Best New Restaurants in the Bay Area
It's been quite a year for the restaurant industry, and although the pandemic isn't over, I can't help but get excited when I hear of new spots opening up. Fresh takeout options, new patios to hang out on, and little glimmers of hope for the future of restaurants in the Bay are enough to brighten dull days. Cheers to supporting these local faves, new and old!
Note: Make sure to double-check before visiting these spots (or any spots, really) to make sure they're open as the world is ever-changing. Some may be open for indoor or outdoor dining, others are takeout only. And don't forget: be safe, social distance, wear a mask, be nice, and of course, tip.
Abacá
(2700 Jones St. // Fisherman's Wharf)
Filipino culture and traditional fare take center stage at Abacá, where several appetizers and small plates have landed on the menu to encourage sharing. Some of my favorite features of the restaurant? The delightfully purple Ube Colada, and (of course) the well-stocked pastry case.
Itria
(3266 24th St. // Mission)
Though Itria technically opened for business in May, the dining room opened on August 5th - a highly anticipated event that introduced a new menu. To-go pizza is certainly a crowd-pleaser, but updated offerings of fresh pasta and raw fish promise to be even tastier.
Restaurant Nisei
(2316 Polk St. // Russian Hill)
If you aren’t familiar with Washoku, or the “harmony of food,” the 12-course tasting menu at Nisei - where the dishes are as photogenic as they are delicious - is an excellent place to start. Reservations are required as space is limited, and don’t forget to bring proof of vaccination!
Ernest
(1890 Bryant St. Ste. 100 // Mission)
Global food that’s locally sourced is the name of the game at Ernest, a new concept from Michelin-starred Chef Brandon Rice. While some staples like the Sea Urchin “Carbonara” are always on the menu, most offerings change weekly. Don’t forget to order the soft serve with Magic Shell!
Jo’s Modern Thai
(3725 MacArthur Blvd. // Oakland)
Seasonal, local ingredients find their way into family-style dishes from around Thailand at Jo’s Modern Thai. Plates like Party Wings and Squid Salad join the menu alongside a variety of bright and tropical cocktails. Once fully staffed, the restaurant plans to open for lunch and brunch as well.
Snail Bar
(4935 Shattuck Ave. // Oakland)
Primarily a natural wine bar and shop, Snail Bar also offers small plates from 4 pm to 9:30 pm Thursday through Monday. Dishes rotate daily but aim to be simple and delicious while highlighting local ingredients. Proof of vaccination is required for all guests!
SPRO Coffee Lab
(500 Church St. // Castro)
After four years at Spark Social, this popular coffee truck is opening a brick and mortar. Self-described as experimental and inventive, SPRO serves up craft coffee concoctions and tasty, creative snacks.
The Tailor’s Son
(2049 Fillmore St. // Pacific Heights)
There’s a risotto on the menu for everyone at The Tailor’s Son. The restaurant serves up a variety of Northern Italian fare, but if (for some reason) you aren’t in the mood for a hearty pasta, they also have Aperitivo Hour daily from 4 to 6 pm.
Chao Pescao
(272 McAllister St. // Civic Center)
Latin-Caribbean food is served up fresh and prepared specifically for take-out at Chao Pescao, where each dish is made to be filling and affordable. As a bonus, the decor, food, and drinks are all Instagram-worthy!
Empress by Boon
(838 Grant Ave. // Chinatown)
This upscale, contemporary Cantonese restaurant has an impressively decorated interior and city views to boot, but the dishes by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon steal the show. The menu is prix fixe for now and starts at $78.
Luna American Brasserie
(694 Valencia St. // Mission)
If you’re not sure what a brasserie is, you’re not alone (it’s a restaurant, I looked it up), but the truth is that you don’t need to know to be able to enjoy the not-so-standard American fare that Luna offers. Mindful of their opening date in the COVID era, they even have a dedicated to-go window.
Via del Corso
(1788 Shattuck Ave. // Berkeley)
Corso, a beloved Berkeley trattoria shuttered during the pandemic, has been revived as Via del Corso. Though most of the menu has changed to encompass a wider variety of Italian cooking, fan favorites like the Pollo al Burro will stick around.
Bombera
(3459 Champion St. // Oakland)
Open for dinner on Thursdays and Fridays and brunch on Saturday mornings, this environmentally and socially conscious restaurant fuses Mexican and Californian cuisines. The handmade tortillas are a can’t-miss, and though the menu changes weekly, it’s always sure to delight
Harmonic Brewing Thrive City
(7 Warriors Way Ste. 206 // Mission Bay)
Two Dogpatch staples, Harmonic Brewing and Neighbor Bakehouse, have joined up to create a taproom with a bread-focused food menu. If beer with bread isn’t convincing enough, the bay views should seal the deal.
Sunday Bakeshop
(5931 College Ave. // Oakland)
This self-proclaimed Asian American, French-inspired bakery has a fun menu driven by seasonal ingredients, and monthly pastry boxes to supplement the daily offerings. We’re talking Strawberry Pocky Cruffins, Furikake Chex Mix, Matcha Rice Krispie Treats, and more!
New Belgium Brewery
(1000 A 3rd St // Mission Bay)
New Belgium's first California brewery is right here in San Francisco – lucky us! If you need somewhere to sip your Fat Tire Ale or Voodoo Ranger IPA, their new Mission Bay location is the perfect spot. They're even serving all types of beer-friendly food from beer cheese to tacos to burgers.
La Cocina Municipal Marketplace
(101 Hyde St // Tenderloin)
What's better than one delicious new restaurant? Seven delicious new restaurants, all run by incredible women of color. Stop by the La Cocina's brand new marketplace in the Tenderloin and pick up some takeout from Boug Cali, Estrellita's Snacks, Kayma, La Paloma, Los Cilantros, Mi Morena, or Teranga.
Vegan Mob Food Truck
(701 Valencia St // Mission)
Vegans (and non-vegans), rejoice! The East Bay's favorite vegan joint, Vegan Mob, has officially crossed the Bay Bridge and is serving up vegan soul food by the plate. Stop by their truck on Valencia St and get down on some mac and cheese, po'boys, loaded fries, fried chicken, and more
Mr. Digby's
(1199 Church St // Noe Valley)
This Noe Valley bar + restaurant boasts itself as a new neighborhood spot, and it sure feels that way. With a homey interior and a menu comprised of bar bites, french onion soup, chicken pot pie, and other comfort foods, it sure seems like a relaxing spot to try on your next night out. Don't forget to try one of their craft cocktails!
Red Bay Coffee Cafe & Headquarters
(3136 International Ave // Fruitvale)
One of the Bay's favorite coffee companies has officially opened its new space in Oakland, housed in what used to be a bank (so you can imagine the vibe the high ceilings give). The owner, Keba Konte, tells Eater SF that their food program is still in the works, but they've begun partnering with local bakeries to provide some goods to match your coffee. Konte also tells Eater that the space will be "unapologetically welcoming to Black and brown people" and we're here for it.
