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 Spicy and great |
1106 Market Street (at the corner of Seventh Street) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 626 6432 http://www.cafedobrasilsf.com/ |
The vibrant colors here hearken back to the 60s. The authentically prepared food here is just as vibrant, with piquant sauces and a spicy bite. Empanadas are bursting with aromatic beef encased in flaky pastry and flavorful corn pastels. Try the pork in a heady red wine and chocolate sauce, a cod casserole rich with olive oil and green peppers, or feijoda, a meat and bean dish as fiery as its name. The crowd is youngish, though fans of Brazilian food come from all over the Bay Area for the great food and service here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Food prepared with love |
2400 Harrison St San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 824 4652 http://www.withthecurrent.com/... |
Café Gratitude offers a unique dining experience celebrating a "World of Plenty". The menu consists of entrees and appetizers made up of only fine organic ingredients. Enjoy dishes like I Am Passionate, I Am Sensational, or I am Graceful -- all mostly raw vegan cuisine. Café Gratitude's novel menu is created for the purpose of self-nourishment and loving your life! This is the ideal eatery when you have a lot of time on your hands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nice_and_andeezy |
 Photo: Nathalie Lussier |
 Photo: Wendy Goodfriend |
 Photo: Angela Potochnik |
 Photo: Ed Smith |
 Photo: Dave Bill |
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A taste of Brazil |
41 Franklin Street San Francisco, CA 94102-6019 United States +1 415 626 8727 http://www.cantodobrasil.com/ |
This restaurant has been serving authentic Brazilian food for eight years. Located just off of Market, it is not too hard to miss. Just look for the big yellow and blue awning. The atmosphere is comfortable and casual with Brazilian touches. Native Brazilians come here, as well as people who just want to have a taste of something different. The food is great, mild or spicy. The lunch menu is a good deal. You can get huge portions of Galinha na Cerve (chicken marinated in dark beer) or Pernil Recheado, which is leg of pork stuffed with vegetables. All meals come with rice, beans and yucca flour. The service is terrific. The dinner menu is the same as lunch, but the prices are $4-$5 more. If you want to truly experience Brazilian cuisine, try the Feijoada Completa. It's a traditional stew of ham, sausage and beans, slowly simmered with Brazilian spices. It is only available Friday through Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The real thing |
1815 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103-1107 United States +1 415 552 4451 http://www.destinosf.com/ |
The interior of this trendy tapas place exudes the golden glow of a Spanish sunset. The food inspires a similar warm glow. It is classic Tapas done to perfection, unsullied by the fusion craze, and served with panache. Beneath the impressive brass chandelier, you will find Empanadas, plates of different kinds of olives with complementary flavors, and Ceviche among the many selections that change daily. There's also a Sunday Brunch menu to satiate your morning hunger pangs. The crowd is youngish but sedate and the atmosphere is unhurried. All the better to linger over a few more tiny plates and a bottle of Spanish wine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tinna Ho |
 Photo: Tinna Ho |
 Photo: Ted Leibowitz/BAGeL Radio |
 Photo: Beer And Rap |
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Pupusas & More |
3193, Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 641 5056 |
In the heart of the Outer Mission District, where Valencia dead ends into Mission Street, lies a hidden gem. While the Taqueria Can-Cun outpost across the way has garnered more accolades, El Patio is an exceedingly pleasant place for a home-cooked meal. Unlike its burrito-centric neighbors, this establishment offers full sit-down service, and heaping plates of Salvadoran and Mexican specialties. Sun streams in through the windows and skylights, providing ample reason to sit around drinking imported beer (such as Suprema or Regia), enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling intersection out front -- and perhaps chowing down on a few plates of pupusas or a hot lengua entree. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Argentine Steak & Barbecue |
510 Union Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 291 0991 http://www.elraigon.com |
This is one of the popular restaurants in San Francisco that serves juicy grilled steaks. The menu is mainly Argentine with influences from the Spanish and Italian Cuisine. The restaurant's inspiration is a 17000-acre ranch, Estancia El Raigon (Big tree root ranch) owned by one of the three partners of this place. The bar has an impressive wine list that compliments the spicy beef offerings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vividly delicious |
3230 Mission Street (at the corner of Valencia Street) San Francisco, CA 94110-5007 United States +1 415 282 2572 |
