What
drives me crazy about tourists in San Francisco is that most of them just
assume that because they are in California its going to be 90 degree weather,
HA think again people, NorCal is NOT L.A. (thank god). Because of their
ignorance you can always tell who the tourists are as the whole family is
wearing the same “San Francisco” Sweatshirt that they just bought from the
souvenir shop…pretty comical actually.
As
a Native to SF, I wanted to share with you (and especially my friend Maggie who
is making the move to SF) my local’s guide to what I think to be the best in
the most beautiful city in the world. This first chapter is Restaurants. This
is my top list of restaurants in San Francisco for every type of occasion and
budget.
OK so here goes…
Loconda Osteria
and Bar:
$$
Incredible
food and chic atmosphere. This was new about two years ago and was started by
the same group that opened Delfina (another Fav of mine). It is contemporary
Italian and let me tell you absolutely delicious. You have to get the Jewish
style artichokes, the Stracciatella mushrooms, and the lamb ragu pasta. The
atmosphere here is fabulous and the service impeccable. Make a reservation way
in advance as it’s hard to get into but… WELL WORTH IT. http://www.locandasf.com
Delfina
Restaurant: $$$ (Great date spot)
All
can say is Warm White Bean Salad. Enough said… The whole menu is divine and I
promise you will be so happy with everything: food, wine and service. It’s a
cozy spot in the mission that has a real neighborhood feel. The pizzeria next
door is delicious as well; Make sure you make a reservation in advance, as
walk-ins are very hard. http://delfinasf.com/restaurant/
Zuni Café $$$ (Best Date Spot
or place for when your parents come into town, Lunch too)
Two
things to know: First, order the Chicken…it’s for 2 people, but it takes a while
to cook so when you sit down tell them, "I want the chicken" (and don’t look back). Second,
The Caesar salad is incredible, and I know that’s random but it has literally
been written up for being the BEST. Again the whole menu is awesome, but trust
me by ordering those two items you will be a very happy and full human being.
DA BOMB. http://www.zunicafe.com
BIX Restaurant
$$$ (When parents are in town)
The
martinis are incredible, they have live jazz music and well the Truffle burger
melts in your mouth. I have gone to BIX every birthday dinner with my parents
for the last 4 years. It is always consistent and always enjoyable for my
parents and me. Just a fabulous restaurant that never gets old. http://www.bixrestaurant.com
Frascati $$$ (3rd
date spot, or anniversary)
This
cozy little restaurant in Russian Hill has an incredible wine list, its intimate
and the food is amazing. There is really not one bad thing on the menu. This is
a real Local spot, and known by all the real San Franciscans… It’s right on
Hyde Street so you see the cable cars cruising by. All in all it is just a
great experience. http://www.frascatisf.com
The Corner
Store $$ (fun for a group dinner or casual Friday night)
Owned
and run by a bunch of guys I grew up with. It has a fun atmosphere, great
drinks and well Chef Nick Adams never disappoints. The burger is to die for,
but again this little local joint’s food has a lot of soul and will have you
leaving very satisfied. Say hi to chef Nick if you go…you cant miss his smile J. http://www.thecornerstore-sf.com
Sushi Ran $$$ (Best Sushi
Ever!)
