Flagstaff Restaurants
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Taqueria Castillo B in the Tenderloin is a local favorite. The namesake quesadilla, aptly named Quesadillas Costillo is wrapped like a burrito. The spicy Camarones diablos delight seafood lovers looking for a taste of the sea with a bit of kick. With some of the tastiest tacos this side of The Mission, the al pastor should not be missed. Tortilla choices include the standard flour and corn, but wheat and spinach as well. Guests can order meat combo burritos, should they choose, that is to say al pastor and carnitas, or pollo and carne, etc. Whole avocados are used instead …
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Taqueria El Castillito in the heart of the Tenderloin serves up some of the tastiest burritos this side of town. When it comes to sides, return customers rave about the flavorful and fluffy rice, as well as the black, pinto, and refried beans. The pollo asada, lingua, al pastor, and carnitas are all top notch, and one would be hard pressed to not enjoy a dish featuring any of these meats. The generous sized burritos can easily carry over to two meals for those of moderate appetites. Fresh made aguas frescas refresh the thirsty with flavors such as watermelon and …
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Thanh Tam II in the Mission offers those looking for a taste of Vietnam a way to curb their hunger pangs. The menu includes various Pho offerings, perfect for those brisk San Francisco nights. The Bahn me is famously affordable, as is the majority of the menu. The dining area is cozy, and the service good, but should diners choose to stay home, delivery is available. Returning patrons rave about the Imperial Rolls, Garlic Noodles, Shaken Beef Salad, and Lemon Grass Tofu and Vermacelli bowls. For an affordable Vietnamese meal in the Mission, Thanh Tam II delivers.
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Taqueria La Cumbre in the Mission District of San Francisco claims to be the birthplace of the now ubiquitous Super Burrito. Whether or not Taqueria La Cumbre is responsible for the legendary Mission style Super Burrito, the rest of the menu has diners returning to sample their varied offerings. Dishes such as the pollo asada plate, multiple types of quesadillas, hot caldos, and tacos give plenty of options to hungry patrons. The quality, flavor, and texture of the house carne asada is raved about. The habanero sauce, only available on Friday and Saturday, steps up the flavor profile of those …
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Making the most of a simple, rustic interior with strong influences of the bayou thrown in, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen focuses on authentic Creole and Cajun eats. Seasonal crawfish boils make this East Bay eatery a must-do in terms of Louisiana cuisine. Chef Brandon Dubea brings a lifetime of Louisiana upbringing to the kitchen of this local establishment, located just a stone’s throw from the Berkeley Public Library. Make sure that after a big ol’ bowl of steaming gumbo, you save room for a New Orleans classic, Angeline’s award-winning beignets, cooked to order.
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Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good …
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Meaning autumn child; iris, bright, and light in Japanese, Akikos Restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine from the heat of Downtown San Francsico. This family owned and operated establishment has provided unique and classic Japanese cuisine for over 26 years and prides themselves in giving the best quality in everything they do. Their charming setting gives off a warm and inviting atmosphere while their entrees are made with only the finest ingredients to make delicious creations like Oyako and Tonkatsu. Akikos Restaurant covers all aspects for guest to enjoy a great night in Downtown SF while dining on Japanese cuisine.
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Maykadeh restaurant of North Beach expertly uses Persian spices in their cuisine to give their food an authentic taste. From Kebabs to Soltani, Maykadeh stays true to its heritage, even offering diners traditional desserts such as Pallodeh and Bastani, a traditional Persian ice cream. Maykadeh also features a Halal menu just as varied as the regular one. Classic white tablecloths and flawless presentation characterize the interior of this restaurant, making Maykadeh the ideal place to take a date. In addition to dining in options, this restaurant offers two different catering menus to help serve at any special event.
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Prospect is the more casual concept in SoMa from the team behind San Francisco's acclaimed Boulevard. Partners Nancy Oakes, Pam Mazzola, and Kathy King, together with Executive Chef Ravi Kapur, have created a lively, seasonal menu that pays tribute to contemporary American cuisine. Whether it's a cocktail and a bite at the bar, a casual meal at the communal table, or a relaxed dinner in the main dining room, guests can enjoy the full menu and exceptional service. The loft-like space is warmed by earth tones, natural fibers, and reclaimed wood creating an open, inviting environment to enjoy your meal.
