San Francisco Restaurant and Cafe Recommendations

San Francisco is known for many things past and present – and even future if you are a Star Trek fan – but one of the most exhilarating reasons to visit San Francisco is to sample its tasty treats. The restaurants mentioned in this section have all been sampled by artist-at-large.com. We tend to make recommendations for places that you can just drop into when you are in the ‘hood for fun or business. Prices are in the affordable ‘budget’ to ‘midrange’ as there is already a plethora of information on San Francisco’s posh eateries.

Union Square

Cafe Claude, 7 Claude Lane, Open: M – Sa 11:30AM – 11PM, Su 12Noon – 4PM, T: 415.392.3515

Anytime I get a little heartsick for Paris I head to Cafe Claude. Tucked into a little side alley between Bush and Sutter Sts., the entire cafe was imported from France – from the zinc bar down to the salt and pepper shakers. The waiters speak French and the menu would be a welcome sight to anyone craving a dejeuner of soupe, salade, a plat, croques, fromage or sandwich baguettes. Prices range from $4.50 for soupe to $10 for plats, with the average sandwich priced between $6.50 and $8.25. Dinner is just a tad pricier. Aperitifs, vins, bières, cafés et thés are also available. Jazz in the evenings.

Cafe de la Presse, 352 Grant (café), Open: 7AM – 11PM, T: 415.398.2680 / 469 Bush (restaurant), Open: 11AM – 10PM, T: 415.249.0900. Brunch on Saturday, Sundays and holidays from 11AM – 2PM.

This busy café sits in the heart of the small, yet vibrant, French Quarter of San Francisco, next to the Hotel Triton and across the street from the Chinatown Gate on Grant St. Go by any time of the day and you will find the place filled with French speaking locals, tourists and travelers. The café is also an international newsstand where you can find a current copy of Libération or Paris Match, European magazines and newspapers, as well as a number of other French journals and books.

Metropol, 168 Sutter @ Kearney

Mediterranean food from tortellini to couscous. Lots of yummy salads and sandwiches, and pizzas. The prices range from $10 – $15, a little pricey for those on a budget, but if you’re doing a day of gallery hopping and just want to relax with a friend and a meal, this may be the place to do it.

North Beach

Places for Coffee: Caffe Trieste, Steps of Rome, Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe

Places for Drinks: Tosca, Vesuvio’s

Caffe Trieste, Green @ Grant

One of San Francisco’s oldest traditions, this caffe was home central to many of the artists of the Beat era as well as dis-located Italians just off the boat. Stop in and drop a quarter in the juke box to hear your favorite opera aria and enjoy a latte made from coffee roasted on the premises. (For a real North Beach experience try: coffee at Caffe Trieste, books at City Lights, a beer at Vesuvio’s, and a martini at Tosca’s)

Citizen Thai and Monkey Noodle Bar 1268 Grant Ave @ Vallejo, T: 415.364.0008

I’ve been dying to try this place because I’ve read so many good reviews! So I’m recommending it because it’s on my wishlist.

L’Osteria del Forno 519 Columbus @ Green, T: 415.982.1124

If there are only two of you and you’d like something light for dinner, this is my favorite little place in North Beach. I almost always get a pizza here, but they have a some excellent homemade pasta dishes on the menu too. The place is tiny – only 28 seats at 10 tables, but if the wait is not too long, it’s worth it. It’s probably easier on a week night (closed Tuesdays) and it’s only open until 10pm.

The Mission

Places for Coffee: Muddy Waters on Valencia @ 24th; SugarLump Coffee Lounge on 24th @ Bryant, Sundance Coffee on the corner of 24th @ Harrison; Philz on 24th @ Folsom

Places for Drinks: Elbo Room (beer and pool) Valencia and 18th; La Rondella on Valencia @21st

Bombay Ice Cream & Chaat, 552 Valencia @ 16th, T: 415.861.3995

After lunch near 16th and Valencia I decided to finally stop and have a scoop of ice cream at the Bombay Ice Cream store. I had heard that they had the best ice cream in town, and wondered how that could be, given which town this is. The shop is just a little room with a table and some chairs, and two ice cream display cases. It wasn’t until I started reading the list of available flavors that I kicked myself for never stopping here before!! Cardamom, Saffron, Saffron and Pistachio, Ginger, Jasmine Tea, Chai, Cardamom Rose, Rose, and on and on. I went for something that was actually familiar – Cardamom Rose – and it tasted exactly like how I had expected and was just so yummy. They also sell pints and quarts so if you are looking for something interesting to take to a potluck …

El Dolphin, 3066 24th @ Folsom, T: 415.643.7955

If you end up staying in The Mission near 24th St., El Dolphin is a nice spot for breakfast. All the typical Mexican standards – the yummy huevos (eggs) dishes – such as Huevos Rancheros with multiple salsas, fried onions and peppers, beans and rice, and you can find the Mexican hangover cure – Menudo – on weekends. Also open for dinner with a lot of Especialidades de Casa, but I’ve only been there for breakfast.

