Chronicle Unveils Bottom 50 of 2025 Top 100 Restaurants
The San Francisco Chronicle has released the bottom half of its revised 2025 Top 100 Restaurants list. This year’s selection highlights a diverse range of eateries, including local mom-and-pop shops, bakeries, and Michelin-starred establishments, reflecting the culinary richness of the Bay Area.
A New Approach to Ranking
Critics MacKenzie Chung Fegan and Cesar Hernandez have undertaken the challenging task of updating the iconic list originally launched by Michael Bauer in 1996. Unlike previous iterations, this year’s list ranks restaurants rather than presenting them in alphabetical order. The decision introduces a unique complexity, celebrating a variety of food options from high-end dining to casual eateries, such as pizzerias and bakeries.
Variety in Rankings
This year’s rankings create a stir, particularly when Michelin-rated establishments find themselves alongside more humble but equally acclaimed venues. For instance, the luxurious Cyrus is ranked at #71, nestled between Santa Clara’s Kunjip (#70) and Z&Y in Chinatown (#72). Meanwhile, the takeout-focused Outta Sight Pizza enjoys a higher position at #68, showcasing the eclectic mix of dining experiences celebrated in these selections.
Commitment to Excellence
The critics expressed a broad definition of what constitutes a top restaurant: “To us, a top restaurant might be a multicourse, fine dining bonanza from an internationally renowned chef or a bakery serving astonishing tortas trussed in plastic wrap to a line of construction workers.” They continue to emphasize a shared commitment to quality across all establishments.
Industry Reactions and Anticipations
While some fine dining purveyors may feel challenged by the inclusion of casual eateries, the list also recognizes long-standing favorites like La Taqueria, ranked at #59, which surpasses spots like Liholiho Yacht Club (#60) and the Michelin-starred Kin Khao (#61). The notable presence of these casual dining spaces may stir conversations within the culinary community about the evolving definition of quality dining.
Highlights from the Bottom 50
- House of Prime Rib at #87
- Cindy Pawlcyn’s Mustards Grill in Napa at #80
- Cotogna at #57
- 3 Bottled Fish in East Oakland at #54
- Mariscos El Charco food truck at #52
Looking Ahead
The top 50 restaurants will be unveiled at a Chronicle-hosted event next Monday, promising to ignite further discussions within the industry. Esteemed establishments like Chez Panisse and The French Laundry will be among the anticipated highlights as their fates remain to be seen in this new ranking paradigm.
For more information, visit the San Francisco Chronicle.