This brightly colored storefront serves authentic Salvadorean food to an appreciative fan base of ex-pats and locals. The specialty of this casual eatery is 'pupusas' filled with meat, chicken, cheese or veggies, each prepared by hand from quality ingredients while you watch from your counter seat. You will also find tacos and enchiladas, all well-made and delicious. If you are looking for something with fewer carbohydrates, try the juicy seared steak and onions. No matter what your pleasure, the food is good and the service is friendly and quick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beer And Rap |
 Photo: Beer And Rap |
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Brazil in the Bay |
1686 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 552 8792 http://www.espetus.com/ |
This churrascaria, or Brazilian steakhouse, serves food Rodizio style, continually presenting different cuts of meat until the patrons are finished eating. The word espetus means skewer - which is inspired by the cooking techniques of Brazilian Gauchos in the 1800s. The meats sliced for guests include pork sausages, slow-roasted Brazilian herb chicken, and top sirloin. They also have an extensive salad bar with traditional Brazilian side dishes. The food is a fixed price for as much as patrons can eat - indicated by a green and red chip that tells the servers when to stop serving. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great Peruvian |
1100 Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 440 6343 http://www.finaestampasf.com/ |
This unassuming storefront serves up one of the more interesting cuisines that The City has to offer. The chef, Gus Shinzato, showcases a breadth of Peruvian cooking rarely found in our hemisphere. The food is hearty, heavy on beef, and highly seasoned without being too spicy. You will also find soup brimming with seafood and chili and a paella large enough to feed two. A treat for both eyes and palate is an appetizer made of a rainbow selection of potatoes in blue, yellow, red, orange and white served with a cheese sauce. The beer on the menu is Peruvian and the wine, a hearty red, is from Spain. The atmosphere is down home and the service is always with a smile. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cafe on a sunny corner |
1501 Solano Avenue San Francisco, CA United States +1 510 559 9006 http://www.fondasolana.com/ |
Fonda Solana, which is Spanish for 'cafe on a sunny corner' is definitely worth a visit. The food here is Latin American, and is served in small plates - specialties include Grilled Rack of Lamb with Chimichurri and Duck and Pomegranate Tacos. Such unusual combinations make for an exciting dining experience, and the colourful decor lends the place a festive air. So come, catch a ray of sunlight at the delightful Fonda Solana. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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South American dining |
2114 Fillmore St San Francisco, CA 94115 United States +1 415 447 2668 http://www.frescasf.com/ |
This restaurant makes a strong bid for educating the public to the culinary wonders of Peruvian dining. Wooden tables and a slate floor are visually pleasing, creating such a country feel that one half expects the waiters to draw their water pitchers from a backyard well. An open kitchen adds to the ambiance. The menu features a mix of meat and seafood dishes, highlighted by the soy roasted trout and the seafood stew. Latin beers are plenty, compensating for the absence of mixed drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Udi Falkson  |
 Photo: laura kicey |
 Photo: Rhett Redelings |
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Chic and sleek |
50 Third Street The Hotel Argent San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 974 8800 / +1 415 974 1029 http://www.argenthotel.com/jes... |
Done in a chic style, this tres upscale cafe in the Hotel Argent caters to the well-heeled guests that stay there, though all are welcome. Among the polished granite and brushed chrome, the service is professionally efficient, with a minimum of chatter beyond recounting the specials. The food is meticulously prepared California cuisine with some odd but welcome representatives of other regional fare, including Jambalaya made with an authentic-tasting andouille sausage. Other choices include excellent breakfasts, fresh fish, pastas, and steaks cooked to order. The wine list is good, with California vintages taking pride of place. A good bottle starts at around $15. They have an extensive martini menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pushing your tastebuds |
524 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 252 0918 www.limon-sf.com/ |
After going through the gamut of popular cuisines, such as Indian, Mexican and Italian, it's a blessing to have this Peruvian restaurant in town! The cuisine of Peru is slightly less well known than others and this family run restaurant hits the right spot. Try Seafood ceviche with lime, yam and Peruvian corn or the Lomo saltado – Sirloin sautéed with onions and tomatoes and French fries. The restaurant's décor is simple and bright with ample room for a mezzanine and open kitchen. So, while Castillo entertains in the kitchen, his brothers take care of the customers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: claireclaire |
