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San Francisco, At Last

September 10, 2008

I’m going to San Francisco (finally, at last, it’s taken me thirty years, good grief!) in a few weeks and I need you, dear readers, to answer some important questions for me.

Is Chez Panisse worth a visit? How about Zuni Cafe? Are there holes-in-the-wall I must know about? A dim sum restaurant that haunts your dreams? Which neighborhoods should I commit myself to discovering on foot?

Tell me everything: your favorite shops, your special haunts, your cannot-miss-ohmigod-I-luuurve-this-place obsessions.

I can’t wait.

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102 responses to “San Francisco, At Last”

Thaddius La Rue

September 10, 2008

Hi there. Boy, there are so many great places to eat in SF, I have been here for 12 years and I don’t even feel qualified to name them all.
I will say that IMNSHO Chez Panisse is pretty over rated. They are an inspiration to all but in many cases there are people doing the Chez Panisse thing better elsewhere. Zuni on the other hand is worth a trip for sure, Have always had great food there and the vibe is really special.
On foot you could spend an entire afternoon on 18th street hitting tartine, delfina, bi-rite creamery and then go up and enjoy some time in dolores park (assuming the weather holds). OR you could get out to Clement Street and find some hole-in-the wall chinese/thai/whatever places to get your fill before going to Burma Superstar (one of the greatest restaurants in SF if you ask me) or go down the road on Geary to hit Tom Kaing for dim sum.
If you want something more new school or just ‘out there’ you can try Incanto (Chris Constentino) or Orson (Liz Faulkner) for some items that would really knock your socks off.
If you need more idea let me know. Enjoy your time here.
PS Ferry Building on a Saturday morning is a dream to most out of town folks. The earlier you get there the better.

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Evan

September 10, 2008

I strongly suggest you eat a Mission-style burrito in (where else?) the Mission District of SF. A dirt cheap, and quintessentially San Franciscan, experience.

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Sarah

September 10, 2008

Ton Kiang on Geary for Dim Sum
Zuni for sure
Delfina for Italian
Tartine: the greatest bakery in the world
Nopa is delicious
Can Cun for a burrito
If you make it over the bridge to Marin, Sushi Ran in Sausalito is fantastic

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Meredith

September 10, 2008

My vote is for Greens. I was squeamish at the idea of eating at a strictly vegetarian restaurant, but it turned out to be my fave meal on my honeymoon! (They also have great cookbooks, btw.)

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RA

September 10, 2008

I used to travel to SF for work, and I would make dinner dates with my co-workers where they chose the places and I happily trailed along. I’m hardly a foodie, but my favorites from those dates are:
Jade: http://www.jadebar.com/
Andalou: 16th and Guerrero, I think
Fritz: 17th and Valencia
Have fun!

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heather

September 10, 2008

woohoo! welcome to SF! i’ll come up with more later, but off the top of my head:
breakfast:
a. Zazie in Cole Valley
b. Primavera at the Ferry Plaza farmer’s market on Saturday (it’s in the back in an outdoor stall by the water; get the chilaquiles and sit on a bench w/ a view of the bay bridge)
c. Pastries from the Cheeseboard Collective in Berkeley!
lunch
a. Chez Panisse is great, but lunch at the cafe (upstairs) might be enough to understand the experience. You’ll need reservations.
b. People swear by the El Tonayense Taco Truck in the Mission; at the very least grab a burrito or taco plate from just about any corner joint
dinner
a. Zuni for sure–you have to get the chicken!
b. Trattoria Contadina in North Beach
c. Back to the Cheeseboard Collective in Berkeley for a slice of whichever pizza they have that day + a glass of red wine (very casual, very tasty, very local)
d. Chez Papa (the new one) or Gary Danko

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radish

September 10, 2008

Ooh, please try the Slanted Door — amazing vietnamese. Tartine is incredible and not to be missed. I thought Ame was really lovely as well. And while I haven’t gone to Coi, my friends swoon when they talk about it.

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lucy.

September 10, 2008

coffee at blue bottle, falafel at falafel king (is that the name? by the roxie?) and a drink at tosca bar.

