After 21 years in the Castro, neighborhood staple restaurant Thai Chef (4133 18th Street) has closed.

Taco Bell Cantina opened Dec. 30 at 333 Jefferson St., bringing boozy slushies and late-night hours to Fisherman's Wharf as part of the waterfront's revival.

The One Group Hospitality plans to open 10 new Benihana locations in the Bay Area, including franchises, joint ventures, and express formats, with a target of $8 million in annual sales per spot.

San Francisco’s The French Spot has opened a Concord outpost at Oak Grove Plaza, serving signature ube croissants and morning pastries on a limited Thu–Sun schedule.

The Fink turns part of the Historic Napa Mill into a nautically dressed cocktail bar — salvaged boats, heavy brass portholes and a vintage piano anchor the room. Live music and late-night hours give downtown Napa a new spot to linger.

Napa Valley rolls out a 31‑day Restaurant Month in January with prix‑fixe menus, stay‑and‑dine packages and valley‑wide promotions. Reservations are recommended.

A new California law requires most store‑bought corn tortillas and masa products to be fortified with folic acid starting next week, with small bakers exempted. Officials say the aim is to reduce neural‑tube birth defects.

Fieldwork Brewing Co. is opening new venues in San Francisco's Mission Rock area, including an outdoor beer garden and a taproom, despite a national decline in craft beer sales.

The San Francisco International Wine Competition disqualified Russian wines due to U.S. sanctions, reflecting the larger context of global solidarity amid Russia-Ukraine tensions.

Cobb Wines opened its first tasting room in Healdsburg as it celebrates its 25th year, aiming to support sales and offer an accessible location to customers.

Longtime all-you-can-eat sushi spot Sushi Delight (1946 Market Street) has announced it will close after more than 25 years.

Q’s Halal Pizza on San Pablo Avenue mixes halal pies with biryani, kabobs and samosas; its gyro plate — lamb, basmati and two sauces — is already drawing praise.

Chef Rob Larman is closing il Fuoco on Jan. 1 after a decade; he cited rising costs and a shrinking customer base. The pizzeria will serve through Dec. 31.