January 09, 2009

2009's Top Ten Restaurants in San Francisco & the Bay Area

It seems I always write these from afar. Last year, my first blog -- the Top Ten Restaurants -- was written while I was temporarily living in Rome. This year, it's while I'm temporarily living in Washington, D.C. I think it suggests that I miss San Francisco food, and to do so even while living in another food mecca like Italy is quite a statement.

As people continue to ask for restaurant recommendations in my favorite culinary capital, I figured it was time to update last year's list. I do not claim to have eaten everywhere possible, nor to even have a totally open mind, but I know and love food, so here's my take on the best places (considering dollar for quality, now more than ever) to eat in the Bay Area, with last year's ranking in parentheses:

[Comments and controversy welcome as always!]
  1. The Bar at Redd (Restaurant: 1, Bar: NR) Yountville -- I make the distinction from the main dining room this year, as I think the bar menu is just such an incredible value. I also think the food is more appealing, and most of you know I'd rather wear a t-shirt than a button-down and blazer, so the atmosphere of the bar is more appealing as well.
  2. Dopo (2) Oakland -- It gets better and better, and the wonderful people and service stay just as good. I have had the opportunity to enjoy lunches there more this year, and I'm grateful for it. Their paninis are amazing. For dinner, the lasagne remains the best I've ever had, the pesce crudos are melt-in-your-mouth good with tons of flavor and complexity, and Jon's salumi platters are second-to-none. I also contend the pizza there is as good as anywhere, and certainly better than any place that isn't explicitly a pizzeria. Plus, Jon, Kayta, David, Pete and the whole crew there are just so great - everyone's family.
  3. Zushi Puzzle (3) SF - Marina -- Still the best, but sitting at the bar is the way to ensure you have the most consistent quality. Be sure to enjoy the variety of fresh options posted on the dry erase board, and you may want to beg Roger for the "Scott Special" -- he doesn't love to make it, as it's time consuming, and it's not on the menu. I did have my first less-than-amazing piece of sushi there this past year, but it was only one piece, and it was overwhelmed by the other phenomenal experiences, which numbered at least 40 on the year. Yes, 40 times in one year -- if that's not an endorsement of a restaurant, I don't know what is. I went to Dopo about 10 times, Redd Bar, Zuni, and Range 5 each. Maybe that's a running ranking that merits its own entry at a future time...
  4. Range (NR) SF - Mission -- One of my good friends finds this place to over-season the food, specifically that almost all dishes are too salty. I love salt, so perhaps I am not as sensitive to it, but I don't find the place to be anything but fantastic and consistently so. The pastas are fantastic here, as are the salads, and the daily-changing mains always entice. This is a big move
  5. Camino (NR) Oakland -- A new favorite, this place has a very small, daily-changing menu, and it's just a fantastic example of California cuisine. The chef/owner opened it after 20 years at the foundational Chez Panisse, and Camino surpasses Chez Panisse Cafe in all ways other than tradition.
  6. NOPA (NR) SF - North Panhandle -- This place shows its founders Zuni heritage and even bests it in many ways, illustrated a higher ranking than its inspiration. Be sure to go for a cocktail before the meal, as their "mixology" is definitely one of their strengths. I love the vibrant atmosphere, but it doesn't mean more of a focus on fun than on the food. They nail both.
  7. The Bar at Spruce (NR) SF - Presidio Heights -- Again, I'm making the distinction between the bar and the restaurant. Frankly, I haven't even eaten at the restaurant, but I do know the bar has the best burger in the city, and anywhere that has the best burger in the city should be on this top ten list. The salumi and cheese platters are also great, as are the other small plates. Plus, like NOPA, they know how to make some drinks and create a comfortable, fun atmosphere without sacrificing on food quality.
  8. Hog Island Oyster Co (8) SF - Embarcadero -- The best oysters and the best grilled cheese. If they have them, try the Kusshi oysters. They're my new favorite and even better than the amazing kumamotos from Tomales Bay.
  9. Pizzeria Delfina (NR) SF - Pac Hts & Mission -- Best pizzeria I've found, especially because I can get such great fresh mozzarella in a salad, fantastic sausages when available, and other starters and ingredients that reflect its sister restaurant's heritage and super reputation.
  10. Zuni Cafe (9) SF - Market St. -- Still the most quintessential SF dining option, and still wonderful. This place seems especially appropriate on rainy winter days or foggy summer ones, as it just warms you with its food and atmosphere. Plus, the oyster bar is fantastic. Don't miss the roast chicken, and try to get there on a Sunday for the burger.

Honorable mentions (lots of changes this year, and many of these are the fancier places that just can't get into the top ten because their higher prices don't generate commesurately higher food quality):
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