Best of 2023

Start the new year off right

Author

Jack
January 31, 2024

We’re so back.

I hope everyone managed to feed themselves while I was away, it turns out having a full time job doesn’t lend itself well to spending hours and hours a week contemplating restaurants and their associated vibes.

But it’s 2024 and this year is all about finding balance, so while you won’t hear from me every week, I’m hoping to get you a monthly dose of the good stuff.

So before we fully embrace the new year, let’s recap the best bites of 2023. Dig in:

🍝 Che Fico / www.chefico.com

Duck lasagna // image credit: Che Fico

Throw a rock in SF and you’ll hit two Italian restaurants and a guy planning to open one down the block. But listen to me when I tell you that the duck lasagna at Che Fico was hands down the best piece of pasta I ate all year and I would go to war with all of PETA to defend my right to eat it.

You’ll want to save this spot for special occasions or if you’re not footing the bill, but it’s worth every penny.

Order This ⬇️

  • Suppli

  • Instalada estiva

  • Lasagna verde

  • Agnolotti dal plin

  • Panna cotta

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Order online: N/A | Map

NOTE: they’re going on a bit of an expansion tear, opening a sister restaurant in Menlo Park and soon a pizzeria in the new Visa building

🍣 Sushi An / sushiansf.com

Toro // image credit: me

There are hidden gems, then there’s Sushi An, which is so serene you’ll be wishing you could stretch out the final drops of sake after you’ve polished off the tasting menu. Stepping out of the tiny restaurant into the Japantown mall is a delicious final reminder of how hidden it truly is.

Order This ⬇️

  • Chef’s omakase

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Order online: N/A | Map

Note: depending on the tone of the night, you can bang out some karaoke at Festa just a few steps away

🥟 Dumpling Story

Spicy XLB // image credit: me

Dumpling Story is the second chapter of a dynasty that will probably outlive the city of San Francisco itself. The folks that gave Dumpling Home a consistent hourlong wait took the initial concept, leveled up the decor, and expertly placed it on Fillmore, one of the few streets in SF desperately crying out for more Chinese food.

Order This ⬇️

  • Fresh cucumber

  • Pork xiao long bao (XLB)

  • Spicy XLB

  • Pork dumpling with sesame sauce & red chili oil

  • Green onion pancake

  • Ginger and green onion noodles

  • Dry fried string beans

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Order online | Map

Note: if the wait gets the better of you, The Snug has a reliably excellent burger and cocktail menu

🧆 Beit Rima / beitrimasf.com

Falafel // image credit: me

However many times I ate at Beit Rima in 2023 wasn’t nearly enough. It’s perfect for feeding large groups and it’s a hit with friends, the parents, out of towners, and anyone with good taste. So round up 10 people you don’t mind eating around, order everything, and go straight home afterwards to enjoy the food coma.

Order This ⬇️

  • Lebne

  • Ful

  • Muhammara

  • Baked Halloumi

  • Baba Ganoush

  • Hummus

  • Falafel

  • Chicken Shish Tawook Plate

  • Ganan Braised Lamb Shank

  • Beef Kabob Plate

  • Samir’s Hand Kneaded Bread

Eat Here 🔗 Waitlist (Castro) | Order online | Map

Note: you can tackle the wait at Churchill down the block, or try Millay and let me know if it’s worth a visit

🦐 HK Lounge Bistro / hkloungebistro.com

Shrimp toast // image credit: me

HK Lounge bistro did the impossible when it reopened last year and promptly replaced my favorite dim sum spot in the city. Everything they put out is about as close as you can get to perfect, the service is warm, and they take reservations, so you’ve now got plans this weekend.

Order This ⬇️

  • Pork XLB

  • Pork siu mai

  • Steamed pork buns

  • Shrimp rice roll

  • Shrimp har gow

  • Shrimp toast

  • Congee

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Order online: N/A | Map