3 1/2 Stars

Farallon

Address: 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Farallon
$$
Step inside Farallon and feel yourself being whisked away to a mermaid’s paradise. Designer Pat Kuleto’s interior design is so stunning it looks like an art nouveau underwater palace, and may very well be a destination in its own right. Taking cues from the natural beauty of the underwater world, Kuleto fills the space with artful details like jellyfish lamps with graceful trailing tails, and conch-shaped rooms with booths that follow a natural spiral. While the décor is quintessential whimsy, the cuisine is very much rooted in reality, with the elegant, multifaceted creations of Chef and Owner Mark Franz. Franz’s …

Greens Restaurant

Address: Fort Mason, Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123
Greens Restaurant
$$ Top 10
Since 1979, Executive Chef Annie Somerville has offered inspired vegetarian cuisine to a wide array of devoted fans from her kitchen in a converted warehouse in the Fort Mason Center. In a casual, elegant dining room with views extending as far as the Golden Gate bridge, diners savor dishes with influences and ingredients from Europe all the way to Asia and Africa. With a large portion of its produce coming from partner Green Gulch Farm, Greens demonstrates a commitment to sustainably grown, local products at comparatively reasonable prices. Diners can also stop in for a quick, low cost bite from …

The Slanted Door

Address: 1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA 94111
The Slanted Door
$$
For over a decade the Slanted Door has been one of the most sought after dining experiences in San Francisco. Executive Chef Charles Phan blends his passion for Vietnamese cooking with top quality ingredients, showcasing the abundance of produce and ecologically farmed fish, game, and poultry sourced by local farms. Many of his recipes are inspired by his mother’s cooking, along with ideas he has picked up from his travels to Vietnam. If you are looking for irresistible food and a lively atmosphere, the Slanted Door may become your new favorite.

Umami

Address: 2909 Webster Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Umami
$$
Sleek stones and other natural elements make up the exterior of Umami. Inside Umami is a traditional sake bar and an orchid-filled dining room with the option of upstairs or downstairs seating. Umami is a trendy hangout for couples and groups of friends while the bar becomes a popular spot for mingling singles. The menu is strongly Japanese-inspired, but also incorporates many different Asian culinary infulences. On the menu, guests can find a Spicy Tuna and Water Chesnut Roll and a Wagyu beef tartar tataki. Cocktails are playful like the sweet Hello Kitty, which is aptly a pale pink shade.

Palio D'Asti

Address: 640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Palio D'Asti
$$
Palio d’ Asti is a well-known Italian restaurant in San Francisco’s Financial District. The interior of the restaurant permits the viewing of the chefs in the open kitchen preparing the Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients according to regional influence. During fall and winter, the focus is on Piemonte and Toscana. During the spring, the focus is on Rome and Umbria, while the summer is dedicated to Sicily and Naples. Dishes like the Carpaccio di Tonno, which is thinly sliced and hand-pounded raw ahi tuna with bottarga di tonno, arugula, lemon, and horseradish, can be found on the menu.

Limon

Address: 524 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Limon
$$
San Francisco's Mission district is well known for its cultural diversity and excellent cuisine from around the world. Diners can find restaurants where they'll discover exciting new aromas and flavors, and the Peruvian cuisine at Limón is no exception. Since 2002, Limón has won numerous awards for their bold, modern take on traditional Peruvian dishes and cocktails. Many of the items at this popular restaurant borrow the best elements and ingredients of Japanese, American, and Mexican cuisine to create unforgettable culinary creations like Limón's many different kinds of ceviche. All of their tasty ceviches are made with the highest quality …

A16

Address: 2355 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
A16
$$
Even the most avid diner might be surprised how many types of cuisine have come out of the culinary paradise known as Italy. While it might be difficult to tell the difference between styles of cooking, guests at A16 will remember the signature delicacies of the Campania region in Southern Italy. Located on Chestnut Street in the Marina neighborhood, A16 presents the finest Southern Italian dishes in San Francisco, crafted by talented chefs and served by a friendly wait staff. Whether diners are stopping in to meet friends for a glass of wine and appetizers, or enjoying a celebratory meal, …

