New on Resy: Rasa, Kusakabe, Little Gem on Union

The San Francisco Chronicle deemed Rasa the best Indian restaurant in the Bay Area, and it’s no wonder why: the Southern regional specialties prepared here boast an arsenal of flavors that would make any expat beam. Dishes are accented with spices that’ll cool you down on a hot summer’s day, homemade chutney, and superb seasonal produce. Make sure to get your fill on dosas, which come crackly-crisp and slathered with everything from ground lamb masala to potato hash with truffle oil.

Stepping into Kusakabe feels like entering a shrine: the sleek, minimal space is accented with pale wood and offset by a quietly buzzing open kitchen. This Jackson Square kaiseki-style sushi destination sets expectations—and they are surpassed. Chef Mitsunori Kusakabe guides diners through a thoughtful eight- or eleven-course omakase that steadily grows in richness and intensity. After a light dashi broth, a carnival of sushi unravels, and it’s all astounding. Take a moment when you enter this shrine; this is a meal you’re not likely to forget.

Dreamt up by a pair of Thomas Keller Group alums, Little Gem on Union is the second iteration of the ever-popular, California-infused restaurant. Beautiful salads, bountiful bowls, and vibrant small plates show no shortage of creativity or goodness, making this colorful eatery a favorite of both the health-conscious and not-so-health-conscious crowds (yes, dairy-free, gluten-free dishes can taste that good).

Chef Tomonori Nagai has had many lives. In one, he was slinging Michelin-starred omakases in Singapore. In another, he was Barack Obama’s sushi chef for a night. And now, he’s at the helm of his very own place, Sushi Nagai, bringing sushi artistry to the Bay Area. Get ready for a stunning parade of fish, alongside a seasonally-rotating list of sakes hailing from Japan.

California’s dizzying bounty gets the spotlight at Farmshop Marin, where New American cuisine lends itself to utter seasonality. The rendered dishes come courtesy of Jeff Cerciello (a Thomas Keller Group vet) and taste fresh and zippy: avocado gets churned into hummus spiced with pistachio salsa verde, and perfectly charred artichokes are topped with a dollop of creamy burrata cheese.

There’s a dash of Willy Wonka whimsy brewing in this reconverted Mission factory. Small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate perfumes the industrial-chic space, and though guided tours and chocolate classes are offered, you’ll reach cocoa heaven at the Bloom Salon. Here, pastry chef Lisa Vega doles out everything from Earl Grey profiteroles and hot chocolate, to a “Tree to Bar” eight-course tasting menu, no prized entry required.

As a stellar supplier of baked goods, Marla Bakery knows its way around a wood-burning oven. And in addition to churning some of the best sticky buns, croissants, and bagels in Outer Richmond, the husband-and-wife team uses its wood-fired chops for lunch, brunch, and Friday dinners as well. Expect toothsome sandwiches, roasted veggies, and saucy pasta.

When it comes to brunch, do as the Danes do and get your fill of Scandinavian fare at Kantine. Brightly lit and minimalist, the daytime café proffers the finest Danish goods—think smørrebrød (that’s an open-faced sandwich) topped with liver paté or pickled herring, flaky pastries (get the frøsnapper or seasonal fruit danish), and a build-your-own brunch board, where a runny egg in creamy spinach sings.

It’s no surprise that Mezcalito is a temple to Oaxaca’s favorite agave spirit. This Pork Gulch cocktail bar delves deep into mezcal, offering a comprehensive menu of no less than 50 regional varieties. Try a flight or sip on mezcal-based cocktails, and order liberally from the menu of small plates—we’re talking tacos, crudo, and homemade guacamole.

Nestled in Palo Alto’s historic Stanford Barn, Vina Enoteca is a breath of rustic simplicity. The sleek eatery follows the Italian way of sourcing, using only what’s local and in season (most of their produce is grown at the Stanford Education Farm), for a menu that covers the bases. Spring for spinach tagliatelle peppered with sustainably-raised pork and beef, alongside grilled octopus with celery root purée.

Located in one of Oakland’s oldest neighborhoods, Doña Tomás has emerged as a Mexican mainstay and a brunch crowd favorite. At this colorful Temescal locale with a patio, vibrant Mexican dishes are crafted with local produce, and freshly-squeezed lime margaritas line every table. Tuck into French toast with a Mexican twist, smoky chile relleno, and any of the mind-boggling tacos.

Get a slice of France’s rocky western coasts at this twinkly Santa Rosa bistro. Inspired by the regional fare of Finistère—France’s 29th department—Bistro 29 deals in Breton cuisine, which means you’re in for galette de blé noir (traditional buckwheat crêpe), hearty seafood plates (get the halibut quenelles and mussels in Pernod cream sauce), and fizzling cider. Santé!

Family-owned and operated since the late 70s, Hana Japan is a teppanyaki restaurant with a flair for entertainment. Settle around a large iron griddle, and watch as a chef makes your food fly and dance across the sizzling surface.