Great Places to Eat In San Francisco!

by Margaret
(SoCal )

My husband and I had the great opportunity to live in San
Francisco. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and when friends request a list of great restaurants in SF, this is the list we give them. Some are well known places, and others are hidden gems:

Zarzuela- Tapas- Start with a jug of Sangria! Great little Spanish tapas place. In the middle of a quiet neighborhood in Russian Hill.
2000 Hyde @ Union
415-346-0800
Zarzuela

Burma Super Star- Burmese Food- A cross between Thai, Chinese and Indian. If you're in the mood for an adventure in food, then try this place. There is always a wait if you go at peak times. Unique Asian Food. One of my favorites.
It's on Clement Street in the Richmond District.
Burma Super Star

Swan's Oyster Depot- Belly up to the bar (there aren't any tables) for this casual but delicious FRESH seafood bar. A bunch of old guys (3rd and 4th generation fishermen who bring in and serve the seafood fresh off the family boat!) will wait on you. There may be a line, but once inside they don't rush you.
1517 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109-3606
(415) 673-2757

Michealangelo Cafe- In the North Beach Italian District- The owner will usually be the one to greet and seat you. Good Italian Food, Good Prices. Very Casual. Funky decor. If you order the house wine, you'll be served from a rooster pitcher into a traditional hand-painted ceramic wine glass from Deruta, Italy. Almond cookies and gummy bears are served to each table for dessert.

579 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133-2801
(415)986-4058

House of Nanking- Very casual. Not expensive. Best Chinese ever. This is a must if you are in the mood for Asian food. Usually the owner takes the orders. You don't even need to look at the menu. Just tell the owner what you are in the mood for. For example. Give us a chicken dish, a seafood dish, potstickers (a must have), or tell him "I love mushrooms". He'll bring out some of the most delicious food ever. Usually a line. If you ask for a highchair, chances are you might be given a couple cases of soda for your kid to sit on. Like I said..it's very casual.
Kearny Street in Chinatown

Georgios- Delicious thin chewy crust pizza- New York Style. Very Casual environment, red checkered table cloths.
Clement Street

Bix- Unique two-story 1930's speakeasy-style supper club in the financial district- down an alley...it's easy to miss. Servers in tuxes. Live Piano/jazz music. Expensive.
Bix

Judy's Cafe- GREAT breakfast. If you like sweet stuff for breakfast, try the cream cheese stuffed french toast. In the Marina District. Have breakfast, then walk around and shop or head down to the pier. Be prepared to wait.
Judy's Cafe

Gary Danko's- Gary is a celebrity chef in SF, and well respected by the other chefs. His restaurant opened a few years ago is still a hot place to eat. Expensive, but similar in food style as the famous French Laundry. Every dish is unique and prepared with special detail and care. (Near the wharf, but not touristy) Good choice for a special night.
Gary Danko's