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Eater Heatmap Update: Where to Eat Right Now

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, where to sip the cocktail of the moment and when is Brian Malarkey going to open yet another restaurant.

So, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight where the food-centric crowds are flocking at the moment. New to the map this time around: Gang Kitchen, Ramen Yamadaya and The Blind Burro.

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Monello

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From the owners of Bencotto; open for just a few weeks. Menu of Italian street food, pizza, pasta and meat. Free small bites w/a cocktail during aperitivo hours (4-7p.m.).

Sushi Tadokoro

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For fans of the documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi and traditional Edomae-style nigiri; some new world rolls but thankfully, not many.

The Craftsman

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A modern tavern from the owners of Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria. Craft beer, duck fat fries, grassfed burger, porchetta, bone marrow. Don't miss the butterscotch dessert.

Luce Bar & Kitchen

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Gastropub by the owners of adjacent Baci Ristorante. The food needs work, but the staff is friendly, the beer is good and the crowds that pack the place nightly don't seem to mind.

Tender Greens

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This second location for Tender Greens, in the newly renovated Westfield UTC, was an instant smash. Not sure if the line's longer here or at Liberty Station.

Herringbone

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Opened in the summer but still attracting significant buzz, this visual stunner from Brian Malarkey is the only one of his restaurants to include another Top Chef alum, Herringbone's chef Amanda Baumgarten.

The Patio on Lamont Street

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Opened in late November, brought new life to the former Lamont Street Grill; small plates and craft cocktails to the casual Pacific Beach community.

Rakiraki

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This modern noodle house offers chicken broth-based ramen and tsukemen, dry noodles serve with a side of concentrated soup for dipping.

Gang Kitchen

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A lounge-like setting, an Asian fusion menu. No, it's not the 90's, but some of the dishes at Gang Kitchen are an homage to fusion cuisine classics reminiscent of Wolfgang Puck's era-defining Chinois.

Ramen Yamadaya

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This L.A.-based chain specializes in tonkotsu ramen, based on a pork bone-broth that's simmered for 20 hours. Go big and get the Tonkotsu Kotteri, an extra-rich version with black garlic oil.

The Blind Burro

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Over 100 tequilas, sangria on tap and a Baja-inspired menu. Their "amigo hour" (happy hour) food is more interesting than most: $5 fish collars and taquitos stuffed sweet potato-chorizo filling or smoked fish.

Monello

From the owners of Bencotto; open for just a few weeks. Menu of Italian street food, pizza, pasta and meat. Free small bites w/a cocktail during aperitivo hours (4-7p.m.).

Sushi Tadokoro

For fans of the documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi and traditional Edomae-style nigiri; some new world rolls but thankfully, not many.

The Craftsman

A modern tavern from the owners of Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria. Craft beer, duck fat fries, grassfed burger, porchetta, bone marrow. Don't miss the butterscotch dessert.

Luce Bar & Kitchen

Gastropub by the owners of adjacent Baci Ristorante. The food needs work, but the staff is friendly, the beer is good and the crowds that pack the place nightly don't seem to mind.

Tender Greens

This second location for Tender Greens, in the newly renovated Westfield UTC, was an instant smash. Not sure if the line's longer here or at Liberty Station.

Herringbone

Opened in the summer but still attracting significant buzz, this visual stunner from Brian Malarkey is the only one of his restaurants to include another Top Chef alum, Herringbone's chef Amanda Baumgarten.

The Patio on Lamont Street

Opened in late November, brought new life to the former Lamont Street Grill; small plates and craft cocktails to the casual Pacific Beach community.

Rakiraki

This modern noodle house offers chicken broth-based ramen and tsukemen, dry noodles serve with a side of concentrated soup for dipping.

Gang Kitchen

A lounge-like setting, an Asian fusion menu. No, it's not the 90's, but some of the dishes at Gang Kitchen are an homage to fusion cuisine classics reminiscent of Wolfgang Puck's era-defining Chinois.

Ramen Yamadaya

This L.A.-based chain specializes in tonkotsu ramen, based on a pork bone-broth that's simmered for 20 hours. Go big and get the Tonkotsu Kotteri, an extra-rich version with black garlic oil.

The Blind Burro

Over 100 tequilas, sangria on tap and a Baja-inspired menu. Their "amigo hour" (happy hour) food is more interesting than most: $5 fish collars and taquitos stuffed sweet potato-chorizo filling or smoked fish.

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