calabrian chili bomba, cream, basil and burrata.
A tribute to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Bee’s Vietnamese Street Food menu has all the classics, from broken rice dishes to noodle soups to Vietnamese coffee made traditionally with condensed milk.
Don’t miss:
Com tam ga, or chicken broken rice, with grilled chicken, egg, cucumber, tomato, green onions, pickled carrots and daikon and chicken broth.
If you’re after an innovative fine dining experience, this new Union Square opening brings an already celebrated Los Angeles Restaurant to a massive 6,500 square foot space on Ellis Street. ABSteak will offer an elevated combination of Korean flavors and American steakhouse service to the city’s vibrant dining scene from globally acclaimed Korean Chef Akira Back.
Don’t miss:
Signature dishes include the infamous AB Wagyu Pizza with wagyu tartar, truffle oil and an option to add caviar; Ganjang Gae-Jang with soy marinated Korean raw female crab; and even more extravagant dishes including Fantastic individual bites with A5 Japanese wagyu, uni, Osetra royal caviar, and truffle, and a 45 Day Dry Aged Sam Jang New York Striploin.
City days can be draining, so what better lunch to refuel with than a sandwich? Or better yet, a Japanese sandwich. Tadaima is the perfect spot for this, with every kind of sandwich from savory chicken curry, shrimp or egg to a dessert sandwich with strawberries and cream; not to mention, the atmosphere evokes that of a quaint cafe.
Don’t miss:
The banana nutella sando, for a lunch that’ll taste like dessert.
For a unique twist on your dining experience, Xebec fuses Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines. Give their Hamachi Sashimi a try, paired with green olive tapenade for the ode to the Mediterranean. Have your meal with one of their creative cocktails, or stick to the classics, but perfected.
Don’t miss:
Their Xebec Burger, with a lamb or beef patty and some Moroccan carrots, sumac red onions and Kizami wasabi aioli.
Fiorella continues to expand across San Francisco with its incredible pasta and pizza, the perfect comfort food for anytime. There are a few special features including a pizza bar with a view of the kitchen which features special snacks, and a takeout only window.
Don’t miss:
The funghi pie, with a variety of mushrooms, rosemary, garlic and two types of cheese.
How do you like your toast and egg – how about with curry? Crab and corn? Or just lots and lots of egg? Toast’N Egg offers 10 different types of innovative Korean egg sandwiches that all look absolutely delicious. They also have croffles if you’re craving something more sweet for your breakfast fix.
Don’t miss:
The Wagyu toast, if you’re looking for something hearty and delicous.
Located on the far outskirts of the sunset in the underrated strip off Taraval, Galinette offers a unique experience serving French bistro food not far from the ocean. There are some wonderfully casual options like pain au chocolate or a jambon buerre sandwich, or you can go a little more upscale with a classic hanger steak frite.
Don’t miss:
Since you’re near the ocean you might as well opt for “la mer”, cod, anchovies, and mussels marinated white wine and garlic.
This beloved foodie institution is in its biggest realization yet at its new Polk street location on Russian Hill, with nearly 4,000 square feet. Besides the usual selection of top-notch local groceries, the deli makes for a great lunchtime stop over, offering sandwiches and salads and more.
Don’t miss:
While this Bi-rite won’t have a creamery window, you can buy pints of it from the freezer, and as always, the flavors are divine – we were bowled over by the Caramel Chocolate Crunch.
Wine Country
You know what makes some of the world’s best wine taste even better? Amazing food. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country offer what we think are the perfect pairings. Here are our favorite places to eat in Napa Valley and Sonoma County right now.
Napa Valley
You read it right — Guy Fieri opened a new location of his Chicken Guy chain in American Canyon. As the name would suggest, find all things chicken here, from loaded chicken sandwiches to chicken tenders and more.
Don’t miss:
The hot honey big bite sandwich, with Nashville hot honey, American slaw, pickles and spicy tenders.
While this restaurant isn’t new, it will be bringing a new event to the area. The Auberge du Soleil will be hosting its first annual olive harvest celebration called Gathering in the Grove from Nov. 18-24. The multi-day celebration will feature a six-course tasting menu, olive oil infused cocktails and more.
