Good Taste: Fantastic food moments of 2025 – 48 hills
Some years are remembered for big headlines. Others? For unforgettable bites.
2025 was absolutely the latter.
Think of this as an imaginary awards night—no speeches, no trophies—just a warm, human roundup of the burgers, bagels, sandwiches, tacos, drinks, and desserts that genuinely made eating out a joy this year. These weren’t just meals; they were moments. The kind that make you pause mid-bite and think, Okay, this is special.
Let’s dig in.
Best Sandwich of 2025: Roast N Toast Special
When Roast & Toast Cafe opened in Berkeley, all eyes were on its booza (that delightfully stretchy Arabic ice cream). But here’s the quiet truth: the sandwiches steal the show.
The Roast N Toast Special is a flavor-packed masterpiece—turkey, burrata, pistachio, sun-dried tomato, roasted bell pepper, pickles, spring mix, and a thoughtful mix of pesto, balsamic glaze, mustard, and mayo. It’s rich without being heavy, bold without being chaotic.
Featured snippet tip:
Best sandwich in Berkeley 2025? The Roast N Toast Special stands out for balance, freshness, and shareability.
Roast & Toast Cafe, Berkeley
Best Bagel: Calabrian Chile Cheese at Bageletto
If one bagel defined the year, this was it.
Bageletto’s Calabrian chile cheese bagel is so flavorful it doesn’t even need butter or schmear. But if you’re feeling indulgent, try it as the base for the Studio 54 sandwich—a BLT elevated with house-roasted beef and silky aioli.
The roast beef alone justifies the price. Tender, medium-rare, and miles away from ordinary deli meat.
Bageletto, San Francisco
Best Burger (and Mocktails): Shoji Burger at Bar Shoji
Instagram hype doesn’t always deliver—but Bar Shoji’s Shoji Burger absolutely does.
This double-patty beauty uses Painted Hills brisket, American cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles, all tucked into a beef-tallow brioche bun and served with a dramatic cheese fondue plate. Yes, it’s $27—but it’s clearly meant for sharing.
And the surprise star? Zero-proof mocktails. The Cold Noodle and Dashi Apple drinks were layered, thoughtful, and treated with the same care as top-tier cocktails.
Bar Shoji, San Francisco
Best Taco: Al Pastor at Leo’s Tacos
Some food memories are emotional—and Leo’s Tacos arriving in San Francisco was exactly that.
Known as a legendary LA taco truck, Leo’s brought its iconic al pastor north, complete with shaved pork straight from the spit. The launch even included free tacos for early visitors—a gesture that instantly won hearts.
Juicy, smoky, and deeply nostalgic.
San Francisco & San Mateo locations
Best Bread Moment: Korean Salt Bread from Tano
Tano’s pastry pop-up quietly reshaped San Francisco’s bread scene.
The Korean salt bread—crispy outside, soft and buttery inside—became an instant must-order. Limited quantities, pastry caps, and loyal lines say everything you need to know.
Pair it with Paper Son Coffee’s Guava Pillow, and you’ve got one of the city’s most comforting food-and-drink combos.
Paper Son Coffee, SF (Wed–Fri)
Matcha Moment of the Year: Matcha Mango Shizuku
2025 didn’t just like matcha—it loved matcha.
At The Wild Fox, the Matcha Mango Shizuku redefined what the drink could be. Smooth, balanced, gently sweet, and topped with a delicate “snowcap,” it proved that matcha can be both refined and approachable.
Plant milk substitutions? Free. Flavor harmony? Exceptional.
The Wild Fox, San Francisco
Best Dessert: Giant Slice of Chocolate Cake at Super Mensch
Endings matter—and Super Mensch’s Giant Slice of Chocolate Cake is unforgettable.
Layered, indulgent, and unapologetically rich, it’s the kind of dessert that converts even non–chocolate cake people. Skipping it would honestly feel wrong.
📍 Super Mensch, San Francisco
Final Bite
What made 2025’s food scene special wasn’t just innovation—it was care. Thoughtful cooking. Balanced flavors. Places that knew exactly what they wanted to be and did it well.
And if this year was about savoring the moment, 2026 already looks deliciously promising.
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