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 Asian musings |
415 Presidio Avenue San Francisco, CA 94115 United States +1 415 409 0400 http://www.restaurant415.com/ |
Maguro means Yellow Fin Tuna and Aji is Spanish mackerel, and the menu list, at this joint, abounds with many such exotic names. The seafood should be reason enough to visit this restaurant and lounge. Engage in a 'propah' fish fiesta with sake and sushi. Prices are moderate and the interiors create a relaxed setting. Banquets, parties and business events can be arranged with prior appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A delicious blend |
222 Mason Street Second Level, Hotel Nikko San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 394 1111 (Hotel) http://www.restaurantanzu.com |
The dining room reflects the East-West mix of cuisines, with sleek Western furniture blending nicely with the Japanese-infused artwork. Find expertly prepared sushi with ingredients and combinations both classic and cutting-edge, as well as steaks cooked to order. Daily specials usually include a fresh fish dish and a pasta selection to complement the tempura, teriyaki and polenta on the menu. A thoroughly professional and personable staff caters to the upscale clientele. The wine list includes several excellent sake selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mim |
 Photo: Andrew Lin  |
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Innovative cuisine |
826 Folsom Street San Francisco, CA 94107 United States +1 415 538 0918 |
Art Deco colors in oxblood and black are used to create this sleek contemporary space with dramatic lighting design and clean, spare lines. Chefs Jody Denton and Donnie Masterson take classic French cuisine and give it an Asian flair, serving imaginative dishes such as Oysters with Sake, Red Curry Braised Duck with Coconut Risotto, and Wasabi-Sesame Crusted Halibut. The service is professional and the wine list is excellent - the restaurant has been named one of the best in the United States by 'Food & Wine Magazine'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Repetti |
 Photo: Peter Repetti |
 Photo: Peter Repetti |
 Photo: Agathe_b |
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From Manila to you |
1790 Milmont Drive San Francisco, CA 95035 United States +1 408 934 9902 |
It is like a party here for the locals who love this place. Bright colors abound beneath the seashell chandelier, as does the good cheer of the friendly and efficient wait staff. The selection of Filippino delicacies here include lumpia, a crispy egg roll tinged with a tangy bite, lemony shrimp and okra soup, and succulent chicken adobo, as well as fried rice and pancit, glass noodles stir-fried with veggies and meat. Desserts include a wonderful ice cream parfait stacked with white beans and jackfruit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fresh California French |
3340 Steiner Street San Francisco, CA 94123 United States +1 415 202 0100 http://www.bistroaix.com/ |
Parking in the Marina, especially around the dinner hour, can be a nightmare. This is one restaurant that makes the struggle worthwhile. West Coast meets Western European in the casual chic decor and in the innovative menu here. Choose from wafer-thin, crisp-crusted pizzas, crackling-skinned Roasted Chicken, or Grilled Lamb with fluffy Mashed Potatoes. The crowd is mostly local, but a few tourists have found out about this place, too. Good wines, good service and great desserts complete the dining experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Superb Pacific Rim cuisine |
1963 Sutter Street (Between Fillmore and Webster Streets) San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 775 7313 |
This busy little place offers a unique twist on the fusion motif. Within its purple and gold walls, diners enjoy innovative Asian cuisine with very Californian overtones. From the minute the Papadam (classic Indian bread) is placed on the table, it is clear that this will not be a standard meal. Enjoy Lobster and Mango Spring Rolls, but save room, though. Entrees such as Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Maple-Mustard Glaze are worth savoring. The wine list highlights California selections. Prices vary, but expect to pay $15 and up for a good bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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East meets West |
132 The Embarcadero (between Howard and Mission) San Francisco, CA 94105 United States +1 415 777 8688 http://www.thechaya.com |
The brickwork interior is more re-claimed factory than upscale eatery catering to the local yuppies and business travelers, but the views of San Francisco Bay are divine and so is the food. The sushi bar, which serves classic offerings with nary a whiff of fusion cuisine, is suitably Asian in design. Menu items in the dining area, though, are a novel and delicious mix of East and West. Enjoy such intriguing combinations as Trout with tomatoes and seaweed and Hama Hama oysters with potato pancakes. The service is gracious and efficient. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Hawk |
 Photo: Gary Stuart |
 Neighborhood with Non-Stop Bustle |
Grant Avenue at Bush Street San Francisco, CA 94108 United States http://www.sanfranciscochinato... |