Don’t miss:
The guided olive oil tasting to learn more about how it was made, led by an expert.
1331 Cocktail Bar is the new nightlife spot in Napa that’s worth a visit. Enjoy the simultaneously moody yet cozy atmosphere with one of their unique cocktails by your side.
Don’t miss:
The Elote Sour with torched rosemary.
Even if you’re not from Louisiana yourself, the Louisiana family recipes served at Lil’ Sista’s Goody’s Soul Food will certainly evoke the feeling of comfort food. You can find traditional soul food meals, as well as some lighter options.
Don’t miss:
Their fried catfish, for something you can’t just get anywhere.
Among Yountville’s many multi-Michelin restaurants, the humble Kitchen at Priest Ranch is answering with simply delicious food. You can get breakfast all day or an Italian beef sandwich, along with refined fare like a jambon and gruyere panini, or the seared gnocchi with seasonal veggies. Pair with Priest Ranch wine and a beautiful rooftop view for a remarkable, affordable Wine Country experience.
Don’t miss:
Complete your meal with suggested wine pairings for the most sophisticated sausage, egg and cheese sandwich of your life.
Once a pop-up caviar lounge by the man behind the iconic French Laundry restaurant, Thomas Keller, RO Restaurant and Lounge has expanded into a full service restaurant focused on Asian-inspired cuisine in Yountville. Featuring uni toast, black truffle egg salad and a cocktail version of Keller’s renowned French Laundry dish Oysters & Pearls, this restaurant is the perfect way to expand on Keller’s Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge. And the caviar isn’t going anywhere — RO’s menu still features six different types of Regiis Ova Caviar, paired with garnishes and blinis.
Don’t miss:
The shave ice for dessert, made with huckleberry and dried hibiscus syrup and finished with a dollop of crème fraîche.
Stateline Road smokehouse is bringing Kansas City-style barbecue to Napa Valley. With this new spot in the Rail Arts district, we can expect a fun, laid back atmosphere, a variety of menu options, and of course, delicious barbecue.
Don’t miss:
The Stateline Road seasonings and BBQ sauce that they will be selling.
Entrecot Restaurant gives the Napa Valley some Argentinian flair, bringing the meat-focused cuisine of the South American nation to Wine Country. Bring an appetite, as this restaurant will make sure you are stuffed by the time you are walking out — without question.
Don’t miss:
Sonoma County
Downtown Sonoma is now home to a new fine dining restaurant by Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery called Enclos Sonoma. Their dishes specialize in modern yet classic dishes with innovative twists, and the atmosphere is just as elevated and welcoming.
Don’t miss:
Their Otto File brioche, made with an ancient variety of corn and paired with a cultured seaweed butter that’s shaped to even resemble the flowing shape of seaweed.
Cotati-based Slow Co. Pizza strives to capture the local flavors of Sonoma in their pies. The dough is made with a slow natural leavening process and is the reason behind the name. And the business is family- and friend-run, so expect a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Don’t miss:
Their ‘pretty fly for a funghi’ pizza, with pesto, white sauce, mushrooms, estero gold reserve and arugula.
Bazaar Sonoma takes inspiration from childhood memories and innovative Chinese cuisine, many of which also have Szechuan flavors. For the end of October into the first week of November, they are also participating in Sonoma County’s Black Cod Week, with specially-made meals that honor this local fish.
Don’t miss:
The Zhong dumplings, which are classic Szechuanese water dumplings with pork and lots of sauce.
Each year, Idlewild Wines hosts their Truffle Dinner, and this year on Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m., the dinner will feature two pounds of rare white truffles from Italy. It will be a multi-course meal featuring truffle in each and including a cheese course, antipasti and a couple of other dishes. And of course, there will be wine to complement the flavors.
Don’t miss:
The vitello tonnato, which features slow-poached veal, tuna aioli, roasted potatoes, braised fennel and crispy fried capers.
Khaosoi Thai Zen in Santa Rosa sticks to their tagline “where curry meets jazz” with flavorful, authentic meals and a lively and friendly atmosphere. There is an extensive menu with different curries, hot pot, wok dishes and more.
