San Francisco & Berkeley’s Culinary Delights: An Unforgettable Food Journey at A16 and Burma Superstar

Returning from a trip to San Francisco leaves you with a treasure trove of memories, but for any true food enthusiast, the culinary experiences often stand out as the most vivid. The vibrant food scene in the Bay Area is renowned worldwide, and no visit is complete without diving deep into its diverse gastronomic offerings. While my trip has concluded, the flavors and unique dishes from a couple of standout restaurants linger on my palate, compelling me to share these unforgettable experiences.

San Francisco and its neighboring cities are a foodie’s paradise, boasting an incredible array of eateries, from Michelin-starred fine dining to beloved local gems. To truly savor the essence of this region, you must indulge a bit, dedicating time to explore the culinary landscape. My recent journey led me to two exceptional establishments, each offering a distinct and memorable dining adventure: A16 in San Francisco and Burma Superstar in Berkeley.

A16: A Taste of Southern Italy in San Francisco’s Marina District

One of the true culinary highlights of my San Francisco trip was a long-awaited visit to A16. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Marina District, A16 is a highly regarded restaurant that my family had previously enjoyed, and this time, it was finally my turn to experience its charm. From the moment you step inside, A16 envelops you in an atmosphere of rustic sophistication.

The restaurant itself is long and narrow, creating an intimate yet lively ambiance. Its design thoughtfully incorporates an exposed kitchen, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic unfold right before their eyes. The mesmerizing sight of chefs meticulously preparing and plating dishes adds an exciting, theatrical element to the dining experience, making you feel more connected to the food you’re about to enjoy. The name A16 itself pays homage to the highway connecting Naples to Canosa, Puglia, a region in Southern Italy that heavily inspires the restaurant’s authentic and vibrant menu. This dedication to regional Italian cuisine is evident in every dish.

A16 prides itself on offering truly rustic pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, delicate homemade pastas, and expertly house-cured and butchered meats. Beyond the delectable food, their really impressive wine menu, focusing primarily on Southern Italian varietals, perfectly complements the bold flavors of the cuisine. After careful deliberation over their extensive dinner menu, I made my selections, eager to embark on this Southern Italian journey.

My A16 Culinary Journey: Flavors That Impress

Carpaccio of Yellowtail Jack with Roasted Friarielli Peppers and Calabrian Chiles

My starter, the Yellowtail Jack Carpaccio, was an absolute revelation and my favorite dish of the evening. This unique creation was bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The yellowtail was sliced incredibly thin, possessing a delicate, almost butter-like texture that melted in the mouth. The roasted Friarielli peppers added a subtle earthiness, while the Calabrian chiles provided a delightful kick of heat, perfectly balancing the richness of the fish. What truly elevated this dish was the sprinkle of Bottarga on top—the dried, pressed roe of mullet or tuna. While it might sound unconventional to some, its rich, savory, umami flavor and incredible texture were utterly delicious and added an unforgettable depth to the carpaccio. It was a sophisticated and remarkably fresh start to the meal.

Maccaronara with Ragu Napoletana and House-made Ricotta Salata

For my main course, I opted for the Maccaronara with Ragu Napoletana. This homemade pasta dish was a testament to A16’s commitment to traditional Southern Italian cooking. The maccaronara pasta, known for its thick, chewy texture, perfectly cradled the rich and deeply flavored Ragu Napoletana. This slow-cooked meat sauce, a hallmark of Neapolitan cuisine, was hearty and deeply satisfying. Topped with a generous serving of house-made Ricotta Salata, which offered a delightful salty and slightly firm counterpoint to the rich ragu, this dish was a comforting and authentic taste of Italy.

Pluot Upside-Down Cake with Ricotta Mousse

To conclude this delightful meal, I indulged in the Pluot Upside-Down Cake, served with a light and airy Ricotta Mousse. Pluots, a delicious hybrid fruit of plums and apricots, provided a wonderful sweet-tart flavor that was beautifully caramelized in the cake. The cake itself was moist and tender, and the accompanying ricotta mousse added a creamy, delicate counterpoint, making for a perfectly balanced and elegant dessert. It was the ideal sweet ending to a robust Italian feast.

For those curious about their pizzas, my sister’s fiancé ordered one, and it was truly delicious! The crust was perfectly blistered and chewy, indicative of a true Neapolitan-style pizza. The flavors were fabulous, and, at the suggestion of our waitress, it was topped with a runny egg, which added an extra layer of richness and a silky texture that enhanced every bite.

