Eater SF answers the question "Where should I eat and drink this weekend?"
A few new places to check out this weekend, fresh from the mouths of Eater editors and contributors.
April 15
For some authentic Sichuan: Z & Y Restaurant
For my first proper dinner in San Francisco's Chinatown, I headed to Z & Y Restaurant where living legend Cecilia Chiang took the wheel and ordered for a table of friends from San Francisco and New York City. Some standouts from our order, which I never would have found on my own: The couple's delight, a chilled dish of beef tendon and other bits (ask for sauce on the side like Cecilia, who likes to manage spice levels herself), ribbons of bitter melon served with a side of honey for your drizzling pleasure, and the stunning, perfectly cooked whole fish with hand-pulled noodles. Go hungry, and go with good company. 655 Jackson St. — HD
For no-frills Mexican: Pancho Villa Taqueria
Brusque service, smoky air, fluorescent lights and long(ish) waits are all worth it at this fast-paced taqueria where no matter what you order — nachos, burritos or tacos — you can't go wrong. Be sure to load up at the salsa bar. 3071 16th St. — ST
For a no-rush meal: La Nebbia
This relaxed, neighborhood Italian trattoria is the ideal place for a chill night of catching up with friends over wine and pizza. 1781 Church St. — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For peaceful lunch or dinner: Iyasare
Iyasare is unreasonably pleasant for a light lunch in Berkeley, especially if you're eating the kaki-age tempura, a beautifully fried nest of burdock root, onion, sweet potato, and shiitaki mushrooms, served with a light broth for dipping; add the black tiger shrimp and it becomes almost a full meal. Sit on the zen-like patio that looks out onto Fourth Street for a relaxed, tree-lined dining experience. Add sake, repeat. 1830 Fourth St., Berkeley — EF
For a laid-back lunch: Southie
You may have heard of "The Balls," Southie's massive meatball sandwich that puts others to shame. Well, the rumors are true: it's a saucy, meaty lunch that gives you bang for your buck. If not feeling the sauce-factor, check out the fried chicken salad, or the "Spicy Hog" sandwich with pulled pork, slaw, jalapeño, and lime aioli on an Acme bun. It's close quarters in this small spot, but it's a great spot to people watch if you can snag the window seat. 6311 College Ave., Oakland — EF
April 8
For a selection of Chinese pastries: Fancy Wheat Field Bakery
This Chinatown bakery is gleaming white and filled with sneeze-guards galore. The a Chinese chain (there's also one in Portola), offering warm savory pastries like pork buns, alongside egg custard tarts, breads and all kinds of interesting pastries and desserts. Waltz in, grab a tray and some tongs, and start choosing your own adventure. 1362 Stockton St. —EF
Image credit: Jennifer C./Yelp
For a subway-tiled dream lunch: Foundation Cafe
This isn't your typical grab-and-go, FiDi Soylent equivalent (as in, it's just sustenance and nothing more). They've got breakfast and lunch that would make any hipster proud, including a garlicky kale caesar with the option of fried chicken. Veg options are also great, including a tofu and eggplant sandwich that even a carnivore can love. 335 Kearny St. —EF
Image credit: Jeff M./Yelp
Dragon Beaux
Of all the food I got here, the only thing I enjoyed were the soup dumplings. That being said, they were extremely good soup dumplings that I would return for and solely order. 5700 Geary Blvd. — ST
Image credit: YueStudio Y./Yelp
Terzo
This ten-year-old Cow Hollow Mediterranean is a favorite for a reason: friendly service, cozy atmosphere and —most importantly — delicious food. It's a true neighborhood spot. 3011 Steiner St. — ST
Image credit: Terzo
Lucca's Delicatessen
Stepping into Lucca's is like stepping back in time; the 80-year-old Italian shop has salami hanging from the ceiling and people shouting out orders from every which way. The obvious order is the #1 Italian combo (salame, ham, mortadella, provolone, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, mild Italian pepper). There are a ton of other sandwiches, plus heaping salads, antipasti, meats and cheeses to satisfy your Italian-American cravings. Plus, it's family owned, which is always feel-good.
