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, 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.
Mestiza explores the fusion of different cultural flavor profiles, presenting Filipino dishes in a plant-forward menu. This restaurant’s diet-friendly offerings don’t take away from the diverse flavors and delicious options for everyone at the table. Tofu sisig, veggie lumpia and classic pork adobo await.
Don’t miss:
Calabasa coconut curry.
The newly opened Boto is a rooftop restaurant showcasing the vibrant and diverse flavors of Brazilian cuisine complemented by an exquisite cocktail menu and a carefully curated wine list. The decor speaks for itself: an indoor dining area and spectacular outdoor rooftop bar evokes a lush Amazon rainforest, with rich greenery and South American flair. Weekends will transform the space into a lively club with music, dancing and crafted cocktails.
Don’t miss:
The dry aged picanha (charcoal-grilled top sirloin cap steak with crispy garlic clarified butter, tropeiro beans, boiled cassava and tomato vinaigrette) and rotisserie chicken galinhada (turmeric, rice, grilled okra and rainbow carrots cipollini onion and chicken jus).
One of the city’s favorite spots for neighborhood Italian food has opened another location — this time in Noe Valley. Fiorella is known and loved for its simple, classic and delicious Italian flavors, with delicious wood-fired pizzas and refreshing spritz cocktails. Bonus: the restaurant even donates back to local elementary schools when you order certain pies.
Don’t miss: the Sweet Corn Pie, a pizza topped with corn and mozzarella di bufala.
Kaiyo Restaurant or Kaiyo Peruvian Nikkei (Nikkei referring to the Japanese diaspora), explores the fusion of flavors between Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. Located in the Hyatt Hotel, Kaiyo Restaurant serves a variety of fresh-ingredient dishes, from grilled Waygu to cold ceviche.
Don’t miss:
The Pac Heights Roll, with uni, bluefin tuna, ikura, takuan, shiso and jalepeño.
Newly on the Michelin guide, Tiya incorporates an inventive California touch to traditional Indian cuisine. With an incredible tasting menu and superb wine pairings, this place is definitely worth a try for your next date night.
Don’t miss:
The pomegranate glazed pork belly. Yum.
Hed 11 is bringing the bold, spicy flavors of authentic Thai food to the heart of Japantown. This restaurant offers an 11-course tasting menu, rotating seasonally to keep things fresh.
Don’t miss:
The pineapple cheese pie cocktail with rum, vanilla, pineapple and popcorn, also available as a mocktail
Despite the wealth of diverse food options available in the city, there is a serious lack of Cambodian eateries. That’s now changed thanks to Lunette, a new addition to the Ferry Building offering noodle dishes, curries and more, opened by Nite Yun of Oakland’s now-closed Nyum Bai.
Don’t miss:
The KTPP (Kuy Teav Phnom Penh) noodles.
The Marina favorite Italian restaurant, A16 has just opened a new location in the ferry building, and we could not be more excited. Less is definitely more with these simple-ingredient, yet tasty sandwiches that make the perfect grab and go lunch. And let me tell you, this place does not mess around with their pizza by the slice.
Don’t miss:
Funghi pizza by the slice with roasted pioppini and hen of the woods.
An iconic movie set in San Francisco has inspired a stage musical — and a delicious cocktail menu at The Madrigal in Van Ness. Stop by this charming bar and restaurant for an evening of cocktails themed around BroadwaySF’s production of Mrs. Doubtfire, The New Musical Comedy. Tuck into the playful “Run-by Fruiting,” a fruity wine and whiskey concoction inspired by the film (If you know, you know), while enjoying a plate of oysters or paella arancini.
Don’t miss:
Make it a date night by getting tickets to Mrs. Doubtfire, available for purchase at the bar with an exclusive 20% discount within July 2–28.
A sweet taste of the Hawaiian Islands has arrived in San Francisco — no dairy, no added sugars. Banán whips up soft serve made of bananas and flavored with natural ingredients, extracting healthy eating from sweets to die for. This is your chance to indulge in tropical goodness in foggy San Francisco, with options like liliko’i (passionfruit), chocolate haupia (a coconut-meets-chocolate custard) and açai.
Don’t miss:
Housemade macadamia nut honey butter… I’m already drooling.
Combining the convenience of a taqueria with the upscale fusion Mexican offered by Tacolicious, Todo el Dia offers an all day breakfast concept featuring creative tacos, torta and salads — and even rotisserie chicken — within a colorful setting in the heart of Noe Valley.
Don’t miss:
The zesty El Chido breakfast tacos — made with eggs, chorizo and cilantro.
