(Region 1 of 5)
Hot New Restaurants on the West Coast
Are you up on your city's latest food obsessions? From to-die-for steaks to fusion tacos, these are the most buzzed-about spots in the country. Been there done that? Do tell.
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Bouchon Bistro
Beverly Hills, CA Read & Post Reviews
Though mega-star chef Thomas Keller opened the third of his Bouchon series in late '09, it still tops the buzz lists. Slink up to the imported zinc bar for croque madame and boudin noir (blood sausage).
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Irving Street Kitchen
Portland, OR Read & Post Reviews
The rustic wood-planked Irving Street hit Portland in May, tempting with bacon-wrapped oysters, smoked short ribs and fresh halibut. Meat up at the charcuterie counter, drink up at the maple bar.
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Jimmy's Famous American
San Diego, CA Read & Post Reviews
Deviled eggs, happy hour and major onion rings are a few of the lures at this mega-meal tavern opened on the Promenade in June. Creme brulee French toast -- enough said.
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Luc
Seattle, WA Read & Post Reviews
French chic with an unstuffy vibe, Luc said entre vous to the Madison Valley in June. Delish food, yes, but also try the killer Lucatini cocktails.
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Morimoto Napa
Napa, CA Read & Post Reviews
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto made his West Coast debut in July in wine country's new Riverfront development. Luxuriate in royal lounge digs over seafood and meat masterpieces.
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Prospect
San Francisco, CA Read & Post Reviews
Long-awaited Prospect opened downtown just before July 4. The sleek space complements modern American dishes like calamari with chickpeas, jalapeno corn relish and green tomato tartar sauce.
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Red O
Los Angeles, CA Read & Post Reviews
Are they coming for the food, or to glimpse charismatic star chef Rick Bayless? He's not there much, but he crafted the menu with his signature California-style Mexican cuisine.
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Test Kitchen
Los Angeles, CA Read & Post Reviews
The concept makes this place so intriguing: Rotating chefs take over the kitchen for a night, testing menus and concepts before opening new restaurants. Opened in August.
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The Walrus and the Carpenter
Seattle, WA Read & Post Reviews
Happy hour oyster deals and affordable cocktails draw crowds before 6 p.m., but the variety of decadent oysters keep them coming after dark. Opened August 2010.
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Wayfare Tavern
San Francisco, CA Read & Post Reviews
Food Network celeb Tyler Florence opened his American-themed space in June, dishing local and sustainable old-world eats like baked avocado, fried chicken and peach pie.