Every dish at A16 was prepared with exceptional care and high-quality ingredients. My visit was a profound culinary experience, and I’m incredibly glad I finally had the chance to dine at this celebrated establishment.

Burma Superstar: A Culinary Journey to Myanmar in Berkeley

While San Francisco boasts an unparalleled dining scene, a quick trip across the bay to Berkeley can unveil even more culinary treasures. My gastronomic adventure couldn’t conclude without mentioning another truly fabulous restaurant we had the pleasure of visiting: Burma Superstar. This establishment, a long-time favorite my sister had been raving about, promised a unique experience, and it certainly delivered.

Burma Superstar has earned its legendary status for a multitude of dishes, but none more so than its iconic Rainbow Salad. This remarkable creation is so beloved it’s been featured on the Food Network, and for good reason. The photo below, while lovely, truly doesn’t do this dish justice – it was utterly to-die-for. It’s easy to understand why people become so obsessed with this salad; it’s an explosion of flavors and textures, meticulously crafted from an astounding 22 ingredients.

The Art of the Rainbow Salad

The presentation of the Rainbow Salad at Burma Superstar is as much a part of the experience as its taste. Each of the 22 ingredients is brought to the table distinctly arranged in its own little pile, creating a vibrant mosaic of colors and textures. The server then meticulously explains each component, from crispy garlic chips to earthy powdered chickpeas, building anticipation. Following this detailed introduction, the server expertly mixes all the ingredients together before your eyes, transforming the individual components into a harmonious, complex salad. This tableside ceremony truly elevates the dining experience.

Just a handful of the incredible ingredients include: crispy, sliced garlic chips that provide a pungent crunch; sweet and delicate fried onion shoestrings; fresh cilantro offering a burst of herbal freshness; hearty powdered chickpeas lending an earthy texture; and savory dried shrimp adding a touch of umami and saltiness. These elements, combined with many more—like various nuts, seeds, different vegetables, and a tantalizing dressing—create a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and savory notes, all complemented by an astounding array of textures from crunchy to soft, chewy to crisp.

Rainbow Salad

We enthusiastically shared the Rainbow Salad, and it was undeniably a collective favorite among our group. But the culinary journey at Burma Superstar didn’t stop there. Several other dishes also stood out remarkably that day:

Fried Yellow Bean Tofu

This dish, despite its name, is a delightful surprise. It’s not your typical soy-based tofu but rather homemade tofu crafted from fresh yellow beans. The result is a uniquely textured delight: perfectly crispy on the outside, yielding to an incredibly smooth and almost lentil-esque interior. This texture is a world apart from regular tofu, making it a must-try for anyone seeking new culinary sensations. It was elegantly served with a flavorful soy-chili sauce, which provided a perfect balance of savory and spicy notes. The presentation, like all dishes at Burma Superstar, was absolutely beautiful, showcasing the care put into each plate.

Chili Lamb

For those who appreciate a bit of heat and rich flavors, the Chili Lamb was an excellent choice. This stir-fried dish featured tender lamb, perfectly cooked with a tantalizing mix of dried and fresh chilies, offering a complex spice profile. Onions and fresh basil were added, enhancing the aromatic depth of the dish. It was perfectly accompanied by a side of sweet and rich coconut jasmine rice, whose fragrant aroma and creamy texture beautifully complemented the bold, spicy lamb. The combination was a true delight for the senses.

Burma Superstar was undeniably a restaurant experience that will stay with me for a long time. The distinct flavors, the unique ingredients, and the vibrant culture reflected in every dish make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the Bay Area’s diverse food scene. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I possess the culinary skills to recreate these intricate dishes in my own kitchen. However, that’s precisely what makes these types of meals all the more special and memorable. They push the boundaries of your palate, introducing you to new tastes and textures that challenge and delight your taste buds in ways you might not expect.

A Lasting Impression and a Promise to Return

Since returning home, the cravings for Burma Superstar’s Rainbow Salad have been persistent, only intensifying as I revisit these delicious photos. This culinary journey through San Francisco and Berkeley has left an indelible mark, reminding me of the sheer joy and wonder that exceptional food can bring. From the rustic elegance of A16’s Southern Italian fare to the exotic and vibrant Burmese dishes at Burma Superstar, each meal was a discovery, a true adventure for the senses. These experiences only confirm one thing: I’ll simply have to plan another trip back to San Francisco and Berkeley again sometime soon. And trust me, there’s absolutely no complaining about that!