It’s that point of yr once more: I sift via the a whole lot of latest native eating places I’ve visited this yr (plus a number of hundred extra nationwide and worldwide eating places), particularly these opened December 2021 via November 2022, sorting via what standouts most… and why.
As with yearly, I dined on the majority of Bay Space openings: virtually all in SF, but additionally the vast majority of notable newcomers in Napa, Sonoma, Marin, East Bay and the Peninsula. Sure, it has been a typical very busy consuming yr, once more confirming why we reside in one of the wonderful areas to eat and drink on this planet.
There is no such thing as a solution to embrace all “bests,” particularly factoring in bakeries, hole-in-the-walls, and each degree of eating. So we’ll begin with 10 honorable mentions in alphabetical order (all in SF until famous in any other case):
Bodega
Don Pancho Pizzeria
Kowbird, Oakland
La Société
Lyon & Swan
Maybeck’s
Montesacro Marina
Rosemary & Pine
Taishoken
Uccello Lounge
1. For the Report
2. Members Solely/Finders Keepers
3. Rise Over Run
4. The Madrigal
5. Bar Piccino
6. St. Regis Martini Bar
7. Liliana inside Osito
8. Buddy
9. Bar Nonnina inside Fiorella Sundown
10. KAIYO Rooftop
Click on on every restaurant evaluation for particulars on why they’re particular. With out additional ado, 2022’s prime 14 new eating places:
1. Osito, Mission District
Why: Osito, a really distinctive reside hearth cooking restaurant from inspiring chef Seth Stowaway gained a Michelin star in lower than a yr of opening (a uncommon feat). It’s not usually I’m stunned (or haven’t seen) a selected dish, having dined at over 12,000 prime eating places world wide… however once I tasted Stowaway’s uncooked guinea hen tartare, amongst different variations of guinea hen, it was a primary, invoking shock and delight. Assessment right here.
2. Birch & Rye, Noe Valley
Why: Birch & Rye is a one-of-a-kind fashionable Russian restaurant not simply within the Bay Space however anyplace. Chef Anya Anya El-Wattar dove in head-first to feed Ukrainians, elevating over $100k with Dominique Crenn (she’s held extra fundraisers since) at Birch & Rye. She’s received imaginative and prescient, from her distinctive vegan menu to decadent a la carte and caviar-laden tasting menus, to deliver the soul of Russian meals into clever type — in a relaxed, neighborhood restaurant [Disclaimer: since my initial review, I’ve been consulting with the restaurant but would not include if I did not truly believe it was one of the year’s very best]. Assessment right here.
3. Delfina, Mission District
Why: No, Delfina shouldn’t be new. In truth, it’s almost 25 years outdated. However after being closed since March 2020, utterly transformed, revamped and, sure, simply reborn late October 2022, it feels just like the Delfina that was at all times meant to be. Assessment right here.
4. AFICI, SoMa
Why: AFICI’s lofty, industrial house, chef Eric Higher’s elevated tasting menus, full animal utilization, handmade pastas and an A5 charcuterie program in contrast to any you’ve seen earlier than, all make this a particular night time out. Assessment right here.
5. Sorella, Polk Gulch
Why: From the Italian meals and wine masters behind two Michelin-starred Acquerello, Sorella is the informal, neighborhood sister restaurant the place chef Denise St. Onge’s meals solely will get higher every time I go to — and the wine and Italian amari (amaro) choice is value coming in for alone. Assessment right here.
6. Ancora, Mission District
Why: Ancora holds nice promise. As a brand new restaurant opened by Andi and Joe Conte of Water2Table — the sustainable seafood firm that many Bay Space eating places supply from — with chef Nick Anichini (who was chef de delicacies at three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn), the impressed seafood and pasta programs are among the most bold of the yr. Assessment right here.
7. Shuggie’s Trash Pie, Mission District
Why: Shuggie’s Trash Pie is a rattling good time. It’s in contrast to any pizza joint, pure wine bar or “upcycled” meals restaurant (utilizing all elements, even the “ugly” elements/scraps of the meals) you’ve ever been to. In truth, it’s in contrast to every other restaurant. Interval. In its brilliant yellow and inexperienced rooms, count on hip whimsy and fortunately scrumptious, distinctive pizzas. Assessment right here.
8. Handroll Undertaking, Mission District
Why: Impossibility to get in strikes this additional down the record than it might be, however aside from the dearth of reservations or seating, the Handroll Undertaking is a major instance of how handroll bars must be achieved (and the way delectable they need to be). Assessment right here.
9. Automat, NoPa
Why: From all-day cafe to artistic however informal dinner menus, Automat is the type of elevated neighborhood spot each neighborhood ought to have from Matthew Kirk and David Barzelay of two Michelin-starred Lazy Bear. Whether or not stellar sandwiches or Jack within the Field-inspired crispy tacos, this menu is FUN high quality (even when service is hit-and-miss). Assessment right here.
10. Bar Sprezzatura, Monetary District
Why: Simply opening late November 2022, Bar Sprezzatura barely made the cutoff for my 2022 openings consideration (evaluation coming later this month after my follow-up go to). However from my first go to in December, it instantly impressed. Carlo Splendorini’s cocktails, chef Joseph Offner’s fashionable chichetti (Venetian bites), heat service and the attractive, light-filled house evoke Paris or Milan… a classy, distinctive and welcome expertise.
11. The Laundromat, Outer Richmond
Why: Open November 10, 2022, The Laundromat additionally barely made the cutoff for my 2022 openings (evaluation coming later this month). At first look, it’s “simply” a bagel store by day and restricted 4–5 pizzas and a pair salads menu at night time. But it surely’s a lot extra. From the convivial vibe, outdated films on flat screens, in depth information taking part in, good pure wine, vermouth and native beers record, scrumptious few dishes and welcoming service, it’s the type of neighborhood hangout each neighborhood needs it had.
12. Tenderheart, Union Sq./SoMa
Why: Within the new LINE Lodge SF, Tenderheart greases the wheels with Danny Louie’s cocktails, then seals the cope with chef Joe Hou’s impressed mashup of cultures on a plate. Assessment right here.
13. Piala Georgian Delicacies, Sebastopol
Why: There are various glorious eating places in Sonoma County, however in Sebastopol, cozy Piala Georgian Delicacies delivers what few do anyplace within the U.S.: nourishing, superbly made Georgian meals (the nation) and its beloved wines, with an impeccably curated mini-shop of Jap European wines to go.
14. Bar Agricole, SoMa
Why: Bar Agricole is nothing like its unique incarnation, gaining new life in its large, three-room house on an odd SoMa block. It’s a vacation spot for spirits lovers with its personal home single-origin spirits line from producers who farm responsibly and use zero chemical substances, with meals and cocktails to match within the eating rooms. Although I wish to see extra of what I miss from chef Nick Balla on the meals menu right here (he’s operating the kitchen with chef Will Napoli), all is high quality and I’m thrilled he’s again on the town. Assessment right here.
![[PHOTOS] Veterans Communicate Up at Anaheim Central Library](https://chancetheater.com/media/Vets-Speak-Up-Library-2022-1.png)
