A new Indian restaurant has arrived in the Mission. India’s Chaat House is a small, casual restaurant specializing in Nepalese and Indian street food. The family-owned restaurant serves fan favorites like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer and chicken vindaloo — all wonderfully savory with a good amount of heat. The restaurant also has a selection of Nepalese and Indian street food like pani puri – a crispy, fried, hollow dough ball stuffed with boiled potatoes and momos (Nepalese dumplings). You can find them in the Mission between Valencia and Bartlett Street to get all your South Asian culinary cravings covered.
The team behind Michelin-starred Acquerello recently opened a more casual spinoff — Sorella (sister in Italian). The restaurant focuses on traditional Italian dishes made with contemporary cooking techniques and West Coast ingredients. Sorella showcases the smells and tastes of Italy with over 60 wine selections, fresh pastas, amaros and cicchetti — Venetian bar snacks like grilled octopus, anchovy toast and zucchini fritti. They even have fried pizzetta, so what more can one ask for? The menu also features larger entrees like swiss chard malfatti and lamb osso buco to keep you coming back for more. Check them out on Polk and Washington Street and see how many cicchetti’s you can handle.
Snackeria de la Mission just recently opened up and you’re going to want to know about it. The casual, take-out only spot gets its inspiration from street food vendors in the Mission District and serves the same snacks you often see at stands across the neighborhood. They have everything from mangonada (frozen mango smoothie) to elote sprinkled with cotija cheese to ceviche. The menu features sandwiches like sorta del chive, aqua frescas and a large selection of hot sauce and salsas. The owner of San Francisco taqueria Papalote opened this spot as a safe space for immigrants and a place to preserve Latino food and culture. You can find them at 24th and Osage Street to get all your snack and lunch needs covered.
Automat is a new restaurant and bakery that recently opened in the NOPA/Western Addition community. They serve contemporary takes on American classic dishes and childhood favorites all day, alternating between their daytime and night-time menu. Former Lazy Bear sous chef, Matt Kirk is the person behind this already popular spot – with head baker Casey Wentworth, they are serving everything from garlicky pretzel focaccia and squid ink sourdough to their duck club sandwich. Their California hot fried chicken sandwich – topped with seaweed aioli on a milk bun, is a favorite to many ever since their pop-up days. Find them at McAllister and Baker Street to see what the hype is all about.
Oakland-based Cholita Linda recently opened a new location at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, offering a mixed-bag of Latin street foods that span several countries and cultures. One of their specialities is the Baja fish taco which is regularly featured as one of the best in the Bay Area. Their menu has tacos, giant Cuban sandwiches and larger entrees like chicharron de pollo (Puerto Rican fried chicken). Their Baja fish taco is perfectly fried and seasoned, dressed with bright crisp cabbage slaw, salsa roja and just a little bit of crema to add richness to every bite. Find them at the Ferry Building to get the best flavors of Latin American cuisine.
What is a fusion hot dog? Well, it’s many things, one example is their Japanese influenced Tokyo Signature hot dog. It consists of a freshly baked soft bun and all-beef hot dog topped with roasted seaweed, teri mayo, teriyaki sauce and white sesame. Umai has over 27 different types of hot dogs to choose from, with all the sauces and toppings you can dream of. ‘Umai’ is the Japanese word for ‘yummy’. They have a variety of unique flavors influenced by different cuisines from around the world, like their Thai Thunder or Seoul Storm hot dog. Umai first opened in 1992 in San Jose as a hot dog cart, soon after locals loved it and they grew a loyal following that carries on to this day. You can find their fifth Bay Area location at The Westfield Mall in downtown San Francisco. Check them out for a guaranteed culinary adventure.
