Trendy / Hip Restaurants

With a breathtaking view, floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums featuring an impressive array of marine life from the Pacific Ocean, an extravagant cascading raw bar, a hand-blown glass “caviar” chandelier, and a lively open kitchen, Waterbar is not merely a restaurant, it is an experience. Located on San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero, Waterbar offers fresh, seasonal and sustainable whole fish and crustaceans served roasted, grilled, boiled or chilled. Owner and Executive Chef Mark Franz and restaurateur Pat Kuleto, both well-known for their highly successful restaurant Farallon, have created another masterpiece in design while remaining true to the natural essence of the sea.

Commis’ cuisine strives to combine the classic and traditional with the modern and refreshing. The restaurant’s seasonally changing menu achieves this goal by infusing balance and ambition into each of its dishes. Located in Oakland, Commis sits central to most areas of San Francisco, allowing a variety of clientele to experience this chef’s new avant-garde vision. Commis creates this distinctive perspective by combining ingredients that come together in an almost unexpected harmony.

There’s a bit of Rome right in the heart of San Francisco. 54 Mint presents bold flavors with imaginative pairings and infuses a bit of Italy into everything they prepare. This combination restaurant and wine bar is located downtown on the historic Mint Plaza and attracts locals and tourists alike with its charming décor and ambiance. 54 Mint has a comprehensive wine list and food menu as well as community seating in their wine cellar which can also be rented out for private events.

In need of a short vacation, romantic rendezvous, or a hip hang out? Head over to Amelie Le Bar a Vin on San Francisco’s Polk Street. This wine bar has a wine list that is 125 bottles strong and representative of a trip around the world. Their list also changes regularly in an effort to keep things fresh and exciting, however, they still hold on to a grouping of favorites. Amelie serves contemporary French cuisine along with an inventive list of cocktails and beers. The bar’s atmosphere is buzzing with the city’s energy while retaining that “neighborhood bar” feeling since …

Infused with the flavors and colors of the seasons, San Francisco’s Yield Wine Bar invites guests to come in and try something new. They believe in providing high quality dishes and wines that won’t break the bank. Yield’s cuisine is a contemporary American and Thai fusion. The menu is full of unique combinations and flavors sure to entice any palate and Yield’s knowledgeable staff is more than happy to recommend dishes and wine pairings. The ambiance is tranquil and romantic with a hint of excitement and complete with a chic decor. Yield is a great place to swing by for …

Fans of Thai food living in San Francisco probably already know the name Osha Thai, and those who don't are missing out on a fun and delicious dining experience. While the restaurant may have locations all around town, the Osha Thai in Cow's Hollow represents everything that customers love about the eateries. It begins with a chic and modern design that is both comfortable and aesthetically intriguing, treating diners to exceptional sights as well as tastes. The accommodating bar area is a popular first stop for customers, as it serves a large list of beer, liquor, wine, and specialty cocktails …

Vampires beware! The Stinking Rose is known throughout San Francisco as being the number one restaurant for fans of garlic and excellent food. Located in North Beach, the restaurant goes through over 3,000 pounds of the garlic each month, and diners visit again and again to indulge in the Californian-Italian cuisine. The Stinking Rose is best known for its Dungeness Killer Crab: a fresh crab weighing over two pounds and roasted in a secret garlic sauce until succulent and juicy. The garlicky goodness extends to the rest of the restaurant’s menu, which includes seafood skillets, tureens, surf and turf, pastas, …

Located in Haight-Asbury, San Francisco’s most colorful Historic district, lies a Tapas restaurant and bar that revolutionizes the marriage of healthy dining and intense flavor. Caribbean and Cajun flavors are staple of importance at Cha Cha Cha, a restaurant that can prove that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to eat bland. Serving up spicy, hot dishes such as Lechon Asado (roast leg of pork), and Arroz Con Pollo (roasted chicken with spicy vegetables), guests can be introduced to new flavors as well as dine on classic flavors. With options for lunch and dinner as well as drinks and dessert, …

Prospect is the more casual concept in SoMa from the team behind San Francisco's acclaimed Boulevard. Partners Nancy Oakes, Pam Mazzola, and Kathy King, together with Executive Chef Ravi Kapur, have created a lively, seasonal menu that pays tribute to contemporary American cuisine. Whether it's a cocktail and a bite at the bar, a casual meal at the communal table, or a relaxed dinner in the main dining room, guests can enjoy the full menu and exceptional service. The loft-like space is warmed by earth tones, natural fibers, and reclaimed wood creating an open, inviting environment to enjoy your meal.

