Tuesday January 18, 2011 Updated 6:19 PM PST
Does San Francisco really need another pizza and pasta place? Yes, if it's as good as Cotogna, opened by Quince's Michael and Lindsay Tusk.
At Murray's Circle the setting is breathtaking and the food is still excellent, but it's missing that almost indescribable "wow" factor.
The Napa restaurant, owned by Lark Creek Restaurant Group, is a dining room that promises more than it delivers.
The Bay Area had its best year for openings in 2010. Michael Bauer picks his favorite new spots, like Marlowe in S.F.
Sophie Brickman continues her look behind the scenes of the best S.F. restaurants. This time, the kitchens of Coi and La Folie.
From Perbacco to Madrona Manor, these six restaurants offer an extensive selection of cheeses and accompaniments.
What began as a tiny, no-frills spot on Geary Street, Osha Thai has grown into one of the best-known ethnic restaurants in San Francisco.
From blockbuster openings to notable neighborhood spots, 2009 brought with it a number of new, quality restaurants.
A Bay Area innovation, the open exhibition kitchen still ignites particular interest at these six local restaurants.
With the increasing popularity of family-style dinners and food carts, it's clear that S.F. diners are tired of starchy, white tablecloths.
While Spanish-inspired menus have become increasingly trendy, these six restaurants rise above with noteworthy nibbles and good wine.
With salmon scarce and pricey, Bay Area restaurants are turning to a more economical and sustainable fish.
It's not just for pizza; around the Bay Area, chefs are loving the primitive pleasure of their wood-fired ovens.
These six Bay Area restaurants promise a gorgeous view served alongside a satisfying meal.
From a reader: I've been going to House of Prime Rib since I was 17, and that was over 20 years ago. I...
Union Street's latest entrant takes its name from a famous rock and roll venue in London.
Eric Zhang's restaurant is a gem of a place, but although some dishes live up to the setting, many are fairly ordinary.
A barbecue spot with a refined pedigree, it continues to turn out respectable plates of smoky, caramelized meat and savory sides.
Michael Mina's new namesake restaurant has kept a fine-dining edge, but added the vibrancy and excitement diners expect today.
Berkeley's Zut is in a lovely space, the waiters are pleasant and the crowd is fun, but the entrees can be hit-or-miss.
Few restaurants are as sexy as 25 Lusk, but the dishes off of the menu often remind Michael Bauer of the 1980s.
It's expensive, but Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak in Union Square takes the steak house to a new level.
Daniel Patterson's new Oakland restaurant, offers simple design and food with great flavors.
This Mission restaurant is part of a shift in restaurants, with chefs producing serious food in casual surroundings.
Corey Lee's serene, minimal Benu on Hawthorne Lane delivers bold, intricate artistry. But it may not be to everyone's taste.
At this Walnut Creek spot, the gutsy food offers intrigue over consistency.
S.F.'s first ham and oyster bar isn't breaking new ground, but it's a lively neighborhood watering hole
Is it a bar or a restaurant? Bar Agricole, with its exciting cocktails and enticing food, is the leading the trend of casual dining.
A taste of The Chronicle's food and wine content, every Thursday.
While the Metreon readies for a big Target revamp, there's also plenty of...
From four-star spots to cozy neighborhood joints, these are Michael Bauer's picks for the best in Bay Area dining. With 360-degree views.
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