Amber India

Address: 25 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco, CA 94103
Amber India
$$ Special Offer
East meets West in sleek, contemporary Amber India. Executive Chef Anish Potdar applies traditional Indian cooking techniques to unexpected ingredients like sundried tomatoes, goat cheese, and lobster. The result is a delightful amalgamation of dishes that please both Indian cuisine purists and those with more experimental palates. The spirit of innovation is also in full display in Amber India’s diverse array of cocktails, comprised of uniquely exotic ingredients like acai, roasted cumin, and Zen Green Tea Liqueur. The museum-like space is an excellent stage for these satisfying surprises, with vivid reds, saffrons, and teals distilling the boldness of Bollywood into …

Betelnut

Address: 2030 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Betelnut
$$
While pubs and their signature style of food are becoming more and more common in the United States, very few areas are lucky enough to have the Asian equivalent, or pejiu wu. San Francisco's Betelnut is one such restaurant, showcasing delicious, traditional Asian "street food" alongside a cold beer and great company. The street food at Betelnut is unlike most Asian cuisine diners have experienced, and is often infused with exotic, bold flavors and spicy seasonings. Groups of friends or family can enjoy a refreshing beverage while sharing delicious appetizers like Firecracker Shrimp, or enjoy a Chicken "Mee Goreng" bowl …

Coco 500

Address: 500 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Coco 500
$$
The warm and bold contemporary design of Coco 500’s dining space entices visitors to stop in, while the invigorating freshness of the menu keeps the tables full. Every element of the menu reveals a thoughtful and sincere gesture to exploit the region’s bounty of local, seasonal, and organic produce. The “California Dirt” section of the menu showcases vegetable dishes like the Wine Forest Mushrooms and the Roasted Pumpkin; the American Kobe Bavette Steak and the Sonoma County Duck Breast are a couple of the exquisite main courses served. Desserts are not neglected either – one might like to sample the …

Saha

Address: 1075 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Saha
$$
The sultry Middle Eastern ambience of Saha’s windowless dining area creates a secluded scene for diners to enjoy their meals. The name comes from an Arabic toast meaning “to good health,” and the warmly welcoming staff clearly cares about your comfort too. Saha offers unique Arabic fusion cuisine that combines traditional Yemeni food with both Californian and French influence. The dishes are as complex in execution as they are creative in origin, and include some vegetarian and even vegan standouts. Be sure to finish with the infamous Slap Ya Mama, a dessert known both for its devious name as well …

Farmerbrown

Address: 25 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Farmerbrown
$$
Farmerbrown dishes up Southern comfort food in a space that’s hip, young and sexy. It may be just the place to impress a date or out of town guests, as its off-the-radar location guarantees people will think you’re in-the-know about San Francisco’s dining scene. Don’t miss the Rocky Range Fried Chicken. And step up to the bar for some excellent Southern-infused cocktails served in mason jars. The fresh Mint Juleps and other luscious concoctions beg to be accompanied by fan-favorites like the Sweet Potato Steak Fries, or a plate of Jalapeno Corn Muffins with blueberry butter. Don’t forget to save …

Pesce

Address: 2227 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Pesce
$$
Revel in an eating scene that encourages patrons to try new tastes and strengthen bonds by sharing plates, at Pesce. This Venetian cuisine-inspired restaurant relies on the freshest ingredients and high quality fish and meat to serve the equivalent of Spanish tapas with a varied Cicchetti menu of hot and cold dishes. These miniature entrees may be petite, but their flavor is anything but timid. The cold Cicchetti selection offers such delicacies as the Alici Bruschette (white anchovies, olives, and roasted peppers), while the hot menu hoasts the Tortino (a saffron risotto cake with Dungeness crab meat).

