Our monthly list of must-try restaurants in the SF Bay Area.
The sunny interior of the Mission's Media Noche.(Molly DeCoudreaux)
Media Noche
The Mission welcomes yet another buzzy eatery, this time from restauranteurs Madelyn Markoe (Tres, Boxing Room) and Jessie Barker (Nopa, Tavern at Lark Creek), with vibrant design by Hannah Collins (Barzotto, Delarosa). This Cuban fast-casual spot is named for its signature dish, the Media Noche sandwich—a hot, pressed Cubano with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on buttery brioche. The dessert menu, created by former Delfina pastry chef Jessica Sullivan, features Moon Bar ice cream popsicles and traditional Cuban pastries filled with sweet guava. Don't miss the rotating sangria. // 3465 19th St (Mission) medianochesf.com
RT Rotisserie
The long-awaited Hayes Valley opening of of Rich Table team's sophomore restaurant arrives this month. The headliner: rotisserie chicken brined in buttermilk, umami powder, garlic, and Douglas Fir wood chips, brushed with smoked garlic oil and finished with an abundance of fresh herbs. Pair it with beer, wine, sodas, or a refreshing shiso lemonade in a setting that will look familiar to Rich Table regulars. // 101 Oak St. (Hayes Valley), rtrotisserie.com
The Caviar Company's Tasting Room
Well-informed foodies have probably already sampled the delectable delicaciesof the Caviar Company, a self-funded caviarbrand run by sisters Petra and Saskia Bergstein. In March, the ladies opened a tasting room on Union Street where shoppers can find caviar packed to order with items from smoked-trout roe ($15/ounce) to golden osetra ($165/ounce). // 1954 Union St. (Cow Hollow), thecaviarco.com
Sláinte
Opening April 8th, this Jack London Square newcomer from restaurateur Jenny Schwarz (Hopscotch) and partner Jackie Gallanagh is a traditional Irish pub offering home-cooked Irish breakfast (served all day), black and white pudding, fish and chips, sausage rolls, and shepherd's pie—many items are even imported from the homeland. Order local and imported Irish beers, or try a Guinness float or a Shamrock Shake (soft serve, creme de menthe, whiskey, and Fernet).// 131 Broadway (Oakland), slainteoakland.com
(Courtesy of Burger Lounge)
Burger Lounge
The adored SoCal burger chain made its Bay Area debut in Walnut Creek this March, serving freshly prepared salads and premium grass-fed burgers using primarily organic, non-GMO, and sustainably raised ingredients from family ranches and growers. Other menu items include an organic quinoa veggie burger, a pan-fried Alaskan cod sandwich, and a crispy cage-free chicken sandwich. The leafy Lounge Caesar is tasty, but let's be real: The place is called Burger Lounge—you know what to do. // 2920 Ygnacio Valley Rd. (Walnut Creek), burgerlounge.com
Lady Esther's
After closing in the 1990s, the historic Lady Esther's has reopened in East Oakland under the helm of Deimentrius Clay, the East Bay's unofficial queen of fried chicken (formerly of Southern Cafe) and daughter of Lady's Esther's original owner. Here Clay is serving such southern favorites as shrimp and oyster po' boys, fried chicken, and smothered oxtails to the daytime lunch crowd. // 300 Frank H Ogawa Plz (East Oakland), 510-823-2447
Locol Bakery
On the heels of last year's opening of Locol in West Oakland, Chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson opened Locol Bakery late last month in the former Tomm's Bar-B-Q and Deli space. Look for Locol's $1 coffee and cheap green juice, Buttery Bunzz, chili, pizza, and an organic green salad for just $7. // 3446 Market St. (West Oakland), welocol.com
