From oysters on the half-shell to diner-style burgers, here are our favorite new places for memorable meals this month.
Italian eatery Molto Amici offers pizzas and pastas and locally sourced fare.
MOLTO AMICI
Crudo, pizza and pasta are on the menu at Healdsburg’s Italian eatery Molto Amici. Patrons are encouraged to repeat visits as chef Sean McGaughey updates dishes often with produce and products he sources from local farmers and vendors. “We change things frequently, but they always show skill and seasonality,” he says. “Being in a constant flux with a few ‘old friend’ menu items keeps it fresh and always moving.” One thing gourmands can always order? The superb and classic Margherita pizza. 330 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707.756.3169, moltiamici.com
Guests will find wine-pairing suggestions for every item at Tasting House.
TASTING HOUSE
Down in Los Gatos, there’s an exceptional new bistro, Champagne bar and wine haven called Tasting House. With over 65 wines by the glass, it’s an excellent place to learn about varietals not native to California, like unique Italian wines and lesserknown French classics. Owner Denise Thornberry hopes diners learn the wonderful experience of pairing wine with food; each menu item has a specific wine suggestion. Everything from the steak frites to the chilled corn soup is satisfying and scrumptious. 368 Village Lane, Los Gatos, 408.348.1807, tastinghouse.com
The hot oyster selection at Little Shucker
MATTY’S OLD FASHIONED
Over in Oakland, Matt Horn recently opened Matty’s Old Fashioned, where the chef says, “The crown jewel of my menu is the burger. The entire ethos of the restaurant orbits around this humble dish. It holds a sentimental space in my heart.” Horn says the concept reminds him of his culinary roots, when, as a child, he crafted a simple hamburger with two slices of sandwich bread, a slice of American cheese and a patty. “This dish encapsulates my culinary evolution from those nascent days to now,” he says. The chef also serves old-school family favorites like pretzels with cheese dip and fish sandwiches. 464 8th St., Oakland, 510.698.5144, instagram.com/mattyburgers
The bar at Little Shucker offers inventive cocktails.
LITTLE SHUCKER
A new seafood sensation, Little Shucker, graces Fillmore Street. The eatery in the former Grove space is run by the team behind The Snug, a nearby hot spot. Diners can look forward to inventive preparations of classic shellfish items. “What sets us apart from other seafood restaurants is the unique presentation of each dish and how we use the freshest produce and seafood possible,” says chef Adrian Garcia. Think baked oysters with miso bone marrow and smoked salmon tartine with caper jam. 2016 Fillmore St., littleshucker.com
Gourmands will love Blue Mermaid’s pan-seared branzino with fennel puree, grilled carrots, cilantro and Meyer lemon sauce.
BLUE MERMAID
The Presidio is home to Amod Singh who recently joined the Argonaut Hotel as executive chef of Blue Mermaid. He’s created a new menu that showcases his unique take on Indian-American food. There’s a flavor bomb—hamachi that swims in citrus and sweet pepper emulsion, roasted chicken breast with saffron and pepper glace, and butter-poached Maine lobster with summer squash. “I love using an array of spices that accentuate fresh, local ingredients while applying modern techniques to dishes that taste as beautiful as they look on the plate,” Singh explains. 495 Jefferson St., 415.771.2222, argonauthotel.com
Shelby’s Rooftop sits atop the Canopy Hilton hotel in SOMA.
SHELBY’S ROOFTOP
Discover upscale Mediterranean cuisine at a new restaurant perched high above the city. At Shelby’s Rooftop, which is on top of the Canopy by Hilton hotel in SOMA, chef Michelle Matthews serves artichoke dip with aged parmesan, wild king salmon with harissa and paella Valenciana with chicken thighs, chorizo and mussels. Matthews says her culinary goal is “to respect locally sourced in-season ingredients while understanding its core flavor to cultivate a dish that beautifully jumps out of the plate.” 250 4th St., opentable.com/r/shelbys-rooftop-san-francisco
Photography by: EMMA K. MORRIS; CARLY HACKBARTH; BREAD & BUTTER; BREAD & BUTTER; GLODOW NEAD; CANOPY BY HILTON SAN FRANCISCO SOMA
