Chef Mike Lanham spent several years running a popular pop-up in San Francisco focused on high-quality seasonal ingredients presented with an emphasis on showcasing the technical aspects of cooking. What he didn’t expect was how much he would love shifting to a brick-and-mortar restaurant like he has with Anomaly SF, which opened in 2023. “All of us in the kitchen still deliver dishes to the guests, which gives us a chance to engage on a unique level,” he says. And about the technical approach? “We go through several — say half a dozen — technique-heavy steps before the food even reaches the guest. There is a dazzle factor when we can do things like change the state of matter table side,” he adds. This spring, diners can expect a sweet end to the night with a new dessert course featuring a cardamom dark chocolate custard served with coffee gelato, chai gel, marshmallow and a crispy tuile. 2600 Sutter Street, San Francisco
A seaside, sustainably minded city like San Francisco is the perfect home for Aphotic, a Michelin-starred restaurant that prioritizes transparency and traceability as much as it does a flavorful meal. “When you get your hands on some pristinely fresh fish native to the area that you live in, one wants to pay it forward in the best way possible: we make that last bit a cornerstone of how we think about food,” says chef Peter Hemsley. The seasonal 10-course tasting menu is sure to wow, but the bar menu is equally impressive — Aphotic distills its own spirits in house, and the restaurant’s eight-course cocktail tasting menu is inspired by different bodies of water around the world. 816 Folsom Street, San Francisco
Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
Fans of Empress by Boon need to head to the Marina because the chef of that establishment has opened another restaurant. Blue Whale’s stylish-yet-welcoming dining experience offers seasonal à la carte menus featuring small bites, rice and noodle dishes and larger items to explore; the various dumplings, seafood choices and vegetarian options in particular stand out. “Each dish is inspired by my childhood and travels across Asia and speaks to fond memories of the exciting cuisines I’ve tasted,” says chef Ho Chee Boon. There are tables and booths indoors, but when the weather is agreeable, you’d be remiss to pass up a chance at dining on the impressively spacious and secluded outdoor patio. 2033 Union Street, San Francisco
Chandon’s Napa home since 1977, the iconic winery has undergone a miraculous renovation both in terms of the space and dining options. The Chandon Culinary Journey is a five-course tasting menu served restaurant-style in the Epicurean Hub (come summer three outdoor alcoves will be added). Expect the same level of exquisite food and beautiful wines this brand has always been known for (Friday to Sunday, reservations required). Guests wanting something more casual can order a gourmet picnic during the summer season and enjoy it in the reimagined Garden Lawn space, complete with an inviting array of high and low tables scattered throughout that meld perfectly into the landscape. Larger groups will want to take advantage of the sailcloth cabanas that are available for wine-paired lunches in a more private setting. Chandon has always been a favorite and it’s exciting to witness the next evolution of the winery’s history. 1 California Drive, Yountville
Led by 21-year-old CEO Nikita Khandheria, Ditas has created a true Marin experience. This new culinary gem celebrates the California coast, through both its cuisine and the sweeping views of the bay it boasts from its Sausalito waterfront location. And luckily, those views are on full display, from inside the elegant dining room and from the seats on the heated outdoor patio. The all-day seasonal menus feature beautifully presented dishes of familiar favorites reinterpreted in sophisticated and imaginative ways: think duck tacos topped with kimchi and served in a crispy wonton shell, or a decadent dish of baked lobster mac and cheese. 562 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Due West Tavern and Market is the ideal place to stop on your way to West Marin adventures, or a dreamy place to spend a little more time when you’re staying at the Olema House, which is located right next door. Chef Andrew Sarda says he takes pride in serving “the best seafood the NorCal coast has to offer — mussels and clams with chorizo, scallops, fresh local oysters, salmon, black cod and more.” Located in a cozy and refurbished circa-1865 building, the spot features homemade dishes using the finest hyper-local ingredients. And if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, the remodeled market next door offers items house-made daily, such as sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, salads, chips, snacks and specialty drinks. 10005 Coastal Highway 1, Olema
