The Bay Area Restaurants

The Bay Area is home to some of the most popular and innovative restaurants in the country, including Chez Panisse Café & Restaurant, in Berkeley, and Lark Creek Inn, in Larkspur—for which reservations must be made well in advance. Expect an emphasis on locally grown produce, hormone-free meats, and California wine. The coast provides a spectacular waterfront setting for dining as well as lodging; in many instances the views are the most important part of the experience. Keep in mind that many Marin cafés don't serve dinner, and that dinner service ends on the early side. (No 10 pm reservations in this neck of the woods.)