Image credit: Sasha H./Yelp
March 25
For seasonal Japanese fare in Marin: Village Sake
Bring a group for a parade of small plates. Must orders include the takoyaki, grilled shiitake and kimchi Brussels sprouts. Just don't order dessert — instead, read below. 19 Bolinas Rd. — ST
Image credit: Darrin S./Yelp
For inventive, hippie ice cream: Fairfax Scoop
Once you've had your fill at Village Sake, head around the corner to Fairfax Scoop for locally-sourced and creative flavors like vanilla honey lavender, bittersweet chocolate and olive oil. Of course get the homemade waffle bowl or cone. A serious plus is the low prices. 63 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax — ST
Image credit: Kymberli C./Yelp
For Cow Hollow's most mature people-watching: Belga
It's just plain pleasant to sit in Belga's light-drenched front room (avoid the back room at all costs) while sipping drinks, munching on food (the falafel plate is very underrated) and people-watching through the open front windows. 2000 Union St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For super fresh dim sum: Yank Sing
Yank Sing ain't no secret in this town. This is just your reminder to go. 101 Spear St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a legit spot on the Embarcadero: Hard Water
Order a whiskey flight and some fried chicken and call it a day. Pier 3 — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
March 18
For a super casual neighborhood bar: Ho's Bootleg Tavern
I've been to Ho's twice now, and both visits have been quite enjoyable. May I recommend the late-night doctored Top Ramen (served daily after midnight) or the 25-cent wings before 7 p.m. every day? 2360 Van Ness Ave. — ST
Image credit: Ho's Bootleg Tavern
For a bohemian respite with great food: Starline Social Club
The menu is small and ecclectic, but it is mighty. A soft-boiled farm egg on fried naan, with achar butter and cilantro left a lasting impression, and craving for more. Plus, the cocktails are top notch and the scene is way, way cooler than anything in San Francisco. 2236 Martin Luther King Blvd, Oakland —EF
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For a welcoming cocktail: Honor Kitchen and Cocktails
It's an unassuming gem, in the midst of Emeryville's highways and byways— so unassuming that it doesn't even have a sign. Inside, however, is a welcoming oasis of craft cocktails and menu items like bourbon chicken lollipops and housemade pretzels. 1411 Powell St., Emeryville— EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For a still-kept-secret in a city where there aren't many: Butterfly Lounge in the Majestic Hotel
It's quiet, comfortable and the bartender (and thusly, drinks) are a total delight. Head here for a solid cocktail (there's no menu, so just tell them what you like) with someone you want to really catch up with. 1500 Sutter St. — ST
Image credit: Vik P./Yelp
For drinks that will knock you out: Prizefighter
Every East Bay bartender will tell you that Prizefighter is the place they go on their day off, and the chill, dog-friendly scene with exceptional cocktails is the reason why. Try a bowl of punch with pals, or go for a cocktail from the "frosty" section of the menu, which includes pre-batched cocktails kept in the freezer and served in a frozen, double-walled glass. 6702 Hollis St, Emeryville — EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
March 11
For a quick and tasty ramen stop: Shiba Ramen
Emeryville lucked out with the addition of Shiba Ramen, the recently opened kiosk in the Public Market. Choose from a variety of broths, dry ramen and appetizers like gyoza and some exceedingly crispy chicken wings. 5959 Shellmound St., Emeryville —EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For an authentic experience: Izakaya Rintaro
Everything, from the funky miso to the creamy, silky tofu, is made in house at Izakaya Rintaro, and it really shows in the depth of flavor and quality of the food. Request a seat at the bar, which sits in front of the open kitchen, to watch the chefs at work while you munch on small Japanese plates. 82 14th St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For satisfying Chinese: Sam Wo
The chicken jook at Sam Wo is Chinese comfort food at its best, especially in this weather. 713 Clay St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a Jewish deli experience in Berkeley: Saul's Restaurant and Delicatessen
House smoked pastrami, matzoh ball soup, bagels and lox, and latkes are just a few of the delicacies served at this cozy North Berkeley deli. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all great times to go, or grab some takeout from their deli counter. 1475 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley — EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For a quick meal after a show at the Fox Theater: Xolo
The smaller version of Berkeley's Tacubaya, Xolo brings a quick Mexican experience to uptown Oakland. Plus, it has a chile relleno burrito. Insert a fried, cheese-filled pepper into the framework of a burrito and it's game on. 1916 Telegraph Ave, Oakland — EF
Image credit: Ranni K./Yelp
March 4
For one of the most underrated dining experiences in San Francisco: Californios