Don’t miss:
Be fall festive with their pumpkin curry, made with red curry paste in coconut milk, bell pepper, kabocha and basil.
With East Coast and Italian inspiration, both Campanella’s menu and ambience reflect the fusion between classic and modern. On their menu, you’ll find dinner options ranging from small to large plates, pizzas to pastas, and even specialty cocktails made in-house. Gluten free pasta is also available for some dishes.
Don’t miss:
The eggplant parm, with ricotta, mozzarella and vodka sauce.
South Bay
Known for innovation, the South Bay, aka Silicon Valley was at one time covered in orchards and fields. The rich culinary history abounds here with some of the best ethnic offerings. For this list we are considering the South Bay to cover the coastal area from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz as well as the techy towns (Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Gatos and San Jose). Looking for your next breakfast, lunch, dinner, pizza, sushi , burgers and happy hour near you? We’ve got you covered.
In Los Gatos, sample Opelia’s Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with Aegean and Anatolian flavors for a blend of elevated tradition. Try one of their cold or hot appetizers before jumping into main courses like their Wagyu burger or lavraki, a Mediterranean sea bass filet dish.
Don’t miss:
Kuzu pirzola, — also known as lamb chops — with herbs, Opelia’s roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, toasted with fresh oregano, lemon, olive oil and sea salt flakes.
This new Los Gatos hub combines farm-to-table Californian cuisine with Eastern European flavors, and a wine program designed to provide wine pairings for each meal. Staple ingredients include caviar, smoked fish and root vegetables.
Don’t miss:
The wild Northern halibut with cauliflower, sweet baby broccoli, pearl onion and hollandaise.
Portola Bistro draws its inspiration from French and Italian influences for a charming, European dining experience. There are classics like pizza and unique creations of their own, but all are served with an elevated twist.
Don’t miss:
The seafood linguine, featuring prawns, mussels and clams with sliced zucchini, prawn cream sauce and parmesan cheese.
Curry Pizza House has been around for a while, with locations all around the country and many in California, but San Mateo recently got one of its own. For a unique fusion of flavors from other cuisines with beloved Italian pies, the crafty curry pizza menu reflects a variety of traditional Indian dishes and spices. There is also a classic pizza menu for those that aren’t feeling as adventurous.
Don’t miss:
The butter chicken pizza, with creamy shahi sauce, diced tomatoes, red onions and butter chicken.
Brothers Cafe (once known as Cafe382) has opened a new location in Millbrae. But fret not — they still specialize in serving comfort food, from breakfast classics to hearty lunch and dinner meals. They even have a vegan menu for their plant-based customers.
Don’t miss:
Start your day with their bananas foster French toast, made with caramelized bananas and fresh cinnamon cream, and end it with their grilled NY steak, with chimichurri sauce, fried shallots, fries and a green salad.
This 100% Halal restaurant serves dinner and lunch, each with extensive menus. Start your meal at Varam with a mid-course such as their paper masala and follow it up with an entrée like the “Varam” chicken curry.
Don’t miss:
The signature of Varam: Haleem — a hyderabad dish that is slow cooked and aggressively stirred to create a thick consistency that combines flavors of spices, meat and wheat.
Tang Bar has just opened a second location in San Mateo, following their first in Stonestone Galleriea; the hot pot restaurant is originally from Australia. They offers tons of options for toppings to add to your noodles, from different kinds of meat and seafood, to plenty of veggies. There’s even a vegan mushroom broth for those that prefer it.
Don’t miss:
Their meat lovers order comes with premium sliced beef, Spam, beef ball, a daily selection of mushrooms, tofu, winter melon, glass noodles and udon noodles.
An ode to Filipino flavors, this cafe has all things ube flavored, and then some. The majority of Café 86’s menu is a selection of tasty beverages, including ube milkshakes, but be sure to pair it with a baked good or a sandwich. Already located in Union City and Daly City, their latest location recently opened in San Jose.