Firecracker, 1007 Valencia @ 21st, T: 415.642.3470

Light the fuse! Modern Chinese cuisine in a funky upscale Chinese bohemian setting. My cousin Karen and I went to dinner here when she was in town. We had Spring Rolls, the ‘Phoenix and Dragon’ – a chicken and shrimp braised with eggplant in a spicy plum sauce with a touch of tomato and tangerine juices, and ‘Ginger & Scallion Soft Shell Crabs’. We spent the dinner talking about the family and drinking and sharing our food. The open kitchen kept producing enticing aromas and the place remained packed the entire time we were there. Entrees $9 – $15.

La Palma Mexicatessen, 2884 24th, T: 415.647.1500

Stick your head in the door of this corner store and you’ll know you’re in the right place. This very chaotic place is a Mexican version of a take-out deli. Part grocery, part deli counter where you can buy everything from carnitas to stacks of handmade corn tortillas. The handmade tortillas are not only made fresh in front of you, they grind their own corn to make the fresh masa. Take a number when you walk in the door and get in line. You really have to be comfortable communicating, or trying to communicate, in Spanish. Although the other customers are extremely helpful if you need help. The only sign I saw in English was the one that told your to mind your kids while they are in the store!

Osha, 819 Valencia @ 19th, T: 415.826.7738

Walking through The Mission, looking for something yummy … It was a rare extremely hot afternoon and what I really wanted was a salad … But Ti Couz was too crowded and didn’t feel like waiting so I started walking back to my housesit … that’s when I stumbled upon Osha. I judge Thai restaurants by their Pad Thai – clearly a subjective judging scale – and Osha won hands down! The decor was a mix of Thai and San Francisco hip and the waitstaff was very friendly. I had the best Pad Thai I’ve ever had west of Oakland this afternoon! And my mouth was burning so furiously after the meal, that I forgot about how hot it was outside! Yum :)

Pancho Villa Taqueria, 3071 16th @ Valencia, T: 415.864.8840

It’s crowded – and once you’ve eaten there you’ll know why. Burritos are the specialty here but for those who need just a nibble the tacos can’t be beat. Simple yet hearty Mexican food at more-than-reasonable prices won’t hurt your wallet.

Papalote, 3409 24th @ Valencia, T: 415.970.8815

It was Cinco de Mayo and my friend was in the mood for salsa! Salsa on her tongue, not on the dance floor :) We headed on over to the Mission and walked around to see where the action was. Cinco de Mayo is a big Mexican holiday celebrated to the extreme by gringos and Mexicans alike. It seemed that there were various little celebrations all up and down 24th St., but the biggest, drunkest, sloshiest one was at La Rondella on the corner of 21st St. and Valencia. She just wanted to eat, not to party, so we kept on walking until we discovered this little gem. Papalote is a high-end taqueria with reasonable prices, good people, and GREAT food. We had fresh snapper tacos, which came two to a plate, piled with lettuce, fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. And the fish was perfect. Prices range from $2.15 – $9.50 with most items in the $4-5 range. Yum!

St. Francis Fountain, 2801 24th @ York T: 415.826.4200

If you are hanging out in The Mission and want to hit a nostalgic yet ultramodern breakfast and lunch spot, try the St. Francis Fountain. It’s a diner that’s been around since 1918 with a counter for us single folk and the original wooden booths for couples or groups. The only thing missing is the 65-year old waitresses with the beehive hairdos. The menu contains a lot of basic diner fair, with a little bit of a twist. I went for breakfast and had a vegetarian Chef’s Mess, which is 2 eggs scrambled all together with homefries, and mushrooms, topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, sour cream & green onions (and usually includes bacon) and toast ($7.75). Everything I saw come out of the kitchen looked excellent. The other breakfast items (omlettes ($6-8.25) , tofu scrams ($7.75), biscuits & gravy ($2.75) and even huevos rancheros ($6.50) and breakfast burritos ($6.50)) all look appetizing as do the lunch sandwiches and salads. They’ve also got milkshakes and rootbeer floats! It’s a neighborhoody place and you won’t find tourists here.

Tartine, 600 Guerrero @ 18th, T: 415.487.2600

Homemade goodies in the French style, desserts and pastires made in small batches.

