California Restaurants

NOPA, like the city of San Francisco, is a study in duality. Both are cutting edge yet firmly rooted in the past. This is reflected in the contrast between the restaurant's sleek yet rustic design and masterfully prepared food. The intent at NOPA is to find and procure only the freshest and most seasonal ingredients and serve them in a manner that only enhances their quality. The restaurant is a welcomed addition to its namesake, North of the Panhandle neighborhood, as it has been extremely popular since opening in 2006. The bar is urbane without being fussy, the food is …

Simplicity is bliss: local ingredients, fresh flavors, and charming surroundings, converge to offer a truly blissful experience at Spruce. This communal watering hole encourages diners to dine, socialize, and relax, with the help of a menu that highlights the very best of contemporary American cuisine. The in-house temperature controlled curing room caters to the impressive charcuterie selection, and up to 80% of the produce used at any time may come from the restaurant’s own private farm. Savory delights include the Hot and Cold Foie Gras, the Buttered Main Lobster, and the Charred Berkshire Pork Tenderloin.

Monetta White grew up in the Fillmore district during its jazz heyday, when it was known as “The Harlem of the West”. As she grew older, she saw the area’s decline and wanted to give back to the neighborhood that helped shape her. With the opening of their San Francisco restaurant in 2008, she and her husband, executive chef David Lawrence, made it happen. 1300 on Fillmore's jazzy, 1930's theme is very relaxed and entertaining, and its soulful American cuisine makes you feel right at home.

Doing its part to be environmentally sound and organic is Lalime’s philosophy: local farmers markets and small distributers provide the restaurant’s produce, and the availability of such ingredients directly influences the menu. This health-conscious mindset manifests itself in a menu that balances freshness and flavor. Cold appetizers like the Cold-Smoked Scottish Salmon highlight fresh, natural flavors , while the Rack of Sonoma Lamb satisfies the appetite and fuels good intentions. Local regional wines also have a place on the menu, and are balanced nicely between Old and New World varieties.

Located in the Hotel Majestic at 1500 Sutter Street, the Café Majestic is a romantic establishment that serves Italian-American cuisine. Chef Efrain Garcia creates magical dishes that are both colorful and flavorful. Favorite dishes that guest’s rave over are their Veal Picatta and Scaloppini, Eggplant Parmesan, and Chicken Cacciatore. Their establishment also includes the Butterfly Lounge, a majestic bar environment that serves classic cocktails and signature drinks. The Café Majestic offers great dishes in a magically environment.

Canteen isn’t your run of the mill diners you see everywhere in San Francisco. They are something new and fresh, providing guests with an old school diner environment and haute cuisine. Head Chef Michael Ruhlman, former head chef of Rubicon, has created a menu for Canteen that is comparable in creativity and exotic tastes to highbrow eateries in San Francisco. Their neon green counter tops and “diner” environment gives patrons the notion that they serve the obvious dishes like runny eggs and greasy bacon. However, Canteen moves against the grain by providing a quality dishes with tastes that are interesting …

Follow the famed explorer, Marco Polo, as he partakes on his epic adventure, and taste your way through the Pacific Rim with Silk’s uniquely inspired menu. The dining space is dressed in rich tones of cinnamon, nutmeg, and persimmon, and celebrates one of Polo’s greatest discoveries: silk. West Coast elements flirt with iconic Pacific Rim flavors to tantalize patrons’ taste buds, and lure them back in time to a smooth find.

Located in San Francisco's Hotel Vitale, Americano's menu is deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Using only market fresh ingredients, Chef Paul Arenstam entices diners with handmade pasta and bakers pies, while still showcasing locally grown, seasonal products. Americano is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner while also providing a trendy spot for an after work drink. The cocktail lounge's unique circular design coupled with the dynamic panoramic bay view creates a strikingly modern atmosphere. In contrast, the dining room's natural wood and dramatic arches create a comfortable and alluring dining atmosphere. Americano also provides an outdoor patio with a …

BayWolf Restaurant in Oakland has been one of the key players in creating and leading the Bay Area dining revolution for over 34 years because of the care, creativity, and inventive approach it takes to provide outstanding food in a relaxed setting. Their monthly menu specializes in French and Italian cuisine with a California attitude. BayWolf has always used local ingredients at their peak with a focus on wonderful duck preparations. The restaurant itself is a comfortable, old house whose modern art collection charms the dinner guests. BayWolf provides a memorable dining experience for romantic dinners as well as family …

Chef George Morrone, best known for his tour-de-force career at Aqua, is now cooking up a new form of success at Sutro’s. Located at the historic Cliff House overlooking Ocean Beach, the setting incorporates breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with venturesome surroundings where you can partake in a multitude of activities like hiking the spectacular Lands End trails, exploring the Sutro Bath vestiges or taking a stroll along the beach. The menu, which integrates seasonal farm-fresh ingredients and the finest seafood, also boasts an award-winning wine list and a rousing presentation.

