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 | A New Addition to the Mission Don’t let the swank, Euro décor fool you. The food at this new Mission eatery, which replaced Amira, remains on par with the original restaurant, which means it’s nothing to rave about -- nor to sneeze at. Along with the thick-cut Belgian fries and creative dipping sauces for which Frjtz is known, the restaurant's crepes, salads, sandwiches and mussels add a much-needed mellow, inexpensive option to this restaurant-rich strip of Valencia.More |  | A Taste of Peru in Bernal Heights If you're not familiar with Bernal, just take Mission south past 30th Street, hang a left on Cortland, and you'll find yourself in this quaint, hilly neighborhood in no time. Open since March 2007 to critical consumer reviews noting frustrating service and high prices, Piqueo's -- with its zesty contemporary Peruvian food and homey atmosphere -- is now winning over a loyal neighborhood following and attracting foodies from across town.More |  | Lounging in South Beach Baraka, Chez Papa, and Chez Maman welcomed a new sister restaurant in October 2006 when the exotic French-Asian restaurant-lounge Sutra opened in the space that was once La Suite (and Slanted Door before that). Sutra is a decidedly different endeavor for Jocelyn Bulow, and after a somewhat rocky start with chef switches and name changes, Sutra has emerged with seductive décor and a menu that offers a bit of something for everyone.More |  | The Marina's New Flavor Profile Flavor is often described in four ways: bitter, sour, salty, and sweet. But there's a fifth, more eclectic element that Japanese call "umami," and this is where the new restaurant in the old Yoshida-Ya space comes in. A clever endeavor, Umami incorporates tastes from Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Vietnam to create a "best of" list in a manner that strives to recreate classic dishes.More | | | For rustic Provençal-inspired cuisine in a cozy Sonoma Square setting, the Girl and the Fig delivers. The matchstick frites that come with the mussels, grilled cheese, and hamburger can't be missed. Cheese lovers will likely be in nirvana here as there are tons of cheese selections, from the works with cheese, fruit, and sausage to the fromage tower with its six selections of cheese, nuts, fruit, charcuterie, and olives. The signature dish is the fig and arugula salad with pecans, chevre, and pancetta drizzled with fig and port vinaigrette. The patio is open for seating during the summer.More | | | This cozy restaurant a block and a half off of the Sonoma Square is the quintessential, rustic wine country spot. It's relatively small size, generous portions, and locally representative wine list make this a go-to for North Country visits. Pull up to the bar overlooking the open kitchen or make reservations for a table, either way the food tastes just as good. From mussels to salads, every starter is a tasty choice. As for entrees, there's enough diversity to satisfy even the pickiest diner. When in doubt, opt for the chicken baked under a brick.More | | | This family-run Italian restaurant offers a welcome break from the rustic wine country menu and sleek service that prevails in and around Sonoma. Specialties are the spit-roasted meats and fresh-made pastas. Try the gnocchi followed by one of their homemade desserts. The outdoor garden patio which features a fountain and a vine-filled overhead trellis is the ideal setting for a late lunch and bottle of wine, while the inside area is reminiscent of a homey dining room, albeit one that's crammed with tables.More | | | Opened in 1999 by two sons of farmers, ZIN is a Healdsburg favorite. Since opening, chef Jeff Mall and partner Scott Silva serve meals made from the freshest local, organic ingredients, including produce picked from their Zingarden. Paying homage to it's name, the extensive wine list showcases roughly100 labels, half of which are zinfandels. This eatery, a block off of the square, features notable dishes, including the beer-battered green beans, applewood-smoked pork chop, and hamburger served with homemade catsup, mayonnaise, and pickles.More | | | The menu at Willie's runs the gamut from New England-style rolls and small plates to ceviche and skewers. Even though it's billed as a seafood and raw bar, diners can satisfy beef, lamb, and chicken cravings. The menu also features a hefty representation of cheese-infused dishes such as cheese fondue with Fritos. The well-chosen wine list is appropriate for its wine country locale, but its bar showcases a handful of cocktails that offer respite from the wine. If the weather's nice, a spot on the patio can't be beat.More | | | A rustic menu, generous portions, and local, seasonal cuisine are a few aspects of Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen that earned it a Michelin star (one of 28 restaurants in the Bay Area). Chef Michael Ellis balances his flair for modern cuisine with comfort food accents. Stellar dishes include the red kuri squash agnolotti and the roasted chicken with mushroom fried rice. While service can be a bit formal and slow at times, the food is outstanding and the décor, like the cuisine, blends modern and country without skipping a beat.More |
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