The 19 Restaurants Added to the 2016 Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants

From the San Francisco Chronicle's restaurant critic Michael Bauer:

"At this time of year — when I’ve made all my revisits and finished the annual Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants guide — I look back and assess the dining scene.

Last year I thought it was great, and I replaced 17 restaurants. This year was even better with 19 new places added to the list.

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• Top 100 Restaurants

Each year the competition sets a new bar. In fact I had written up 109 restaurants, and then realized, of course,  that I had to get rid of nine places I thought deserved to be in the guide. The decision of who to cut wasn’t made easier because only one restaurant on last year’s list (Nojo) closed; it’s now reopened as a ramen shop.  Several other top restaurants had last-minute chef changes, which took them out of the running for this year. A few restaurants I went to lagged in quality, but overall the dining scenes keeps getting better.

This year 31 restaurants were outside of San Francisco, and 26 offer only a fixed price format, which shows the major trend in the restaurant business. Just about every place is now featuring a shorter, more focused menu.

So after much thought, and even more agonizing I was able to get the list down to 100, which is now available on sfchronicle.com.

Here are the new entries in this year’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants, with photos of dishes from each restaurant."

Belga: This Belgian restaurant in Cow Hollow serves much more than frites and waffles.

Bix: No other restaurant so exquisitely captures the supper club vibe, with great food to match.

Cala: Serving seafood, this restaurant sets new standards for Mexican food. 

Californios: Only a fixed price menu is offered at this elegant fixed-price Mexican-inspired restaurant. 

Commis, Oakland: Elegantly imagined Northern California food stars on this $125, 10-course fixed priced menu 

Del Popolo: This restaurant may only serve pizza and a few appetizers, but they are not only great but served in stylish surroundings 

Little Gem: Quick casual is a trend of the future and this restaurant serves excellent food that’s free of gluten, daily and processed sugars. 

Lord Stanley: At the corner of Polk and Broadway, this restaurant also has a fixed price menu with imaginative preparations. 

Ninebark, Napa: Here’s the best place to go to understand how pristine local ingredients and modern techniques intersect. 

Octavia: The follow up to Frances is even better than the original. 

Old Bus Tavern: Beer may be on tap, but the food that pairs with it is even better. 

Omakase: One of the best omakase experiences in the city. 

Petit Crenn: Dominque Crenn channels her French grandmother on the reasonably priced family-style menu. 

Rasa, Burlingame: The best casual Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. 

Shed Cafe, Healdsburg: You may be eating in a kind of new age grange, but the food shows a close connection to the land. 

Trestle: Three courses for $35 translates to one of the best fine-dining deals in the city. 

Village Sake, Fairfax: The place to go for Japanese food in Marin. 

Volta: Scandinavian food is the star of this restaurant by Steffan Terje, who also owns Perbacco and Barbacco. 

Z & Y: Sichuan cooking doesn’t get any better than at this Chinatown restaurant. 

Article and images sourced from http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2016/05/09/the-19-restaurants-added-to-the-2016-top-100-bay-area-restaurants/#photo-759433

The 10 Hottest New Restaurants in San Francisco

From a soaring representation of Paris to new beer-focused restaurants, San Francisco just gained some favorite spots and very good excuses to imbibe local brews. Here are the 10 San Francisco restaurants you need to know now.

• 
  Oro

  • SoMa

  From the Commonwealth chef comes this chic bistro to Mint Plaza, where midpriced Cal-Mediterranean share plates, small bites and a chef’s choice blind tasting menu are offered in addition to beer, wine and cocktails. Spacious and designed around industrial bones, the bustling, bi-level Financial District quarters are kitted out in reclaimed wood, custom lighting, slate draperies and colorful artwork.

  Must-Order: Impossibly fluffy potato gnocchi with corn and chanterelles and aromatic, mustardy grilled pork sausage on a shelling bean salad.
  Insider Tip: There’s also a "blind" tasting menu, tailored to individual preferences, that features off-menu family-style dishes for $75 per person, with an additional $50 wine pairing.
• 
  Sessions at the Presidio

  • The Presidio

  A sleek beer-centric destination in the Presidio's Letterman Digital Arts complex, this craft beer bar and New American gastropub focuses on low-octane brews, with other pours and wines available (by the bottle and on tap). A wood-decked, modern interior with a bustling vibe offers a bar, two-top and communal tables and plenty of windows for views of the surrounding greenery – and there's a huge outdoor seating area.

