The Most Talked-About Dishes in Northern California – June 2026

Continuing the city's streak of opulent, large-format restaurants, Casa Sofia, chef Carlos Altamirano's homage to his daughter, remains packed a month after opening near Oracle Park. While it's perfect for a full meal of lomo saltado and ají de gallina, many guests stop in for a cocktail, a soccer match, and an order of piping-hot potato purée croquetas stuffed with chorizo and plum, then served with a cheesy, tangy huancaína sauce.

While it technically opened last year, this excellent Thai restaurant in Oakland's sleepy Montclair neighborhood is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to word of mouth and Redditors who have recently discovered its thoughtful design and authentic menu. The dish everyone's raving about, and a must-order, is the whole branzino, deboned, caramelized, and deep-fried to crisp, lightly sweet perfection. Ask for fermented fish sauce on the side for an extra hit of umami.

For a city packed with culinary talent, San Francisco isn't known for restaurant crossovers and collaborations. Breaking that pattern, two restaurants from the same group, separated by little more than a bridge, teamed up to serve Alora's Mediterranean menu alongside Pippal's Indian offerings, with refreshingly successful results. Samosas dipped in muhammara? Biryani with a side of sizzling adobo prawns? It works.

Just in time for the World Cup, SoMa Social opened its doors in May. This month, its smashburger has been at the center of attention. Decked out with house-made pickles, onions, and Muenster cheese on a cloud-like brioche bun, it's a smashburger with pedigree. Behind it is chef Dan Talton, formerly of Lord Stanley and Fog City Diner. The super-thin, crispy patty gets an extra boost from the secret sauce, made with chopped gherkins, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce.