2026 in the mix
Happy New Year! On Dec. 31, I published a 2026 preview that you may have missed. Take a peek!
Tamara Palmer
Today, I thought I'd share a few additional projects and expansions expected in the Bay Area this year. I didn't put them in the column due to vague details, but they all sound potentially intriguing:
• The Mess Hall should open at the Presidio Tunnel Tops some time this year. The last I heard, it's expected to house multiple food concepts that are created by one chef, but perhaps that may change?
• SF fine dining restaurant Merchant Roots is opening a 12-seat cocktail lounge called Bar Orso at the end of this month. According to a press release, they'll serve libations such as housemade fernet, candy cap mushroom ice cream, and green tea cotton candy.
• Tartine Bakery will have its first North Bay outpost in Mill Valley's Strawberry Village, expected to open in the spring.
• Tadaima will bring matcha and Japanese sandos to the Inner Sunset this year. This will be their third location (it's also in the Mission and Marina), and it's quite good. I love having more Japanese cafes in the Avenues.
• And we may actually see life (and food) inside a revitalized Cliff House this year. I've been putting it on my anticipated lists for a couple years now, but 2026 finally may be the one!
This week's GOOD TASTE is about five new wood-fired pizzas made at Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach, including an intriguing upside down technique. I can't wait to go back and try some of these again.
Tamara Palmer
See you next weekend!
Tamara