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Leah

September 10, 2008

What a loaded questions since I love love love SF. I think Zuni is a must, as is Tartine, Bi-Rite Creamery, Greens, and Slanted Door. Delfina is very good but I am partial to the pizzaria attached to it. I think it is one of the best pizzas in the city and would love to see what you think compared to what you get in New York.
As far as neighborhoods, North Beach is touristy but worth walking around and enjoying an espresso. Chrissy Field is a great area with a beach and a walking path. You can walk right underneath Golden Gate bridge (Greens is in Fort Mason which is right next to Chrissy Field). The mission has great burritos and an interesting mix of shops. Mission and Valencia are worth walking around and Br-Rite and Tartine are in that area so you can make a morning/afternoon of it and enjoy your ice cream/pastries in Dolores Park.

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andrea

September 10, 2008

I second the recommendations for Zazie, Tartine, Ferry Building/farmer’s market, Delfina, Bi-Rite (or Mitchell’s for an equally amazing ice-cream experience).
I’ve only eaten at the Chez P cafe, not the downstairs restaurant, but it’s always amazing. I would second whoever said lunch at the cafe is enough to appreciate the experience.
There have been rumblings of discontent around recent Zuni experiences I’ve heard of, but it’s such a great example of a San Francisco restaurant that I’d risk it anyway. I’ve always enjoyed it and, yes, do order the chicken, ideally the moment you sit down.
Other places:
La Ciccia for authentic, charming, delicious Sardinian food. It’s a really good example of a neighborhood restaurant too (Noe Valley). Possibly the most enjoyable recent meal I’ve had in SF.
Sebo in Hayes Valley for melt-in-the-mouth sushi. Sit at the bar and order omakase. The chefs are great fun and will serve you whatever is best that day. I would warn that it can be pricey though.
Salt House: great oysters, really nice industrial ambiance. We had some fantastic duck there on our last visit. Kind of close to downtown too in case you need something in that area (close to Ame mentioned by another poster – I haven’t been to Ame but again have heard good things).
Places to get a good cocktail:
The Alembic, in the Haight. Best cocktails ever.
Orson: innovative and quirky
The Orbit Room: great savory cocktails – try them out especially if you’re a cilantro fan.
If you enjoy wine then Terroir on Folsom (at 7th) is not to be missed – biodynamic gorgeousness served up by cute French boys.
Also, coffee at Blue Bottle (the coffee is good at all their outposts but go to the cafe at the Mint Plaza so you can see their incredible machinery!).
Enjoy!!!

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raphaelle

September 10, 2008

Luisa! Go to Cesar’s on Piedmont Ave. There is also one in Berkeley, but I prefer the Oakland location. And get Cheeseboard pizza. These are things you absolutely must do. VIKS is the best Chaat. Ever.
And of course, Mission burritoes. I prefer Pancho Villa, but everyone has a favorite.
I love Chez Panisse, but it’s not really worth it. It’s just a nice place to eat, but with farmer’s markets and the like, it’s not that different from what a good home cook can do. French Laundry, on the other hand….

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TraciJ

September 10, 2008

Welcome to SF! I’ve been in the area for 12 years…….
Lots of good ideas in previous posts….
A couple of my favorites:
Farallon (if you love seafood – it’s also a cool atmosphere): http://www.farallonrestaurant.com
Town Hall (Always good!)
http://www.townhallsf.com
Tried this place recently with a group and we sat in the “wine cellar room” – very cool, plus the food was outstanding! =)
http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com
Have fun in our wonderful city!

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Adrienne

September 10, 2008

My parents went to San Francisco a couple of years ago (alas, I still have not been!) and they are STILL talking about The Stinking Rose, a garlic centric restaurant. Have fun on your trip!

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Danica

September 10, 2008

I highly recommend Citizen Cake for, well, cake, but they have amazing dinner as well. Also, The Hidden Vine in a small alley off Post and Taylor for a cozy glass of wine.

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Janet

September 10, 2008

Definitely check out my neighborhood – Hayes Valley! Try the salted caramels at Miette, so good! It’s the cutest store, too. Modern Tea also has amazing food – I especially love their breakfasts.
I second Zazie for a great breakfast (gingerbread pancakes with poached pear and lemon curd!)
Out the Door (takeout version of Slanted Door – at the Ferry Building, or Bloomingdale’s mall)
If you have time to get up to Sonoma Country (which you probably won’t, but hey, just in case!), Screamin’ Mimi’s ice cream in Sebastopol is unbelievable. WAY better than Bi-Rite, which I think is overrated. Mimi’s Mud is ridiculously delicious.
SPQR on Fillmore in Pac Heights is a great new spot. They don’t take reservations, so it’s smart to get there around 5ish before they open and get in line.
Citrus Club on Haight is a great cheap eat. Get the garlic edamame and the Thai coconut tofu soup. It’s right by Amoeba.
If you end up on Clement, Little Vietnam Cafe has amazing tofu sandwiches and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Try an It’s It while you are in town!!

