Since Rich Table opened in 2012, I named it a top new restaurant and it has remained one of San Francisco — and the nation’s — best ever since. I was baffled as it ridiculously lost its multi-year Michelin star in 2021, though they’ve topped many “best” lists and been James Beard-nominated. At 10 years, I marvel at how husband-wife chefs Sarah and Evan Rich with partner and consummate GM Jonny Gilbert, have kept RT expertly creative, world class but casual and exceptionally delicious. Now at almost 15 years old, they’ve opened their neighbor, RT Bistro, just around the corner.
Debuting January 9, 2026, tiny RT Bistro has been packed since day one, immediately garnering SF Gate’s claims of being the year’s best new restaurant this early on. It’s one of them, for sure, in a year already starting off with some incredible restaurants.
Read the rest on Substack: One of the Year’s Best New Restaurants (Already) Is More Than Its Humble RT Bistro Name Suggests