Don’t miss:
Their signature Halo Halo drink. It comes with coconut jellies, jackfruit, boba, Frosted Flakes, a scoop of ube ice cream and flan.
There are a surprising number of beer gardens in Redwood City (ie, more than one). And yet, we need more. Das Bierhauz in particular is German-inspired, with German dishes and a comfy atmosphere. There’s also an outdoor patio for the nice nights or those that like the fresh air. Pair your meal with one of their German draft beers to wash everything down.
Don’t miss:
There are lots of options that’ll allow you to try many things, but give their wurst plate a go; you’ll get three types of sausages, kartoffelsalat (potato salad), sauerkraut and pretzel bread with bavarian mustard.
East Bay
There’s a reason culinary goddess Alice Waters started her career in the East Bay. From Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland and beyond the east bay boasts trend setting eateries that reflect the diverse population. Looking for your next meal in the East Bay, look no further, we’ve done the research for breakfast, lunch, dinner, burgers, pizza, sushi.
This new coffee shop on Berkeley’s Bancroft Way is a hub for Vietnamese beverage and foodie delights like coffee and matcha, and even banh mi sandwiches or pandan waffles. It’s the endeavor of already loved shop Boba Binge, so trust that their new spot will deliver too.
Don’t Miss:
Any of their unique matcha flavors, from banana or strawberry to ube or sesame.
No need to go into the city for some tasty fish fare with this new kid on the block. Khatan Sushi has taken on a role as one of Oakland’s newest sushi purveyors, offering plenty of beloved sushi classics.
Don’t Miss:
Their omakase experience (one where the chef chooses and presents the food themselves); it will be some combination of nigiri and sashimi.
Oakland gained a new Thai favorite for locals and visitors alike; Nua Thai blends Thai street classics with a modern twist. There’s a wide selection of curries, a street food menu and more.
Don’t Miss:
Khao soi — a creamy Thai soup made with a little bit of coconut and a hint of spice. Theirs has been said to be one of the best out there, so be sure to give it a try.
Sol Taqueria brings authentic Mexican flavors to Berkeley with a menu serving everything from breakfast to dinner. The menu has burritos, plates and tacos, of course, but also has other options such as tortas, or sandwiches.
Don’t Miss:
Combine two classics with their chile relleno burrito which has rice, beans, cheese, cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and chile relleno.
In this unique wine-on-tap bar, Crush’d Wine Bar features some of the country’s best winemakers. Wine isn’t your thing? Give one of their cocktails a try, like the grape thyme one with grape liqueur, Aperol, lemon and simple syrup. Regardless of which drink you choose, pair it with something from the menu that has everything from shared plates and cheese boards to a selection of caviar and tinned fish.
Don’t Miss:
For something more substantial, try one of their tartines (an open-faced sandwich). Opt for the Wagyu roast beef with dijonaise, caramelized onions and blue cheese.
Walnut Creek gets a new Mexican fusion restaurant with La Ezkina. On their menu, you’ll find classics like tacos, and options with a more unique twist, such as their halibut kiwi ceviche.
Don’t Miss:
The La Ezkina ribeye with sweet potatoes, a side salad and chimichurri butter.
Originally founded in Seoul, South Korea in 1995, bb.q chicken has been a well-known name in the chicken game for a while, but is further expanding its presence in the Bay Area with their new location in Oakland. Give their Korean fried chicken a go, with many flavor profiles and different spice levels to choose from.
Don’t Miss:
The honey garlic flavor — get the whole chicken, wings or go boneless coated in this sweet, soy-based sauce.
Born out of the pandemic and stopped not long after by officials, June’s Pizza in West Oakland is now back — but more permanently. Longtime fans of the establishment can expect the same great taste and quality, but elevated.
Don’t Miss:
The menu for the original location had two options: their classic and consistent margherita pizza, or the special. Be sure to try both for the true June’s Pizza experience.
Bored of your typical burger? Oh G Burger elevates the classic American smashburger with Korean flavors. Their signature sauce, for starters, is a kimchi-infused Thousand Island dressing. And with their red-and-white checkered paper and retro logo, you can be transported back in time to the era of traditional diners while you enjoy a burger.
