Check, Please! Bay Area starts its third decade of episodes with four weeks of flavor-packed finds this April! From fermentation-forward bites in San Jose to New Orleans-inspired comfort in Los Gatos and vibrant Thai dishes in Berkeley, the James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series returns with eateries that reflect the region’s dynamic culinary landscape.

At the table, local diners take the lead, bringing their personal favorites into the spotlight and making the case for why they’re worth the trip. Conversations unfold around what stands out, what surprises and what keeps people coming back. This season spans a wide range of culinary experiences, from soulful Southern comfort food in Oakland to an immersive, theatrical tasting experience in San Francisco and old-school diner breakfasts in Alameda. Plus, reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to San Francisco’s Chinatown Night Market to take in the flavors, energy and community that define this iconic neighborhood.

Don’t miss four brand-new episodes as season 21 kicks off, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on KQED 9, starting April 23.

Pull up a chair and bring your appetite — here’s what’s on our plates this season:

April 23

• At Fox Tale Fermentation Project in downtown San Jose, boundary-pushing fermentation fuels both the beer and the food with a selection of plant-based favorites from kraut-topped nachos to cashew queso mac.
• In Los Gatos, The Bywater channels the spirit of New Orleans with crispy fried chicken and Creole fries, hush puppies drizzled with hot honey before finishing on warm, powdered-sugar-dusted beignets.
• On Oakland’s Telegraph Avenue at Pyeong Chang Tofu House, spicy tofu soup arrives alongside crisp kimchi pancakes, BBQ spicy pork, and stone-pot kimchi dolsot bibimbap for almost three decades.

April 30

• In Berkeley’s Gilman District, Funky Elephant brings vibrant Thai street food to life in a colorful, intimate space, with dishes like Wholesome Noodle in savory broth and sweet roti with roasted coconut to balance out the heat.
• Y’s Choice in Oakland serves up hearty soul food favorites like crispy fried fish with cornbread, turkey wings alongside mac and cheese, and fall-off-the-bone oxtails over silky grits.
• In San Francisco’s Mission District, Jim’s by MLVS keeps breakfast classic with corned beef hash topped with eggs over easy and rye toast, chicken-fried steak with golden hash browns, and its beloved green salsa spooned generously over just about everything.
• Cecilia Phillips dives into “Cecilia Tries It” at San Francisco’s BeChinatown Night Market, sampling her way through the sweets and treats that make this historic neighborhood so special.

May 7

• In San Francisco’s SoMa district, Merchant Roots invites diners into an intimate, theatrical and seasonally rotating tasting experience.
• In Old Oakland’s Swan’s Market, T’Chaka celebrates Haitian cuisine in a bright, communal space, serving deeply comforting plates like braised oxtail stew and crispy citrus-marinated griot.
• At Creekside Bakery in Novato, locals line up for buttery ham-and-cheese croissants, smoked salmon toast on house-baked bread, and princess cake slices crowned with marzipan roses.

May 14

• In Alameda, Ole’s Waffle House has been keeping breakfast traditions alive since 1927 in a retro diner setting, where locals start the day with walnut waffles, crispy bacon and eggs, and hearty Southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.
• In San Carlos, Pazzo delivers Italian comfort with a modern touch, serving dishes like cavatelli with slow-braised pork ragu and New Haven style wood-fired pizzas.
• At Korean Superette in Berkeley, bold flavors shine in dishes like rose rice cakes and spicy beef doenjang stew alongside roasted corn silk tea and Korean iced lattes.
• Reporter Cecilia Phillips wraps up the episode at the West Oakland Farmers Market, visiting the Oakland Ballers and sampling classic ballpark-style barbecue.

Have a restaurant you think deserves the spotlight? Nominate your favorite spots and apply to be a guest at kqed.org/checkplease/apply.