Restaurants
Saturday March 20, 2010 Updated 12:04 AM PDT
Anything but bland
Boasting bright flavors, an extensive menu and efficient service, Chai Thai Noodles in Oakland is a Thai kitchen that knows what it's doing.
Homey Italian
Barbacco, the new restaurant from Perbacco's Umberto Gibin, is casual enough for an inexpensive snack, but good enough for an occasion.
Cocktails for curtain call
Near downtown Redwood City, Donato Enoteca offers delicious cocktails and appetizers - half-off at happy hour - making it the perfect spot for moviegoers on their way to the nearby cineplex.
I'll have the cheese, please
From Perbacco to Madrona Manor, these six restaurants offer an extensive selection of cheeses and accompaniments.
Sisterhood of success
What began as a tiny, no-frills spot on Geary Street, Osha Thai has grown into one of the best-known ethnic restaurants in San Francisco.
2009's top 10 new restaurants
From blockbuster openings to notable neighborhood spots, 2009 brought with it a number of new, quality restaurants.
Dinner and a show
A Bay Area innovation, the open exhibition kitchen still ignites particular interest at these six local restaurants.
S.F. dining goes unconventional
With the increasing popularity of family-style dinners and food carts, it's clear that S.F. diners are tired of starchy, white tablecloths.
Tapas spots worth the visit
While Spanish-inspired menus have become increasingly trendy, these six restaurants rise above with noteworthy nibbles and good wine.
It's all about trout
With salmon scarce and pricey, Bay Area restaurants are turning to a more economical and sustainable fish.
Playing with fire
It's not just for pizza; around the Bay Area, chefs are loving the primitive pleasure of their wood-fired ovens.
Restaurants with a view
These six Bay Area restaurants promise a gorgeous view served alongside a satisfying meal.
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More Between Meals »
Ebb & Flow opens
The raw bar and casual seafood restaurant opened in the old Craig's Place spot.
Boot and Shoe Service
Boot and Shoe Service, the new Oakland spot from Pizzaiolo's Charlie Hallowell, offers simple, quality pizzas and antipasti.
Incanto
The changes are for the better at the newly reburbished Noe Valley spot.
Bruno's
With its new Southern-influenced comfort food, this longtime spot is now in up mode.
Koi Garden
This Dublin spot does simple dishes best, like the sesame-laced Shanghai dumplings, but beware the weekend crowds.
Baker & Banker
Baker & Banker may sound like a financial institution, but Jeffrey Banker and Lori Baker, the couple behind the restaurant, really cook.
Mythos
Offering Greek cuisine with a California take, this San Mateo spot promises dishes that are well-prepared and satisfyingly simple.
Gather
The Age of Aquarius has finally come to food at this Berkeley restaurant, which embraces vegetarians like few other spots.
Meadowood
Chef Christopher Kostow artfully marries opposing textures and flavors, giving each luxury ingredient star treatment.
Nombe
Chef Nick Balla of Nombe in the Mission may not be Japanese, but he knows the cuisine and proves so with a stellar menu.
Yeti
Since early 2008, chef-owner Narayan Somname has been cooking up a storm of South Asian specialties in Glen Ellen.
Manzanita
The satisfying fare at Traci Des Jardins' Manzanita makes the restaurant good enough to be its own ski-weekend destination.
Frances
Chef Melissa Perello's Frances may seem more SoHo than Castro, but this casual spot has already won over the neighborhood.
Chop Bar
Chef Delany of Chop Bar in Jack London Square practices a culinary merry-go-round, with a revolving cast of ingredients.
Bardessono
A study in Zen luxury, the lounge at Bardessono in Yountville features plush couches, a pond view and an innovative, seasonal menu.
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Dennis Leary to open takeout named Golden West
Dennis Leary is even busier than usual. As reported in Scoop a few weeks ago...
From four-star spots to cozy neighborhood joints, these are Michael Bauer's picks for the best in Bay Area dining. With 360-degree views.
