Sora Soba Dining. Photo by Virginia Miller. Japan has long been my top two favorite countries in the world… the other being my beloved Italia. Thankfully, I live in a city home to the first Japantown in the Western world since the 1800s. With literally hundreds of Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area alone — and California being home to… Read more →
Jilli beef tartare. Photo by Virginia Miller. A Vietnamese classic reborn, hip Korean drinking den with food, modern British fare, Japan-worthy takeout-only sushi, healthy delivery and, yes, superb pizza… six standout new eateries plus four new takeout spots. As always, I’ve personally vetted and visited each: Vietnamese Classic Reborn: Crustacean, FiDiOpening in the Financial District in July 2025, Crustacean is… Read more →
In this article:
—Sleek New Neighborhood Sushi & Sake Stop: Kuma on Valencia
—Daily Fresh Pasta for Home Cooking: Pasta Supply Co
—Sicilian Gelato & Sweets Haven: Hila Gelato
—Massive Portions of Heartwarming Mexican Fare in Inner Richmond: Caliente Bistro
… and more
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From The Shota to Omakase, San Francisco already has a wealth of Michelin-starred sushi bars, and many besides of that ilk (Oma SF Station, Ken, Sasa, Kusakabe, An Japanese, or hip counterparts like Robin and Chisai Sushi Club, to name just a few). Now we have another. But it’s a familiar name to San Franciscans: Akiko’s. Read more →
Handroll Project’s frozen shaved ankimo and ikura handroll (Photo: Courtesy of Virginia Miller) COME SEE OUR NEW HOME — The Bold Italic has a new home online, and this story has moved! Read it here: https://www.thebolditalic.com/ju-nis-new-handroll-project-elevates-the-sush-game-in-san-francisco It’s easy to make the case for handrolls. Classic maki (sushi rolls) is a joy, to be sure. But a handroll, or temaki (typically cone-shaped… Read more →
Pabu’s okonomiyaki with Perigord truffles in season. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Virginia Miller) It’s no small thing when I can trace a huge source of learning over the past eight years to one place and person. Stuart Morris at Pabu is one such touchstone. And it’s also one of San Francisco’s best sushi destinations, thanks to partner Ken Tominaga, also of… Read more →
Chisai Sushi Club BLAT and Seafood Tower temaki. (Photo: Courtesy of Virginia Miller) We miss Ichi Sushi and husband-wife owners Tim and Erin Archuleta, who ran the cozy Outer Mission/Bernal Heights restaurant from 2006 until its pandemic-forced closure in 2020. But some spaces — blessedly — get into the right hands. Palo Alto born-and-raised chef Erik Aplin and team opened Chīsai Sushi Club on September… Read more →
From two notable newcomers to three tried-and-true greats (one just gaining a Michelin star this week), these are five top places to eat, feast and support now — plus one bonus new bar. I’ve vetted, visited or ordered from every restaurant reviewed here: Fiorella Sunset crudo — Photo Credit: Virginia Miller BETTER THAN EVERMore Than A Steakhouse: Niku Steakhouse, SoMa/Design District Fresh off their first… Read more →
Support local gastronomy with your rewards credit card Shizen “Surprise Ending” vegan sushi (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) New bars and restaurants in San Francisco are opening up at a dizzying pace as of late; it’s a welcome sign of activity after what felt like months existing at a standstill. But many of our neighborhood restaurant staples— some of which have been around… Read more →
My dining column in print and online magazine, Bob Cut (column details and my philosophy here; last month’s column here) covers standout (delicious) newcomers and longtimers worth supporting. I’m covering outdoor and indoor dining, takeout and delivery restaurants, all of which I’ve vetted, visited or ordered from, choosing the standouts: