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If you make any new years resolutions about diet and exercise, and want to break it very strenuously, then Old Krakow is the place to do it! While I enjoyed my meal, I was WAY overloaded with starch/carbs, and fat. It's one of those places where you go to enjoy home-cooking and not worry about anything else. The restaurant is charming, the service is genuine and the food is pretty authentic (I think). The soups, while delicious, are hearty and liberal with the cream and salt. I had the potato dumpling with mushroom sauce which was five mounds of potatoes swimming in a sea of delicious creamy mushroom sauce (not low cal). At the end of the dish, I was completely stuffed - I don't think I have ever had so much starch and cream in one go. My partner had the mixed selection of perogis, which were starchy and tasty. They don't come in any sauce so he kept taking my mushroom cream sauce, which I must admit, made them taste better. All in all, I think Old Krakow is worth trying.
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Old Krakow Polish Restaurant
Cuisine: Polish Czech Eastern European
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West Portal |
12/3/2006
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While it wasn't the best place, it wasn't the worse either. The atmosphere is casual and the service is upfront and friendly. Our waiter guided us to the best items and we appreciated that. I inquired about the quality of the meats (are they free range? organic?) to which our waiter replied that with prices as low as theirs, they can't afford higher quality meats. I didn't find the prices particularly low and other restaurants can be just as competitive and offer free range, organic meats and produce ("Home" comes to mind). I was also surprised with the winelist. Very average wines with high mark-ups. There's a bottle that retails for less than $10 that is $32. And their corkage is $15, which seems unreasonable for a place that has a very basic and average wine list. I had the ravioli starter, which I enjoyed. And the special entree of the night: Scallops with risotto. The risotto with the scallops was nice, but on its own, didn't stand up as well. Overall, a nice time.
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Triptych
Cuisine: Fusion
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SoMa |
12/3/2006
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I have been to MANY african restaurants and Asmara's is the best out there. Please do yourself a favour and get to Asmara and order their A-beg Alicha. It's cubed lamb in the most succulent sauce ever created. I also love the vegetarian combination with the perfectly stewed yellow split peas, mustard greens and the other delicious stewed grain. The decor is plain yet interesting. The service is always friendly. And when you get your check, you will think, "Wow! Why can't more delicious dinners be this reasonable?!" They don't have an extensive drink menu, but they do allow you to bring in your own wine and charge anywhere between 50 cents to a dollar per person. Anyway you look at it, it's an incredibly reasonable option. We've found that the food matches well with an unoaked chardonnay or a lite red wine, like a young pinot noir or a southern Rhone or Spanish. In any case, get ye to Asmara's!!
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Asmara Restaurant
Cuisine: Ethiopian
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Oakland |
11/22/2006
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Mmmmm...Chez Panisse. Is there a place more perfect than this very comfortable and creative fine dining landmark in the Bay Area?! I've had the pleasure of dining here four times (in the main dining room) and was never disappointed. I love the idea of turning over all culinary responsibilities to the expert chefs and just enjoy each dish as they are presented. I have even enjoyed dishes I normally would not even consider ordering. It doesn't surprise me that one still needs to claim reservations exactly one month in advance. Last year, I tried getting a reservation for an hour. I started calling at 9AM and kept hitting redial. When I got through shortly after 10AM, I was put on the waitlist. Although disappointed, I wasn't sad. I knew that when I did finally go back, I would appreciate the experience that much more. If there is one restaurant in SF I would recommend to anyone, it would be Chez Panisse.
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Chez Panisse
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Berkeley |
11/22/2006
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We went to Gary Danko to celebrate my partner's birthday and we left happy - yet a bit less than satisfied. The service is impeccable - no complaints about that at all. From the time we entered the restaurant until we left, we were showered with thoughtful and comfortable service. It was the food that left us a little bit disappointed. I enjoyed most of my dishes while my partner didn't enjoy many of his. We each had the four-course option. I think what surprised us most was the quality of the ingredients. While the finished products came out very nice, we were surprised to find out that a high-end restaurant in SF doesn't always use local, organic meats and produce. They offer a salmon dish where they use farmed salmon year-round, even when wild salmon is in season! I was very surprised by that as there is a distinct taste between the two. Same with the meats - none are free range and organic. The wine list is also a bit rich on the mark-ups.
