4 Stars

Opened by the An family in 1991 following the success of their Vietnamese kitchen Thanh Long, Crustacean offers up-scale Euro-Asian fusion fare in an elegant fine dining setting. The menu follows Executive Chef Helene An's philosophy of turning fresh ingredients that are valued in Eastern medicine for their healing properties into simple, clean and refined dishes. Loyal customers have been returning for years for the secret family recipe for Garlic Noodles and Roasted Dungeness Crab. The sophisticated Asian decor in warm dark hues provides the appropriate setting to enjoy this homey yet sumptuous food. Located in the heart of Nob …

Located in a building that will transport you to a quaint Parisian street corner, Garcon hosts a wide selection of classic French fare. This unpretentious neighborhood gem is recognized for its friendly and attentive service and intimate ambience. Once you enter, you will be greeted by a sleek nautical color scheme of navy blue accented by a rustic wood floor and chairs. The menu is sure to please the palate with favorites such as French Onion Soup, Steamed Mussels Mariniere, and Duck Confit. Also, be sure not to miss out on their full bar and extensive wine list.

Chef George Morrone, best known for his tour-de-force career at Aqua, is now cooking up a new form of success at Sutro’s. Located at the historic Cliff House overlooking Ocean Beach, the setting incorporates breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with venturesome surroundings where you can partake in a multitude of activities like hiking the spectacular Lands End trails, exploring the Sutro Bath vestiges or taking a stroll along the beach. The menu, which integrates seasonal farm-fresh ingredients and the finest seafood, also boasts an award-winning wine list and a rousing presentation.

For a restaurant that offers such unique amenities and menus, Sauce is surprisingly comfortable, relaxed, and uncomplicated. Located on Gough in Hayes Valley, Sauce is unlike many of the restaurants you'll find in San Francisco, but still retains the charm that Hayes Valley restaurants are well known for. The bar space—where many of the patrons gather—is supremely intimate, giving it a social feel without being too cluttered. There are tables available in the bar area, as well as elegantly arranged tables adorned with white table cloths in the spacious dining area. Mirroring the layout of the restaurant, Sauce's menu is …

Well worth the detour, this stylish neighborhood eatery is tucked away on a tree-lined block in Russian Hill. Run “mom and pop” style, owner/chef Ben de Vries reigns over the kitchen while his wife, Rachel Lewis de Vries, oversees the dimly lit dining room. Hues of green and rust wash over everything from the walls to smaller accents such as the hanging drum-shaped lamps, giving the busy interior a warm and soothing ambiance. The rotating Mediterranean-inspired menu highlights the season’s freshest ingredients, and boasts specialties such as the Coca-Cola Braised Pork Shoulder and Strawberry and Crème Fraîche Tart with red …

Everything about Horizon Restaurant & Lounge in North Beach goes straight to the point. Not to say they are a restaurant without frills, because the comfort level, service, and ambience at Horizon are great. What I mean by that is they like to stay out of your way. Distractions are kept to a minimum. They make sure that the object of desire, their food, is your main focus at all times. Executive Chef Christopher Lee’s menu of fresh California cuisine is irresistible; and because of this and a lot of other reasons, an evening at Horizon will surely be a …

If you’re interested in dining downtown while still escaping that engulfing city ambiance, look no further than Le Colonial. Serving up elegant French-Vietnamese cuisine made from the highest quality local farm-fresh ingredients, Chef Villanueva truly seems to have outdone himself in this latest undertaking. The décor— complete with exotic flora, a glass canopied walkway, and rattan chairs— is redolent of a 1920’s Asian colonial plantation. The food is no less striking and offers a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties that are sure to make your taste buds dance.

This sophisticated American bistro specializes in California comfort food with a French flair. Chef Ola Fendert uses classic cooking techniques to prepare dishes like All Natural Baby Back Ribs and Lamb Daube. Oola Restaurant and Bar features these hearty bistro favorites while using organic meats and produce, as well as artisan cheeses and wines. Picked by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Hot Spots” around the country, this split level space is sleek and mature. Recycled wood, exposed stone, rust-toned light fixtures and plenty of candlelight produce an alluring and sexy atmosphere.

With a breathtaking view, floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums featuring an impressive array of marine life from the Pacific Ocean, an extravagant cascading raw bar, a hand-blown glass “caviar” chandelier, and a lively open kitchen, Waterbar is not merely a restaurant, it is an experience. Located on San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero, Waterbar offers fresh, seasonal and sustainable whole fish and crustaceans served roasted, grilled, boiled or chilled. Owner and Executive Chef Mark Franz and restaurateur Pat Kuleto, both well-known for their highly successful restaurant Farallon, have created another masterpiece in design while remaining true to the natural essence of the sea.