Rave reviews and packed reservation lists have been Four Kings’ calling card since opening in March 2024. Now nestled in a Chinatown brick and mortar after some time as a roaming popup, the Cantonese restaurant has been the talk of the town. On the menu, fried squab is the star, but hold out some appetite for more mouthwatering creations like mapo spaghetti, pork chop rice with tomato egg, escargot and more.
Don’t miss:
I’ll say it again: the squab!
Located in Pacific Heights, Camino Alto is one of the city’s best kept secrets serving California cuisine with Mexican influences. Owner Josh Copeland brings out the best from local farmers and purveyors, highlighting quality ingredients on a seasonal menu — handwritten every night! An all-natural wine list adds flair to the already impressive cuisine, from weekend brunch and lunch to dinner service.
Don’t miss:
Tucking into a seasonal dessert during a romantic evening on their enclosed back patio.
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.
San Carlos is welcoming the newest Turkish restaurant, Esnaf. The name comes from the Turkish word for artisan business, reflecting the restaurant’s authentic Turkish details in the menu and dining room.
Don’t miss:
For the adventurous eater, Dos Pescados has now opened in Aptos, with a new and creative menu. This is not your average Mexican joint, as many of the dishes have a funky fusion flavor twist. And most of the plates come as tapas style, which is essential for trying multiple dishes.
Don’t miss:
If you can’t decide between Asian or Italian cuisine, look no further than Mochiko Mochi Pizza for mochi crusted pizza with an Asian fusion twist. Mochiko has it all, from chicken curry, spicy pork or a simple pepperoni. If you can’t decide, get a combo on one crunchy, delicious mochi crust.
Don’t miss:
The new Soy-braised Beef Pizza — made with Soy-braised beef, mozzarella cheese, corn, roasted garlic kimchi sauce and cilantro.
Named for the Hindi word for passion, this restaurant in San Jose’s Santana Row shopping district brings just that to their contemporary Indian cuisine. Fitoor celebrates the country’s diverse cuisine while using local ingredients, and the restaurant cultivates a sophisticated atmosphere with live music and sleek, modern decor.
Don’t Miss:
Their ten craft cocktails based on the elements — two each for water, air, fire, earth and space.
Every month, Ritual at Manresa brings chefs from international Michelin-starred restaurants to Los Gatos for three-week residencies each month with Chef David Kinch joining as culinary ambassador.
Don’t Miss:
This stacked roster! June means a visit from Odette and its chef Julien Royer (Singapore, 3 Michelin Stars). The rest of 2024’s chefs are as follows:
- Ikoyi, Chef Jeremy Chan (London, 2 Michelin Stars)
- The Jane Antwerp, Chef Nick Bril (Antwerp, 2 Michelin Stars)
- Lasarte, Chef Paolo Casagrande (Japan, 3 Michelin Stars)
- Chef Paul Liebrandt (New York, Chef of Previous Michelin Starred Restaurants)
- Château de la Chèvre D’Or, Chef Arnaud Faye (Paris, 2 Michelin Stars)
For fans of the sweet and tiny Sausalito taqueria — brainchild of Joanne Weir and Larry Mindel — this new location at Willow Glen will be a welcome experience. The new space is 6,300 square feet, two floors, entrees and large plates on the first floor and smaller plates are served on the rooftop terrace.
Don’t Miss:
Gluten-free? No problem. The entire menu of Mexican dishes including tacos, ceviches, and enchiladas, is too!
Please DO Pick These Flowers!
Sit back and enjoy the show at Flowers Saratoga. Their tagline — Beautiful Food Meant to be Shared — says it all. A sensory treat from the decor to dish, your instagram feed will thank you.
Don’t Miss:
The cocktails are especially science forward, especially Kiss the Bubble!
24 + 7 + 12
Even if you aren’t committed to a lifestyle meant to prolong life on our planet, you’ll have a great meal at the stately plant-based Burlingame eatery Twelvemonth. And guess what? By accident you are supporting a business that is committed to the health of the planet. Win-win!
Don’t Miss:
Get into the fall vibes with Squashio e pepe as long as it lasts on the menu
Roll into Rollati!
Seems like the city of San Jose is abuzz with the opening of Rollati Ristorante, just across from City Hall in downtown San Jose.
Don’t Miss:
All handmade pastas are delicious, but the “Thousand” Layer Lasagne is a bucket lister.
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.
Downtown Oakland is welcoming Sushi Bae, a sushi restaurant with Latin American influence. Following their soft opening earlier this month, the restaurant has already received praise for their deliciously fresh ingredients and creative menu options.
Don’t Miss:
People have been raving about the delicious ribs and flavorful sandwiches offered at Bobby Mac’s BBQ in the north Contra Costa County town of Crockett. This BBQ joint is the result of a pandemic-born friendship that blossomed over a shared vision for new American BBQ in the Bay. Stop by for a laid-back lunch, brunch or dinner.