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For over 25 years, Submarine Center has been crisply toasting diners’ sandwiches in their shop on the little corner of West Portal. This restaurant offers three sizes of sandwiches to enjoy, ranging from Mini to Super. Hungry sandwich-goers get to watch the assembly of their meal and choose the bread, meat, cheese, and toppings. The inside of Submarine Center proudly shows off the owners’ pride in the 49ers, with football memorabilia hung all around the shop. With the options of eating in or taking it to-go, this sandwich shop is the go-to place for lunch on-the-go.
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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 …
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There is nothing intimidating or vicious about T-Rex Barbeque. In fact, its open, two story floor-plan and warm décor are quite inviting. T-Rex is “Berkeley Barbeque” – using only antibiotic and hormone-free meats, sustainable fish, and organic produce (whenever possible) – no bull whips to be found here, folks. You will find a Pulled Pork Omelette, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Grilled Steelhead Salmon. T-Rex also has an international beer selection worthy of applause, and a weeknight happy-hour schedule that encourages you to put it to the test.
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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.
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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.
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Under the direction of chef and owner Michael Tusk, Quince is revitalizing a sense of European charm in Pacific Heights. Utilizing only the finest organic, local, and seasonal, ingredients, Chef Tusk creates a new menu each day to exemplify his Italian and French-inspired culinary sensibility. Diners will never experience the same meal twice, but they will always recognize familiar notes of Chef Tusk’s vision. Dishes like the Warm Octopus Salad, the Tonnarelli, and the Devil’s Gulch Rabbit, deliver the classic elegance of fine Parisian fare minus the haute pretense. The ever-changing tasting menu pairs the intricacies of flavors with the …
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With Rome-style cuisine and the atmosphere of a lively trattoria, a night at SPQR in the Pacific Heights neighborhood feels like a night in Rome. House-made semolina pastas, fresh vegetables, exotic cuts of meat, an all-Italian wine list, and plenty of Umbrian olive oil ensure that SPQR’s simple dishes are anything but ordinary. Executive Chef Nate Appleton, also of sister restaurant A16, serves the traditional ingredients and recipes that have made Rome an epicurean epicenter for thousands of years.
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Top 10
With colorful flower boxes, large picture windows, and a sunny saffron-colored sign, La Folie exudes a charming Frenchness. Inside, a luminous dining room in warm hues and lush fabrics is an elegant canvas for the presentation of Executive Chef Roland Possat’s French and California-inspired creations. The prix-fixe menu whimsically explores the interplay between tradition and experimentation: classic French ingredients like foie gras, frog legs, and snails mingle with dishes featuring lobster vanilla sauce and oxtail stuffed calamari. While, as its name suggests, La Folie has a playful streak of madness, it is more the result of a masterful and supremely …
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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 …
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Located in the Westin Hotel on Market Street, Ducca presents an innovative menu featuring many of Italy’s culinary staples. Guests can dine under the sparkling chandeliers or enjoy the popular style of bar dining, as seen in the Veneto region. Chef Erica Holland-Toll crafts a variety of mouth watering dishes that are geared to leave even the most discriminating foodie satisfied. The wine list highlights the dual regional influence, with a focus on Italian and California vintages offered by the glass and bottle. The Venetian inspired décor (take note of the gold forks), combined with impeccable service and delicious cuisine, …
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Take a holiday in Jalisco, Mexico – the birthplace of tequila – without so much as having to pack a hat. Tres Agaves Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge serves regional, rustic cuisine that relies on authentic ingredients and techniques to create dishes true in presentation and flavor. Just as vital as the fine cuisine is Tres Agave’s commitment to fine tequila. As the restaurant’s name implies, the three types of 100% Blue Agave Tequila (Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo) are the true stars of this production. Tequila tastings are held to educate patrons about the true nature of tequila: the biggest …