Ti Couz, 3108 16th between Valencia + Mission, T: 415.252.7373

Tucked in amongst the taquerias and book stores of 16th St. sits the French Crêperie Ti Couz. The lunch time waiters serve up Breton crepes – both savory and sweet – salads, soups and cheese platters, along with beers, ciders, wines, and teas. Everyone in town raves about this place. $2 – $9.

Polk Street/Russian Hill

Places for Coffee: Peet’s, Tully’s, Royal Grounds and La Boulange de Polk.

La Boulange de Polk, 2310 Polk @ Green, T: 415.345.1107

While I was housesitting on Russian Hill I checked out this bakery cafe on Polk St that is situated between two other fab French restaurants – La Folie and Le Petit Robert. La Boulange de Polk is another establishment that has more than one location, but each spot has a little different atmosphere and has most of the things you would expect of a French bakery in San Francisco – cafe au lait in a bowl, salads, pastries – and the ever sought after demi baguette (only 75 cents!). Sidewalk cafe tables allow for people watching.

Nick’s Crispy Tacos, Polk @ Broadway, T: 415.409.8226

A new take on pub grub. Nick’s has yummy upscale tacos and burritos served under the chandeliers of Harry Denton’s Rouge bar. $2.50 (Tacos) – 6.50 (Quesadillas and Burritos).

Thai Spice Restaurant, 1730 Polk, T: 415.775.4777

If you are in the neighborhood this is a really good choice for Thai food. My standard order of Pad Thai was yummy and spicy and just the way I like it.

Hayes Valley

Absinthe 398 Hayes @ Gough T: 415.551.1590

This is where the after the opera crowd goes for a late dinner and drinks. The rest of the time it is full of the in-crowd having lunch or sipping drinks. It reminds me of the old-style Parisian brasseries with the cane chairs around the bistro tables on the sidewalk. The food is brasserie style, although the last time I looked the menu was in English. They’ve got wonderful desserts, which is what I’m usually there for!

Powell’s Place, 511 Hayes, T: 415.863.1404

‘Eat well…..live long…..be happy!’ There is nothing more American than Fried Chicken and BBQ and there is no where else in San Francisco to get a hefty dose of this kind of comfort food. And the menu isn’t limited to chicken … this is a carnivore’s dream house – ribs, ox tails, pork chops, liver and onions, smoked sausage, meat loaf, fish for dinner as well as a complete breakfast and lunch menu.

Upper Haight

Places for Coffee: People’s Cafe

Citrus Club, 1790 Haight @ Schrader, T: 415.387.6366

Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese cooking influence the noodle dishes offered at the Citrus Club! Salads and Cold Noodles, huge bowls of Noodle Soups and Wok-Tossed Noodles. Noodles Noodles Noodles! Take a break from the exhausting energy of Haight Street and relax in the quiet, yet somehow not laid back, atmosphere with a huge bowl of soup. There is also a bar where you can try out a Sake Martini. $4 – $8

Kan Zaman, 1793 Haight @ Schrader, T: 415.751.9656

Have a fruity hookah and a belly dance with that plate of hummus! This crowded-on-the-weekends restaurant serves all the regular Middle Eastern fare – hummus, baba ganoush, kibi, kebabs, tabouli, and couscous stews. Belly dancing appears out of the back room twice on Saturday nights. The din is loud, the crowd is young, and for offering tokes off of a bar full of hookahs, it is surprisingly not smokey.

Magnolia, 1398 Haight @ Masonic, T: 415.864.7468

The only brewpub on Haight Street. Go in for a pint or have a meal. Soups salads and sandwiches are on the menu as are fries, shepard’s pie and pizza. $2.75 – $15 (most items on the menu average around $8-$10)

People’s Cafe, 1479 Haight @ Masonic

Great cafe for inexpensive breakfast or lunch! The potatos are tasty, the salads are big, and there is a small line up of dinner entrees. They have an entire menu of coffees and it’s a great place for Haight St. people watching or waiting to meet up with someone. Breakfast starts at $4

Taqueria el Balazo, 1654 Haight @ Cole, T: 415.864.8608

Giant burritos, quesadillas, tacos and aguas frescas, this place has all of the San Francisco-Mexican staples. Good and filling food. Cafeteria style with a lively painted interior.

