Marina/Pacific Heights
Betelnut. Pan-Asian. $13-$19.
2030 Union St.
(at Buchanan),
San Francisco
; (415) 929-8855. Lunch and dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Chinese food in a loud atmosphere.
Bistro Aix. French. $12-$19. 3340 Steiner St. (at Chestnut St.), San Francisco; (415) 202-0100. Dinner nightly. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Cafe Kati. East-West. $10-$36. 1963 Sutter St. (between Fillmore and Webster), San Francisco; (415) 775-7313. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted. With moderately priced entrees, Café Kati serves a variety of foods including eclectic and nouveau American in an elegant atmosphere.
Chez Nous. Mediterranean. $31-$51. 1911 Fillmore St. (between Pine and Bush), San Francisco; (415) 441-8044. Lunch and dinner daily. Beer and wine. No reservations. Credit cards accepted. Tapas and small plates of the Mediterranean are offered in a casual dining atmosphere.
Isa. French. $6-$16. 3324 Steiner St. (between Lombard and Chestnut), San Francisco; (415) 567-9588. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Jardiniere. Californian-French. $51 and up. 300 Grove St. (at Franklin), San Francisco; (415) 861-5555. Dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Located near the Civic Center and housed in a San Francisco landmark, Jardiniere offers award-winning French-California cuisine in an elegant setting. The “Two Top” piano/stand-up bass duo performs Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 7:00.
Plumpjack Café. Californian (Mediterranean). $31-$51. 3127 Fillmore St. (near Greenwich), San Francisco; (415) 563-4755. Beer and wine. Lunch weekdays; dinner nightly. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Rated one of San Francisco’s top dining destinations, Plumpjack Café offers exceptional California-Mediterranean cuisine and a distinguished wine program at an excellent price.
Quince. Italian. $12-$26. 1701 Octavia St. (at Bush), San Francisco; (415) 775-8500. Dinner nightly. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Offers a variety of French and Italian cuisine.
Takara. Japanese. $13-$23. 22 Peace Plaza, Suite 505 (Miyako Mall at Geary and Post), San Francisco; (415) 921-2000. Lunch and dinner daily. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Thep Phanom. Thai. $8-$13. 400 Waller St. (at Fillmore), San Francisco; (415) 431-2526. Dinner nightly. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
North Beach
1550 Hyde. Californian. $14-$25. 1550 Hyde St. (at Pacific), San Francisco; (415) 775-1550. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Acquerello. Italian. $29-$32. 1722 Sacramento St. (near Polk), San Francisco; (415) 567-5432. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Acquerello serves Italian food with an ambiance described as elegant, formal, and romantic. Acquerello also boasts a great wine list.
Antica Trattoria. Italian. $9-$19. 2400 Polk St. (at Union), San Francisco; (415) 928-5797. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Aqua. Seafood. $51 and up. 252 California St. (between Front and Battery), San Francisco; (415) 956-9662. Lunch weekdays; dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. One of San Francisco’s most acclaimed restaurants, Aqua offers contemporary seafood in a sophisticated setting. This four-star, award-winning restaurant uses mostly European techniques to serve fish in a way traditionally used for meat. Aqua features unique menu selections of the freshest local and imported seafood.
Bambuddha Lounge. Asian. $11-$20. 601 Eddy St. (near Polk), San Francisco; (415) 885-5088. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. This elegant yet stylish restaurant offers customers floor-to-ceiling waterfalls, indoor and outdoor slate fireplaces and a DJ and music. With a fun, party-like atmosphere and Southeast Asian cuisine including duck, lamb, beef, pork and seafood entrees, Bambuddha Lounge is sure to please.
Bix. American. $16-$33. 56 Gold St. (near Montgomery), San Francisco; (415) 433-6300. Lunch Friday; dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Fashionable and glamorous describe this stylish supper club with its 1930s and 1940s atmosphere. Enjoy nightly live jazz with elegant three-star dining and the best martinis in San Francisco.
Cafe Jacqueline. French. $25-$50. 1454 Grant Ave. (between Union and Green), San Francisco; (415) 981-5565. Dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Campton Place. French. $51 and up. 340 Stockton St. (between Sutter and Post), San Francisco; (415) 955-5555. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Recently awarded three and one-half stars by the San Francisco Chronicle, Campton Place offers “some of the most high-style, innovative food in the city, in a refined and luxurious setting.”