One of the busiest areas of the city, Chinatown is a hodgepodge of shops, restaurants, and businesses of every kind. The vibrant and close-knit community that lives within this neighborhood has also made it one of San Francisco's top tourist destinations. With over 80,000 residents (plus countless tourists) traversing the streets, it is no wonder that the sidewalks can become precarious during rush hour. Thankfully, there are many side streets, quiet shops, and traditional restaurants that provide some relief from the bustle outside. Try your luck at one of the hundreds of dining options in the area, especially those serving Dim Sum, as they can be some of the best in the city. Also make sure to stop in some of the small herbal shops for some unusual trinkets and art. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: George Yang |
 Photo: Graham Anderton |
 Photo: Marsha Zarco |
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Wonderful food, extensive wine list |
901 Cole Street (at Carl) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 566 3063 Samantha Engel |
Chef/owner Arnold Eric Wong creates a menu delicately fusing European and Asian elements into every dish. The Tamarind Lamb and Vegetable Kabobs with Spaghetti Squash Spanakopita leaves one wondering how such distant flavors found themselves together in an entree. The wine bar offers over 400 popular and hard-to-find varieties from around the world (40 available by the glass). The management has also thoughtfully imported several cheeses from Europe to complement the wine tastings. A popular spot for young professionals, the decor is airy and bright in a French Bistro meets California Casual sort of way and the service is great. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A taste of home |
3535 Callan Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94080 United States +1 415 873 0565 http://www.goldilocks.com/ |
This may be the only outpost of this popular Filippino chain in the Bay Area. It certainly attracts ex-pats from all over craving a taste of the special gooey-rich cakes turned out in a cornucopia of flavors. Others come for the excellent Filippino dishes served cafeteria-style, particularly the traditional breakfast of tasty fried rice, eggs and spicy-sweet 'longaniza' sausage. You will also find 'lumpia', 'pancit', stir-fried glass noodles with veggies and meat, as well as slow-cooked, flavorful 'adobo chicken'. For an unusual and delicious change of pace, try the avocado milkshake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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24-Hour Weekend Dining |
901 Taraval Street San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 661 3303 |
San Francisco's Sunset district has plenty of bars you can find yourself at all night, but when that last call bell rings and you don't want to go home yet, head to the Island Cafe. Capitalizing on the amount of late night traffic in the area, this restaurant stays open round the clock on weekends, serving up delicious plates of Pork Lau Lau, Chicken Katsu, and, of course, Spam! These island dishes are a great way to preempt a hangover while still providing quality taste. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hip and happening |
2084 Chestnut Street San Francisco, CA 94123 United States +1 415 771 1168 |
Constant techno music, a plasma TV behind the sushi counter, and an otherwise starkly decorated room creates the feel of standing on the set of "Blade Runner." Yet, in a weird way it provides a refreshing orbital pause from the usual sushi house décor of bamboo plants and dragon motifs. The food rates superb, especially the Robata Grilled Baby Lobster Tails. The sushi roll options are vast, avoiding the ho-hum plight that plagues some of the area's better-known sushi restaurants. This is a must dining stop for anyone seeking a snap from the ordinary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cozysf |
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Art, Music, Dance & More |
701 Mission Street (Yerba Buena Gardens) San Francisco, CA 94103-3138 United States +1 415 978 2787 |
This one-day festival takes place outdoors and features a variety of entertainment possibilities to enjoy. It is where you can listen to the jazz melodies of A Gathering of Ancestors, watch traditional Native American dances, and gather for storytelling. It also offers art exhibits and craft workshops. The all day event is not only fun, it is an educational and cultural experience. This festival is free. Some vendors may take credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hola Nola! |
535 Ramona Street San Francisco, CA 94301 United States +1 650 328 2722 www.nolas.com |
Downtown Palo Alto is the setting for Nola's. And the menu consists of Creole, Cajun cuisine in an enchanting building with romantic balconies. The New Orleans touch is evident in the southern style of cooking. Seafood gumbo or alligator and crawfish dumplings are classics that customers crave for most of the time. That just goes to show how peoples' tastes change; now alligators are turned into dumplings rather than leather bags! While the fixed price menu comes for $23, Etouffée is something every New Orlean person living in California will order. Check out the funky crockery, and you can imagine only a seafood jambalaya in it! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One-of-a-Kind Fine Dining |
1200 Bridgeway San Francisco, CA 94965 United States +1 415 331 3226 http://www.paradisebaysausalit... |
At Paradise Bay you will enjoy new American cuisine in a Sausalito Waterfront setting. You'll find the marvelous view exceeded only by the exquisite food, all prepared by Master Chef Thomas Mitchell. His clever culinary combinations, like the mouth watering Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Spicy Rock Shrimp or the Bloody Mary Seafood Cocktail (served with horseradish) are a good way to start your meal, with just enough bite to tantalize your taste buds. If you drop by for lunch, sink your teeth into the Salmon Burger with grilled pineapple and tarter sauce, or maybe the Wild Mushroom Ravioli with smoked chicken. For dinner, the Tamarind-Glazed Double-Cut Pork Chop, with pickled ginger is sinfully delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Zen There Was Poleng |
