2016-12-21 04:46:44
WITH SO MANY WONDERFUL RESTAURANTS SCATTERED ACROSS THE CITY, IT CAN BE TOUGH TO CHOOSE WHERE TO GRAB YOUR NEXT MEAL. But no matter what you’re in the mood for, there are plenty of culinary adventures waiting to be discovered. Here are a few suggestions, if you know what you want but aren’t sure where to find it. Rose Pistola CALIFORNIAN FOREIGN CINEMA (Mission District) This Mission District staple grew its devoted following thanks to delicious rustic-modern cuisine and evening film screenings (outdoors; separate from the dining room). Foreign Cinema isn’t just a name — it’s part of the concept. foreigncinema.com QUINCE (Embarcadero) Lead by Chef Michael Tusk, this acclaimed eatery has received serious recognition from the Michelin Guide (two stars), the James Beard Foundation (Best Pacific Chef), and The San Francisco Chronicle (four stars). quincerestaurant.com CHINESE FAR EAST CAFÉ (Chinatown) In business since 1920, the interior of this restaurant features intricately detailed palace chandeliers and handpainted murals. The menu is a mix of Cantonese and Szechuan dishes, and dim sum is available during lunch hours. fareastcafesf.com YANK SING (Embarcadero/ Financial District) Specializing in dim sum, this family-owned spot has two locations that have been longtime local favorites. The Shanghai dumplings, Peking duck and BBQ pork buns are all popular choices. yanksing.com ITALIAN ROSE PISTOLA (North Beach) This James Beard Award-winning trattoria offers cuisine inspired by the northern coast of Italy and features ingredients sourced from local fishermen, farmers and ranchers. Their outdoor seating, live jazz music and an extensive wine list create the perfect atmosphere. rosepistolasf.com DELAROSA (Marina and Financial District) A charming eatery started in the Marina District, Delarosa grew into a second location in the Financial District thanks to the popularity of its fresh, casual approach to Romanstyle pizza and small plates. delarosasf.com Ozumo Sake JAPANESE OZUMO (Embarcadero) Combine fresh, colorful dishes with unobstructed views of the Bay Bridge and you’ve got a recipe for an evening of izakaya-style magic. The yamabuki is a must if you like uni (sea urchin). ozumo.com PABU (Financial District) Michael Mina and Chef Ken Tominaga join forces for a modern iteration of izakayastyle offerings where you’ll find creative sushi as well as hot and cold dishes. pabuizakaya.com Tacolicious MEXICAN BELMAR MEAT MARKET – LA GALLINITA (Mission) This neighborhood gem has been part of the Mission for more than 40 years. It’s a full-service butcher and market, but the real draw is the tacos, soups and assorted dishes they serve during the day. TACOLICIOUS (Mission) Started as a taco stand in 2009, Tacolicious has grown into a formidable taco-centric restaurant featuring creative, modern Mexican cuisine and a tequila list with more than 120 options. tacolicious.com SEAFOOD SAM’S GRILL (Financial District) It began as an oyster stall in the latter 19th century and became a neighborhood institution. Stepping in here is like traveling back in time, with curtained booths and waiters in formal wear. Order a martini and some oysters on the half shell. samsgrillsf.com FOG HARBOR FISH HOUSE (Fisherman’s Wharf) here is no shortage of seafood restaurants to choose from in Fisherman’s Wharf, but Fog Harbor is a standout thanks to fresh, sustainably-caught fish and unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge. fogharbor.com Fog Harbor Fish House SOUTH AMERICAN LOLINDA (Mission) This chic Argentinian steakhouse offers a mix of tapas-style small plates and hearty cuts of meat. The bone marrow appetizer, grilled peppers, ribeye steak and creative cocktails earn rave reviews. lolindasf.com LA MAR CEBICHERIA PERUANA (Embarcadero) Located right on the bay at Pier 1½, outdoor seats here are a must on a nice day. The menu is Peruvian, and while ceviche options are plentiful, there are nonseafood items, too. This is a great happy hour spot. lamarsf.com FOGO DE CHÃO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE (SOMA/Yerba Buena) A leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, Fogo de Chão has specialized for more than three decades in fireroasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Guests can select from a variety of simply seasoned meats that are carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors. fogodechao.com SHAKEN OR STIRRED? San Francisco has a rich tradition of cocktail creations. There’s a strong claim that the martini was invented here during the Gold Rush, and a few decades later Victor Bergeron (of Trader Vic’s) invented the Mai Tai across the bridge in Oakland in 1944. These days there are craft cocktail inventions waiting to be discovered around every corner. Here are a few interesting places to sip on something special while you’re here. White Chapel 600 Polk St. The detail-oriented interior design at this hip newcomer complements an elegant cocktail menu and North America’s largest selection of gin. Big 4 Restaurant 1075 California St. The ambiance inside this classy spot inside the Scarlet Huntington harkens back to the Gilded Era, but the cocktails have a more modern provenance. Dirty Water 1355 Market St. This Central Market bar/ restaurant serves up ever-changing selections of house-designed and classic cocktails along with a menu of charcuterie, sandwiches and small plates. Tonga Room 950 Mason St. This classic, WWII-era tiki bar in the basement of the Fairmont Hotel mixes up delicious rumbased concoctions. Watch out for the indoor rainstorm. SCAN THE PAGE WITH LAYAR TO GET AN INSIDER TOUR OF CLASSIC EATERIES FROM A LOCAL FOOD BLOGGER.
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