Renowned Chef Michael Mina’s RN74, is a restaurant where wine plays the starring role. Named for the highway that passes through Burgundy, RN74 boasts a 69 page, 2,000 plus wine list expertly paired with clean and elegant food. The restaurant team and Wine Director Rajat Parr work in conjunction to design a truly intelligent and sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant’s 75-seat dining room, 38-seat lounge and 16-seat hydraulic communal table have been meticulously designed using an old European train station as the inspiration. This more casual Michael Mina restaurant seeks to highlight a simple approach to French cuisine by coupling …

Chef and Owner Wendy Brucker and Owner and General Manager Roscoe Skipper are the dynamic duo behind Rivoli, in Berkeley. They met, wed, and plunged into the world of restaurant success in 1994, with fresh and earthy fare that strikes a balance between unique combinations and traditional techniques. The “secret garden” lures patrons in, and the healthful and satisfying cuisine keeps them coming back. Dishes like the Saffron and Pimenton Risotto and the Pan Roast Chicken are quite memorable, but with a seasonal menu that changes every three weeks there is always something new to try, and love.

The Hotel Shattuck, in downtown Berkeley, is home to a sophisticated restaurant that incorporates all of the senses into the dining experience. Five is an elegantly spacious modern American bistro and bar defined by massive columns that rise up to support the intricately recessed ceiling, grandly lit chandeliers, and beaming floor-to-ceiling windows that cast everything in the glow of luxury. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are similarly well-designed with refined dishes that are both sophisticated and welcoming. Executive Chef Howard Scott melds opulence with familiarity in dishes like the Deviled Surf and Turf Eggs and the Short Rib Pot …

Visually stunning with its sweeping bay views, a dramatic fireplace, custom-built wood fired grill, and striking columns, Epic Roasthouse is a testimonial to Pat Kuleto’s successful career as a designer. Located in the Embarcadero, this gourmet steakhouse makes its home directly next to the Bay Bridge, providing a view and ambiance like no other. Chef Jan Birnbaum graces the menu with house-cured meats, steaks, chops, and seafood, all prepared with the finest quality ingredients at your specifications. For those merely looking to enjoy the fantastic décor and location, enjoy a tantalizing cocktail or savory bar bite at the bustling bar.

Charleston She-Crab Soup, Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken, “Low & Slow” Barbequed Ribs, Carolina Plantation Hoppin’ John and Low Country Shrimp and Grits, all served with complimentary golden corn bread and whipped honey butter. Couple this extraordinary menu with a comprehensive Bourbon selection and you have Oakland’s Picán restaurant. Situated in Oakland’s “Uptown” cultural district, this culinary gem brings the traditions of the Deep South to California. Classic standards are served with a sophisticated twist, allowing diners to experience truly tantalizing dishes with rich and hearty flavors. The restaurant offers both small and large plates that celebrate and accentuate customary Southern …

Acclaimed Food Network Chef Tyler Florence recently opened this new hip venue in the heart of San Francisco, where Old World class meets New World style. The restaurant, which recently opened, is already hopping and speeding along with San Francisco’s financial district. Wayfare Tavern showcases a one-of–a-kind menu complete with decadent desserts, daily specials, and succulent entrees that pay homage to American classics as well as the Barbary Coast. The décor is chic and upscale, almost bachelor pad-like with its wood floors, dark leather booths, and pool table in the parlor on the upper level. The Tavern also serves crafty …

There’s a bit of Rome right in the heart of San Francisco. 54 Mint presents bold flavors with imaginative pairings and infuses a bit of Italy into everything they prepare. This combination restaurant and wine bar is located downtown on the historic Mint Plaza and attracts locals and tourists alike with its charming décor and ambiance. 54 Mint has a comprehensive wine list and food menu as well as community seating in their wine cellar which can also be rented out for private events.

Scoma’s Restaurant is a San Francisco institution and a Fisherman’s Wharf landmark. Serving up a bountiful menu of seafood since 1965, this family-owned and operated restaurant has come a long way from its days as a six-stool coffee shop. Now, visitors savor a boatload selection of fresh fare like their Clams on a Half Shell, Lobster Ravioli, and French Fried Scallops. And if you’re in the mood for meat, they can satisfy that craving with one of their naturally raised beef cuts. Come for lunch or dinner, and satisfy that craving for great seafood today.

For a taste of authentic French cuisine plated with a healthy side of Old World opulence and charm, the Grand Café Brasserie and Bar is the place to visit. The restaurant dining space draws the eyes up to the 30-foot high ceilings with regal architectural elements and impressive columns that hearken back to the days of Art Deco luxury. To complement the space and offer a welcomed balance of inviting fare, the Grand Café menu presents guests with a plush selection of classic French brasserie cuisine dishes firmly rooted in seasonal freshness and flavor. Linger over a delightful drink at …

Considered by patrons to be the best prime rib in Fog City, House of Prime Rib is perhaps the most popular place for a truly hearty meal. Serving well-marbled Prime Rib in the English Tradition, the premium, choice cuts are carved right at your table. In fact, most of the dishes are prepared right before your eyes, creating a unique and memorable dining experience for any occasion. Serving only the top 2% of all beef marketed, House of Prime Rib has a simple menu of meats and accompanied salads, plus cocktails and desserts, but this menu has elevated it to …

Located in the Richmond district of San Francisco, Oyaji is a cozy and traditional Japanese restaurant that serves sushi and sashimi as well as Izakaya-style plates. These dishes are small, and guests can order many from the varied menu so that they may split the plunder amongst themselves in order to try a variety of the Japanese tastings. Many guests have raved about the Butano-Kakuni, or stewed pork belly meat, as well as their Sakanano-Arani, or braised fish of the day. Other specials are available on a daily basis, allowing for a refreshing and slightly different menu with every visit. …