2022 STARCHEFS SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND RISING STARS AWARDS
DECEMBER 1 to DECEMBER 15
It’s only been three years since we were last in the Bay Area, but it feels like an eternity. The region, and its dining scene, are fundamentally different in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The market-driven mindset remains dominant, but on top of that, we saw a new definition of California cuisine: one where bold flavors and personal voice were equally emphasized. We visited with over 100 chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, bakers, pastry chefs, brewers, and artisans and were wowed on both sides of the Bay Bridge. From the foggy streets of San Francisco to the sunny hills of Oakland, we were met with both inventiveness and the high level of execution that the region is known for.
Between San Francisco and Oakland, our 19 Rising Stars run the gamut of the hospitality scene. Across the board, we were excited by the harmonious relationship between creativity and the legacy of California produce. But it was the emphasis that young professionals put on more personal inflection, more equity, and a better work-life balance for themselves and their teams, all while celebrating the rich and diverse history of the Bay Area that most inspired us. The question isn’t if these new faces will push this internationally recognized dining scene to new heights; the question is how far they can go.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 19 professionals are recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the Bay Area community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit the Rising Stars Awards Program page.
-
![]()
CHEFS
Serena Chow Fisher and David Fisher
Marlena -
![]()
CHEF
Alan Hsu
Pomet -
![]()
CHEF
Richard Lee
Saison -
![]()
CHEF
Finn Stern
DAYTRIP -
![]()
CHEF
Emilie Van Dyke
Californios -
![]()
CHEF
Rasika Venkatesa
Mourad -
![]()
CHEF
Koji Yokoyama
The Anchovy Bar -
![]()
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S. Pellegrino
Geoff Davis
Burdell -
![]()
COMMUNITY
Christian Suzuki & Marguerite Regan
Wildhawk -
![]()
CONCEPT
Presented by Jade Range
Danny Stoller & Marc Schechter
Square Pie Guys -
![]()
PASTRY CHEF
Michelle Fried
Sons & Daughters -
![]()
BAKER
Elaine Lau
Sunday Bakeshop -
![]()
BAKER
Casey Wentworth
Tartine Manufactory -
![]()
BARTENDER
Presented by Beam Suntory
William Cao
The Progress -
![]()
BARTENDER
Presented by Beam Suntory
Ilya Romanov
Bar Iris -
![]()
SOMMELIER
Molly Greene
Saison -
![]()
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Val Cantú
Californios -
![]()
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
Samir Mogannam
Beit Rima -
![]()
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
Brandon Rice
Ernest -
![]()
HOST CHEF
Joe Hou
Tenderheart at The LINE SF
EXPLORE SAN FRANCISCO
BONUS STOP
The LINE SF is the official hotel partner for the San Francisco-Oakland Rising Stars Awards. Chef Joe Hou of Tenderheart will offer a featured dish on the menu for the Rising Stars Restaurant Week.
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS BONUS STOPS
StarChefs is excited to partner with Chef Samir Mogannam of Beit Rima and Chef Brandon Rice of Ernest to support local non-profit Sprouts Chef Training during the Rising Stars Restaurant Week. For every featured dish sold at both Beit Rima and Ernest, StarChefs will donate $3 directly to Sprouts Chef Training. Sprouts seeks to equip at-risk youth to rise from hardship through culinary training and job placement.
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Thursday, December 1st through Thursday, December 15th. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, drinks, and pairings that wowed the StarChefs editorial team. With $100 restaurant gift cards up for grabs, don’t miss your chance to win! Order any of the featured dishes or drinks and share an Instagram story or post to enter. You must tag @StarChefs and #StarChefsRisingStars to be considered.
-
![]()
BAR IRIS
Akira: Japanese Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Amari, Sakura, Bitters
-
![]()
BEIT RIMA
Gazan Braised Australian Lamb Shank, Garlic, Peppers, Tomatoes, Spices, Maftoul, Parsley
-
![]()
BURDELL
Pop-up details coming soon!
-
![]()
CALIFORNIOS
Alfonsino Taco, Green Mango-Chiltepín Salsa, Manila Mango, Pickled Onion
-
![]()
DAYTRIP
Nixtamalized Yams, Maitake Mushrooms, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Pomegranate-Basil Vinaigrette
-
![]()
ERNEST
Smoked Cervena Venison Tataki, Rutabaga-Wasabi Purée, Chanterelles, Pickled Rutabaga
-
![]()
MARLENA
North Carolina Sweetpotato Dumplings, Sweetpotato Velouté, Compressed Celery, Leeks, Sweetpotato Bread
-
![]()
MOURAD
Australian Lamb, Chestnut, Jujube, Delicata Squash, East African Spice, Lamb Jus
-
![]()
POMET
Salt and Pepper Quail, Pickled Daikon, Jalapeño, Basil
-
![]()
SAISON
Roasted Duck Breast, Honey, Five-Spice, Preserved Fruit, Bellflower Root paired with Sangiovese, Valdicava, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2012
-
![]()
SONS & DAUGHERS
Koji Ice Cream, Passion Fruit, Rice Purée, Rice Meringue, Pink Peppercorn Crumble
-
![]()
SQUARE PIE GUYS
Mean Green Machine Pizza: White Sauce, Niman Ranch Sweet Italian Sausage, Charred Broccoli, Hot Honey
-
![]()
SUNDAY BAKESHOP
Thai Tea Milk Bun
-
![]()
TENDERHEART AT THE LINE SF
Niman Ranch Porchetta, Pork Jus, Shishito Soubise
-
![]()
THE ANCHOVY BAR
Albacore, Fennel, Puttanesca, Onion, Parsley, Orange Zest
-
![]()
THE PROGRESS
One Punch Man: Pandan-Infused Maker's Mark Bourbon, Rau Ram-Infused Rum, Cashew Syrup, Pineapple, Lime
-
![]()
WILDHAWK
Grace by Night: Muscat Grape Brandy, Hemp-Infused Vodka, Dry Vermouth, Awamori, Almond, Jasmine Spritz