While most tasting menus are centered on technique, Californios' is not only technical, but also very flavorful. Definitely get the wine pairings, and also make a trip to the super trippy bathroom. 3115 22nd. St. — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For getting all San Francisco and waiting in line (with a very good reward at the end): Mensho Tokyo
ZOMG, Mensho Tokyo is here. And San Franciscans are going nuts — with good reason. This bowl of ramen is fatty and salty in all the best rameny ways. 672 Geary St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a no-fail bar: ABV
ABV is there for you when you need it. Superb cocktails, solid food, friendly bartenders, lively crowd. Definitely get the pineapple sherry. 3174 16th St. — ST
Image credit: Erica G./Yelp
For a tasty, hard-to-eat sandwich: Kojo Kitchen
What started out as a food truck is now popping up as brick-and-mortars over the Bay Area. The specialty here is a sandwich called a "koja," which combines Korean and Japanese flavors by plopping fillings like kalbi (Korean bbq short rib) between crispy rice patties. There are also bowls, tacos and salads for a flavorful, quick meal. 2395 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley — EF
For a crispy slice of seasonal pizza: Nabolom Bakery
The newly reopened Nabolom Bakery in Berkeley's Elmwood neighborhood now has seasonal pizza by the slice. One of the owners, Julia Elliott, spent years at the Cheese Board Collective, and has brought pizza wisdom to the beloved bakery. Stop by for a slice, or take a whole pie to go. 2708 Russell St, Berkeley — EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
February 19: Breakfast Week edition
For peak brunch vibes: Rose's Cafe
The food at Rose's Cafe isn't going to rock your world, but that's not why you go. It's the atmosphere you're seeking out; those perfect buzzy-but-relaxing daytime brunch vibes everyone craves come Saturday morning. 2298 Union St., San Francisco — ST
Image credit: Nick S./Yelp
For a no-frills breakfast: Eddie's
Get in, get your eggs and hash browns and bacon and GTFO. 800 Divisadero, San Francisco — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For a proper boozy brunch: Beretta
Any brunch can be boozy, but few are with as classy of cocktails as Beretta. Get some pizzas and some legit drinks and start your day off right. 1199 Valencia St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a luscious matcha latte: Craftsman and Wolves
Craftsman and Wolves is no secret, but its matcha latte is undeservedly under the radar. It's silky, lightly sweet and toasty-tasting. 1643 Pacific Ave. & 746 Valencia St., San Francisco — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For a healthy start to the day: Basik Cafe
Frozen acai topped with granola and fruit. It's expensive and you'll have to wait in line, but you can pretend to be basic, just this once. 1958 Polk St., San Francisco — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
February 12
Le Beau Market
Possibly Nob Hill's best kept secret for breakfast foodstuff come weekends. You can't go wrong with their breakfast box with a side of french toast. They also carry numerous cold brew coffees and fresh juices. Nab a table out front or walk a few blocks to Huntington Park to chow down outside. 1263 Leavenworth St.—Sally Kuchar, Curbed
Image credit: adf
The Smokehouse
It's a Berkeley institution, offering char-grilled burgers, hot dogs and big bags of fries. It's been around decades- long enough to know it's a great place to grab a bite without setting your expectations too high. 3115 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley —EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
Okane
Formerly Origami Market, this neighborhood izakaya has sushi and fried fish bits galore. The sake lees-cured black cod is a buttery delight, especially when accompanied by some chilled sake. 669 Townsend St. —EF
Ramen Shop
The Bay Area's ramen options are increasing, but this Oakland spot stays busy. The meyer lemon shoyu ramen is always a favorite (though the pork chashu is a delicious addition); now they have an expanded cocktail bar next door, and they've added a light morning offering on weekends. Coffee, tea and pastries available from 8 a.m.-noon on Friday-Saturday. 5812 College Ave, Oakland —EF
B-Dama
A quick and satisfying meal is always on the menu here, from a katsu curry plate to udon. Specials change daily at this delicious Japanese spot nestled in Old Oakland's Swan Market. 907 Washington Street—EF
February 5
For an after-work oasis: Leo's Oyster Bar
Sometimes you just want to hang with the cool kids, and that's currently at Leo's. Let the glam decor and luxe menu lure you into the weekend as you sip champagne and down oysters. 568 Sacramento St. — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For the city's newest burger contender: Huxley
If it is a burger you want though, Huxley is the latest place to go. Brand-new chef Manfred Wrembel is grilling up just four ounces of dry-aged ground chuck and topping it with a bacon wafer, fried onions, frisee lettuce, American cheese, MSG aioli and pickles. It's all on a nicely-toasted housemade onion bun that has a hint of pickle flavor (Wrembel uses pickle brine instead of water in the dough) and holds up well to all the dripping juices. 846 Geary St. — ST
Image credit: Misha Vladimirskiy/FilterlessCo.
