Local Favorite Restaurants

Local Favorite: 35 Restaurants Found

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Town Hall

Address: 342 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 (Map)

It may be surprising to find a fine dining restaurant that specializes in familiar flavors when so many chefs prefer the exotic, but Town Hall takes the good ol’ American meal to its highest peaks. A large dining room designed to feel like an old school house provides an ambiance as comforting as the food. Executive Chefs Mitchell and Steven Rosenthal along with partner and maitre d' Doug Washington, share their love for refined tradition with dishes like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Peanut Tasso Crusted Pork Chop. Some diners may even forget the surrounding skyscrapers of SOMA, San Francisco.

T-Rex Barbeque

Address: 1300 10th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 (Map)

There is nothing intimidating or vicious about T-Rex Barbeque. In fact, its open, two story floor-plan and warm décor are quite inviting. T-Rex is “Berkeley Barbeque” – using only antibiotic and hormone-free meats, sustainable fish, and organic produce (whenever possible) – no bull whips to be found here, folks. You will find a Pulled Pork Omelette, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Grilled Steelhead Salmon. T-Rex also has an international beer selection worthy of applause, and a weeknight happy-hour schedule that encourages you to put it to the test.

Rivoli

Address: 1539 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707 (Map)

Chef and Owner Wendy Brucker and Owner and General Manager Roscoe Skipper are the dynamic duo behind Rivoli, in Berkeley. They met, wed, and plunged into the world of restaurant success in 1994, with fresh and earthy fare that strikes a balance between unique combinations and traditional techniques. The “secret garden” lures patrons in, and the healthful and satisfying cuisine keeps them coming back. Dishes like the Saffron and Pimenton Risotto and the Pan Roast Chicken are quite memorable, but with a seasonal menu that changes every three weeks there is always something new to try, and love.

Commis

Address: 3859 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611 (Map)

Commis’ cuisine strives to combine the classic and traditional with the modern and refreshing. The restaurant’s seasonally changing menu achieves this goal by infusing balance and ambition into each of its dishes. Located in Oakland, Commis sits central to most areas of San Francisco, allowing a variety of clientele to experience this chef’s new avant-garde vision. Commis creates this distinctive perspective by combining ingredients that come together in an almost unexpected harmony.

SpringLoaf Catering

Address: 3744 Mt Diablo Blvd., Suite 307, Lafayette, CA 94549 (Map)

With unique dishes ranging from mini pumpkins filled with fall vegetables to passion fruit and lychee crème brulée, SpringLoaf Catering has already gained footing and exposure in San Francisco’s competitive culinary market. SpringLoaf Catering, operating since 2003, has been featured in prominent magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings and San Francisco’s 7x7. With menu choices based on fresh, locally-sourced products, the company offers various ethnic food items such as Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian-inspired fare. The staff has a reputation for thoughtful, attentive service and SpringLoaf’s chefs customize each menu to fit their clients’ specific needs to make events special and memorable. Vegetarian, as well as Kosher-style menus, are available.