2025 has had a great start for food lovers in the Bay Area. The trend of smash burgers seems to just be getting started and is developing into new forms with influences from various cuisines. The Saluhall and Thrive City food options are also expanding with the addition of popular restaurants and pop-ups. Here are some of the spots that we can’t wait to try this year.
New Openings
Che Fico Pizzeria and Señor Sisig recently joined the team at Thrive City at Chase Center. Señor sisig is bringing their signature fusion burritos, loaded fries, and tacos. It’s perfect for either a quick bite or game-day feast with large televisions and large party accommodations. Che Fico opened their first pizzeria in Thrive City where they use naturally fermented dough and hand-pulled cheese. They’re known for their unique creations like pizzas topped with pineapple, Calabrian chili bomba, red onion and mozzarella.
Hyphy Burger is a collaboration between lifelong friends Guap and Bayareafoodz (Darion Frazier). Their burger joint opened up in the same neighborhood they grew up in and leans into the Hyphy style. It’s more than a spot for great burgers, fries, and shakes — the duo is stepping in for Oakland at a time when so many restaurants, businesses, and teams are stepping out.
Smish Smash has long received praise for its unique smash burgers inspired by reuben sandwiches or Vietnamese beef. Now, they have their first physical location at Saluhall, Ikea’s food hall in San Francisco. While they offer a classic smash burger, what you really want to try is the Cheeseboiga — a burger stuffed with American cheese, pickles, caramelized onions, and mac sauce. Don’t forget to order a side of the tallow-fried curly fries.
Parranga opened recently in Santana Row. It’s a new Mexico City taqueria from the creators of Suspiro, Zazil, El Jardin, Il Parco, and Colibri. The first 200 guests on opening day will even score a free taco.
Lunette is a Cambodian food outpost in the Ferry Market building has been featured on Netflix and SF Chronicle’s top restaurant list. The space itself is small with limited seating, but the decor is grand and personalized into a cozy street food vibe. We recommend the rice noodle soup and fried chicken. Make a day out of your visit by exploring the fun food shops.
Food We’re Excited to Try
Dolores Deluxe Sandwiches has been serving Dolores Heights since 1911. Their classic sandwiches include Lebanese Caprese which is acidic and rich thanks to the contrast between marinated tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pickled Armenian cucumbers, and whipped labne. They also offer fun seasonal sandwiches like plantain in the membrane which pairs roast turkey with braised black beans, Oaxacan cheese, and caramelized sweet plantains.
The Laundromat SF has many faces — they do a smash burger day on Wednesdays, pizza and salad pick-up in the evenings, bagels at the farmers market, and a dinner menu with pizzas, cannoli, brussels sprouts, and more.
Eos & Nyx opened a stunning location in downtown San Jose at the end of last year with a liquor carousel, indoor trees, stylish booths, and an extravagant Mediterranean menu. The star of the show is the selection of dishes cooked on the open wood-fire grill including branzino, lamb chops, chimichurri rib eye, and chicken. There’s also kofta, octopus, crudo, and tsar nicolai caviar. You’ll even find freshly made gnocchi and tagliatelle.
