It's time to update the Eater 38, your answer and ours to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant?" This highly elite group covers the entire city, spans myriad cuisines and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs. Every few months, we add pertinent restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months) or have stepped up their game. Sometimes a still great restaurant makes way for another one, in order to keep things new and fresh. And keep in mind, this list is presented in alphabetical order; there's no ranking involved.
As always, a few places must depart the 38; here they are with a brief explanation of why:
- Tony's Pizza Napoletana remains an excellent destination for pizzas (and more) but it's time to let Una Pizza Napoletana in on the fun. Owner Anthony Mangieri's short menu of five pies draws lines on the four days its open, and especially on Saturday when a sixth pie is available. Flour, water, fire, and simplicity make this a destination for pizza fanatics.
- Though Namu Gaji continues to serve excellent Asian-inspired dishes on the edge of Dolores Park, it departs the 38 in favor of Mister Jiu's California take on Chinese dishes. Dishes like squid and pork dumplings, and tea smoked Liberty Farms duck are outstanding, especially when consumed overlooking Chinatown's bright lights.
- While it continues to be an excellent neighborhood restaurant, Stones Throw is taking a break from the 38, in favor of Walzwerk. The 18 year-old German restaurant recently received two stars from Eater SF critic Rachel Levin, who reports that its hearty, homey food is steadfastly worth a visit.
- Though Zazie is an endlessly popular brunch spot, it's scooting over for Trestle this time. The three-course prix fixe can't be beat, nor can the lively location at the intersection of North Beach and Chinatown. It's consistently high quality, while the menu rotates seasonally.
Rather than having a stage-four meltdown over our having excluded your favorite restaurant from the list, wouldn't it be more productive to just nominate it for inclusion?
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