One thing is clear: The Bay Area remains a culinary juggernaut, with chefs producing some of the most dazzling dishes in the country. Here are our favorite dining destinations right now.
Foreign Delegate is one of the many winning sips at Akiko's, which is among our 11 favorite new restos in town.
1. BAR SPREZZATURA
Inspired by the bustling bars that line the tiny streets of Venice, Bar Sprezzatura serves delicious Italian bites, luxurious crudo, and housemade pasta. The decor is sumptuous, the scene is glamorous, and the cocktails are potent. One Maritime Plaza, 300 Clay St., Ste. 100, 628.466.0230, barsprezzatura.com
2. AKIKO’S AT AVERY LANE
This is a fave eatery that's opened in a new space. Here, chef-owner Ray Lee plates exceptional sushi served omakase-style. Most of the fish is from Tokyo; then it’s dry-aged to flavorful perfection. 430 Folsom St., 415.397.3218, akikosrestaurant.com
3. COPRA
Find sensational Southern Indian cuisine and a happening vibe at this Fillmore Street hot spot from chef Srijith “Sri” Gopinathan and restaurateur Ayesha Thapar. 1700 Fillmore St., 415.873.0795, coprarestaurant.com
4. ACRE
Although Acre is in Rockridge, the trip to the East Bay is worth it. The smoked mushroom toast, whole-roasted branzino, and Spanish octopus are divine. There’s also a hearty lunch menu with pizza that’s charred, chewy, crispy, and crazy good. 5655 College Ave. Oakland, 510.250.3790, acrekitchenandbar.com
5. AFICI
With its expansive marble countertop, pasta-making station, charcuterie storeroom, and whiskey lockers, Afici is Soma’s new fine-dining destination. Chef Eric Upper, a New York native whose culinary background includes stints at Joël Robuchon and Aureole, is the driving force behind the new-American eatery. The menu features ingredients like venison, rabbit, and Iberico pig, plus vegetarian options that showcase Upper’s commitment to sustainable cooking. 680 Folsom St., 415.537.1111, aficisf.com
6. MATTINA
The new Pacific Heights cafe serves classic and comforting Cal-Italian food. In the morning, grab a cappuccino and charcoal-grilled biscuit breakfast sandwich on the go, then come back for a leisurely dinner of tagliatelle with marsala mushrooms and truffle cheese. 2232 Bush St., mattinasf.com
7. CASSAVA
Technically, Cassava is not a new restaurant—it’s been around for more than a decade, but it’s moved to a spacious and beautiful new location in North Beach. It offers a tantalizing choose-your-own-adventure tasting menu. 401 Columbus Ave., 415.640.8990, cassavasf.com
8. ECO TERRENO AND LYON & SWAN
Two fantastic new restaurants are in the same historic building on Columbus. Eco Terreno is on the ground floor and is a modern tasting room for the Alexander Valley-based vineyard of the same name. Downstairs is the swanky jazz supper club Lyon & Swan, where live music and upscale California cuisine delight and inspire. 140 Columbus St., 415.429.5200, ecoterreno.com
9. XICA
From the satisfying chilaquiles to the melt-in-your-mouth slow-braised pork carnitas, there is much to love about Xica, Levi Plaza’s new Mexican eatery. 1265 Battery St., Ste. 100, 415.829.3914, xicasf.com
10. SAN HO WAN
Finger-licking good Korean barbecue from acclaimed chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang? Yes, please! At San Ho Wan, the delicious meat—cooked over a wood-fired grill and paired with homemade sauces—does not disappoint. 2170 Bryant St., 415.868.4479, sanhowon.com
11. APHOTIC
Sustainable seafood is on the menu at chef Peter Hemsley’s fine-dining destination. The 10-course tasting features fish in every course, including dessert. The oyster ice cream is surprisingly good, and the entire meal, from start to finish, is a memorable culinary adventure. 816 Folsom St., 415.865.0529, aphoticrestaurant.com
Photography by: JOSEPH WEAVER; GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY; JOSEPH WEAVER; CHAD SANTO TOMAS; HARDY WILSON; JOSEPH WEAVER; STEPHANIE AMBERG; ALBERT LAW; FRANK FRANCES
