The September Hit List: Fish & Bird, Flour + Water, Aziza, and More

Grill fine meats and seafood like A5 Wagyu, oysters, and prawns outdoor over Japanese charcoal at Fish & Bird Izakaya. Known as yakiniku, the grilled meats are expertly paired with cocktails, shochu, and sake.

Open for outdoor dining and takeout.

One of our favorite things in the city is the fresh handmade pasta with California flare at Flour + Water. We missed the restaurant so much, but are happy we can now enjoy al fresco on a beautiful patio with heat lamps galore. They’re also offering dishes a la carte and prix-fixe meals for takeaway.

Open for outdoor dining, plus takeout and delivery.

Sometimes you just need a fresh cold fizzy beer — Fieldwork is a good place to sip on that. Sit down and sample an array of craft brews, crush a tamale or two so you can drink a couple more, and grab some growlers to go.

Open for outdoor dining or takeout.

Mourad Lahlou’s Aziza has been open for takeout and delivery, but it’s now open for outdoor dining, too. They’re doing dinner Wednesday through Sunday, plus weekend brunch, on a newly built parklet where you can enjoy things like Lahlou’s trio of spreads, chicken confit basteeya, or whole dorade.

Open for outdoor dining, plus takeout and delivery.

First, you should read this story about Brandon Jew’s desire for Chinese restaurants to know their worth, then go enjoy his food on the new parklet outside Mister Jiu’s on beautiful Waverly Place to truly understand what he’s talking about. While you’re at it, eat these six dishes in Chinatown.

Open for outdoor dining, plus takeout and delivery.

Three words, one delicious dish: Rosemary. Fried. Chicken. Located in the Emeryville Public Market from La Cocina alum and SF native Fernay McPherson, Minnie Bell’s cooks one of the most delicious birds you’ll ever eat in The Bay — trust us. It’s crispy, juicy, herby, and hot. It’s perfect.

Open for takeout and delivery.

Quesabirria sensation Tacos Del Patron has opened a second location in the Mission, this time focusing on a large selection of guisados that fill freshly made tortillas. Think albondigas, chicken tinga, rajas, and even an Impossible vegan version, too. While you’re in the Mission, consider a taco crawl and hit up El Gallo Giro taco truck, the new Nopalito window on 18th, and one of the many Mission Street vendors.

Open for takeout.

Become friends and family with Friends & Family in Oakland. Enjoy an array of deliciousness like oysters, soft fluffy “Potato Things,” lamb meatball subs, ricotta spinach gnocchi, and more. Pair all that food with one of the standout cocktails.

Open for outdoor dining and takeout. 

Craig Murli opened his wood-fired pizza shop just one week prior to shelter-in-place, but that hasn’t stopped him from pumping out some of the tastiest and prettiest pies around. He only does two types of pizzas — a margherita and a seasonal special — and makes 40 per day; you have to call to reserve, and he always sells out. Good luck.

Takeout only. Ordering info on the ‘gram.

If you haven’t heard by now, Palm City is making some of the finest fare the city has to offer. Opened one month into the pandemic, this maker of West Coast hoagies (from Nopa alums) sells out most days, so best to order ahead online or get there early. The massive sandwiches travel well and easily feed two. Grab a bottle of wine while you’re at it and enjoy at the beach.

Open for takeout.

Elda is one of the city’s best cocktail bars, but lately, it has been hosting some of the most exciting food pop-ups, too. Whether it’s a nopal milanesa from a Zuni vet or freshly glazed coffee cinnamon rolls from Bar Agricole’s head baker, you’re in for deliciousness.

Open for outdoor dining and takeout and delivery.