Don’t Miss:
The bulgogi burger, with ssamjang aioli, pickled red onion, grilled onion and ohgane bulgogi sauce.
Bad Walter’s Bootleg Ice Cream began as an illegal living room ice cream operation in Oakland in the winter of 2020 during the pandemic (hence the “bootleg”). Their premium, lactose-free ice cream offers “maximalist” flavors like Slumber Party, made from Ritz cracker frozen custard, Reese’s Pieces, Nutter Butters and fudge swirls.
Don’t Miss:
Chocolat Bad-Ino, made from dark chocolate frozen custard, chocolate covered potato chips and marshmallow fluff — what’s not to love?
Opening in along the foodie friendly main drag of Piedmont in Oakland, Laughing Buddha offers Chinese vegetarian cuisine on what they call “secret garden patio dining.” Their dishes include treats like green dumplings, basil tofu fried rice or numbing spicy Ma Po tofu.
Don’t Miss:
Many Treasures in a Crispy Taro Basket is particularly intriguing.
North Bay
From Marin to Mendocino, farm-to-table doesn’t get any fresher. The climate has been compared to Italy, creating the foundation for eateries including Tony’s Seafood, Sam’s Anchor Cafe and Farmhouse Inn. For the latest breakfast, lunch, dinner, pizza, burgers and sushi, look no further than Local Getaways.
An Irish pub-style restaurant is downtown San Rafael’s newest arrival. Complete with an immersive and friendly atmosphere, the food (and drinks) also reflect the same Irish authenticity.
Don’t miss:
The steak with mushroom Marsala sauce and handcut fries.
Within the Lodge at Marconi, Mable’s Restaurant takes visitors on a tasting journey that begins with a variety of cold appetizers. Order from their snacks, shared meals or large plates.
Don’t miss:
Try the local cheese board for the chance to sample an assortment of locally sourced cheese and accouterments.
Spicy tuna rolls topped with salmon, grilled yellowtail collar with ponzu sauce, authentic Japanese hamburger steak and even sake cocktails to pair with a menu of creative sushi creations. Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen, sister restaurant to The Baan Thai Cuisine, is a new outpost in San Anselmo for donburi, kani miso, fried dishes, sashimi and sushi.
Don’t miss:
The soft shell crab tempura salad, which comes with soft shell crab tempura, fresh greens and veggies, all topped with a wasabi dressing.
Mill Valley’s Piatti debuts a new happy hour with Italian flair: Campari, vermouth and Sangiovese wine play in a host of new autumnal cocktails. Alongside their cozy libations, there’s a short menu of bites like portobellos stuffed with ricotta and spinach, fried pickled cauliflower and pesto arancini.
Don’t miss:
If you’re like us (forever hooked on Aperol spritzes), go for the Piatti spritz for one that’s got an added splash of sparkling rosé.
This Californian Italian restaurant already found in San Francisco’s Duboce Triangle has opened a branch on the main street of Larkspur in the space where Roma Antica once occupied. The Rustic is owned by Chez Panisse alum Zoti Ali Turap, and serves mostly Italian dishes as well as Mediterranean specialities like vegetable tagine.
Don’t miss:
They make their own inhouse pasta; try their handmade ricotta-lemon filled ravioli with pesto genovese, roasted cherry tomatoes and parmesan.
Fairfax Brewing Company is Marin’s newest restaurant and brewery, opening its revamped location on September 9. With beers on tap like the Sleeping Lady Hazy IPA and the Fuego Fuerte Mexican Lager, as well as a diverse array of munchables like poke tacos, a crispy chicken sandwich, lumpia and Thai noodle salad, there truly is something on this menu for everyone.
Don’t miss:
There will be some exciting new brews created from an upcoming line of IPAs and lagers, as well as some collab beers with nearby breweries.
Dreading planning dinner as you make your trek to the grocery store? Skip the cooking and stop into Oni Kuma right across the way from the Mill Valley Whole Foods for hand rolls, grilled skewers and oysters.
Don’t miss:
Any of their hand rolls, which are crafted with specially harvested and handcrafted ingredients.
