The Bay Area’s Essential Cozy Locales
Fall might be our favorite time in San Francisco. The days are still long, but the sun casts a special glow on the city that pulls on the heartstrings. The air gets a little crisper, but it’s still warm at the same time. As the season changes, the produce changes, and it’s a beautiful thing to watch chefs work their magic during this time.
The following are some cozy dishes at some cozy restaurants where you may want to pop in for a meal. Take your time, order that nice bottle of wine, and be in the moment with yourself and your dining companions. Right this way.
Flour + Water
The Order: Pasta Tasting Menu
The lighting. The music. The playlist. There’s an unmistakable vibe at the Mission District pasta palace that is Flour + Water: It’s just got that magic, that special je ne sais quoi. Go with the pasta tasting menu and let the chefs take care of you. The only decision you’ll have to make is whether you will walk or roll home.
Itani Ramen
The Order: Oxtail Ramen
Two things that scream cozy and comforting are oxtails and ramen. Combine the two and it’s like you’re wrapped in a nice warm blanket. The oxtail ramen at Kyle Itani’s joint is genius: it features fatty morsels that shred into the rich broth, along with sweet potato chunks, garlic chives, bean sprouts for crunch, and sesame seeds.
The Morris
The Order: Smoked Duck
Del Popolo
The Order: Salami Piccante
Beautifully blistered, leopard-spotted Neapolitan-style pies with that signature soft dough with a sour touch is what we love about Del Popolo. Sit at the counter surrounding the pizza oven and watch the pizzaiolo work their magic. That bright burst of goat horn peppers complements the savory salami piccante so nicely.
Burdell
The Order: Pork Neck Chop
Come for the cool, 1970s retro vibes at Burdell, stay for talented chef-owner Geoff Davis’ comforting, soulful fare. The smothered pork neck chop with chanterelle mushrooms, peaches, and a zingy mustard jus is not to be missed. Bonus points if you snag that bone.
Brenda’s Meat & Three
The Order: Fried Chicken
Oh how we do love that beautiful wooden bar at Brenda’s where we prop up both elbows, and go to town on some crispy fried chicken. Can’t go wrong with any of the sides, but may we suggest mac & cheese, collared greens, and red beans and rice to really round it all out?
Bar Crudo
The Order: Seafood Chowder
Nothing warms the soul more than a bowl of seafood chowder at Bar Crudo. This is one of our favorite dishes in San Francisco — flakey fish, plump little pieces of shrimp, chewy squid, creamy potato, smoky bacon, and lots of cream — this is a heavenly marriage that soothes the soul.
Kin Khao
The Order: Khao Soi
There’s nothing quite like the fiery fare from Pim Techamuanvivit. Go during lunch, get the big bowl of khao soi: it’s creamy, it’s coconut-y, it’s spicy, and has got that pop from pickled mustard greens and lime. Cool yourself down with a nice ice-cold cocktail.
Rich Table
The Order: Porcini Doughnuts
Rustic yet modern farmhouse vibes permeate the space at Rich Table. We adore this restaurant so much for so many reasons, but these porcini doughnuts are hands-down one of our favorite dishes in San Francisco. The fluffy umami-forward doughnuts, the raclette dipping sauce. Any questions?
Café Chez Panisse
The Order: Baked Goat Cheese Salad
Can a salad provide coziness and comfort? Surely, especially when its topped with coins of warm baked goat cheese from Andante in Petaluma. This salad is iconic, as is the beautiful upstairs dining room at farm-to-table pioneer Chez Panisse.