Everything about Horizon Restaurant & Lounge in North Beach goes straight to the point. Not to say they are a restaurant without frills, because the comfort level, service, and ambience at Horizon are great. What I mean by that is they like to stay out of your way. Distractions are kept to a minimum. They make sure that the object of desire, their food, is your main focus at all times. Executive Chef Christopher Lee’s menu of fresh California cuisine is irresistible; and because of this and a lot of other reasons, an evening at Horizon will surely be a …

For a truly unique San Francisco experience, there are few options that offer a better example of California's cutting edge design and cuisine than at the Moss Room at the Academy of Science, in Golden Gate Park. Hidden below the museum like a rare gem is a restaurant dedicated to producing extraordinary cuisine with ingredients from local sources and a nod to classic French preparation. The dramatic dining room with its namesake living wall of moss and fern is an ideal choice for a dining destination unlike any other in the Bay Area.

This sophisticated American bistro specializes in California comfort food with a French flair. Chef Ola Fendert uses classic cooking techniques to prepare dishes like All Natural Baby Back Ribs and Lamb Daube. Oola Restaurant and Bar features these hearty bistro favorites while using organic meats and produce, as well as artisan cheeses and wines. Picked by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Hot Spots” around the country, this split level space is sleek and mature. Recycled wood, exposed stone, rust-toned light fixtures and plenty of candlelight produce an alluring and sexy atmosphere.

Chef and Owner Wendy Brucker and Owner and General Manager Roscoe Skipper are the dynamic duo behind Rivoli, in Berkeley. They met, wed, and plunged into the world of restaurant success in 1994, with fresh and earthy fare that strikes a balance between unique combinations and traditional techniques. The “secret garden” lures patrons in, and the healthful and satisfying cuisine keeps them coming back. Dishes like the Saffron and Pimenton Risotto and the Pan Roast Chicken are quite memorable, but with a seasonal menu that changes every three weeks there is always something new to try, and love.

The Hotel Shattuck, in downtown Berkeley, is home to a sophisticated restaurant that incorporates all of the senses into the dining experience. Five is an elegantly spacious modern American bistro and bar defined by massive columns that rise up to support the intricately recessed ceiling, grandly lit chandeliers, and beaming floor-to-ceiling windows that cast everything in the glow of luxury. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are similarly well-designed with refined dishes that are both sophisticated and welcoming. Executive Chef Howard Scott melds opulence with familiarity in dishes like the Deviled Surf and Turf Eggs and the Short Rib Pot …

Charleston She-Crab Soup, Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken, “Low & Slow” Barbequed Ribs, Carolina Plantation Hoppin’ John and Low Country Shrimp and Grits, all served with complimentary golden corn bread and whipped honey butter. Couple this extraordinary menu with a comprehensive Bourbon selection and you have Oakland’s Picán restaurant. Situated in Oakland’s “Uptown” cultural district, this culinary gem brings the traditions of the Deep South to California. Classic standards are served with a sophisticated twist, allowing diners to experience truly tantalizing dishes with rich and hearty flavors. The restaurant offers both small and large plates that celebrate and accentuate customary Southern …

Take a peek inside San Francisco’s historic Hotel Whitcomb and you will find a true gem: Florinda’s Market Street Grill. This restaurant serves modern cuisine that flows with the seasons. Each dish is prepared fresh with locally grown ingredients and completed with a Euro-Asian accent. The juxtaposition of this modern cuisine against the building’s history and class is part of what generates this restaurant’s yesteryear ambiance complete with Tiffany glass, vaulted ceilings, and wood paneling. Market Street Grill offers menus with variety, serving everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to dessert and wine. This restaurant also makes for a great …

Acclaimed Food Network Chef Tyler Florence recently opened this new hip venue in the heart of San Francisco, where Old World class meets New World style. The restaurant, which recently opened, is already hopping and speeding along with San Francisco’s financial district. Wayfare Tavern showcases a one-of–a-kind menu complete with decadent desserts, daily specials, and succulent entrees that pay homage to American classics as well as the Barbary Coast. The décor is chic and upscale, almost bachelor pad-like with its wood floors, dark leather booths, and pool table in the parlor on the upper level. The Tavern also serves crafty …

Infused with the flavors and colors of the seasons, San Francisco’s Yield Wine Bar invites guests to come in and try something new. They believe in providing high quality dishes and wines that won’t break the bank. Yield’s cuisine is a contemporary American and Thai fusion. The menu is full of unique combinations and flavors sure to entice any palate and Yield’s knowledgeable staff is more than happy to recommend dishes and wine pairings. The ambiance is tranquil and romantic with a hint of excitement and complete with a chic decor. Yield is a great place to swing by for …

With unique dishes ranging from mini pumpkins filled with fall vegetables to passion fruit and lychee crème brulée, SpringLoaf Catering has already gained footing and exposure in San Francisco’s competitive culinary market. SpringLoaf Catering, operating since 2003, has been featured in prominent magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings and San Francisco’s 7x7. With menu choices based on fresh, locally-sourced products, the company offers various ethnic food items such as Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian-inspired fare. The staff has a reputation for thoughtful, attentive service and SpringLoaf’s chefs customize each menu to fit their clients’ specific needs to make events special and …