"MICHELIN Guide and Starward Whisky present an imaginative restaurant, True Laurel, in San Francisco. Created by chef David Barzelay and bar master Nicolas Torres, it’s the cool younger sibling of Two Star Lazy Bear. Hipster-friendly and Mission-approved, True Laurel is a hit for everyone from early happy hour drinkers through late-night snackers. Sidle up to the custom bay laurel bar for delicious (if pricey) cocktails made with unique liquors like gooseberry brandy. The menu focuses on small plates of refined comfort food, as well as creative presentations like tender sweetbreads tucked into grilled cabbage with broccoli spigarello and Caesar dressing. You may even taste an amuse-bouche from sibling Lazy Bear, such as crisp hen of the woods mushrooms with allium dip. Desserts seem straightforward but are beautifully crafted, especially the sweet, savory and even bitter combination of bay leaf-ice cream drizzled with new olive oil and citrus confit." - Sophie Friedman