Lower Haight

Places for Coffee: International Cafe (Haight@Fillmore), Bean There (Steiner@Waller)

Rosamunde, 545 Haight @ Fillmore, T: 415.437.6851

Did someone say Sausage?! Wild Boar, Smoked Chicken with Cherries, Merguez, Beer Sausage, Smoked Lamb with Sundried Tomato and Potato, Smoked Duck with Juniper Berries, Hazelnuts and Pork, Italian, Hungarian, Andouille, and Vegan, just to name a few off of the menu. Sausage of your choice comes tucked into a warmed sesame bun with two toppings of your choice – kraut, grilled onions, peppers, or spicy beef chili (or plain, and/or with mustard). Sides include German potato salad or a bag of chips. Everyone seems to have a favorite in mind when they get to the counter. Not many seats at the small window counters, but that makes it good too! $3.75 – $5.50 plus drinks and sides.

Kate’s Kitchen, 471 Haight @ Fillmore, T: 415.626.3984

Have breakfast or lunch until 2:45 PM. Yummy Farmer’s Breakfast is simple and to the point, and the French Toast is filling. I’ve also heard that the Cornmeal Pancakes are excellent and the Cheese and Green Onion Biscuits with homemade sausage gravy is good too. For lunch there is the Roasted Chicken Club Sandwich or the A ‘Grate’ Salad, as well as ‘The Smiling Cow’ (seasonal steamed veggies on rice with soy sauce and salsa), the ‘M&M Sandwich (meatloaf spiraled with garlic mashed potatoes), Red Beans and Rice, among other items and sides on the menu. The neighborhood and the room is Funky, the place is open 7 days a week, and on weekends there is a line out the door before the place even opens. Any weekday around lunchtime is a breeze. The waitstaff is cool too :)

Naan N’ Chutney, 525 Haight @ Fillmore, T: 415.255.1625

This restaurant combines the flavors of India and Pakistan. Here you will find everything from Tandoori to Curry to Naan (fresh made to order Indian breads). There are chicken, lamb, veggie, as well as seafood curries and Chutney Wraps (Indian-style burritos!). And of course they have Samosas Chole too! Nice atmosphere. Most items on the menu average around $3-$10

Metro Burgers, 247 Fillmore @ Haight

Great little burger place for the carnivore in you! Also has yummy Garden Burgers and French Fries and Onion Rings. Menu also includes Grilled Chicken and Turkey Burgers.

Estella’s Sandwiches, 250 Fillmore @ Haight, T: 415.864.1810

This sandwich shop has both House-Built Specials and Vegetarian selections as well as Build Your Own – which is what I go for when I’m too starving to read the menu. Sandwiches and Salads average around $5.25-$6.25

Cole Valley

La Boulange de Cole, 1000 Cole @ Parnassus, T: 415.242.2442

La Boulange de Cole is another establishment that has more than one location, but each spot has a little different atmosphere and has most of the things you would expect of a French bakery in San Francisco – cafe au lait in a bowl, salads, pastries – and the ever sought after demi baguette (only 75 cents!). Sidewalk cafe tables allow for people watching.

Inner Sunset

Arizmendi Bakery, 1331 9th Ave. @ Irving, T: 415.566.3117

Stop by for something delicious! You can find your daily bread in many versions, such as artisan breads, baguettes and cheese rolls, muffins or brioche and after 11:30 AM you can pick up a slice of gourmet pizza.

The Canvas Cafe | Gallery, 1200 9th Ave. @ Lincoln, T: 415.504.0060 cafe / T: 415.504.0070 gallery

This lofty – as in light and airy – cafe is a great meeting place for friends to grab a bite to eat or an afternoon coffee. Much of the cafe space has been set aside for Hang Gallery exhibitions, which makes it worth a visit in and of itself.

Ebisu, 1283 9th Ave. @ Irving, T: 415.566.177

Sushi is a treat and in San Francisco one of the best places to find it is this little Sushi restaurant just off of Golden Gate Park. Get a seat at the bar so you can talk to the chefs as they prepare the many versions (named after sporty things) of Sushi from the menu. Don’t see something you want? Ask, you might just get it.

Nan King Road Bistro, 1360 9th Ave. @ Judah, T: 415.753.2900

My favorite place to lunch in this neighborhood makes the most wonderful Chicken with Green Beans in Black Bean Sauce. It’s number 3 on the lunch special menu! Nan King Bistro has a Chinese menu with a European/San Francisco atmosphere.

Inner Richmond

Clement Street has no shortage of really good restaurants! Most of them are casual and a lot of them are Asian of all different persuasions. For a really special treat, check out the Kamei Restaurant Supply Store at 507 Clement, a wonderland of Asian cooking implements and dishes, most of which would make really great functional souvenirs.

King of Thai Noodle House, 639 Clement, T: 415.752.5198

This is probably the most highly recommended Thai restaurant in town. It’s left of casual, as are most of the restaurants on Clement Street. So no frills here! But the food is exactly what you would expect.