Terzo

Address: 3011 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Terzo
$$
Whether you’re joining friends for a great conversation over better bites and wine, or you’d like to savor an intimate moment with a fine meal, Terzo will surely accommodate. The elegant and vibrant dining space is home to a custom-made zinc bar, a communal wine-tasting table, and a variety of small party tables. The Pan-Mediterranean cuisine menu features small plates like the Seared Monterey Calamari and the Grilled Halloumi Cheese. Large plates include the Grilled Steelhead Salmon, the Grilled Organic Pork Chop, and the Linguine alla Carbonara. Some of the sweet treats are the Chocolate Chaud, the Fresh Ginger Cake, …

Split Pea Seduction

Address: 138 6th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Split Pea Seduction
$
Split Pea Seduction may sound like a complicated yet sensual concept, but everything else about this small eatery/catering company is simple. Their daily changing menu focuses on simple, fresh, seasonal ingredients with one item remaining a constant: the restaurant’s namesake, Split Pea Seduction soup. The menu features a dozen or so items each day, with scrumptious selections suitable for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. All of the unique dishes are hand-made from scratch in the restaurant, ensuring a short trip from local farms to your plate. The menu usually boasts unique sandwiches, salads, and egg dishes that one would …

Scala's Bistro

Address: 432 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Scala's Bistro
$$$
Old World elegance woos modern sophistication at Scala’s Bistro through an ambience and menu that prizes classic presentation and quality. Rustic Northern Italian and Southern French influences converge in the restaurant’s traditional Parisian café setting, and Executive Chef Tim Nugent takes the opportunity to bring the European countryside to his patrons. Dishes like the Beef Carpaccio, Lemon Parsley Gnocchi, and the Seared ‘Loch Duart’ Salmon, hope to seduce you with their fresh and seasonal ingredients, while the 150 bottle wine list and classic cocktail menu compliment the cuisine and offer their own unique rewards.

Bistro Boudin

Address: 160 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Bistro Boudin
$$
It may have all began with the bread, but now it’s about so much more. Bistro Boudin is located on the upper level of Boudin at the Warf, serving up heaping helpings of bay-front views with every loaf of sourdough they turn out. Bistro Boudin continues to honor its roots by featuring its famous sourdough prominently on the menu, while representing San Francisco’s rich heritage with classic seafood specialties and more contemporary takes on old recipes. To complement the menu and region, Bistro Boudin also presents guests with a wine list saturated in the area’s award-winning varietals. Whether you’re enjoying …

ANZU

Address: 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
ANZU
$$$
Located on the second floor of the trendy Hotel Nikko, Anzu offers up a distinctive Euro-Japanese menu in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. Chef Barney Brown, a seasoned veteran of Asian cuisine, creates tasty and colorful sushi creations as well as a range of entrées from Miso Butter-Poached Lobster to Slow-Braised Boneless Beef Shortribs. Set in the heart of bustling downtown San Francisco, this fusion restaurant is a stylish retreat equally suited for a relaxed brunch with friends and family or a romantic evening with that special someone.

Uva Enoteca

Address: 568 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Uva Enoteca
$$
Order a spread of small, fresh, and tasty, dishes; opt for a quartino of wine to share with friends, and settle in to a relaxing evening at Uva Enoteca. Boris Nemchenok and Ben Hetzel have joined forces and combined their two passions – fine wine and food – to create an environment that celebrates simplicity, company, and quality. Paying homage to its roots, Uva Enoteca relies on classic Italian dishes and wine: meat selections include the Cappocollo, and the Prosciutto di Parma; cheese samplings include the Sampietrino, the Blu del monceniso, and the Montes; other plates are the Funghi Selvatici …

Chouquet's

Address: 2500 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Chouquet's
$$
No matter that Chouquet’s was not intended to be the next big thing; it took off just the same. Chef Laurent Guillaume’s ability to meld old and new flavors into delightful light dishes; the service staff’s attentive and unpretentious care; and the stylish dining space meant to compliment, not distract from, the food, all converged to give Chouquet’s the attention it deserves. Brunch is offered on the weekends in place of the weekday lunch menu, and dinner is served nightly – the Effigham Oysters are seductive mignonette mint and shallots; and the Rigatoni with truffles, chanterelles, and foie gras is …