The Bay Area Restaurants We Loved in October

There are few better pairings in the city…

… than the opening salvo at Pearl 6101. When the combo of Pearl martini and halibut crudo (festooned with strawberries, Marcona almonds, serrano chile, and nuoc cham vinaigrette) arrives, it’s a reminder that Pearl is such a special place. The menu is all hits, no misses. It’s the neighborhood restaurant that does everything right, and so much more. Mel Lopez and her team are creating some of the best food, drink, and hospitality in the country. And that we can just pop in here on a Wednesday evening? This is why we live in San Francisco.

— Paolo Lucchesi, Editorial Director

This place hits perfectly for brunch every single time…

… I’m talking about Lulu in Albany. We had the strawberry sumac spritz, harissa tots, shrimp stuffed toast, Early Girl tomatoes with halloumi, Turkish eggs, and a classic knafeh for dessert. My favorite is always the knafeh — truly the best one I’ve ever had, and with an impeccable cheese pull to boot.

— Randi W., Bay Area Restaurant Success Manager

Eating outdoors is the best way to enjoy this beautiful Bay Area fall…

… and Colibri has one of the best patios in the city. I love going to the Presidio for an escape, and it’s so nice to have the former Arguello back open as Colibri. The patio has always been special here, and it’s made even more so with some margaritas, ceviche, and carnitas in the fresh autumn air.

— Paolo Lucchesi, Editorial Director

For a true “if you know, you know” old-school spot in North Beach…

… head to Firenze by Night. The restaurant was opened by Italian immigrant Sergio Giusti, whom you can often catch chatting with guests like they’re old friends. It’s been handed down to two of his children now, Nadia and Paolo, and they’ve kept the same neighborhood feel, with cozy Italian-American dishes.

Start with a bottle of wine and a strong appetizer (like the bresaola), followed by the gnocchi (because it’s handmade by Paolo himself), and stay long enough to meet the family, because it’s that kind of place. Last thing: Don’t forget to take a Fernet shot on your way out, because this is North Beach, after all.

— Catt Flanagan, Regional Manager, West Coast

You cannot miss…

… this one-year-old North Beach favorite: Flour + Water Pizzeria. The massive space is welcoming, cute, and has my favorite thing: an open kitchen. It’s just the place for a second date, to catch up with friends, or to bring your parents if they’re in town. Now for the food, unfortunately, everything is delicious. The stone fruit-and-ricotta salad, meatballs, and margherita pizza were the standouts, while the soft serve acted as a perfect night cap.

— Catt Flanagan, Regional Manager, West Coast

The interactive dining experience…

… at State Bird Provisions is super fun: the team brings dishes around to your table for you to choose whether you want it or not. And out of everything we tried, the pork belly and ice cream sandwiches were delicious standouts.

— Felicity Lin, Resy Benefit Management Manager