In San Francisco’s Mission District, Café La Taza is the ideal destination for hearty Central American breakfasts. Begun as a mere coffee shop in 1997, this family-owned and operated shop has grown to a full-service restaurant with heaping portions perfectly suited for your appetite, no matter the time of day. Then, in Kensington, a close-knit community in the Berkeley Hills, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the local Kensington Circus Pub for a quaint pub in the heart of London. This East Bay find pours the best of British and Irish brews (all on tap), plus English pub grub, from bangers and mash to Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips to “England’s Most Popular Sticky Toffee Pudding” – so good they have it flown in. Finally, Beit Rima, nestled in San Francisco’s Duboce Triangle neighborhood, crafts authentic Arabic comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. Pillowy, fresh-from-the-oven pita sprinkled with Zaatar is one highlight, but the menu showcases the versatility of Palestinian cui

In Benicia, One House Bakery uses the force to win over customers with buttery baked goods — think everything from fresh breads and sweet pastries to savory meat pies and house-made soups. This North Bay spot even went viral in 2022 thanks to one of its most creative concoctions: a life-size “Pan Solo,” a rendering of famed Star Wars hero Han Solo composed entirely of bread. Then, in Walnut Creek, Burma 2 dishes up authentic Burmese cuisine, offering traditional favorites like crunchy tea leaf salad and fresh-from-the-wok shrimp stir fry alongside Burmese-inspired cocktails and beers. Finally, nestled in a quiet San Rafael neighborhood, The Monk’s Kettle Terra Linda brings big, juicy burgers, beers and brewpub fare to a lively, family-friendly space.

Beignets, biscuits and other brunch faves…in wine country? Located along scenic Sonoma Highway 12 in Kenwood, TIPS Roadside cooks up hearty, Southern-inspired comfort food that’s the perfect fare to fuel up for an afternoon of wine country touring (or even to soak up the morning mimosas after)! Then, in Oakland, Café Colucci crafts vegetarian-friendly Ethiopian dishes that highlight the unique spices, heirloom herbs and flavors of East African cuisine. Finally, in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights, Routier, co-founded by one of the region’s most renowned pastry chefs, whips up “French-ish” fare, celebrating the elegance and refinement of French cuisine, wine and, of course, dessert.

Santa Clara’s Restaurant Gish dishes up modern Korean fusion favorites as part of an ever-changing, seasonally focused prix fixe menu that’s full of delight. Then, in San Jose, the menu at Zona Rosa transports you to Mexico, delivering creative, homemade dishes (and handmade tortillas!) alongside smoky mezcal and tequila-based cocktails. Finally, in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, Wildseed’s all-vegan menu serves up good food that’s good for you; their fresh, flavorful and surprisingly hearty plant-based dishes support the local community by sourcing seasonal ingredients from nearby farmers.

A bustling, open kitchen greets you at Berkeley’s Comal, a go-to spot for fresh, handmade tortillas, tequila flights and other regional Oaxacan favorites. With a lush, intimate patio and al fresco beer garden, this Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized spot is a perfect place to indulge with a craft cocktail or signature shareable snack. Then, tucked away in Mill Valley’s Tam Junction, Hook Fish Co prepares sustainable seafood in mellow yet mouthwatering ways, from loaded fish burritos to delicate, citrus-forward poke and ceviche. Finally, in Oakland, at yet another Bib Gourmand-recognized joint, Jo’s Modern Thai is a date night destination for those in the mood to fall in love – with bold, fragrant Thai dishes! Inspired by and embodying tropical vibes, Jo’s pairs traditional Thai recipes with familiar California ingredients. Reporter Cecilia Phillips closes out this week’s episode with a visit to Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco’s new federal park, a 14-acre urban oasis with unbeatable

Nestled in the heart of downtown Mill Valley, Mamahuhu offers a playful twist on familiar Chinese takeout. From the mind of Michelin and James Beard Award-winning Chef Brandon Jew, this fast-casual spot delivers the rich, flavorful Chinese-American dishes you know and love with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Then, situated along Market Street in the Civic Center neighborhood, Zuni Café is a storied San Francisco icon, dishing up refined yet unpretentious bistro bests like their fan-favorite Roasted Chicken for Two. Finally, in Oakland, Nick’s Pizza and Bakery whips up fresh “Oakland-style” sourdough crust pizza with unexpected topping combinations. A true neighborhood gem, Nick’s leans into seasonal flavors in its meat-centric, veggie and vegan pies and slices, deli sandwiches and pastries.