Charles Nob Hill. Californian-French. $28-$39. 1250 Jones St. (at Clay), San Francisco; (415) 771-5400. Dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Gary Danko. Californian-French. $58-$78. 800 North Point St. (at Hyde), San Francisco; (415) 749-2060. Dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Gary Danko is an elegant, cosmopolitan restaurant with a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The unique atmosphere, enhanced by its modern art, only makes the contemporary American cuisine all the more delightful.
Farallon. Seafood. $28-$37. 450 Post St. (near Powell), San Francisco; (415) 956-6969. Lunch Tuesday-Saturday, dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Farallon, designed to resemble an underwater fantasy, serves French influenced coastal cuisine. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh. Exciting combinations and show-stopping execution should be expected.
Fleur De Lys. French. $51 and up. 777 Sutter St. (near Taylor), San Francisco; (415) 673-7779. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. reservations and credit cards accepted. Fine French dining is offered in a lavish atmosphere with outstanding meals. Regarded as one of the finest restaurants in San Francisco.
Jai Yun. Chinese. Multicourse meals start at $35-$150. 923 Pacific St. (at Powell), San Francisco. (415) 981-7438. Lunch and dinner Friday-Wednesday. Beer and wine. Cash only. Reservations accepted.
Kokkari. Greek. $31-$50. 200 Jackson St. (at Front St.), San Francisco; (415) 981-0983. Lunch weekdays, dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. “Food of the gods” is served up at this Mediterranean restaurant which is designed with the old-world charm of a rustic Mediterranean country inn on the shores of the Aegean. The menu features seafood and game, as well as many of the most commonly sought-after traditional Aegean dishes.
La Folie. French. $55-$85. 2316 Polk St. (near Union St.), San Francisco; (415) 776-5577. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. This charming family-run restaurant offers an ever-changing menu that will leave a lasting impression, with an abundance of choices of main dishes and wines, and a Vegetable Lover’s Menu. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Masa’s. French. $51 and up. 648 Bush St. (at Stockton), San Francisco; (415) 989-7154. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Regarded as one of the finest French restaurants in the world, Masa’s offers award-winning French cuisine in an intimate and elegant setting.
Matterhorn. Fondue. $15-$22. 2323 Van Ness Ave. (between Green and Vallejo), San Francisco; (415) 885-6116. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Matterhorn offers fondue food in a casual and quiet atmosphere. It also has an excellent beer selection.
Pesce. Seafood (Italian). $4-$12. 2227 Polk St. (between Green and Vallejo), San Francisco; (415) 928-8025. Lunch Saturday-Sunday; dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Piperade. Basque. $31-$50. 1015 Battery St. (near Union St.), San Francisco; (415) 391-2555. Lunch weekdays; dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Charming mid-priced Downtown Basque restaurant featuring signature bistro dishes. Winner of San Francisco Magazine’s “Red Hot Chef 2003” Award.
Plouf. Seafood (French). $31-$50. 40 Belden Place (off Bush between Kearny and Montgomery), San Francisco; (415) 986-6491. Lunch weekdays; dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations accepted for dinner; credit cards accepted. Casual French dining offered with bistro-style seating and an indoor fireplace. For those who prefer the outdoors, terrace-style seating with heat lamps is available.
Rubicon. Californian. $22-$35 (fixed-price menus $29.95 and $49.95). 558 Sacramento St. (near Montgomery), San Francisco; (415) 434-4100. Lunch Wednesday; dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Sam’s Grill. American. $8-$50. 374 Bush St. (between Montgomery and Kearny), San Francisco; (415) 421-0594. Lunch and dinner Monday-Friday. Full bar. Reservations (at dinner) and credit cards accepted.
Swan Oyster Depot. Seafood. $5-$22. 1517 Polk St. (near California), San Francisco; (415) 673-1101. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Beer and wine. No reservations or credit cards accepted. The award-winning Swan Oyster Depot offers a variety of moderately-priced American and seafood entrees in a casual atmosphere.