On a quiet corner a block away from the beach, Ocean Beach Cafe recently opened its doors to a buzz of excitement from locals excited to have a new neighborhood go-to for good food, good drinks and good vibes. They're on their way to having one of the largest selections of non-alcoholic beverages in the city, so if you're ever in the mood for anything from non-alcoholic wine to sparkling water, you know where to go. Located on La Playa Street between Balboa and Caprillo, the cafe offers the beverages and food you’ve always wanted by the beach. While you sip on one of their many drinks, you can enjoy a myriad of delectable bites like their huli huli chicken platter or vegan avocado wraps. Check them out whenever you’re by the beach or thinking of it to get all your breakfast and lunch needs covered.
The team behind Hawaiian-inspired Liholiho Yacht Club will be debuting a new restaurant on 18th and Dearborn Street in the Mission District. Called Good Culture Club and boasting a Laotian/Filipino inspired menu, the restaurant spotlights shareable and modern-twists on classic dishes like garlic rice stuffed chicken wings and coconut-milk brined and fried petrale sole. The restaurant will have a colorful deck and a plant-filled indoor dining room, ready to welcome you and all your friends soon. They open on January 11th, so make sure you start 2022 with this new culinary adventure.
No better way to welcome the new year than to report that Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen is set to reopen their Tenderloin location. Giving every San Franciscan a taste of East Africa, Tadu has become a cherished spot in a city with a growing presence of different East African restaurants. Ethiopian cuisine characteristically consist of vegetables and spicy meat dishes (usually in the form of a thick stew), served atop injera (a large sourdough flatbread). The menu is full of a variety of flavorful dishes like veggie gomen (collard greens) and beef tibs, a sautéed beef with spices and vegetables. The name ’Tadu’ originated from the owners grandmother, Tadelech Oda, where they utilize her recipes to bring you the authentic flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. Tadu's Ellis and Leavenworth Street location is set to reopen in early 2022.
Whether you’re craving a pintxo, some patatas bravas or a glass of Iberian wine, El Chato is going to be your new favorite spot. ‘El Chato’ is a colloquial term for buddy, so you know it’s going to be the go-to spot for you and all your friends. Owners Erin Rickenbaker and Rafa Saenz describe their new restaurant as “the real Spanish destination in SF, giving guests an authentic gastronomic experience.” They promise the music will always be lively and the wine will always flow. So get ready for good vibes, good wine and good food. They will open at 2301 Bryant Street in early 2022.
Celebrity chef Michael Mina, the owner of Pabu and Bardot Brasserie, expanded his culinary footprint recently, welcoming his newest restaurant, Estiatorio Ornos. Named after Ornos Beach, a small beach along the Grecian coastline. The restaurant’s decor and ambiance embodies the Greek Isles and Mediterranean vibes of the Aegean, with flowing curtains, lemon trees, and a roving fish cart. The menu features everything from raw bar items such as oysters and sea urchins to poached salmon and phyllo-crusted petrale sole. Go for the food and stay for the cocktails. Check them out near the Ferry Building at Battery and California Street.
Komaaj is bringing the Iranian breeze to the shores of San Francisco. The new restaurant specializes in dishes from Gilan, a province on the Caspian Sea in Northern Iran. As one of the few Iranian restaurants in San Francisco, Komaaj is a needed addition to the city's culinary scene, offering classics like kuku sabzi (herb frittata) and morgh-e torsh (chicken stew). These dishes are served with airy and light Sangak flatbread, ensuring that all your cravings for Iranian cuisine are satisfied. Find them at The Laundry on 26th and Capp Street in the Mission.
Filipino-Mexican street food spot Señor Sisig has a new food truck. It's based on all their classic offerings, from vegan chicken burritos to vegan cheese-loaded fries. True to fashion, Señor Sisig Vegano carries on the tradition of ingenuity and creativity, marinating their vegan meats and altering traditional recipes to give you more flavor, texture, and deliciousness. Some locals even say their plant-based menu tastes better than their meat options. Find them at the Mission on Valencia and 18th Street to see what the hype is all about.