  Must-Order: Mediterranean clams and Magnolia Brewing's Aliciella beer, fried quail.
  Insider Tip: The best seats are at the rectangular bar in the middle of the room or on the lush patio.
   
• 
  Old Bus Tavern

  • Bernal Heights

  The roadtrip-loving team behind this casual Bernal Heights neighborhood spot offers up midpriced Californian comfort food, craft beers (some housemade) and a thoughtful cocktail menu focused on whiskey, tequila and mezcal concoctions. Inside, polished concrete floors and vintage Americana accents set the backdrop for banquette and bar seats (some with brewhouse views). P.S. An actual bus will be available to cater outdoor events.

  Must-Order: Pickled quail eggs and the house-brewed OBT Lemon Basil Saison.
  Insider Tip: Get a peek at the small brewing operation in the lofted space by the kitchen where the house beers are barrel-aged.
   
• 
  Bon Marche Brasserie & Bar

  • SoMa

  Market Square (aka the Twitter building) houses this splurge-worthy dining destination from the AQ and TBD crew, where lavish food options include an expansive oyster bar, coffee shop, cocktail and beer bar and European-inspired brasserie serving small bites and entrees. With brass and copper fixtures, leather seating and art deco accents, the stylish setting brings classic Parisian flair to Mid-Market.

  Must-Order: The dry sparkling wine with truffle salt rim and the chef-favorite veal sweetbreads with parsley Girardet and Madeira jus.
  Insider Tip: The restaurants specializes in corporate events and private parties; inquire here for your next French-inspired soiree.
• 
  Scotland Yard

  • Marina District

  The Marina gets this Noir Lounge spin-off, a Victorian-inspired bistro and bar with an old-school vibe for midpriced Californian fare, plus local and small-production beer and wine. Casual and classy, the space is decked out in hanging chandeliers, heavy beams, dark wood, vintage wallpaper and metal accents along with bar, banquette and table seating.

  Must-Order: The ceviche taco and the Yard burger with bone-marrow aïoli.
  Insider Tip: Head outside to take advantage of the spacious patio with tufted leather couches. 
• Wes Row
  Petit Crenn

  • Hayes Valley

  A casual spin-off of Dominique Crenn's Atelier Crenn, this buzzy bistro brings the flavors of Brittany, France to Hayes Valley via all-day menus, with dinner options ranging from a la carte to two nightly seatings for prix-fixe, multi-course meals served family-style. A cozy space with an open kitchen puts a modern spin on classic French style, with white walls, contemporary art, vintage serving ware and blue and white accents.

  Must-Order: Though the menu is a fixed family-style meal that changes daily, guests are treated to the best spoils from daily pilgrimages to local fish and farmer's markets. Definitely pair the meal with a cider — served chilled and in a mug — to complete the Brittany experience.
  
  Insider Tip: Reservations go quickly, but we have some tips on how to score one of the coveted tables! For extra-special occasions, the Chef's Table Experience reserves the best table for the whole night and includes special, off-menu items, such as lobster, caviar and abalone. 
• 
  Dirty Water

  • SoMa

  Mid-Market’s Twitter building houses this atmospheric restaurant, bar and lounge where an upscale menu features greens, charcuterie, cheese and a splurge-worthy selection of mains along with a thick book of spirits, more than 50 draft brews and over 100 wines by the glass. The atmospheric, dimly lit interior skews masculine-chic with whiskey-hued leather, butcher-block tabletops, high ceilings and a glass wall open to the brewing area.

