NOPA is a “neighborhood based restaurant designed to attract and comfort those from all over the Bay Area.” They serve “simple, rustic food created with seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors.” The restaurant has redefined the north of panhandle (NOPA) area since 2006 and has been packing them in. We did not have reservations, so we can in early and put our name on the list, otherwise you can eat at the bar or communal table. Our last meal was in Summer 2023 in their nice parket. Decor, Vibe – A converted bank, it has high ceilings, a massive bar, communal table, and a small dining area on the 2nd floor. Energetic atmosphere with mostly folks in their 30’s to 40’s, many casually dressed nearby local foodies. Nopa’s Menu It is ever changing but seems to always have their pork chop and burger. Lots of starters including several for vegetarians. Only 1 entree out of 6 for vegetarians. Website Menu Nopa Food Review Wood Grilled Peach, Stracciatella, Walnuts And Nopa Farm Honey ($21) is a nice summer cheese dish.  Mild and not overly rich Stracciatella. 8.5/10 Wood Baked Gigante Beans, Breadcrumbs, Oregano Pesto And Feta ($17) was okay but should […]

This post originally from NOPA Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Izakaya Mai is a Japanese Izakaya or Japanese drinking establishment that also serves food. They are more small plate oriented restaurants. This restaurant has an extensive drink menu. They’ve been here for years. Several similar restaurants have opened over the years, but this still packs them in.. (Izakaya Ginji, Kokko) This restaurant is located in the downtown San Mateo area that has Japanese restaurants on almost every block. Japanese people run it so it must be authentic. The menu is full of translation errors. Our last visit was in 2020 during the Pandemic. Seating was outside and the place was still very busy. Decor, Vibe – Pretty small cramped restaurant with sushi bar, traditional seating, and regular seating. Pictures all over the walls. Mostly Asians in their 20’s to 40’s were eating. Some families. There were people waiting most of the time for tables. Izakaya Mai Menu The Izakaya Mai menu is extensive with everything from ramen to sushi to teriyaki dinners to all sorts of small plates. You gotta try the small plates here. Leave the ramen and teriyaki to other spots. Izakaya Mai Food Picks: Gomaa – Spinach Salad is a perfect vegetarian dish. Nice flavor. Gyu-Tan – […]

This post originally from Izakaya Mai Restaurant Review, San Mateo

This post originally from Mokutanya, Burlingame

Beretta is a contemporary Italian comfort food restaurant in the San Francisco Mission district.  They serve inventive cocktails, specialty pizzette, and more. They use organic, fresh, seasonal, and local items when possible. The decor is modern black.  Many of the tables by the window are crammed inches apart to maximize seating. The place was filled with couples and small parties mostly in the 21-40 age range. The place does not take reservations unless you have 6+ people.  You have to wait for a seat starting around 7pm or so. Menu pictures Website Menu Picks: Spicy italian sausage Pizza with panna & spring onions ($13) has a very very thin crust, and a good amount of high quality toppings.  Edge was not very thick nor was it very crunchy. Super Thin Crust This is a decent pizza but not as good as Pizzeria Delfina, Giani, or A16. Panzanella with cucumber & heirloom tomatoes ($7) was a refreshing and healthy salad with very light dressing. The tomatoes were fresh and in the peak of their season. Saffron risotto with osso buco ($14) was a smaller dish but provided good tasting risotto that wasn’t too salty. The Osso buco was very tender and […]

This post originally from Beretta Restaurant Review