Tennessee might be a long way from California, but Hotbird is bringing the heat of Nashville-Style chicken sandwiches to San Francisco. They first started as an Oakland-based food truck and a regular at Off the Grid, but today they're opening their first brick-and-mortar location in SOMA at The Market. So, what's Nashville-Style? It’s chicken with a hefty dose of spices like hot sauce and cayenne. To give you an even more unique taste, they use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs and rice bran oil instead of conventional oil, infusing it with a lighter and more nutty flavor. Hotbird has sandwiches in five spice levels, so go give them a visit at 10th and Market to see how much heat you can handle.
Cuban and Colombian classics are the highlight at Chao Pescao, offering everything from Colombian empanadas vallunas made with masa to bistec de palomilla. The restaurant focuses on the family recipes of founder and owner Rene Denis, inspired by his own Cuban-Colombian upbringing. The dishes are refreshing and filling, highlighting the rich culinary diversity and flavors of the region. His late grandmother's black bean recipe comes with every entree in an homage to his Cuban heritage. Go check them out at Mcallister and Larkin Street.
This new seafood restaurant and wine bar opened its doors to a buzz of excitement from locals eager to try their contemporary take on different classic dishes. They have a large selection of wines, almost all white and all French. They will have a selection of raw fish to go alongside it and plenty of other dishes to choose from, like their matsutake and crispy red prawns. And, of course, there will be caviar, lots of it. Le Fantastique stands out with their very own caviar eclair topped with kaluga and smoked onion. To enjoy some of France’s best wines and fish, go check them out at Franklin and Lily Street in Hayes Valley.
Filipino cuisine is getting another home at Abaca, which recently opened at the Kimpton Alton Hotel with a contemporary take on many classic dishes. They have everything from noodles and rice dishes to barbecue sticks and larger entrees. Abaca stays true to its Filipino background with dishes such as sisig fried rice, pork lumpia and squash dumplings. The restaurant’s story started when husband-and-wife owners, Executive Chef Francis Ang and co-owner Dian Ang, hosted a fundraiser showcasing Filipino food after the 2013 typhoon. The food was so well-received that their endeavors to present Filipino food to the masses took off. Abaca is a restaurant with generations-old recipes and the best ingredients Northern California has to offer. Go see what the buzz is all about. You can find them at Jones and Beach Street in Fisherman's Wharf.
Get a taste of Hanoi at Pho Huong Viet, a family-owned restaurant located in the heart of the Richmond District. The newly opened restaurant focuses on Northern Vietnamese cuisine, giving the neighborhood different variations of classic and familiar dishes. While Southern Vietnamese pho is the most widely consumed in San Francisco, the folks at Pho Huong Viet are showcasing the diversity and flavors of the country. Northern pho tends to have wider noodles and its simple broth is bolder in flavor, while southern pho tends to be sweeter and have a wide selection of herbs. They make their own noodles fresh every day, and their pho primarily uses flat noodles instead of vermicelli. Be sure to try their Pho Ga or their crab spring rolls for a little taste of Northern Vietnamese comfort food. You can find them on 22nd and Geary Boulevard.
Lazy Susan is the Chinese-American restaurant you’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s fried wonton strips, General Tso’s chicken, or chow mein, these dishes have always been a mainstay in many of our lives. Lazy Susan offers a contemporary approach to 25 favorite Chinese-American dishes, and is named after the turntable found in many Chinese restaurants around the world. It functions more like a take-out and pick-up restaurant, aiming to be your go-to spot for any and all food cravings. Go pick up some crab rangoon at Fell and Franklin Street and thank us later.
San Ho Won recently opened its doors to locals who are eager to try the mouth-watering creations of chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang. The restaurant is located at the intersection of leisure and fine dining, bringing you the best ingredients with the most meticulous techniques. All grilled dishes are cooked over charcoal in the kitchen, and the menu includes a series of classic Korean dishes such as gamjatang and soondae pajeon. Go check them out at Bryant and 20th Street to see what all the excitement is about.
