Let's be real: Hot restaurant openings are a dime a dozen in San Francisco, and it can be tough to sort through the hype and determine which new spot is worth your precious time and money. No worries here: Barcino is one of the best restaurants we've tried so far in 2017.

Brought to us by the Absinthe Group (most recently, the makers of the also-wonderful Bellota), Barcino dishes a taste of Barcelona in the form of elevated, memorable tapas. The various small plates deliver both elegance and comfort; the service is friendly; and the space is warm and simple with floor-to-ceiling windows and cascading plants.

Walk-ins are welcome, but the current wait for dinner is upwards of an hour. So make a reservation—Barcino is hot. // 399 Grove St. (Hayes Valley,)barcinosf.com

  

Another worthwhile pick: Bite-size cauliflower fritters are pickled, fried, and served with a sweet caper-raisin puree for a vivid balance of salty and sweet. Pairing with a glass of cava is all but required.