It’s that time of year again: I sift through the few hundred local restaurants I’ve visited all year, namely those opened December 2020 through November 2021, sorting out what is most stand out and why. In addition to international and national restaurants visited this year, I dined at the majority of all new Bay Area openings, from upscale to casual; Napa, Sonoma, and Marin, to East and South Bays. Yes, it has been another very busy eating year.
First, the honor goes to all for braving one of the worst years (plus) in history for restaurants. Cheers to surviving and daring to open. It takes vision and endurance to open a restaurant in a normal year. Now, it’s downright courageous. I applaud you all.
Secondly, there is no way to include all “bests,” especially factoring in bakeries, hole-in-the-walls, and every level of dining. So we’ll start with honorable mentions in alphabetical order:
• Alley & Vine, Alameda
• Aurum, Los Altos
• Barrio, Fisherman’s Wharf
• The Caviar Co., Tiburon
• Fiorella Sunset, Inner Sunset
• KEN, Nopa/Western Addition
• The Korner Store, Mission District
• La Bande, Mid-Market
• La Cocina Marketplace, Tenderloin
• La Vaca Birria, Mission
• Lazy Susan, Hayes Valley
• North Block, Yountville (Napa Valley)
• Otra, Lower Haight
• Penny Roma, Mission District
• Toscano Brothers Italian Bakery, North Beach
• Tribune, Oakland
• Winner Winner Chicken, San Mateo
These seven new bars of 2021 (most also with worthy food) top our best new bars of the year:
- Kona’s Street Market
- Buddy
- Bar Iris
- Red Window
- ChezChez
- Low Bar
- Empress by Boon
- Harmonic Brewing at Thrive City
A big shout-out goes to our top six openings of 2020 (in this order), the one I year paused best-of new restaurants, but in which we gained these important gems:
After much consideration, 2021’s top 12 new restaurants of the year:
1. Ernest, Mission District
Why: Consummate, creative, playful food, tight wine and cocktail offerings, warm service, sleek space. The whole package and destined for awards (like a Michelin star?) Review here.
2. Abacá, Fisherman’s Wharf
Why: Filipino game changer. Nails cocktails and inspired dishes in playful space and patio housed in a Fisherman’s Wharf hotel, for goodness’ sake. Review here.
3. Palm City, Outer Sunset
Why: Hoagies and roast pork slice of Philly near the beach with craft wine, beer and some of the best damn sandwiches anywhere. Review here.
4. Le Fantastique Hayes Valley
Why: My dream music (McIntosh amps, top-notch speakers, vinyl library), wine and elegant bites (with a Japan-meets-Europe kind of vibe) hang out. Review here.
5. Warung Siska, Redwood City
Why: The best damn Indonesian food this side of the country. There, I said it. Review here.
6. Nisei, Russian Hill
Why: Inspired “California Washoku” cuisine infuses traditional Japanese with modern American flair. Review here.
7. Turntable at Lord Stanley, Nob Hill
Why: A Michelin-starred restaurant becomes a showcase for international chefs, starting with a tour around Argentina. Review here.
8. Hilda & Jesse, North Beach
Why: Creative breakfast for dinner — and huge national controversy that came weeks after my review. Still, if I’m fairly rating on quality of food, creativity or niche for the concept, drink pairings, decor and service, it deserves to be here. Review here.
9. Estiatorio Ornos, Financial District
Why: Greek and seafood treasure from Michael Mina — with rare Greek wines, fish sommelier and fresh fish cart. Review here.
10. Chisai Sushi Club, Mission District
Why: Intimate sushi gem with casual spirit and affordable (for the quality) omakase. Review here.
11. The Tailor’s Son, Pacific Heights
Why: The most personal Adriano Paganini restaurant thus far, tributing his parents with delightful Italian food, cocktails and wine. Review here.
12. Chao Pescao, Civic Center
Why: A rare haven for both Cuban and Colombian foods and pitch-perfect breads from both countries. Review here.