Hidden in a speakeasy-style dining room at the Matheson in Downtown Healdsburg, Dustin Valette’s dining experience is the new Sushi by Scratch Restaurants. The slightly unwieldy name belies what 10 lucky diners in three seatings a night will experience: an intimate 17-course omakase tasting menu showcasing fish and shellfish flown in from Tokyo’s world-famous Toyosu Fish Market. The restaurant is the latest from the Michelin-starred husband-and-wife chef team Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee. 106 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
Downtown Tiburon has enjoyed a restaurant renaissance over the past few years and Malibu Farm, opened in 2023 in the former Servino spot, fits right in. The concept began in Southern California, where chef-owner Helene Henderson offered farm dinners and classes that caught on and expanded quickly. The beach town–casual vibe and stunning bay views are accented by simply prepared house-made dishes such as broiled Maine lobster, wood oven cauliflower steak, build your own fish tacos, spaghetti squash lasagna and more. Executive chef Chris Ball became involved when he recommended a sous chef and was asked if he knew anyone who could handle being executive chef. He did and took the job. “I love that Malibu Farm has a pretty similar take on how food works as I do, focusing on farm-to-table, locally sourced, everything made in house and a changing menu,” he says. 9 Main Street, Tiburon
The minds behind Movida have focused on cultivating the environment and the experience as much as they have the unique Persian-and-Mexican-fusion fare being served here. This creative concept lends itself to a range of dishes that reflect the signature flavors of both cuisines, like a chicken tostada that includes both pico de gallo and shirazi, or arroz con leche made with saffron and rose water. With an intimate bar and lounge layout, inventive libations and a location in trendy SoMa, this Michelin-guide restaurant has all the makings for a lively night out, but the party atmosphere extends to Sunday brunch service, too. 555 Second Street, San Francisco
Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, A Studio for Gustatory Well-Being
Steps away from the main thoroughfare of First Street in Downtown Napa, Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, A Studio for Gustatory Well-Being is a 1926 California Craftsman bungalow that has been transformed by vintners, hospitality veterans and husbands Joey Wołosz and Jeff Durham into a cozy spot like no other. Guests will enjoy the eclectic family recipes (Joey and Jeff do all the cooking while you sit steps away) — peppered with whatever they are experimenting with — and prepared with the freshest ingredients Napa has to offer. And, of course, Gentleman Farmer wine pairings come with each course (even at breakfast). The venue is practically made for private events, but a meal with a significant other or small group is just as special. 1564 First Street, Napa
Hot Out of the Oven
The newest Marin bakeries to add to your nosh list.
Fueled by her longing for New York City bagels, owner Emily Winston set out to re-create her beloved glutinous treat. Many iterations later she perfected the recipe and retail locations soon followed. Even the New York Times says this is the best bagel in all the land. 238 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur
If you haven’t tried the croissants yet, it’s time. Known for delicious coffee, mouthwatering pastries and house-made breads, this sweet spot also has a small lunch menu with beer, wine and small snacks and offers baking classes for the at-home cook. 17 Madrona Street, Mill Valley
The newest outpost of the S.F.-based bakery, this location had a built-in following as soon as it opened (it is in the old Sweet Things space). It’s a great place to grab your morning latte or cupcakes for the weekend birthday party. There are plans to add more gluten-free and vegan items to the menu in 2024. 1 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon
More Wine Less Dine
Marin’s latest hot spots? Wine bars tucked away in your favorite neighborhoods.
From the same owners who brought us Stillwater in Fairfax and Souvenir (the super-cool bottle shop down the street from this venue), this is the wine bar we have been dreaming about. The airy space offers a 15-seat bar and a lounge area in the back with a fireplace. The wine selection is top notch and the food menu was created by the Stillwater chef, so you won’t be disappointed. 500 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
Located at the far end of Magnolia, this place is where locals come to gather, whether it is to pick up their favorite libation for a night at home or to belly up to the bar and socialize. A small food offering is available (such as charcuterie boards), but the pop-ups are what drew us in. We love the oysters in the parking lot on Friday nights during happy hour and word on the street is that the pizza on Saturdays is the best around. 1110 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur
