Trendy / Hip Restaurants

With influences stemming from Italy and Spain, The Basin serves up both types of food with American flair. In downtown Saratoga, just southwest of San Jose, The Basin has a wide selection of small plates such as the Paella Pequena, Lamb Sliders, house made Burrata and Truffle Fries. Seafood and Salads are available with fresh Shucked Oysters, House Cured Wild Salmon and the Fancy Green Salad on the lighter side. If you are hankering for a large entrée, the Pork N’ Clams with a Snake River Farms tenderloin and littleneck clams should hit the spot, as will the Thick Cut …

A modern eatery with a globally inspired, progressive menu of original dishes meant to be shared. From small plates to medium and large plates, we offer a fresh and ever changing seasonal menu designed to tantalize your senses with a fusion of flavors, complemented by wine, to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

1608 Bistro is currently only open on weekends and is serving fusion brunch specialties and traditional dishes in a relax atmosphere between 9:000 am and 2:00 pm. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Ugly Dumpling Dinner is coming to Folktale Winery for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Tuesday January 30, 2018 RESERVATION ONLY – Call 831-293-4455 Come out and enjoy Chef Danny Leach’s first Pop-Up experience of the year. Danny wants to create an event that will make a fun night out, and warm everyone up during the winter. If you know Danny, this will be an awesome and creative culinary experience. All Dumplings will be hand made in house, absolutely delicious, and paired with extraordinary Folktale wines

Since 1979, Executive Chef Annie Somerville has offered inspired vegetarian cuisine to a wide array of devoted fans from her kitchen in a converted warehouse in the Fort Mason Center. In a casual, elegant dining room with views extending as far as the Golden Gate bridge, diners savor dishes with influences and ingredients from Europe all the way to Asia and Africa. With a large portion of its produce coming from partner Green Gulch Farm, Greens demonstrates a commitment to sustainably grown, local products at comparatively reasonable prices. Diners can also stop in for a quick, low cost bite from …

Loft Bar and Bistro in downtown San Jose is the hip spot to indulge in great drinks and fresh fare. Dining is three tiers with an upstairs and downstairs dining area and then a rooftop patio that is always bustling seven nights a week until 10:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Loft has Italian hints on the carte du jour but falls more in line with contemporary American cuisine. Chicken Parmesan, Teriyaki Beef Short Ribs, and the Pork Picatta are meatier entrees. Fresh seafood peppers the appetizer section with fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Tuna …

Chambers Eat + Drink is a restaurant and lounge inside San Francisco’s iconic rock n’ roll hotel, the Phoenix, and provides a menu, décor, and ambiance that is both chic and full of substance. Executive Chef Trevor Ogden—formerly from Mission Beach Café and Umami—has constructed a menu that is laden with seasonal entrees derived from California with influences from Japan, the Mediterranean and France. Examples are the Sizzling Kobe Tri-Tip and the Lamb Saddle—English peas, Israeli couscous, baby white carrots, chard leeks, pea tendrils and lamb jus. The menu complements the aesthetics, providing scenery that is modern with two indoor …

Named after the California Flag, and offering ingredients and décor sourced from within 150 miles of San Francisco, The Republic in Marina serves up contemporary comfort food. Menu items are upscale versions of classic bar fare such as Nachos, Fish Tacos, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Carnitas Sliders, and White Mac & Cheese made with smoked Gouda and white cheddar topped with fresh chives. The bar offers a California-centric craft beer menu with 60 specialty American beers including 20 on draft, as well as 10 specialty cocktails, and an American themed wine list. The Republic offers those in the Marina a great …

With a great atmosphere and local favorite Happy Hour, Wine Jar in Japan Town offers the neighborhood a wine bar experience like no other. The intimate décor invites guests to enjoy any glass or bottle from their extensive wine list while catching up with an old friend, enjoying the company of that special someone, or just unwinding after a day at work. Food is limited to a cheese plate, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy take out from local restaurants at the Wine Jar, a few suggestions are even listed on the menu. For a good time in an inviting …

Tacolicious is admittedly not a traditional San Francisco taqueria. While incorporating Mexican ingredients into every one of the restaurants offerings, Tacolicious sees itself as a San Francisco restaurant first and foremost. The menu incorporates seven different tacos, seasonal salads, a Tombo tuna tostada, as well as a slew of appetizers, and even a brunch menu for the weekend. House-made agua frescas pair well for those looking for something free of alcohol, but if libations are on the mind, freshly-squeezed margaritas, an extensive Mexican beer list including bottles and tap, wine, as well as a selection of over 100 tequilas, including …

Making the most of a simple, rustic interior with strong influences of the bayou thrown in, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen focuses on authentic Creole and Cajun eats. Seasonal crawfish boils make this East Bay eatery a must-do in terms of Louisiana cuisine. Chef Brandon Dubea brings a lifetime of Louisiana upbringing to the kitchen of this local establishment, located just a stone’s throw from the Berkeley Public Library. Make sure that after a big ol’ bowl of steaming gumbo, you save room for a New Orleans classic, Angeline’s award-winning beignets, cooked to order.

Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good …

Meaning autumn child; iris, bright, and light in Japanese, Akikos Restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine from the heat of Downtown San Francsico. This family owned and operated establishment has provided unique and classic Japanese cuisine for over 26 years and prides themselves in giving the best quality in everything they do. Their charming setting gives off a warm and inviting atmosphere while their entrees are made with only the finest ingredients to make delicious creations like Oyako and Tonkatsu. Akikos Restaurant covers all aspects for guest to enjoy a great night in Downtown SF while dining on Japanese cuisine.

If you’re looking for a night complete with adventure, significance, simplicity, and balance search no further than San Francisco’s 231 Ellsworth. Located in downtown San Mateo and just minutes south of SFO airport, 231 Ellsworth provides an intimate dining experience that resonates throughout the restaurant’s décor, atmosphere, and contemporary American cuisine. Infused with global inspiration, Chef Isaac Miller creates unique menus in which sometimes unexpected ingredients converge in harmony. The restaurant tends to use locally grown produce and offers a prix fixe tasting menu nightly with optional wine pairings and a choice of a 3, 5, or 7-course dining experience. …