SF Food Guide

I assume you don't need my help to find Michelin starred places (like Quince, Spruce, Sociale, Boulevard, One Market, etc.) so these are the more reasonable suggestions.

Mexican
Colibri is the best.

Chinese
Most fabulous dim sum in town is Yank Sing but it ain't cheap.
City View on Commercial St near Chinatown is more reasonable.
R&G Lounge is designed for parties of 6 or more--just 2 can't do it justice.
If you're in Inner Richmond at 11:30am, try Burma Superstar.

Italian
OK, pizza: Delfina, Delarosa, Rose's Cafe
Delicious: SPQR is wonderfully inventive. Its sister A16 is more standard.

Vietnamese
The 600 block of Larkin between Eddy and Ellis is Little Saigon. Bodega Bistro, Pagolac, Saigon Sandwich, ya can't go wrong. Ask for what's not on the menu.

Indian
Dosa is nouvelle and extravagant.

American
Everybody loves Zuni Cafe.
NoPa gets a lot of burger attention.

Seafood and Japanese
Swan Oyster Depot is the best but you have to go at 10:37 am if you don't want to wait 2 hours for a stool.
Woodhouse Fish Co is easier to get in. Ask for no butter on the crab roll.

Korean
Han Il Kwan, 1802 Balboa at 19th Ave, no web page.

Vegan/Veggie
Greens in Fort Mason is related to the Zen Center, quite historical.
Millenium is as fabulous as vegetarian gets.

Brunch
The restaurant at the Cavallo Point Hotel is just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Reserve for brunch on the terrace on sunny Sundays.

Bars and Cafes
Smuggler's Cove
Buena Vista Cafe serves authentic Irish Coffee and is possibly the only spot in Fisherman's Wharf I actually like.
I'm a fan of the Twin Peaks Cafe at Castro and Market. Peek into the Castro Theater next door.

Berkeley
In Berkeley, Alice Waters' famous Chez Panisse is still wonderful. Go upstairs to the cafe rather than the downstairs restaurant.
Gather is terrific.

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