Market Street and South
Baraka. Moroccan/Spanish. $31-$50. 288 Connecticut St. (at 18th), San Francisco; (415) 255-0370. Dinner nightly. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Baraka has a unique atmosphere offering French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The ever-evolving restaurant also offers helpful, friendly staff and a breathtaking downtown view.
Boulevard. American. $24-$34. 1 Mission St. (at Steuart), San Francisco; (415) 543-6084. Lunch weekdays, Dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Boulevard offers contemporary American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere with three different dining rooms and eye-catching art nouveau decor.
Chez Papa. French. $31-$50. 1401 18th St. (at Missouri), San Francisco; (415) 824-8210. Lunch Monday-Saturday; dinner nightly. Beer and wine. Reservations (at dinner only) and credit cards accepted. Chez Papa was created by its French owners to recreate a friendly, warm atmosphere similar to that found in the South of France. The authentic menu is meant to bring the subtle flavors of Provence cooking to San Francisco. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make Chez Papa an exciting dining experience.
Chow. Continental. $7-$14. 215 Church St. (at Market), San Francisco; (415) 552-2469. Lunch and dinner daily. Beer and wine. No reservations. Credit cards accepted. Also at: 1240 Ninth Ave. (near Irving); (415) 665-9912. 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette; (925) 962-2469 (this location also open for breakfast).
Delfina. Italian. $10-$20. 3621 18th St. (between Dolores and Guerrero), San Francisco; (415) 552-4055. Dinner nightly. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Delfina offers well-priced Italian entrees in a casual, fun, and romantic atmosphere.
Fifth Floor. French. $51 and up. 12 Fourth St. (near Market St.), San Francisco; (415) 348-1555. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Fine French dining offered in a modern yet comfortable plush atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Hawthorne Lane. Californian. $31-$50. 22 Hawthorne St. (off Howard, between Second and Third), San Francisco; (415) 777-9779. Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Located near the Moscone Convention Center and San Francisco Museum of Art, Hawthorne Lane is one of San Francisco’s destination restaurants. Offering fine Californian cuisine, Hawthorne Lane will dazzle you with its stylish look, trendy menu, and fine artwork.
Liberty Café. American. $14-$16. 410 Cortland Ave. (at Bennington), San Francisco; (415) 695-8777. Lunch Tuesday-Friday; dinner Tuesday-Sunday; brunch Saturday-Sunday. Beer and wine. No reservations. Credit cards accepted.
Limon. Peruvian. $11-$17. 3316 17th St. (between Mission and Valencia), San Francisco; (415) 252-0918. Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Beer and wine. Reservations for four or more. Credit cards accepted. Limon serves a variety of Peruvian and seafood entrees.
Luna Park. American. $16-$30. 694 Valencia St. (at 18th St.), San Francisco; (415) 553-8584. Lunch weekdays; brunch Saturday-Sunday; dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Featuring signature dishes such as Warm Goat Cheese Fondue, Hawaiian Tuna “Poke” and Make Your Own S’mores for dessert, Luna Park offers delicious yet moderately priced cuisine in a stylish atmosphere. The menu offers mostly French and Italian cuisine with a few American and Asian accents and is simple and comforting without being dull.
Mecca. American. $31-$50. 2029 Market St. (between Dolores and Church), San Francisco; (415) 621-7000. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Mecca is described as a “see and be seen” restaurant with it sophisticated menu and its stylish atmosphere. The menu boasts some of the Bay Area’s best produce, and Chef Stephen Barber was awarded three stars and a 2004 Rising Star Chef of the Year award by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Slow Club. Californian (Mediterranean). $9-$17. 2501 Mariposa St. (at Hampshire), San Francisco; (415) 241-9390. Lunch weekdays; brunch weekends; dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. No reservations. Credit cards accepted.
Town Hall. American. $31-$50. 342 Howard St. (at Fremont), San Francisco; (415) 908-3900. Lunch weekdays; dinner nightly. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Located in the historic Meco building, Town Hall is a casual yet chic restaurant that gives American cuisine a new twist by featuring regional ingredients. The restaurant has a communal table, bar, and patio as well as a living room and dining room
Yank Sing. Asian. $3-$8 (dim sum). 101 Spear St. (between Mission and Howard), San Francisco; (415) 957-9300. Lunch daily. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Also at 49 Stevenson St. (between First and Second).