  Must-Order: For lunch, the roasted tri-tip sandwich; for dinner, the Axis deer tartare or the pig-ear fritto misto.
  Insider Tip: Given its well-educated drink staff, this is the spot to imbibe while learning the intricacies of rare wines and spirits. "Bartial Artist" Zachary Taylor whips up mind-bending concoctions, such as the Long Strange Trip, which is a naturally sweet libation thanks to the maple-flavored candy cap mushrooms infused with 1776 rye, lemon, black pepper and Zucca Amaro.
• 
  Omakase

  • Potrero Hill

  The traditional Edomae-style sushi experience at this SoMa spot features a spendy set chef’s-choice menu (with $100, $150 and $200 options) made with fish flown in several times a week from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. The tiny, polished dinner spot has counter seats facing the chef, and the space is all about attention to detail – think boutique-sourced dinnerware, sake pitchers made from Japanese pine and cedar and a yellow cedar sushi counter.

  Must-Order: It's all omakase; choose your price level of $100, $150 or $200.
  Insider Tip: You've surrendered your taste buds to the chef, which allows for more time to peruse the extensive sake menu. From the mellow and clean $18 carafe of Karakuchi to the $345 bottle of Tedorigawa Mangekyo, lauded for its silky texture and deep flavor, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to exercise choice.
• 
  ICHI Kakiya

  • Bernal Heights

  Oysters and other raw-bar fare are the focus of this buzzy Bernal Heights spin-off to the popular ICHI Sushi + NI Bar, which offers midpriced Japanese and California seafood in addition to a thoughtful selection of beer, wine and sake. There's no reservations for seating at a few tables and a narrow counter in the tiny cafe quarters done up with a chic, ocean-inspired blue-and-gold design.

  Must-Order: Oysters and half lobster, Hokkaido scallop crudo and daily changing seafood specials.
  Insider Tip: Watch for "secret menu" treats like mini, Japanese-style lobster rolls that are vivid with tobiko (flying fish roe), kani (crab) miso and bonito Tabasco.

10 Hottest New Restaurants in San Francisco

From an authentic sushi experience to a game-meat specialist in the Twitter building, there's no shortage of exciting SF openings to keep you busy all summer long. In our monthly update, here are the 10 restaurants you need to know now.

View as slideshow

Photo by: Dirty Water

Dirty Water
Why It’s Hot: This grand, ambitious bar-restaurant concept has made a big splash in the lobby of the Twitter building as a swanky destination for power lunches and after-work dinner and drinks. Chef Chris Fissel (formerly of Chez Spencer) has created a game-focused menu of exotic meats as well as traditional proteins and options for the vegetarian set, all cooked over a wood-fired, open-flame oven and served in large, shareable portions. The beverage menu is equally impressive, boasting 52 beers on tap, 115 wines by the glass and an extensive, surprising cocktail menu utilizing rare spirits.
Must-Order: For lunch, the roasted tri-tip sandwich won’t disappoint. The Axis deer tartare is a gamey revelation, while the pig ear fritto misto is surprisingly fresh, flavorful and chewy, similar to calamari misto but with heartier pork.
Insider Tip: With a supremely educated drink staff, this is the spot to imbibe while learning the intricacies of rare wines and spirits. “Bartial Artist” Zachary Taylor whips up mind-bending concoctions, such as the Long Strange Trip, which is a naturally sweet libation thanks to the maple-flavored candy cap mushrooms infused with 1776 rye, lemon, black pepper, and Zucca Amaro.
1355 Market St.; 888-393-0530

Photo by: Karen Solomon

Omakase
Why It’s Hot: This upscale Edomae-style sushi bar from Kash Feng (of Live Sushi) offers an ever-changing chef’s-choice menu, featuring fish flown in several times per week from Tokyo’s world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market for the freshest, most authentic sushi experience possible. Three seasoned chefs, headed up by Jackson Yu, preside over 14 counter seats and take diners on a surprising culinary journey, based on the three fixed price points. Yu is renowned for his exceptional knife skills, honed in acclaimed restaurants Japan’s Ukai and Ingi Son, New York’s Masa and Napa’s Morimoto. The donabe dishware, the world’s oldest pottery, adds to the refined experience with handcrafted dishes that maximize the plate’s ability to retain heat in order to enhance the flavors of the food.
Must-Order: Pick your price point ($100, $150, and $200) and let the chefs do the rest.
Insider Tip: While you surrender your taste buds to the chef, peruse the extensive sake menu, featuring several refined selections. From the mellow and clean $18 carafe of “Karakuchi” to the $345 bottle of Tedorigawa “Mangekyo,” lauded for its silky texture and deep flavor, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to exercise choice.
665 Townsend St.; 415-865-0633