Don’t Miss:
It’s an unusual combo, but it works wonderfully. Fikscue BBQ offers halal Texas barbecue with smoked meats by the pound, including brisket, smoked fried chicken and jalapeno-cheese beef sausage and more. These can be paired with an exciting array of Indonesian dishes, including nasi goreng or batagor fried dumplings. Be sure to get there early because they can run out of food.
Don’t miss:
It’s the star of the show, but you really can’t skip the brisket — it’s so soft it melts in your mouth.
This new spot is bringing on the delicious flavors of Southern Indian cuisine to the East bay. Pochys specializes in authentic butter masala rolls and wok-tossed fried rice. And you can wash it down with one of their fruity frozen beverages, like their mango milkshake. And at that, my stomach is already growling.
Don’t miss:
Their egg butter masala roll, the perfect blend of rich and buttery flavors wrapped in their delicious roti.
A Carb-Lovers Utopia
At Bageltopia, you can get yours boiled or baked, with just about any topping you could imagine. And starting at $2.50 per bagel, this breakfast is a no brainer. They also have plenty of vegan options and gluten free bagels.
Don’t miss:
Their sushinova bagel sandwich with wasabi-tamari cream cheese, house smoked nova lox, cucumber, wasabi tobiko, and nori.
Every year, the Michelin Guide releases new recommendations for the most creative and delicious food you can find around the world. Out of the entire world, the East Bay has carved out a space for itself as a distinct gastronomic destination. Check out our lists of Michelin-rated restaurants for both Oakland and Berkeley, two culinary powerhouses in the region.
Your new favorite spot for Latin American comfort food has just opened in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood. 9 Julio Empanada Kitchen sells beautifully folded and perfectly golden empanadas from a menu that combines fresh and local ingredients with a global palate. Taste Cuban picadillo, Jamaican beef or Peruvian chicken, or some of the many veggie options.
Don’t Miss:
Finish it all off with — you guessed it — another empanada: sweet dulce de leche and apples wrapped in buttery pastry.
Chef Jennifer Huang founded Nusa when she moved to the Bay Area and discovered few options on the culinary scene from her place of origin, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Get nibbles like sate appetizers or sweet thousand-layer cake, or buckle in for a bold and fragrant noodle soup that will cure all your woes.
Don’t Miss:
Beef rendang — perfectly spiced, lovingly marinated.
Three.One Four, a self-proclaimed “swanky pizza lounge,” is a new addition to Berkeley’s hip and happening pizza scene. Fresh mozzarella abounds, and their pies keep things uncomplicated but always sophisticated.
Don’t Miss:
The pizzeria also dabbles in pasta showmanship, making tableside cacio e pepe on top of a parmesan wheel, and offering a carb-heavy surprise simply title “shh…” on the menu. No spoilers here! You’ll have to go to find out.
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.
Sonoma County
Chef Nick Ronan has left his mark on Bay Area dining, and he’s not slowing down yet. From ChouChou bistro in Forest Hills to San Francisco joints like the cheeky Pawn Shop and Bisou, Ronan brings his French (and sometimes Spanish) fixings wherever he sets his sights. His latest venture? Brigitte Bistro in the farm-to-table hub of Petaluma. Dive into la vie française with classics like beef bourguignon, French onion soup, duck confit and regularly updated specials — all with fresh Californian ingredients.
Don’t miss:
Complementing your meal with a well-priced glass of wine from the thoughtful (and long) drink list.
Don’t be misled — there’s no pool or water view at Valley Swim Club — but the menu will make you feel like you could be seaside. The new seafood hotspot, sister restaurant to Sonoma’s Valley Bar + Bottle, is getting the thumbs-up from visitors and locals alike.
Don’t miss:
Along with New England seafood shack favorites like fried whole belly clams, and a fried oyster roll, there’s soft serve ice cream!
Benicia’s Kitchen is now serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 2pm. Located at The Lodge at Sonoma, menu possibilities range from a grilled artichoke Benedict to an açaí parfait.
Don’t miss:
Bottomless mimosas. Enough said.
Every Wednesday, Ari Weiswasser, chef-owner of the Glen Ellen Star, is serving up a two-course dinner for $45 per person. Menus are released on Sundays for the upcoming week.
Don’t miss:
Complimentary corkage — cheers!
Engineered Dining Experience
The “Taste of the Lounge” dining experience at the Bubbles Lounge at Cyrus includes three courses of chef Douglas Keane’s favorite dishes served alongside Champagne. Looking for something even more conceptual? Try to book “The Dining Journey” at the main restaurant.
