San Francisco Dining

[HaagenDazs]

(Hmm - I clicked on "Rest of Georgia" instead of "Rest of the World".  Oops)

In a little over a week, 4 of us will be flying out to San Francisco then driving to Tahoe to go skiing.  We're planning on driving back into the city a day early to experience a mere smidgen of the Bay Area, so in reality we'll only be there for dinner one night (Friday) and lunch/dim sum on the following day (Saturday) before we fly out.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a semi-nice dinner?  No diet restrictions in the group.  I'm not too familiar with the costs of the city but somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 per entree is what we're looking for.

Of course, some good spots for a quick lunch the following day is always appreciated too.

It should go without saying that kitschy restaurants with rope and life preservers aren't wanted, but local cuisine is always appreciated.

Thanks!

[Mike GadgetGeek Stock]

In a little over a week, 4 of us will be flying out to San Francisco then driving to Tahoe to go skiing.  We're planning on driving back into the city a day early to experience a mere smidgen of the Bay Area, so in reality we'll only be there for dinner one night (Friday) and lunch/dim sum on the following day (Saturday) before we fly out.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a semi-nice dinner?  No diet restrictions in the group.  I'm not too familiar with the costs of the city but somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 per entree is what we're looking for.

Of course, some good spots for a quick lunch the following day is always appreciated too.

It should go without saying that kitschy restaurants with rope and life preservers aren't wanted, but local cuisine is always appreciated.  Thanks!

Will you be going through Sacramento?  Now is your chance to stop and say Hi to Chef Michael Tuohy at the Grange downtown Sacramento.

Good for you...   While I don't think San Francisco is known as a Dim Sum city, there are some standouts, mostly out on the Avenues, West of downtown, like way out on Geary.  It is such a foodie city, that you can take a walk or a cable car and eat at some interesting places.  Here is are some links to my pictures, (damn, there are times when I too hate to have lost the archives of all of our posts).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49637895@N00/139760058/in/set-72057594124278691/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49637895@N00/3926518794/in/set-72157622387752872/

Perhaps some other San Fran folks will chime in... ?

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[HaagenDazs]

Thanks for moving this into the correct spot.

We will be driving through Sacramento, and The Grange has long been a thought in our minds but we might just be hitting that area at the wrong time(s).  On the way into Lake Tahoe, we're on a fairly tight schedule to get there and get situated, and on the way back we're probably flexible enough but we're probably going to be driving through the area around mid-morning.  I'd really, really hate to miss it, but we'll see.

I remember your trip last fall GG, and yeah, it stinks that the info is all gone now...

[bettylouski]

Ton Kiang on Geary or Yank Sing near Ferry Plaza for dim sum in SF proper, Koi Palace in Daly City is gigantic place that has free parking if that's an issue.

Can't go wrong with Zuni Cafe on Market for mid-range typical Cali cuisine. We've eaten there there in each of the past 3 decades (time for another visit in this one!) Big deal meal in SF right now is at Coi, but lots more $.

Sutro's at the Cliff House for pretty decent food, but outstanding views. 

Magnolia Brew Pub in Upper Haight near Golden Gate park (leave car in the park and walk over, you're guaranteed to pass a drum circle in transit)

Too many more to even mention. . .

[HaagenDazs]

You know, I didn't even realize Zuni Cafe was in SF.  Maybe we'll try that.  Thanks!

[Beerbitch]

You know, I didn't even realize Zuni Cafe was in SF.  Maybe we'll try that.  Thanks!

Definitely make a reservation.  They're on open table.

I'd also recommend Coi.  They have a more casual venue as well.

Chez Panisse -- You can do the casual upstairs which is a bit like eating in a beautiful tree house.

Anything at the Ferry Building.  And, if you like jazz, see what's happening at Yoshi's in Oakland.  Very nice sunset ferry ride over and one of the nicest venues I have been to.

[HaagenDazs]

Thanks for the help guys.  We're going to have dinner at Zuni Cafe on Friday night and we're going to have breakfast on the fly at the Ferry Building Marketplace (farmers market).  Nothing like a hearty breakfast of oysters, bread, salami, etc.!

[Mike GadgetGeek Stock]

Here is an update to what the Folks in SanFran are saying are the best new restaurants .


http://sf.eater.com/archives/2010/10/07/the_38_essential_san_francisco_restaurants_october_10_1.php

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[Elijah Snow]

Here is an update to what the Folks in SanFran are saying are the best new restaurants .


http://sf.eater.com/archives/2010/10/07/the_38_essential_san_francisco_restaurants_october_10_1.php

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I can vouch for their choice of AME, which is fantastic. Not on the list but well worth anyone's time are "The House" and my all-time favorite Chinese hole-in-the-wall restaurant ever -- House of Nanking. If you've got the cash, Acquerello is one of the nicest meals with the most elegant service I've had in years.

BTW, reading the comments section of this article reminded me of our very own little corner of the web. 

[Corky]

I've only eaten at one place on this list, The Tadich Grill, but I've been there twice. Once for cioppino and the other time I split a seafood appetizer. What a place. The cioppino is without a doubt the best I've ever had in the city. The restaurant claims to be the oldest in San Francisco. Although expensive, crowded and loud, I'd go back in a heart beat.

[biskuit]

Was just there a week ago. Bar Crudo is great. Canteen was not up to the hype.

Didn't hit Tadich's, but love that place.

[Mike GadgetGeek Stock]

Was just there a week ago. Bar Crudo is great. Canteen was not up to the hype.

Didn't hit Tadich's, but love that place.

I think we have been to two places on the list but we have only been to SF a couple times.  We too love Tadich Grill, we avoided it the first time we were there because of the line out the door and the restaurants-a-plenty up and down the street.  The second trip we waited in a short line just for the hangtown fry.  I had fun with the waiter when we went, he had worked there for 35 years, I asked him if he knew the menu by heart, he laughed with us ?

I had made Hangtown Fry for New Years brunch for years out of an old Woman's Day set of cookbooks and I wanted to see how the original compared to mine,  my conclusion is that I like theirs but I like mine, made-at-home with a hangover better.   


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[LizR]

Only one I have been to is Incanto about two years agp, and I was underwhelmed. It was ok, but not nearly as good as some meals I have had in Atlanta or elsewhere.

[bettylouski]

Swan Oyster Depot rocks for atmosphere and fresh shellfish, but tab runs up quickly if you're not keeping track. 

[Mike GadgetGeek Stock]

Swan Oyster Depot rocks for atmosphere and fresh shellfish, but tab runs up quickly if you're not keeping track. 

I would have that crab salad every morning/noon, if I could.   Once the guys (and one young girl), get to know you they are more generous with the oyster count.  Sometimes if you are sitting in there about 9am when the red truck pulls up to deliver the oysters, they guys sample oysters to the bar, (at least some of us), for a half hour or more.  On one fairly early morning I sat in the far back with the two Asian women who were cleaning crabs at that small table, what a feasty morning     .

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