Myriad Gastro Pub
Why It’s Hot: The long-awaited solo project of Tricia Tracey (formerly of ThirstyBear Brewing Company and Momo’s) is finally here in the former Nombe space, offering global flavors with seasonal Northern California ingredients. While the food is best described as “international pub food,” the flavors are much more delicate and nuanced than what you’d typically expect from pub grub. Still, the price point and shareable plates lend a relaxed ambiance to the meal. Hearty small plates and shareable entrees allow diners to explore a few different regions — from Latin flavors to Mediterranean dishes.
Must-Order: For dinner, indulge in the summery grilled hollowed peaches topped with a tangy goat cheese mousse and the Cochinita Pibil, a Mayan pork stew with sour orange, red onions, jalapeños and green chile corn tortillas. For brunch, the shakshuka is a comforting, hearty tomato and egg dish not to be missed.
Insider Tip: While the extensive wine and craft-beer list may get the initial glory, the low-octane cocktails should not be ignored — particularly the brunch-friendly Sandbar, a refreshing delicate mix of Madeira, orange, grapefruit, pimento bitters and Prosecco.
2491 Mission St.; 415-525-4335

Photo by: Virginia Miller

Octavia
Why It's Hot: Intimate Frances has been a favorite of restaurant-goers and the national press since it opened in 2009. Now chef Melissa Perello and crew have opened a long-anticipated second restaurant, Octavia, in a space that housed a long line of restaurant greats from the Meetinghouse to the original Quince and most recently Baker & Banker. Open in April, Perello and her team continue to turn out ever-changing food that is soulful and heartwarming while simultaneously light, fresh and current.
Must-Order: Chilled squid-ink noodles and featured toast (pictured) on Josey Baker levain with changing toppings like warm ricotta, charred spring onion purée and fresh watercress leaves.
Insider Tip: Start with an apéritif from the winning list of vermouths from beverage director Paul Einbund (formerly of Coi) with helpful tasting notes offered straight, on the rocks with bitters and an orange peel or with tonic, bitters and orange.
1701 Octavia St.; 415-408-7507

Photo by: Virginia Miller

Aatxe
Why It's Hot: Long-awaited Aatxe (pronounced "aah-CHAY") opened in April on the dramatically transformed ground floor of the Swedish American Hall, which houses Cafe du Nord downstairs (recently reopened with new menus). Ne Timeas Restaurant Group (Flour + Water, Central Kitchen, etc.) and the Bon Vivants (Trick Dog) are behind this Basque/Spanish restaurant with chef Ryan Pollnow at the helm (formerly at Central Kitchen). Pollnow combines his favorite regional dishes from Spain and Basque Country travels with California ingredients and ethos.
Must-Order: Pintxos or bites (pictured), exceptional patatas bravas, mussels escabeche, morcilla (blood sausage) and chickpeas with pork cheek, carrots, pine nuts and raisins.
Insider Tip: The Bon Vivants' aperitivos and cocktails do not disappoint, showcasing sherry but also sporting a fantastic graph of gins from Aatxe's extensive collection with a range of tonics to pair with, in keeping with Spain's most popular drink, the G&T, all run by bar manager Tommy Quimby. Wine directors Sam Bogue and Geno Tomko's dynamic wine list focuses solely on small Spanish producers, a range of sherry and dry Basque ciders.
2170 Market St.; 415-471-2977

