3 Best Restaurants in The Bay Area, California

Arguably the most talked-about tacos in the entire Bay Area are at this colorful, cheery spot operating from a shipping container in an alley in between Uptown, Temescal, and Piedmont Avenue. Fillings are always packed with flavor, complemented by dialed-in salsas like a peanut–arbol chile one with carefully charred broccoli. There are always multiple tempting vegan tacos offered, which is extremely rare to find. As popular as the tacos are, the creative tostadas (perhaps topped with Dungeness crab or cactus) have an equally devoted following.

Relaxed yet trendy, Comal's cavernous indoor dining space and intimate back patio and fire pit draw a diverse, casual crowd for creative Oaxacan-inspired fare and well-crafted cocktails. The modern Mexican menu centers on small dishes that lend themselves to sharing and are offered alongside more than 100 tequilas and mezcals. For quick-service tacos, burritos, and tortas, skip the line and head to sister restaurant Comal Next Door (2024 Shattuck Ave.).

Modern Mexican farm-to-table creations and inspired cocktails are the focus of this festive indoor-outdoor space that's popular for its firepit, made-to-order masa station, and happy hour. An open kitchen serves up locally sourced, organic, and sustainable dishes like ceviche, grilled fresh fish tacos, enchiladas with mole sauce, and braised pork quesadillas.