Zuni Café. Mediterranean. $13-$29. 1658 Market St. (near Franklin), San Francisco; (415) 552-2522. Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Dining in San José
Arcadia. American. $16-$30. 100 W. San Carlos St.(at Market), San Jose; (408) 278-4555. A new modern twist on classic American dishes. Arcadia also offers an excellent assortment of seafood.
Bella Mia. Italian. $16-$30. 58 S. First St., San Jose; (408) 280-1993. Offers lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. Good selection of Italian dishes.
China Chen. Chinese. Under $10. 400 S. Third St., San Jose; (408) 294-2525. Good selection of Chinese dishes at a low price.
Chow Ciao Café. American. $4-$12. 20 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose; (408) 292-7096. Good selection of wraps and sandwiches.
Cuccini. Middle Eastern. $8-$27. 72 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose; (408) 977-0816. Restaurant and nightclub. Lunch and dinner served. Happy hour daily.
Emile’s. French, Swiss. $16-$30. 545 South 2nd St., San Jose; (408) 289-1960. Rated #1 in the Bay Area for classic French Cuisine by Zagat 2003. Emile’s offers great service, an award-winning wine list, and unique, classical four-star cuisine.
Gombei. Asian, Japanese. Under $10. 193 E. Jackson St., San Jose; (408) 279-4311. Authentic Japanese country-style home-cooking, excellent service. Lunch and dinner served daily.
Habana Cuba. Cajun, Caribbean, Cuban. $10-$15. 238 Race St., San Jose; (408) 998-2822. Open for lunch and dinner. Substantial amounts of fresh, tasty, and hearty food served in a homey atmosphere. Great value for money.
House of Siam. Thai. $10-$15. 55 S. Market St., San Jose; (408) 279-5668. Lunch and dinner served in a romantic, candle-lit atmosphere.
Inca Gardens. Peruvian. $8-$24. 87 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; (408) 977-0816. Lunch served daily, dinner served Tuesday through Sunday.
La Taqueria. Mexican. Under $10. 15 S. First St., San Jose; (408) 287-1542. Specializing in burritos, tacos and carne asada. Open for lunch daily, but closes at 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and open until 7:00 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Mojo Burger. Fast food, hamburgers. Under $10. 6041 Snell Ave., San Jose; (408) 281-1345. Simple, but excellent, burgers charbroiled to order. Salads and other sandwiches also available. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Muchos. Mexican. Under $10. 72 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; (408) 277-0333. Lunch and dinner served as a great price.
Rose Donuts Coffee House, Bakery & Deli. Under $10. 1818 Saratoga Ave. San Jose; (408) 379-3299. Breakfast and lunch served daily from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sundays). Extensive menu includes baked goods, breakfasts, traditional deli items, salads, linguine, and burgers. Food cooked to order.
Shalimar. Indian. $8-$15. 167 W. San Fernando St., San Jose; (408) 971-2200. Offers lunch buffet for $9. Excellent Indian food in a great setting for a reasonable price.
Smile House. Korean. Under $10. 86 S. First St., San Jose; (408) 293-1640. Traditional Korean fare. Offers lunch and dinner, lunch buffet during week.
Spiedo Ristorante. Italian. $12-$24.
151 W. Santa Clara St.
,
San Jose
; (408) 971-6096. Lunch and dinner served. Credit cards accepted. Stylish dining in a modern atmosphere.
Straits Restaurant. Asian. $16-$30. 400 S. Winchester Blvd, 333 Santana Row, Suite #1100, San Jose; (408) 246-6320. Food served Singaporean style with four major culinary cultures fused together–Malaysian/Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Nonya. The product is cuisine that is unique and offers more complex flavors and fragrances.
Teske’s Germania Restuaurant and Bar. German. $10-$25. 255 N. First St., San Jose; (408) 292-0291. Large selection of German foods served with an excellent wine list.
White Lotus. Vegetarian. $10-$15. 80 N. Market St., San Jose; (408) 977-0540. All-vegetarian Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
Zeni Ethiopian. Vegetarian, Ethiopian. Under $10. 1320 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; (408) 615-8282. Aromatic Ethiopian food served at Western tables or Ethiopian stools; you eat with your hands. Great variety of vegetarian dishes, but meat dishes also available. Open for lunch and dinner; closed Mondays.