Need help deciding what to eat and drink in the Bay Area this week? We've rounded up our favorite new dishes and drinks, including a Moroccan newcomer, a crudo classic, a charming breakfast sandwich and beautiful cocktails paired with ramen in Oakland. Bon appetit!
Photograph: Yelp/Liza B
Neighborhood newcomer: Khamsa
Khamsa opened on 15th and Van Ness in the Mission this summer serving shareable plates and gratifying tagines (a stew-like dish named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in) under shady lamps in a Moroccan tile-lined space. Sip a Moroccan wine on the sunny patio while you try instant favorites like the garlicky zaalouk (pureed eggplant, onions and tomatoes served with pita) and the classic basteeya (shredded chicken, almonds, onions and eggs in phyllo pastry, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon).
Required eating: Bar Crudo
Though we still miss their cozy old space on Bush Street, Bar Crudo's roomier Divisadero location remains one of the city’s best raw bars. Lush seafood chowder and silky crudos are still standouts. As is an array of craft and Belgian beers and crisp white wines. But it’s not just about crudo. Seafood specials like the lobster tomato salad or whole roasted branzino (sometimes cooked with decadent uni butter), confirm this is a great restaurant we want around for many years to come.
Photograph: Yelp/Jiann M
Dish of the week: Namu Stonepot’s okonomiyaki
While we find the initial menu mixed at the Lee brother's (of Namu Gaji) newest venture, Namu Stonepot, we are clear about one dish: the fantastic kimchee okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese “pancake”) laden with cabbage, kimchee, green onions and yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam), and dotted with kewpie mayo, oko sauce and bonito flakes. It’s equal parts crispy and doughy. Portions are generous, so make sure to wash it all down with a matcha milkshake.
Breakfast on-the-go: Bandit
What's better than a great breakfast sandwich? An entire menu of breakfast sandwiches. Closet-sized Bandit is in soft opening mode with six different breakfast sandwiches, a few American Wagyu burgers on brioche buns, non-alcoholic drinks and salads on the way. And everything is under $12! We recommend the signature Bandit sandwich for breakfast, layered with a perfectly fried egg, fatty-good butcher's cut bacon, muenster cheese, avocado and chives.
Drink of the week: Southpaw Daiquiri at Ramen Shop
Ramen Shop is still one of Oakland’s great respites for a heaping bowl of ramen and a cocktail. While you’re filling up on kimchi pork fried rice or Hokkaido miso ramen, Chris Lane’s lovely cocktails are always a good idea. Want light and refreshing? Go for the Shop Highball featuring St. George Spirits’ rare Baller whiskey with Q seltzer. Prefer tart and sweet? Then try the Southpaw Daiquiri, a blend of light and dark rums, lime, a kick of tamarind and aromatic kaffir lime.