Lord Stanley
Why It's Hot: Husband-and-wife chef team Rupert and Carrie Blease met in Oxfordshire, England while working at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, the acclaimed Raymond Blanc restaurant, and they’re bringing that expertise to their own SF kitchen. The menu’s deceptively simple food pairs their well-honed global cooking techniques with SF’s best ingredients in a light and airy Russian Hill locale.
Must-Order: Pickled shellfish with fennel and dill; beef tartar with seaweed, cucumber and nori cracker; slow-cooked and grilled lamb shoulder, alliums and lemon; chocolate pouch, crème chiboust and cherries.
Insider Tip: Everything on the menu is made in-house — from bread to butter and beyond.
2065 Polk St.; 415-872-5512

Photo by: Virginia Miller

Aster
Why It's Hot: Daniel Patterson Group's long-awaited Aster opened at the end of March on the cozy corner of Guerrero and 22nd. The kitchen is helmed by Brett Cooper, whose cooking we've missed since his days as Outerlands chef. Sous-chef Meghan Clark (Aziza, Spoonbar, Kin Khao) and pastry chef Sean Ehland (McCrady’s in Charleston) work with Cooper, utilizing ingredients from small, local farms on an ever-changing menu.
Must-Order: Crispy potato and nettle dumplings; camouflage-esque frozen chocolate marked by cocoa-nib crumble, mandarin orange sauce and basil oil; kale leaf and carrot salad.
Insider Tip: Aster has eschewed its highly publicized tip-included menu pricing for traditional tipping. Diners may now pay whatever they wish for service.
1001 Guerrero St.; 415-875-9810

Photo by: Virginia Miller

ICHI Kakiya
Why It's Hot: Erin and Tim Archuleta opened ICHI Kakiya in May with longtime collaborator and restaurant manager/beverage director Shasta Olarte in the original ICHI Sushi space, which is now down the street in larger digs as ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar. In the intimate, 21-seat space, executive chef Tim Archuleta helms an oyster bar with raw, cold and hot dishes, steamed shellfish and a focus on sustainable seafood, whether from Japan, France or North America's West Coast. This newcomer maintains the welcome and intimacy of the original ICHI with a distinctive menu from its sister restaurant down the street.
Must-Order: Oysters and half lobster (pictured), Hokkaido scallop crudo and daily changing seafood specials.
Insider Tip: Watch for "secret menu" treats like mini, Japanese-style lobster rolls, vivid with tobiko (flying fish roe), kani (crab) miso and bonito (a fish in the mackerel/tuna family) Tabasco.
3369 Mission St.; 415-814-3877

KronnerBurger
Why It's Hot: The beautiful and bright marble eatery could not contrast more drastically with the eatery’s former home in Bruno’s dark and dank dining room. This longtime SF pop-up hops the pond to the East Bay to the delight of carnivorous diners drawn to the expanded menu and the cult classic Kronnerburger.
Must-Order: Of course the signature Kronnerburger, and ideally with all the fixings, including roasted bone marrow, housemade pimento cheese and bacon; the chopped salad with radicchio, baby kale, and smoked coconut; chicken wings with fermented chile and schmaltz; the gluten-free Earth Burger with crispy, chewy fried yuba bacon.
Insider Tip: An extensive cocktail list and selection of wines by the bottle go beyond your basic burger joint. The Saigon Pickup — mezcal, lime, lemongrass liqueur, ginger and chile — will perk up any burger-induced coma.
4063 Piedmont Ave., Oakland; 415-656-9871

Article and images sourced from https://www.zagat.com/b/san-francisco/10-hottest-new-restaurants-in-san-francisco

Photo by: Virginia Miller
Trestle

Why It's Hot: A three-course dinner for just $35? Yes, please! The team from Stones Throw has come together again to launch a casual, neighborhood joint serving a daily changing menu of well-executed comfort food. This Jackson Square combo of appetizer, main course and dessert is one of the best bargains in town. The extra-hungry will want to add a fourth pasta course ($10 more); the thirsty will pop open one of the many top-notch bottles around $40.
Must-Order: English pea risotto with cress and Parmesan; roasted tomato soup with whipped burrata and basil; thyme and garlic-stuffed chicken with dirty rice, sausage and greens; thyme panna cotta, poaches peaches and peach granita.
Insider Tip: The 49-seat space can also be rented out for private parties. Helloooo wedding rehearsal dinner!

531 Jackson St.; 415-772-0922