Meaning autumn child; iris, bright, and light in Japanese, Akikos Restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine from the heat of Downtown San Francsico. This family owned and operated establishment has provided unique and classic Japanese cuisine for over 26 years and prides themselves in giving the best quality in everything they do. Their charming setting gives off a warm and inviting atmosphere while their entrees are made with only the finest ingredients to make delicious creations like Oyako and Tonkatsu. Akikos Restaurant covers all aspects for guest to enjoy a great night in Downtown SF while dining on Japanese cuisine.

Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good …

Making the most of a simple, rustic interior with strong influences of the bayou thrown in, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen focuses on authentic Creole and Cajun eats. Seasonal crawfish boils make this East Bay eatery a must-do in terms of Louisiana cuisine. Chef Brandon Dubea brings a lifetime of Louisiana upbringing to the kitchen of this local establishment, located just a stone’s throw from the Berkeley Public Library. Make sure that after a big ol’ bowl of steaming gumbo, you save room for a New Orleans classic, Angeline’s award-winning beignets, cooked to order.

Tacolicious is admittedly not a traditional San Francisco taqueria. While incorporating Mexican ingredients into every one of the restaurants offerings, Tacolicious sees itself as a San Francisco restaurant first and foremost. The menu incorporates seven different tacos, seasonal salads, a Tombo tuna tostada, as well as a slew of appetizers, and even a brunch menu for the weekend. House-made agua frescas pair well for those looking for something free of alcohol, but if libations are on the mind, freshly-squeezed margaritas, an extensive Mexican beer list including bottles and tap, wine, as well as a selection of over 100 tequilas, including …

With a great atmosphere and local favorite Happy Hour, Wine Jar in Japan Town offers the neighborhood a wine bar experience like no other. The intimate décor invites guests to enjoy any glass or bottle from their extensive wine list while catching up with an old friend, enjoying the company of that special someone, or just unwinding after a day at work. Food is limited to a cheese plate, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy take out from local restaurants at the Wine Jar, a few suggestions are even listed on the menu. For a good time in an inviting …

Named after the California Flag, and offering ingredients and décor sourced from within 150 miles of San Francisco, The Republic in Marina serves up contemporary comfort food. Menu items are upscale versions of classic bar fare such as Nachos, Fish Tacos, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Carnitas Sliders, and White Mac & Cheese made with smoked Gouda and white cheddar topped with fresh chives. The bar offers a California-centric craft beer menu with 60 specialty American beers including 20 on draft, as well as 10 specialty cocktails, and an American themed wine list. The Republic offers those in the Marina a great …

Chambers Eat + Drink is a restaurant and lounge inside San Francisco’s iconic rock n’ roll hotel, the Phoenix, and provides a menu, décor, and ambiance that is both chic and full of substance. Executive Chef Trevor Ogden—formerly from Mission Beach Café and Umami—has constructed a menu that is laden with seasonal entrees derived from California with influences from Japan, the Mediterranean and France. Examples are the Sizzling Kobe Tri-Tip and the Lamb Saddle—English peas, Israeli couscous, baby white carrots, chard leeks, pea tendrils and lamb jus. The menu complements the aesthetics, providing scenery that is modern with two indoor …

Loft Bar and Bistro in downtown San Jose is the hip spot to indulge in great drinks and fresh fare. Dining is three tiers with an upstairs and downstairs dining area and then a rooftop patio that is always bustling seven nights a week until 10:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Loft has Italian hints on the carte du jour but falls more in line with contemporary American cuisine. Chicken Parmesan, Teriyaki Beef Short Ribs, and the Pork Picatta are meatier entrees. Fresh seafood peppers the appetizer section with fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Tuna …

With influences stemming from Italy and Spain, The Basin serves up both types of food with American flair. In downtown Saratoga, just southwest of San Jose, The Basin has a wide selection of small plates such as the Paella Pequena, Lamb Sliders, house made Burrata and Truffle Fries. Seafood and Salads are available with fresh Shucked Oysters, House Cured Wild Salmon and the Fancy Green Salad on the lighter side. If you are hankering for a large entrée, the Pork N’ Clams with a Snake River Farms tenderloin and littleneck clams should hit the spot, as will the Thick Cut …

The Ugly Dumpling Dinner is coming to Folktale Winery for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Tuesday January 30, 2018 RESERVATION ONLY – Call 831-293-4455 Come out and enjoy Chef Danny Leach’s first Pop-Up experience of the year. Danny wants to create an event that will make a fun night out, and warm everyone up during the winter. If you know Danny, this will be an awesome and creative culinary experience. All Dumplings will be hand made in house, absolutely delicious, and paired with extraordinary Folktale wines

1608 Bistro is currently only open on weekends and is serving fusion brunch specialties and traditional dishes in a relax atmosphere between 9:000 am and 2:00 pm. Reservations are highly recommended.