SOMA

Places for Coffee: Many places but Cafe Centro is one of my favorites. Also Brainwash on Folsom.

Brainwash Cafe and Laundromat, 1122 Folsom @ Langton,Open: M – Th: 7AM – 11PM, F: 7AM – 12PM, Su: 8AM – 11PM, (kitchen closes at 10PM) T: 415.255.4866

Do your laundry and have your coffee too. Full on cafe, with a laundromat in a seperate room in the back. Which, actually is great for travelers. Very neighborhood type of place. Coffee is strong, pastries are good. Food is ok, although I take this on the word of others. Weekend nights sometimes host a band or two that is passing through town.

Cha-Am 701 Folsom @ 3rd, T: 415.546.9711

This Thai restaurant is a South of Market lunch stand-by for convention attendees, those who either work in the neighborhood or are enjoying an afternoon at the museums. The menu is full of Thai standards, and the food is consistent. But in San Francisco – that ain’t bad!

Manora’s, 1600 Folsom @ 11th, T: 415.861.6224

One of San Francisco’s best Thai restaurants.

Primo Patio, 214 Townsend St. @ Third St, Open: M – F: 9AM – 4PM, Sa & Su: 10AM – 4PM, T: 415.957.1129

When I worked for an ISP in China Basin, this cafe was a weekly, if not at times daily, lunch standard. Caribbean fare inexpensively priced – $6 – $9. My usual order was the huge Red Snapper Sandwich with spicy fries. Sometimes I would go for the Seasonal Scramble and have breakfast, with black beans on the side, for lunch. Nice patio to meet with friends or coworkers. Close to CalTrain and PacBell Park and down the street from SFMOMA and Yerba Buena.

Rocco’s, 1131 Folsom, between 7th and 8th, Open: Breakfast – 10PM T: 415.554.05522

I just had breakfast at Rocco’s for the first time. Yumm. Really great scrambled eggs, homefries, toast. I thought the portion of homefries was too small, but they were just perfect. If you are in SOMA for breakfast, I’d highly recommend it. Vegetarian omelettes and frittatas are on the menu too. Also open for lunch and dinner.

South Beach Cafe, 800 Embarcadero, T: 415.974.1115

Krystell, Mark, Martine, Therry and I visited this cool little cafe for coffee after our visit to Delancy Street Restaurant. We were surprised to find it full of French people who were also on vacation that week … which says something about the place – it’s a magnet. Light Italian/California style menu.

Victor’s, 214 Townsend @ 3rd, Open: M – F: 9AM – 4PM, Sa & Su: 10AM – 4PM, T: 415.957.1129

When I worked for an ISP in China Basin, this inexpensive taqueria was a weekly, if not at times daily, lunch standard. Close to CalTrain and PacBell Park and down the street from SFMOMA and Yerba Buena.

Financial District

Specialty’s

I never go for chain food, but I fell in love with Specialty’s when this bakery cafe had only one store on Kearney. They were so good they didn’t even have a sign out front. They attracted their customers by the aroma of their baking bread! Now there are several all over the financial district and they haven’t seemed to suffer for the expansion. Great for scones or muffins and coffee in the morning. They are famous for their gigantic cinnamon rolls! Yummy flavored breakfast, savory breads and cookies fresh out of the oven. For lunch they’ve got sandwiches under $5. It’s a great inexpensive place to pick up goodies for a picnic somewhere else in The City. Check web-site for locations. There is the original on Kearney (@ Bush), one at the Montgomery BART station (McKesson Building entrance), and another across from Rincon Center.

Rincon Center Food Court

If you find yourself stuck in the Financial District around lunch time and you’re starving, check out this lively Food Court in the very historic Rincon Center. Rincon Center is an art-deco building that was built in 1939 to house the Post Office. In 1941 the WPA held a competition for the murals that adorn the old Post Office walls. The contest was won by Anton Refregier and the work was completed in 1948. In 1988 the center was redeveloped and the focal point became the atrium, which features murals by Richard Haas and a wonderful water sculpture by Doug Hollis.

The great thing about having lunch in this Food Court is that if you are wandering around in a group, you don’t have to agree on what you are going to eat. There’s something for everyone here! Just a tad overpriced though. Try to go a little after the lunch crowd so you can miss the piano players. The acoustics are horrendous!

Yank Sing 2 go – Deem Sum at it’s best!

Thai-To-Go – really good Thai curries and noodles

Wazwan – Indian curries and Tandoori

Arabi – Middle Eastern salads and plates

Village Pizzaria – $2 cheese slices

and more – Korean, Tacos/Burritos, Burgers …

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