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Dawn-Elin

September 10, 2008

I’ll try not to repeat too many places already mentioned, but on the same ‘triangle’ as zuni are CAV on the Market street side. Excellent wine bar with great food, and Hotel Biron, also a wine bar with cheese plates, etc. I love Brenda’s French Soul Food in the Tenderloin. And while the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market is great, the civic center one (wednesdays and sundays) is much more true SF. If you like Ice Cream, you must go to Mitchells in the mission for a scoop of their silky avacado flavor

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Susmita

September 10, 2008

Try the cafe at Chez Panisse. We had a chanterelle mushroon pizza there over 10 years back and I can still taste it. Simplistic but sensational.
Oh! Nan King in Chinatown. Delicious!
I am not a vegetarian, but I love Greens restarant. Must try!

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Leisureguy

September 10, 2008

Greens for sure—Deborah Madison started that restaurant, so it has its historic aspect.
Also I would make a serious effort to get to Millenium Restaurant:
http://www.millenniumrestaurant.com/
Incredible food.

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Sarah

September 10, 2008

Hi Louisa,
I haven’t commented before, but having just moved out to SF from NYC, I am compelled to share my favorite new discoveries:
The Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building: Oh. My. God. If this doesn’t make you want to pack up your bags and move out here, I just don’t know. Come for brunch: the fish man selling smoked sable with pickled lemon baguettes, the mexican stand with ceviche on fresh corn tortillas, chorizo scrambled eggs. The produce selection is of course, dazzling (locals take this for granted!), and don’t forget the Rancho Gordo booth for beans. Pricey, but worth it. You can spend a whole morning here.
The Inner Richmond (my neighborhood!) is slightly off the beaten path, but full of treasures. My favorite dim sum joint is Good Luck Dim Sum on Clement and 8th-ish. Get your dumplings to go and eat them in the Presidio or Golden Gate Park. Much cheaper than Ton Kiang, and just as delicious.
Wander around Green Apple Books on Clement (amazing used cookbook selection!), and then do Burmese for dinner–haven’t had anything like it in NYC. Burma Superstar is great and lots of fun, but there is always a long wait. Less scene-y and equally delicious is Mandalay on California and 6th (a few blocks away).
The two Spices Szechuan Trenz! restaurants are also pretty great.
For sweets, the Bi-Rite Creamery suggestion is right-on (roasted banana ice cream with hot fudge!), and I am also loving the canneles at the Boulange du Cole Valley–carmelized beeswax crusts with custardy centers (I think there is another location of this bakery on Polk?).
Have fun, and don’t say I didn’t warn you to wear layers.

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Mia

September 10, 2008

I second (or third, fourth, whatever) the Slanted Door and the Ferry Building farmers market. Absolutely the best place, ever. If you can, a trip to the Acme bakery in Berkeley is fantastic, too.
Chez Panisse – so worth it. Go for the restaurant (downstairs) if you can; I had the most amazing meal there last year. The cafe is also great (and worth a trip), but having dinner at the restaurant is just the most incredible dining experience.
And be sure to head to Rainbow Grocery in your spare time!

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Samantha

September 10, 2008

Oh my goodness, too fun, San Francisco is my favorite place to eat. I know folks will flood you with suggestions so here are just a few places that I still dream about even after moving away years ago::
Tartine Bakery – their ham and cheese croissants are unreal (unreal I tell you!), their tarts to die for
Ti Couz – traditional crepes, the buckwheat kind, nothing like the gummy versions around (I love their ratatouille and their sausage and their mushroom stuffs and gosh, just about anything they want to put in there is fine with me)
Slanted Door – spendy kickass French-Vietnamese food. I like to spend the big bucks on food that I don’t think I could make myself, and this place satisfies.
Packwan (sp? – on 16th at Guerrero) – Pakinstani food that is cheap and fabulous, Chicken Tikka Masala has never been better and their garlic naan is perfect (there is also Shalimar in the Tenderloin – a bit dodgier and sometimes in consistent but when it’s on it’s ON).
This is an SF list, and some folks swear that the real food going on is in the East Bay these days (Camino, Pizzaiolo, CP). Oh Zuni, right – I have eaten there more times than I can count because a beau used to work there, and while sometimes it will knock your very pants off with the gorgeous simplicity of the food, sometimes you will go in there and practically fall asleep reading the menu, nevermind eating what you ordered. I think there are fresher places (and less stuffy places) doing what they do (most of those hot new East Bay restaurants are opened by former Zuni/CP folks).
Have a blast!!!

