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

  

Of course, we can't say no to a good kale salad. Finely shredded leaves of Tuscan kale create a pleasant, approachable salad that's a welcome contrast to some of the aggressive, gnarly kale salads you might see elsewhere. Add stone fruit, candied hazelnuts, garbanzo beans, and dollops of creamy goat cheese in a diosa verde (aka green goddess dressing), and you'll find yourself sitting happy.