1751 Fulton St (at Masonic Ave) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 441 1751 http://polenglounge.com/ |
Poleng Lounge has changed the art of enjoying tea into something extradinary and more. By day, the lounge offers diverse and unusual blends of loose leaf tea in a Zen atmosphere, by night Poleng transforms into a pan-Asian restaurant, performance space, and a posh lounge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: flatsol press |
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A culinary playground |
401 Taylor Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 775 7979 http://www.ponzurestaurant.com/ |
A vast winding bar carries the eye to three large fish tanks inhabited by dynamically colored tropical fish. The restaurant uses deep rich hues of burgundy and Mediterranean blue to complement the cherrywood furniture and to impress the Theater District clientele. The menu is elaborate. The Shrimp-stuffed Thai Chicken Wings with Black Pepper Caramel tantalizes the eyes as well as the tongue. Exquisite platters to share feature Star Anise Lacquered Duck with Spiced Plums and Scallion Pancakes. Entrees include Tea-smoked Salmon and Oxtail in a Black Vinegar Sauce. The bar features an extensive sake menu and creates a few unique drinks of its own such as the Ponzu Mary (Skyy Vodka, Hakusan Sake, Soy Sauce, Wasabi, Horseradish and Lemon Juice). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nob Seki |
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Hawaiian heaven |
1940 Taraval Street (30th Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 731 8900 http://www.ricksaloha.com/ |
What do you get when you cross an English pub with a Hawaiian luau? You get this place, full of people from all walks of life having a great time. The menu is full of international, self-styled comfort food such as Pot Roast, Chicken Marsala and Lamb Curry. You can top it all off with the 'uber' comfort food - Coconut Custard. The wine list offers several good domestic and imported vintages. On Sundays there is a champagne brunch with live jazz and blues on tap and a complementary glass of bubbly or a Mimosa as well as terrific Hawaiian Bread French Toast. On the first Monday of every month, join a real luau, with authentic fare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine |
575 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94105 United States +1 415 777 0277 http://www.roysrestaurant.com |
Roy Yamaguchi, a Tokyo native, first tasted Hawaiian fare as a kid when he traveled with his grandparents to Maui. These early memories inform his menus with exotic flavors and spices confected with the freshest of local ingredients. Roy Yamaguchi's commitment to fine food with his seafood-intensive menu saw the debut of Roy's Restaurant in Honolulu in 1988 and word got around that this was THE place for excellent food and service. In San Francisco, diners with a discerning palate enjoy Roy's extraordinary menu, with its daily variations. A nice way to start your meal is to select from the many tantalizing Ohana Appetizers. The Tempura Crusted Spicy Ahi Sushi Roll has just enough bite to whet your appetite. Roy's Canoe Appetizer for Two includes shrimp sticks, Szechuan baby ribs, lemongrass steak summer roll, crispy blue crab cake and lobster pot stickers – a choice sampling of the eatery's extensive menu. For entrees, The Charred Japanese Misoyaki Butterfish is as succulent as its name. The Original Blackened Island Ahi, bathed in spicy hot soy mustard butter is another favorite. For dessert, Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé, a flourless chocolate cake with a molten hot center, is the right way to round things out. The 30 Roy's Restaurants can be found in Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, Japan and Guam. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Cozy dining in the colorful Castro |
4243 18th Street San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 626 7864 http://www.suminthecastro.com/ |
Outside this quaint, quiet establishment, flower boxes filled with the season's brightest colors adorn the window sills. Inside the same idea of simple natural beauty carries through catering to a low-key and understated crowd at the 16 linen-topped tables. The menu features California Cuisine with dishes such as Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Montmorency Cherries, Butternut Squash Puree, and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds. Complex dishes, yet with delicate and subtle flavors. For dessert, try the warmed Apricot Bread Pudding with Raspberry Coulis and Creme Fraiche, or the Chestnut Tart with Chocolate Ice Cream. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fabulous fusion |
300 Broadway Near Jack London Square San Francisco, CA 94607 United States +1 510 251 8100 http://www.soizicbistro.com/ |
Cafe Pastoral had legions of fans during its run in Berkeley, so when the owners opened this elegant bistro-style spot, there was a fan base in place that keeps it packed. The food is Pacific Rim with Mediterranean overtones and the setting is a fusion, too, of clean Asian lines and carefully chosen pieces of Western art with tapestries mixed with striking contemporary art for a look that is timeless. A seasonal menu changes daily, but a Delicately Smoked Chicken is usually offered along with fresh fish, pastas and light but flavorful house-made desserts. Review © 2007, Wcities |