For dressed-up Hawaiian food in a lively setting with a fun bar downstairs — I could eat their poke daily
Liholiho Yacht Club
For ingredient-focused, seasonal, family-style dishes that are simply and excellently prepared
Tartine Manufactory
For delicious cal-italian food that I would happily eat every night of the week
Pearl 6101
For a meal that puts vegetables first without being vegetarian— order the salad and the curry and follow the restaurant’s great playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41DuIMQN412xUBYexcu9I3
Al’s Place
For a novel approach to fancy tasting menu dinners — cocktails and small bites served upstairs, communal tables, and accessible chefs
Lazy Bear
For a high-quality meal in Pac Heights that everyone will enjoy — the deviled egg and the squid ink noodles are their signature dishes, but you can’t go wrong
Octavia
For semi-fancy sushi in a perfect blonde wood box out on Clement— get the omakase and/or the Kobe nigiri
Wako
For delicious Middle Eastern cuisine fitting of a special occasion — it’s all good, so order as much as you can possibly eat
Mourad
For skewers and fresh tofu in a room that transports you to Japan — don’t miss the chicken oysters and sesame ice cream
Rintaro
For Californian cuisine small plates served dim sum style — a perpetual crowd pleaser — get the sauerkraut pancakes and the state bird
State Bird Provisions
For creative family style courses with generous portions and great cocktails — by the State Bird team but feels totally original — the menu changes regularly, but order the roti if it’s offered
The Progress
For an untraditional, fish heavy, fancy Mexican meal — don’t underestimate the sweet potato with bone marrow — it’s one of my favorite dishes in SF
Cala
For a cozy environment with A+ Cal Italian food — the Sunday suppers are one of my mom and my favorite traditions
Cotogna
For my kind of tasting menu — Mexican influenced, you can wear jeans, and you want a second serving of every course. (1 visit only)
Californios
Similar in vibe to Octavia, Frances, and Stones Throw, but with an Italian focus — good pastas and great porcini puffs
