There’s some useful information here:
Since you are coming from Central California, I’ll add some unconventional options that tourists don’t consider:
- Vietnamese in San Jose
- Indian in Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Fremont
Here are some favorites that occur to me this moment, and none of these are classic/ essential SF:
- Nyum Bai, Cambodian, Oakland
- Dyafa, Palestinian, Oakland
- Temple Club, Vietnamese, Oakland
- Kiraku, izakaya, Berkeley
Just keep in mind that some of these places are located in places that no tourist will ever show up, and will make you wonder if you should be there in the first place, good food or not.
If you are in SF/ Napa, you will probably just stick with Californian, etc. Those list are fairly easy to find, unless you have specific preferences.
How about Basque in Central Valley?