For an under-the-radar dining experience to impress that special someone: Sorrel
Take anyone (friend, date, boss, parent) to Sorrel, and they'll be impressed. It's hard not to be with the friendly service, good vibes and on-point food that chef Alex Hung and front-of-house Brennan Corbin are currently serving. And you'll get bonus points for being in-the-know on this once-weekly pop-up. Buy tickets here. — ST
Image credit: Sorrel/Facebook
For a place to work with good food and Wifi: Royal Ground on Polk
Post up here on Saturday or Sunday morning and find no reason to leave. Royal Ground sustains you with coffee, tea, pastries, massive (and cheap!) banh mi sandwiches and free Wifi. 2216 Polk St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For low-key izakaya in a sea of sports bars: Chotto
Two words: Bacon. Mochi. It sounds ridiculous because it is ridiculous, yet also ridiculously good. Not to mention Chotto's tender yakitori and flavorful small plates, there to save you when you just can't have another taco or burger in the Marina. 3317 Steiner St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
January 29
For a quick and tasty Mission taco: El Gallo Giro Taco Truck
The sign of truly good carnitas is a mixture of moist meat and crunchy pieces. El Gallo Giro's got that down to a science, so make sure not to miss its overloaded carnitas taco next time you have a craving. Parked at the corner of 23rd Street and Treat Avenue, San Francisco — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For unpretentious food in Yountville: Ciccio
Anywhere you travel, you want to feel like a local. For Yountville, Ciccio is the place to do that. The homey-yet-lively Italian spot is full of good wine, of course, but it's the negroni list (seven kinds!) you should be after. Because sometimes you just need a proper drink (or three), wine country or not. Follow it up with stellar pizzas, handmade pastas and a shot at dive bar Pancha's next door. 6770 Washington St., Yountville — ST
Image credit: Pam M./Yelp
For Japanese comfort chicken: Aburu-Ya
It's a Japanese fried chicken pop-up. What's not to love? Currently hunkering down at The Hatch, they've got wet curry, dry curry and more, plus miso ranch for dipping. 380 15th St., Oakland — EF
Image credit: Ryan M./Yelp
For creative pastries and sandwiches: Firebrand Artisan Breads
Firebrand is the latest addition to the Hive, the multi-use space in Oakland. A multitude of breads, pastries and savory treats are on hand. And, Pal's Takeaway is there too, offering some seriously delicious lunchtime goods. 2343 Broadway, Oakland — EF
Image credit: Firebrand Artisan Breads
For early (and late-night) doughnut cravings: Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
Bob's Donuts is a compelling argument for living in Nob Hill, or at least pretending you do for the morning. The old-timey booths are a perfect setting to enjoy the simple pleasure of fried dough and cheap coffee all served up by a remarkably cheerful staff. And the doughnuts are legit. Classics are the way to go here, whether that means bear claws, simple glazed, or the extra large apple fritters. 1621 Polk St., San Francisco — HD
Image credit: Hillary Dixler
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January 22
For a seriously baller meal: Bourbon Steak
Michael Mina is your man when you want an over-the-top dining experience, and Thomas Griese, Mina's new executive chef at Bourbon Steak, definitely understands that. Seared foie gras with persimmon, shellfish towers, caviar, lobster pot pie and a 50-ounce 30-day dry-aged bone-in Tomahawk can all make up your hugely delicious meal, finished by doughy beignets with 12-year Macallan caramel custard. Bring a credit card. 335 Powell St., San Francisco — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
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