Heading to San Fran with the g/f for the weekend, and am wondering if anyone can recommend any good restaurants to check out while we're down there. I know there are a ton, but I like to get actual recommendations rather than read a tour guide.
We are staying near Fisherman's Wharf, and will be using SF Transit to get around - any recommendations?? Price isn't too much of an issue - $100 for 2 without booze is fine... anything more than that and it better be pretty damn good.
I'd avoid the tourist restaurants around Fisherman's Wharf. San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world for dining. I'll e-mail my friend that lives there and see what he recommends. He took me to a place owned by RobinWilliams and Robert De Nero last time, but I forget the name of it.
Chinese. Whether arriving early or late, everyone visiting House of Nanking will find themselves joining the crowd for a notoriously worthwhile wait on the sidewalk. This San Francisco Chinese restaurant takes a few creative liberties with the cuisine, preparing some dishes in an authentic way, but dressing up others with interesting (and very Americanized) accents. As this place is frequently packed, first-timers should remember to expect a loud and chaotic atmosphere, service that isn’t particularly friendly, and to be shoed the moment the last bite leaves the plate (lingering isn’t appreciated).
Just a word of advice, nobody there calls it "San Fran".
I know, been there many times but mostly just for football games and the like, this time get to take the lady so want to go to some nice places to eat.
If you're around the wharf anyway, go get breakfast at the Boudain bakery. One of my favorites when I was down there was the Magnolia Brew Pub on Haight.
THE BUENA VISTA CAFE - This place was the first place in America to offer an Irish Coffee, they have insane breakfast and it's right near the cable car turn-around.
I can't help with the fancy places, but you'll be near an In-N-Out Burger, so I'd recommend grabbing lunch or a late night snack there. Also, the Chinese food in San Francisco is as good as you'll find outside of Asia.
The Following User Says Thank You to gargamel For This Useful Post:
Lot's of good places for Ribs around the wharf. Don't go anywhere near the tenderloin though! We walked though the Mission area and then up along Market Street last summer and it has gotten really bad for crime and homeless people. Most people have lost their minds in that area! We saw a big shoot out on Market Street and had to run for cover. The police seemed quite used to it though and basically just arrested the guy and the hustle and bustle of the streets soon resumed. Most of the people I talked to said that this is quite normal for San Francisco now and there is a bit of a gang problem. I still think that 90% of the city is perfectly safe to wander around though and you can't go wrong anywhere near the wharf.
It's a bit pricey, but I had the best meal of my life at Michael Mina.
One of the tasting menus along with the paired wine option, and you'll have an experience you won't forget. Absolutely amazing meal and service... you'll have a fantastic story to tell afterwards.
I love North Beach and all the Italian Restaurants on Columbus St. You can sit out on the sidewalk with a bottle of wine and a nice plate and just people watch. Calzones probably has the best atmosphere for that sort of thing.
I agree with the general sentiment to avoid the wharf. Fisherman's Grotto is pretty good. Sinbads is on Pier 2 in the Embarcadero and has good food and is right on the water so you get a nice view of the Bay Bridge, Oakland, etc...
peter12 is right - the Mission and Mexican food is wicked. Taqueria Le Cumbre in the mission has great burritos and is super famous in the area. Ike's place near the mission has really unique sandwiches.
La Trappe on Columbus St and Greenwich is a really cool spot. Very limited and unique menu but the beer menu is pretty much a novel... at least 60+ pages.
If it's a clear day, go to the top of the Mariott and their skylounge. Very cool views, but only stay for a drink and be prepared to pay $15 per drink.
There are some really cool Tapas restaurants in and around North Beach and the financial district: Illuna Basque on Union St. just off of Columbus. I can't remember the other one, but if I remember...
You really can't go wrong though. LOTS of wonderful restaurants. If you want more local advice, feel free to PM.
Best cioppino we had was at Cafe Pescatore, just at the south end of the Italian district and a couple of blocks from the Fisherman's Sheraton.
We never found any good food that you would rave about at the Pier. I was very disappointed with the crab at some restauarant there. I think the Pier area is very over rated. Only nice thing about staying in that area is you are close to most other attractions. We walked most places or else used their 2 or 3 day public transportation pass.
Another nice restaurant is the Cliff House, on the shore the other side of Golden Gate Bridge. Looks out the entrance to the harbor and there are rocks where you get great views of sea lions etc.
Food overall in San Francisco and California is very pricey.
Good San Fran Restaurants?