In
Sausalito, but worth the drive, ferry or bike ride over. Hands down the best
sushi place I have ever been in my life. Get the Black Miso Cod. It is hard to
get into so try going early and having some sake at the bar. http://www.sushiran.com
Ristorante
Milano $$
(Casual dinner with a friend or lover)
Another
local secret is this gem of an Italian restaurant. My mother is Italian and Ristorante
Milano is by far her favorite authentic Italian Spot besides La Ciccia (http://www.laciccia.com/index.php). Home made pasta, everyone speaks Italian. You feel as
though you are in Rome. It is very casual. Parking is a real pain though so
prepare to circle the block a bunch, or just take a cab. http://www.milanosf.com
Balboa: $$ (Best
Burger in SF)
I
have been going here since I was a little girl and to be honest I have NEVER
ordered anything but the balboa burger… that says a lot. I also go here for an
after work martini and to people watch, its nickname is “cougar den”…go and then
you will see why. They do have a killer bloody Mary as well. http://www.balboacafe.com/san-francisco/
Godzilla Sushi
$ (cheap delicious sushi)
It
is Easy, cheap and delicious. It won’t break the bank and you will be very
satisfied. http://www.godzilasushi.com
Sociale $$
(date night)
This
restaurant is cozy, romantic and the food is absolutely scrumptious. Please
start with the fried olives.... I cant go there an not eat them. The duck penne
is something you will never forget. Its impeccable food and David the owner has
chosen a five star staff that makes your experience one to remember. http://sfsociale.com
Chez Spencer
$$$ (Anniversary, romantic date)
Run
by a beautiful French family, this beautiful French Restaurant is hands down
one of the most romantic spots that I Have ever been to in SF. With the
twinkling lights in the front courtyard, to the beautiful Parisian accents, you
truly feel as though you are in Paris for the night. The food is divine and so are
their signature cocktails. http://chezspencer.net
Liverpool Lil's-
$ (Great during winter and for a couple beers)
They
have Delicious beer on draft, a killer Sheppard’s pie, and well great dark
corners to hide in during the winter. This is a San Francisco Staple. The
people there will be SF Natives and smart young guys and gals who know what’s
up. Great Sunday hangover dinner spot.
Mamacita's $$ (Group spot,
date spot, just drink)
Delicious
Contemporary Mexican food. Their chilaquiles are mouth watering, as are their pomegranate
margaritas. Mamacita’s is fun for a Friday night before you take on the town.
Watch out for the guacamole, it is dank but contains a lot of garlic so if you
plan on macking on some men/women go easy on it. http://www.mamacitasf.com
Tortilla
Heights (group dinner)
Easy,
fun, and in expensive for a fun birthday dinner.
Tacolicious $ (its all in
the name)
BOMB.
Great week night dinner, casual, easy and delightful.
Roses Café $$
(Great brunch, lunch and dinner)
A
neighborhood restaurant that is consistent. My favorite lunch item is the
salmon cozy (holy pita). For Brunch: The breakfast pizza…done. And for dinner,
the chicken is killer but you must have the fried potatoes (I get them extra
crispy). This place is a
phenomenal family spot for all meals. It’s like getting a home cooked meal, as
the staff becomes part of your family. (Not kidding, My parents had a waitress
over for Christmas dinner once.)
Outerlands Café
$ (Organic, and a cozy spot after a big day of surfing at OB)
Its
small but has a big food personality. It’s a gathering spot for friends,
surfers and for people in the hood. They serve brunch, lunch and dinner. The
atmosphere is very eco friendly and just cool. If you are out by Ocean Beach
(OB) please go check it out…it’s a local spot and needs to be there when I get
back…if you catch my drift.
Tipsy Pig $$
(Boozy Brunch)
The
Strawberry Field
It
says it all in the name. Great spot for Saturday or Sunday brunch. Ridiculous
Juevos rancheros and the drink strawberry field…ladies… you cant just have
one…WATCH OUT. Jamal the Bartender works there sometimes so please say hi to
him, he is the sweetest. They have a great outdoor area in back so its great
for when the sun is shining and let me tell you the people that are there are
very attractive …ALWAYS. http://thetipsypigsf.com
I
would like to conclude this segment with my top 2 ice cream places, as I have a
serious sweet tooth, and I know Maggie has one too.
Fraiche: Homemade organic fresh frozen yogurt $$ (for
froyo)
Honestly,
this might be the best frozen yogurt I have ever had. It tastes fresh and
light. The pumpkin flavor is incredible. They have fresh toppings including
freshly grated dark chocolate and just out of the oven toasted almonds. This
place is my addiction. I am fully obsessed. http://www.fraicheyogurt.com
Swensen’s $ (SF STAPLE: Good ole fashion ice cream)
It
has been there since I was a baby. All homemade ice cream…absolutely delicious.
http://www.swensens.com
Next Chapter… FASHION.
Xx,
Finn
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