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Have fun at Mangarosa! |
1548 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 956 3211 http://www.mangarosasf.com/ |
Large-scale canvases, brightly coloured walls, and Prussian-blue banquettes all contribute to the setting at Mangarosa. Specialising in Italian and Brazilian cuisines, this place serves you the best of both - try the famous Brazilian drink, Caipirinha, it goes particularly well with the Braised Short Rib, and the Polenta Souffle. You can also take your pick from delightful wines and champagnes. The staff is quick and efficient too, and you will savor both your food and your overall experience at this restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Efren Bose |
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Inexpensive Nibbles |
3226 Mission Street (between Valencia and 29th Streets) San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 642 4897 |
While the decor at this popular Peruvian restaurant is in no way stunning, the food is certainly something to talk about. Many claim it's the best they've come across in San Francisco, others claim it's the best they've ever come across for such affordable prices. Either way you win. The Japanese chef ensures that the Japanese feel to Peruvian cuisine is even more pronounced. While there are mixed reviews on the entrees, you can't go wrong with the tapas. Get a variety of things to try and see what Peru really has to offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Roasted till succulent |
3015 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94110-4501 United States +1 415 826 3672 |
The menu at this cavernous, casual spot in the Mission features the piquantly spices specialties of the eponymous country for which it was named. Most of it is fiery, but there are mild options, whichever you choose will be authentically prepared and flavorful. Try the succulent Roast Pork with Tart Fried Yucca Root. You will also find Tamales plump with rich fillings of pork, beef, chicken or cheese as well as delicious 'Agua Frescas' to help quell the fire on your taste buds. The service for the mix of ex-pats, students, and professionals is quick and personable. Only cash is accepted at this restaurant. 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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A Passion for Peruvian |
830 Cortland Avenue at Gates and Ellsworth Streets San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 282 8812 http://www.piqueos.com |
Looking to branch out the next time you dine out? Nestled within the neighborhood of Bernal Heights is Piqueo's, bringing you the flavor of Latin America. Chef Carlos Altamirano offers an array of Peruvian delights, from small plates of corn cakes to larger portions of the Arroz con Mariscos, a type of Peruvian paella, or the exotic Chuleta de Cordero con Locro, lambs chops served with pumpkin stew and fried mint leaf. Enjoy their wine list, which boasts vino from around the world. Dessert tempts with choices such as passion fruit mousse and sweet potato flan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Healthy and hearty |
2337 Market Street (between Noe and 17th streets) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 626 2666 |
Customers from Financial District types to local artists come here for a lot of food at low prices, such as the Pollo sin Grasso, a rich stew made with skinless chicken breasts served over fluffy white rice. Cuban quesadillas are stuffed with mushrooms, roasted garlic and peppers and served with sides of fried bananas as well as the traditional rice and black beans. Oaxcan tamales are stuffed with bananas and topped with mango salsa. The decor is an oddly whimsical tribute to The Day of the Dead, with skeletons and tombstones everywhere. The wait staff is as fun as the atmosphere and as efficient as you could want. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Revolutionary talk over fruitful sangria |
1109 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 824 7659 |
If the thought of traveling through Mexico to get to Cuba seems excessive then simply have a drink at the alter-culture, Radio Habana Social Club. After walking through the doors of this Cuban Café you will be immersed in the ambiguous wall accessories and backwards service. Rubber chickens, dolls with anteater heads, and a crutch with a plastic foot hang from the ceiling. Don't be surprised if both Albert Einstein and a fake video camera stare at you as you choose between South American Wine, Mexican Beer or the fruitful house special, Sangria. The regulars are almost as colorful as the décor, belching Spanish, reading, and enjoying the wild Cuban music. There is a list of tapas and entrees, including Indian Samosas, Chicken Tamales and Chilean Emanadas. Drinks are from $3-$5 and meals $4-$6. Most guests spend hours humming to Buena Vista Social Club, sipping to their freedom until the wall decorations begin to spin above them. - Erin Podlipnik Review © 2007, Wcities |