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Christine

September 10, 2008

Oh, I’m so jealous! I visited a friend in Berkeley for two weeks at the beginning of the summer, and I felt like I could live there forever! I also gained about 10 pounds, but honestly, it was worth it. Most of these have been mentioned already, but I hope I can reinforce how much you need to try them!
Delfina (I’d recommend the squid and white beans, papardelle with porcinis, and semifreddo, if they still have them, or variations, on the menu. This was the best dining experience of my entire trip.)
Tartine (the croissants are to die for)
The Slanted Door (best green papaya salad I’ve ever had. the vegetarian spring roll was excellent as well)
The Cheeseboard Collective (buy a warm, crusty cheese roll for breakfast in the morning, and an oat scone to eat for a snack or dessert later!)
Cesars (great tapas, but be sure to try one of their cocktails while you wait for a table. My favorite was one that combined cava and gin)
Yank Sing (the best dim sum I’ve ever had! Be sure to make reservations, and definitely try the different kinds of vegetable dumpling)

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sam

September 10, 2008

great list, all! i’ll second some of my fave aforementioned places, just for emphasis (btw, i’ve lived here for a year):
zazie
bluebottle coffee
slanted door
tartine
cheeseboard collective
greens
ferry building farmer’s market(the mexican stand in the back)
also, there’s a tasty upscale thai/fusion place in the rockridge section of oakland called soifour (or soi4?). excellent seared scallops.

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Dan

September 10, 2008

A couple people have already posted recommendations for the Cheeseboard, but you really can’t overstate its amazingness. The pizza for lunch is ah-may-zing, and so worth the wait, because there will likely be a line going down the block. Again, totally worth it. If you’re with a friend, one of you can hold the spot in line while the other browses at their cheese and bread shop a few doors down, which is similarly amazing. Their corn cherry scones are out of this world.
Also, you have to at least go check out Berkeley Bowl. They did a lot of their grocery shopping there for season one of Top Chef, and the produce and bulk goods sections are just out of control. As far as I’m concerned, it’s pretty much can’t-miss for a foodie.

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DC365

September 10, 2008

Ton Kiang on Geary around 23rd!!!! I eat there EVERY time I go home to visit my family. Can’t get dim sum that good anywhere (well, probably in China).
Also, Bi-rite creamery rocked my socks.

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Charmaine

September 10, 2008

Definitely go to Chez Panisse and while you are in Berkley visit the original Acme Bread Co.
Ferry Market Building for all its wonderful stalls
Millenium Restaurant on Geary Street (you’ll never know you’re eating vegetarian)
Cocoa Bella Chocolates on Union Street
HAVE FUN!

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Marc

September 10, 2008

Always Zuni. Cafe Fanny @ Chez Panisse. Hog Island Oyster Bar at the Ferry Building. A16 for the pizza. Blue Bottle – one of the small kiosks for cafe. I love the simplicity and cozy quality of a new Restaurant in Hayes Valley, Bar Jules. http://www.barjules.com/
I had an underwhelming meal at Incanto – wish it was better. Will try again. My all time favorite is the pure and simple grilled sausages at Rosamunde Sausage with a fine Belgian beer next door at the bar, Toronado.

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Jamie

September 10, 2008

Delfina!
Incanto
NOPA
Beretta
SPQR
Zuni is over rated in my opinion…
Ferry Building is a must.
18th Street in the Mission is a must.
Enjoy your trip!!