If you’ve ever wondered what a Levantine thanksgiving looks like, you’re in luck. This year, instead of turkey, Reem's is offering a roast chicken stuffed with spiced rice, ground beef and toasted pine nuts. If you’re tired of pecan or pumpkin pie, try their walnut and date pie served with orange blossom whipped cream. Reem's connects people across cultures and experiences through the warmth of bread and hospitality. Give your loved ones a unique Thanksgiving dinner and check out their special holiday menu online or go see them on Mission and 25th Street.
There’s a new sushi restaurant in town, and they’re doing everything they can to make it your new go-to spot. They have a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, such as their dengaku eggplant or their toro tartare. To give you even more options, they have a full bar featuring a selection of over 80 different types of whiskey. The inside is modern and cozy, with slatted screens separating the whiskey tasting lounge in the back, which features low couches and live music — perfect for a date night or a friends night out. Sushi Sato might be the perfect sushi spot you’ve been looking for. Go check them out at Polk and Post Street.
Burger lovers, rejoice! Super Duper is opening up in Laurel Village. The local burger chain opened its first branch in 2010 and has quickly become a San Francisco institution. Whether it's their veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches or all-natural hamburgers, Super Duper prides itself on its locally-sourced ingredients and its commitment to the quality of their food. Open your notes app and write down their location, California and Laurel Street.
The Moroccan-Californian restaurant popular with locals and tourists alike, is set to return their unique brunch service in the next few weeks. Acclaimed Michelin-star chef and owner Mourad Lahlou first immigrated to the U.S from Marrakech over 20 years ago. His yearning for authentic North African cuisine in the Bay Area prompted him to open his own restaurant in 2001, Aziza, named after his mother. Since then, Mourad has created a modern take to the rich spices and flavors of Morocco, blending traditional recipes with local and seasonal Bay Area produce. Get a glass of wine, sit inside or on their patio, and make sure you try their trio of dips and flatbread. You can find them out at 23rd and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco.
Travel Italy without ever having to leave your seat. Chefs Ryan Pollnow and Thomas McNaughton of Flour+Water Hospitality Group are giving you a taste of some of the best regional Italian dishes. Penny Roma has a courtyard and dining room, perfect for a date night or a friends night out. They have classics such as Agnolotti from Piedmont and Tonnarelli from Lazio. The Agnolotti is fragrant and rich, stuffed with a juicy pork and beef filling. Their house-made focaccia is chunky and comforting and their pasta is made fresh every morning at the Flour and Water Pasta shop across the street. Go find them at 20th and Florida Street in the Mission.
After expanding into the Richmond and Marina neighborhoods, Palmetto Superfoods will open a third branch in the next few months near the Chase Center in Mission Bay. The idea for it came after San Francisco native Charles Lee teamed up with sisters and former cafe owners Thaís and Amanda Moreira to serve up the best of Brazil. Since their first branch opened in 2018, they have been bringing their smooth and silky acai bowls to the masses. Palmetto Superfoods is a fast casual dining experience, spreading Brazilian flavor to San Francisco neighborhoods one by one.
Get the latkes crispy and the brisket tender because Hanukkah is almost here. Wise Sons Jewish Deli is gearing up to celebrate the eight-day Festival of Lights with their special easy-to-order dinner package. Hanukkah starts on November 28th, and if you're still tired from Thanksgiving then Wise Sons has you covered. Can’t decide between their soft and airy challah or their rich Guittard Chocolate babka? Then definitely get both. Whether you need a roast brisket meal for 4 or just some matzo ball soup, find them at Fillmore and O'Farrell Street.
In the endless battle of burgers vs. sandwiches, the Mission’s newest spot might be the one you want to bet on. If you love East Coast food as much as we do, consider Newkirk's as your new go-to spot. Missing that classic New York bagel, egg and cheese? You’re in luck: Newkirk’s has over 9 variations of breakfast sandwiches, including their very own hash brown sandwich, making sure you’re always craving something new. Go check them out at 22nd and Potrero Avenue.