Don’t miss:
The sweet treats from the pastry kitchen. They’re the perfect finish to the evening. Besides, calories don’t count during the holidays, right?
A Steakhouse for All
Inspired by Charles Goodnight, a celebrated Texas ranger, Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits overlooks Healdsburg Plaza and offers a steakhouse dining experience complete with wine, cocktails and oodles of bourbon and whiskey.
Don’t miss:
Yes, it’s a steakhouse, but there are veggie lovers who will appreciate gorgeous salads, the whole roasted cauliflower muhammara and house-made linguini with ricotta, eggplant and blistered cherry tomatoes.
Meal Deal Alert
Mediterranean cuisine with Petaluma River views. Plus, Luma’s recently revamped menu boasts a Stemple Creek burger and burrata with heirloom cucumbers and Calabrian chili vinaigrette.
Don’t miss:
Tuesday Date Night. Enjoy a three-course menu for two for $55.
Napa Valley
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:
The Lincoln gastropub has brought a new late-night dining experience to the Napa Valley, something the area had been lacking. The extensive cocktail list combined with a quality menu of bar food make this a worthwhile visit for those looking for a more casual dining experience.
Don’t miss:
The signature “tatchos,” a play on nachos with tater tots subbed in for tortilla chips and caked in beer cheese, pico de gallo, bacon and crema.
Napa’s Oxbow Market added a food counter by chef Mourad Lahlou (of the SF restaurants Aziza and Mourad). Presenting: Moro, serving up quick and fresh Moroccan flatbreads, salads and couscous bowls.
Don’t miss:
A side of cornbread with harissa butter.
Mothers Tacos serves Mexico City-style tacos on handmade tortillas. For something different than the norm, order waffle fries loaded with options ranging from Sinaloan style braised pork, to grilled steak and marinated chicken.
Don’t miss:
The housemade horchata sweetened with coconut cream.
Solage’s chef Gustavo Rios collaborated with the Caviar Kaspia team to create a caviar-centric menu. Think Avocado Toast, Chips & Dip, and Tuna & Hamachi Tartare. If you spend the night, the hotel’s Caviar Concierge will deliver all of the deliciousness straight to your cottage.
Don’t miss:
The Pretzel & Caviar duo with an ounce of Kaspia Royal Oscietra Caviar, crispy sourdough pretzel, Bellwether Farms crème fraîche, eggs mimosa, red onions, and chives.
The wait is finally over. The Kitchen at Priest Ranch restaurant is now open next to the Priest Ranch tasting room in Yountville. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, KPR offers both indoor and outdoor dining, including the only rooftop seating area in Yountville.
Don’t miss:
The steak frites paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. The restaurant menu is designed to complement Priest Ranch’s portfolio of wines.
FARM, the onsite restaurant at Carneros Resort and Spa, is sporting an all-new look and new Italian-inspired menu, created by award-winning chef Chris Bianco. A two-time James Beard Award winner, FARM is Bianco’s first partnership and outpost in Napa Valley.
Don’t miss:
The pasta obviously, but if you find yourself there for brunch the housemade beignets with caramel and hot chocolate sauce are delish!
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.
Buvette du Marais has arrived at the Marin Country Mart. The owners of Le Marais Bakery in Mill Valley have expanded their ventures with this new bakery and soon-to-be full-service restaurant in Central Marin.
Don’t miss:
Corner Bar is downtown Mill Valley’s first cocktail lounge… ever! Bring a date or simply come to unwind in Corner Bar’s sleek interior, which features two bars and plenty of lounge/window seating overlooking the town square. A menu of Mediterranean bites, crafted by chef Michael Siegel of Playa and Floodwater, complements Corner Bar’s artfully crafted cocktails. No reservations required. Just go already!
Don’t miss:
A selfie with Bourbon Bear.
We All Scream for...
Waffle cones, creamy ice cream and everything you need from a classic ice cream parlor. The Shack is a sleek but homey shoppe in Larkspur, equipped with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating nestled among towering redwoods. Great for birthday parties, scoops after a game or just a sweet treat on a warm afternoon.
Don’t miss:
You can’t go wrong with any one of a dozen flavors available. Waffle cone, please!
Alan Scott’s Legend Continues
If carbs could talk… For a true taste of the North Bay make your way to the hallowed hall of a well-used Alan Scott oven, which has produced fired up award-winning breads and pizzas for decades for beloved restaurants such as SmallShed Flatbread, Molina and Bootjack. The latest interaction, Madrona Bakery!
Don’t miss:
Caramel croissant half loaf — the holidays are coming you’ll need to get your French toast game on.
For More Places to Eat
Find all the restaurants you’re looking for across Northern California.
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team team of foodies who have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