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Lauren

September 10, 2008

Greetings! As a semi-annual visitor to the Bay Area, , I’d encourage you (piling on to the above comments)to make your way over to the East Bay (Berkeley, Oakland, and spots in-between):
Dopo on Piedmont Ave in Oakland- excellent Italian; try the “sampler” plates of the vegetables and pesce crudo; don’t miss pizza and pasta; have I mentioned the desserts? Interesting Italian wines, too. They don’t take reservations so arrive early or be patient; it’s worth it.
Ici Ice Cream on College Ave in Berkeley- wow; if you love ice cream, don’t miss this place in the East Bay. Worth every penny.
A Cote on College Ave in Oakland- have had a few very good meals- and drinks- here. A lively place with a few communal tables.
Chez Panisse on Shattuck Ave in Berkeley- while I’ve only eaten in the cafe, I must say I’ve never been disappointed. Like others I’d say it’s worth the experience and lunch would do the trick.
The Cheeseboard on Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley- enough already said by others.
Also consider visiting the Cheeseboard’s sister co-op, Arizmendi, for very good morning pastries (they also do pizza but I prefer the Cheeseboard crust). I prefer the Arizmendi location on Lakeshore Ave. in Oakland to the San Pablo Ave. location (have not tried the SF location). The Lakeshore Ave. location is set among a handful of shops and eateries and a short walk from Lake Merritt- great for a post-pastry walk and excellent people-watching at all hours.
Berkeley Bowl on Shattuck/Adeline/Oregon in Berkeley: not as funky as the old Bowl days, but an amazing market experience.
Also consider visiting Monterey Market on Hopkins St. in north Berkeley: funky like the Bowl USED to be (small, cramped, kinda dusty) but amazing produce.
For that matter, I enjoy the Berkeley farmers markets: I believe there’s one on Saturday morning into early afternoon (ML King and Center), and one on Tuesday afternoons/evenings (ML King and Derby), and Thursday afternoon/evening (Shattuck and Rose- walking distance to Chez Panisse).
A few SF places: I have to put in votes for Tartine and the Saturday Market at the Ferry Building.
The East Bay beckons you! Enjoy.

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amanda Boyce

September 10, 2008

Tartine Bakery is a must. Get the brioche bread pudding and you will love life. Als, the Bi-Rite Creamery makes the best salted caramel sauce you will ever taste. IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE! Both places are located within two steps of each other but be prepared the wait in line for both places.

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Jennifer

September 10, 2008

My humble recommendations:
* The Cheeseboard – Delicious seasonal pizza. Enough said by everyone else, I’m sure.
* Ici – Truly amazing ice cream. Their flavor selection (about 10 flavors) changes daily. I am utterly addicted to their delicate handmade cones.
But I’ve heard wonderful things about Bi-Rite Creamery and Yank Sing for dim sum.

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Erinn

September 10, 2008

My boyfriend and I got to the city every year after Christmas. I second Chez Papa in the Protrero Hill area (a cab ride, but worth it)it’s a great little cozy bistro and all the waiters speak French, oh la la!
Boulette’s Larder in the Ferry Building (it’s a working kitchen with a huge communal table, and you eat what they are cooking that day. Fresh, amazing, delicious)
And then Swan Oyster Depot. Russian Hill. Hole in the wall, family owned/run for 70+ years, freshest fish around. Just a counter with some stools and a great vibe.
Have fun! I love that city! I know you will too!

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Janice

September 10, 2008

I actually just moved from SF to NYC! My last, most favorite meals were at Bar Jules (if they have the gipsy peppers, mozzarella, and grilled eggplant w/ rosemary bagna cauda, order promptly), Pizzaiolo (definitely worth a visit to the East Bay), and Range. AMAZING. I have always had a great experience at Zuni and feel it’s the quintessential SF restaurant.
Hole-in-the-wall Chinese: San Tung for chow mein with homemade noodles and dry-fried chicken. Can’t go wrong with Bi-Rite or Delfina Pizzeria. So, so good. Enjoy!

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Nell

September 10, 2008

Belden Ally- Such a cute street. Like being in Spain or Italy.
Rue Lepic- Corner of Pine and Mason. French food from Japanese cooks. Absolutely delicious!
Drinks at Top of the Mark
Bahn Mi at Saigon Sandwiches on Larkin.
The Dim Sum bakery at 6th and Clement.
You’re gonna love it here.

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Bonnie

September 11, 2008

Ahhhh San Francisco.
My all time favorite city. Remember that Mark Twain supposedly said “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” (Dress in layers.)
No question, the Saturday farmers market at the Ferry Building is the ultimate. Have Chilaquiles Guanajuato for breakfast @ Primavera (all the way at the back), MUST have a latte at Blue Bottle (up at the front by the street). Buy a bag or two of Pimientos de Padron and fry them in olive oil until blistered, then sprinkle with salt. Walk inside the Ferry Building for wonderful pastries, seafood, chocolate…
Have a wonderful time!