Saucy, savory Italian comfort food… without the meat? The menu at Baia Restaurant, located in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, boasts all the familiar favorites – pastas, pizzas, and parms all have prominent placement – with a twist: They’re entirely plant-based. Then, tucked along the scenic Vallejo shoreline, Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom is home to simple, savory and oh-so-satisfying pub fare, nearly two dozen taps, and unbeatable views of Mare Island. Finally, in Oakland’s Rockridge district, À Côté offers eclectic, family-style Mediterranean small plates and a carefully curated list of European wines in an intimate, charming setting. Reporter Cecilia Phillips closes out this week’s episode with a visit to the country’s oldest cheese company, Petaluma’s Marin French Cheese Co., for a lesson in cheesemongering, beekeeping and honey harvesting. This historic creamery crafts artisan cheeses by hand, employing the same traditional French cheesemaking techniques first

At San Bruno’s Mazra, known for its Mediterranean mezze plates, diners are met by the mouthwatering aroma of woodfired kebabs and spit-roasted shawarma. This family-owned spot just minutes from SFO marries classic Levantine street food and vibrant, playful aesthetics for a unique dining experience. Then, at Benchmark Pizzeria in Kensington, a small community in the East Bay, the emphasis is on simple, satisfying ingredients: hand-stretched mozzarella, house-ground polenta, homemade sausage, and thin-crust dough made daily. The menu changes nightly, but one thing remains the same no matter the preparation – light, slightly blistered, crisp crusts and ample fresh toppings. Finally, Berkeley’s Flacos dishes up meatless Mexican bites, delivering all the flavors of a traditional taqueria while maintaining its all-vegan menu. Reporter Cecilia Phillips rounds out this week’s episode with a trip to Hella Plants Market in San Francisco for plant-based fare, vegan sweets and other treats for env

First up, a funky San Jose spot featuring flavorful fish tacos, succulent shrimp and squid cocktails and flair galore. Día de Pesca MexSífood Taqueria, a former food stand turned tropical taqueria, specializes in simply prepared Mexican favorites with a seasonal selection of fish and seafood. Then, in downtown San Mateo, Gao Viet Kitchen & Bar whips up Vietnamese feasts in abundance, from its signature Phozilla – a massive bowl of show-stopping pho stuffed with Maine lobster, filet mignon, brisket, oxtail and other decadent toppings – to more familiar fare. At Gao Viet, the richer the broth and the bigger the bowl, the better the experience – especially if it’s shared. Finally, at Fiore Caffè, a cozy corner café in San Francisco’s bustling Mission District, discover classic homemade Neapolitan and contemporary Southern Italian fare served in a charming restored Victorian.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Located on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Queen’s Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe offers a taste of the bayou. Their menu boasts the best of New Orleans, from shrimp po’ boys to seafood gumbo, brimming with classic and exuberant Creole and Cajun flavors. Then, in Santa Clara, La Casa Mia is home to comforting umami-filled cuisine with an unexpected twist, bringing Japanese-Italian fusion to the Bay. Sea urchin pasta and mentaiko mochi pizza are examples of surprising culinary delights difficult to find outside Japan — until now! Finally, Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Bar serves up Indian, Nepalese and Tibetian flavors in colorful, cozy quarters. From sizzling shrimp tandoor to delectable dal, this beloved Napa restaurant brings the Himalayas to the heart of wine country.

First up, diners check out the East Bay’s Arizmendi Emeryville Bakery & Pizzeria along San Pablo Avenue. This worker-owned and operated neighborhood gem serves up a rotating selection of satisfying seasonal pizzas and tasty pastries baked daily. Then, in the South Bay, Campbell’s LUNA Mexican Kitchen is home to traditional Mexican dishes in cozy digs using fresh, carefully curated ingredients, including masa made in-house using the ancestral method of nixtamalization. Finally, in San Francisco’s Mission District, Shizen perfects their inventive sushi rolls with local and seasonal ingredients, serving up traditional izakaya favorites with an entirely vegan, plant-based twist. Reporter Cecilia Phillips rounds out this week’s episode with a visit to the Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile. Since 2014, this weekly pop-up has brought local bites, artists, libations and live music to the neighborhood.

With flavorful favorites like tender deer sticks and savory bison meatballs, Wahpepah’s Kitchen aims to bring fresh, nourishing Native American cuisine to the forefront of the Bay Area while honoring the seasons in Oakland’s Fruitvale district. Then, in downtown Oakland, Lion Dance Cafe brims with tasty innovation, offering a creative selection of vegan Singaporean, Chinese and Italian small plates. Finally, at Besharam, in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood, diners are greeted by vibrant, veggie-centric dishes inspired by the Gujarati cuisine of India, served up in a modern and contemporary space.