The Bay Area’s Essential Cozy Locales

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.

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.

What’s better: the beautiful and iconic smoked duck with roasted root vegetables at The Morris, or the hospitality of its sommelier/owner Paul Einbund? Trick question: They’re equally awesome. This is a dish we inhale during the fall and winter months.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.