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Diane

September 11, 2008

Ferry Building Farmers Market
Slanted Door – it could change your life
Greens – still awesome
Chez Panisse – the cafe is enough
Zuni – because you can

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Victoria

September 11, 2008

I can’t give you advice but have read each and every comment and cannot wait to hear where you decide to go. Of course, I hope you go to Zuni because I can’t wait to hear your description of it and feel the same way about Greens.
My almost nephew said the cafe at Chez Panisse is totally worth it – he is a huge food person and went to SF and Napa at the beginning of the summer and liked it as much as TFL!
With so many suggestions you have a lot of decisions to make. Good luck. Happy eating. Have a great time.

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Snorkey

September 11, 2008

Yes to Cheese Board and Ferry Building, and there is great food everywhere, but take a break from the restaurants and go to Pt. Reyes Nat’l Seashore. It is heaven. And you will find excellent food in Pt. Reyes Station if you’re hungry. Have a wonderful trip.

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Juno Lamb

September 11, 2008

I would ask Mika:
http://blog.livedoor.jp/mikamuffin/
xo

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chirky

September 11, 2008

Tacos at Mijita.
Dim sum at Yank Sing.
Tapas at Cha Cha Cha (Haight-Ashbury location, go in the late evening, get the sangria, choose the warm spinach salad)
Chez Panisse is totally worth the visit.

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Marla

September 11, 2008

Supporting what others have already said: you must go to Ton Kiang for dim sum. Excellent. I go every time I am in SF visiting family.

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Melissa

September 11, 2008

I’ve got some free time at work today and feel compelled to share my favorites…
have lunch at slanted door in the ferry building, not as loud as dinner – just as delicious. try the crab with cellophane noodles and any vegetable dish. and have a cocktail – you’re on vacation. yum!
ppq on irving between 19th & 20th (sunset) is great for bun and their beef and green papaya salad is awesome. a non-touristy delicious place. great pho if it’s cold out.
marnee thai (innser sunset) on 9th between irving and lincoln is my favorite thai in the city.
trouble coffee on judah between 45th & 46th out by ocean beach (outer sunset) – just the coolest little place run by coffee nuts and by the beach where you can walk for hours and isn’t that why we live in san francisco?
http://www.troublecoffee.com/
yank sing for dimsum (downtown) – i don’t care what anyone says – this place rocks!
(tacos in the mission) el toro – 17th & valencia, fish tacos! la taqueria on 25th & mission – carnitas or carne asada tacos!
panchitas #3 on 22nd b/w s. van ness and mission for pupusas – salvadoran cheese filled treats.
if you’re going to napa/sonoma, i highly recommend a stop at della fattoria bakery in petaluma. or just go to have lunch there – it’s perfection.
definitly go to pt. reyes only about an hour outside of the city but so lovely and beautiful. reserve a spot at hog island on tomales bay – or go to drake’s bay if you don’t want to shuck your own oysters.
walk down 24th street (noe valley to potrero) – start at church – all the way to portrero to experience a real microcosm of san francisco. yuppies, hills, hipsters, central america, murals, foodie delights – this street covers all of them!
i hate to mention 18th between dolores and guerrero because it’s my hood and crowded enough, thank you – but bi-rite creamery (and market) really is spectacular.
hayes valley – blue bottle coffee kiosk, bar jules for lunch, fun shopping.
have fun!

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Alice

September 11, 2008

Cafe Trieste in North Beach makes great cafe lattes & pastries & pizza. Neighborhood feel & Italian bakeries up the street on Grant. Really Good!!

