The Best New Bars + Restaurants in the Bay

It’s been quite a couple of years for the restaurant industry, and although the pandemic isn’t over, we can’t help but get excited when we hear of new spots opening up. Fresh takeout options, new patios to hang out on, and little glimmers of hope for the future of restaurants in the Bay are enough to brighten our days. Cheers to supporting our local faves, new and old! 

Note: Make sure to double-check before visiting these spots (or any spots, really) to make sure they’re open as the world is ever-changing. Some may be open for indoor or outdoor dining, others are takeout only. And don’t forget: be safe, be nice, and of course, tip.

For sushi lovers that have never had temaki, the excuses end here. Handroll Project is the latest addition to the Michelin-Star-holding Ju-Ni family, and has been extremely popular since opening in May. The restaurant is bright and airy, and the sushi is one-of-a-kind in SF, so add it to your must-try list ASAP (and be ready to wait in line).

Fiorella’s Sunset location has only been open for a little less than a year, and it already has a new feature to make it extra special – a hidden bar that serves some of the neighborhood’s most photogenic cocktails and small plates. With standing room only for 14 guests, you’ll want a reservation to be guaranteed a figurative seat at the table.

If you’re into trash pie and natural wine (their words, not ours), glam maximalism, and all around fun vibes, Shuggie’s is the Mission’s latest restaurant that you simply can’t miss. They’re all about making the most out of food waste and doing it deliciously, which is something that we like to call a win-win.

It doesn’t get much better than a restaurant that’s zero waste and churns out good food (and quickly at that). Enjoy flavors straight from Egypt and Yemen in the restaurant, or to go in a reusable container that you can return to the Belladi, or have picked up! They also brew their own kombucha, which comes highly recommended.

The house cocktails at Third Pig have fun names, top-tier ingredients, and – most importantly – plenty of alcohol. There’s also a wine list, rotation selection of beers, and carefully crafted mocktails, so it’s safe to say you’ll find something that’s juuust right. (Ok, we’re confusing our fairy tales, but it’s a worthy stop nonetheless.)

Fresh and sustainable seafood is the name of the game at Ancora, a new concept from former Atelier Crenn chef Nick Anichini and Water2Table Fish Co’s Andi Conte. Whether you opt for the à la carte menu or the prix fixe, you’ll be enjoying some of the finest fish and veggies around, all prepared with incredible attention to detail.

It’s true, Raising Cane’s is a sizable fast food chain that’s based in the Southeast, and while it’s a bit of a departure from the other spots on this list, its arrival in Oakland has the people freaking. out. Really though, with menu staples including chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, how could they not be?

For those that live in SoCal, the vineyards of Mexico are just a short drive away, but for us, there’s Cantina Los Mayas. As far as we know, it’s the first wine bar in the country to serve only Mexican wines, and we’re super here for it. Swing by and enjoy one of their recommended glasses along with small plates, or a full Yucatecan dinner!