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Clare

September 11, 2008

I lived in San Francisco for many years and go back often. Yes, Chez Panisse is worth it, so definitely go. Zuni Cafe can be hit-or-miss; if you order their famous roasted chicken, you’ll be fine.
My favorite dim sum is Yank Sing, and they have two locations. I find Ton Kiang’s to be too greasy and the service can be really off. Other can’t misses:
-Pasteries at Tartine Bakery
-Dinner at the Slow Club. It’s laid-back, the food is always good and they have great cocktails. A bit out of the way but a SF staple so it’s worth finding. Their burger is gourmet and fabulous. No reservations, but it’ll give you a good reason to sit at the bar and have a cocktail first.
-Ferry Building Farmer’s Market: If you can go on a Saturday, you’ll also enjoy the outdoor portion of the market. Get to the Primavera stand (outside, Saturdays only) for the best chilaquiles you will ever have. Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, inside the Ferry Building, has a great burger.
-Delfina: Rustic, Italian fare – amazing.
-Drinks at Absinthe: Try the French 75 cocktail.
-Zazie – great brunch
-Tapas at Cha Cha Cha (go to the one on Haight Street): Spicy shrimp, some bread and sangria is all you’ll need for the perfect meal.
-Hot-out-of-the-oven sourdough at Boudin Bakery in Fisherman’s Wharf area. It’s a bit touristy but the bread is amazing.
-Citizen Cake in Hayes Valley is a good place for lunch. Perfect salads and sandwiches.
-If you want to do fancy, go to Boulevard or Fleur de lys.
Non-food places:
-Green Apple Books on Clement Street
-Golden Gate Park
-A walk around Chinatown and Little Italy (grab an espresso at Cafe Trieste)
-Since it’s your first time in SF, definitely take a cable car ride.
-Stroll down Hayes Street in Hayes Valley for some fun shopping
Enjoy your trip! I am looking forward to seeing your SF posts…
Clare

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janet

September 11, 2008

Try Koo for sushi, both cooked and raw, at 408 Irving Street between 5th and 6th avenue
San Francisco CA 94122
Phone ( 415 ) 731 – 7077. Owned by wonderful sushi chef and his pastry chef wife. Magical.

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tokyoastrogirl

September 11, 2008

Hi Luisa,
Wow, so much to eat and so little time. I think you would love Delfina in the Mission. It gets pretty crazy crowded but definitely worth it. Chilaquiles at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Almond criossants at Citizen Cake in Hayes Valley. You MUST get those if there are any left. I used to call and reserve one.
Have a wonderful trip.

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Karen

September 11, 2008

I live in Berkeley, I think Chez Panisse is fantastic – I have never been disappointed. You do not always need reservations to get in, especially at lunch. Across the street is the amazing Cheeseboard (closed Sundays and only partially open on Mondays.
I think Greens and Zuni are both overrated.
The Mission is amazing, you will love it. You simply must spend time there. There are way too many restaurants and not enough time. I recommend Delfina, Luna Park, Medjool (awesome rooftop bar), Dosa, Ti Couz, and the list goes on and on.

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Rachel

September 11, 2008

My usual rotation is Yank Sing for dim sum and Plouf for mussels.
You MUST go to the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market. I like The Slanted Door there.
Have fun! It’s such a great city!

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La Maestra

September 11, 2008

You’ve gotten lots of great recs so far, but I wanted to add a few things:
1) If you want a less yuppified but still amazing farmers’ market, check out the Alemany Farmers’ Market in Bernal Heights on Saturday. There are tons of great finds there (rice paddy leaves! fresh dates on the stalk!), some of the produce is organic, and the shoppers are very socioeconomically and racially diverse. If you go, definitely get a huarache from El Huarache Loco. The Bernal Heights neighborhood’s main drag, Cortland Ave., makes for a nice stroll, and a walk to the top of Bernal Hill provides a great view of the city.
2) A few of my favorites in the Mission: tacos (not burritos) at La Taqueria, pie from Mission Pie, and Middle Eastern treats at Old Jerusalem and the nearby hole-in-the-wall Middle Eastern market Sami Rami’s.
3) I agree that the Cheeseboard is amazing, but if you can’t make it to the East Bay, go to its sister cooperative Arizmendi in the Inner Sunset near Golden Gate Park. Strolling around the Inner Sunset is fun and can easily be combined with a visit to the De Young or the about-to-reopen California Academy of Sciences in the park.
4) If you do go the East Bay, I second the recommendation for Vik’s in Berkeley. Amazing chaat and dosas!

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Shauna

September 11, 2008

Lots of great recommendations so far, but no one’s mentioned two of my favorites in the East Bay:
Pizzaiolo (in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland – right near Rockridge) The chef/owner is a Chez Panisse alum
Tacubaya – (on 4th Street in Berkeley) Mexican tacqueria that my family thinks is better than Mijita in the Ferry Terminal
I also recommend a few hours along College Ave in the Rockridge neighborhood in Oakland – experience Market Hall, which includes the Pasta Shop and Oliveto, which serves the best local coffee (I think), Mr. Espresso
You definitely need to spend your Thursday afternoon in the Gourmet Ghetto – have lunch at the Cheese Board and then wander around (go in the cool Elephant Pharmacy)before the Farmer’s Market and then end up at the cafe at Chez Panisse for dinner.
Happy Eating & Travels!!

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