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GARY DANKO
Cuisine: American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
11/22/2006
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Wow! What a perfect neighbourhood pizzeria with refined dining options and a wicked crazy wine list that boast the most reasonable italian wines one can possibly get in a restaurant! The $14 Montepulciano is an incredibly smooth wine - and with prices like that, you can put away a bottle without feeling guilty or going broke. I enjoy their starters as much as the pizzas. My favourites are the sardines, tri-color salad, and hand-stretched Mozzarella. The pizzas are well portioned. Not huge but also filling enough that two people can share one and leave satisfied. I believe their most delicious pizza is the homemade sausage. I also like the four cheese. Haven't had the guts to try the clams in white sauce pizza, but it DOES sound very interesting - and not for the faint of heart. I've not had to wait long for a table in the past. I also like the counter seating when there are just two of us. Make sure to save room for dessert, which are yummy.
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Pizzeria Delfina
Cuisine: Pizza
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Mission |
11/22/2006
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I keep going "Home." While it isn't the best restaurant in SF, it is a great place for a comfortable meal. I usually visit "Home" about once a month. They offer great meals at a very good value. What's more - they are dedicated to using local and organic ingredients - at much lower prices than other restaurants who also use top quality ingredients. Their Niman Ranch hamburgers are delicious. Their traditional dishes are also very nice. The wine list isn't fantastic, but they have a reasonable corkage (I think it's $10) and that provides a nice option. I also enjoy their desserts and there are some 1/2 order of desserts that are available if only you ask. Home is the perfect Sunday or Monday night dining spot - when you want to go out and have a nice meal but not all of the flash and glitter of a truly fine-dining establishment. It's much more comfortable than that - especially if you manage to get a booth.
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Home
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Castro |
11/22/2006
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This was my second time to dine at Kokkari and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This restaurant is quite huge. If at all possible, try to get a table at the front room of the restaurant. It is much more intimate with charming character. The back room seems a bit too big and a tad lifeless. The small plates are delicious and burst with flavours and tempting aromas. I like the idea that one can get a selection of treats and flavours. It's just that small plates can add up and make for an expensive meal. The meats here are well prepared - if you order grilled meats, you just can't seem to go wrong. The main dishes are huge, so don't eat too many small dishes at the start if you want to enjoy a main. I had the ribeye, which I enjoyed. It was a bit overcooked, but the flavour was nice nonetheless. My partner had the lamb shank which was tender and comfy. Again, huge huge dishes. Make sure to make a reservation when dining there.
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Kokkari Estiatorio
Cuisine: Greek Mediterranean
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Downtown |
11/22/2006
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I frequently enjoy Thai cuisine and I went to King of Thai for the first time last week. I was impressed with the quick and friendly service. The counter with all of its activity, the small dining area, the flatscreen television playing random shows - it really reminded me of Bangkok! The food is quickly prepared and seems quite fresh. We started with the Tom Yum Gai, which was a nice balance between spicy and tangy. My partner had the Pad See Eu, which I wish I ordered as well. The little bit I nibbled was splendid. I had the (real) Crab Meat friend rice, which was fine enough, although a bit bland. Some of the bean sauce from the Pad See Eu would have done wonders to the dish. All in all, we enjoyed our casual food-stop at King of Thai. I would definitely go back for a tasty lunch.
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King of Thai
Cuisine: Thai
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Inner Richmond |
11/22/2006
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Small yet lively, we enjoyed a nice meal with the very friendly and comfortable service at Hana Sushi Bang. The sushi are well sized. The Bang Bang Roll can be a meal in and of itself. I had a bowl of udon noodles as well, and that was a nice break from the multitude of flavours in the Bang Bang Roll. My partner had tempura, which was probably the least exciting item we ordered. My suggestion is to enjoy the many creative sushi rolls and fresh nigiri. The service is extremely warm. The couple dining next to us were on a date and it made me think, "Yes. This is a nice place to enjoy on a second or third date."
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Hana Sushi Bang
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Outer Richmond |
9/10/2006
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This neighbourhood certainly needs more dining options like Soluna. Lively, mellow, entertaining, relaxing. There's not much aside from the high-end "Theater Crowd" restaurants at the Civic Center, so having Soluna is a refreshing and lively option. The live music does add a real artistic and creative atmosphere to the restaurant. When you first walk in, you encounter a huge bar (probably 1/2 the size of the overall space) and you are immediately aware that this place does get quite lively! It's perfect in a way, because the dining menu lends itself to sharing. There are a ton of very interesting dishes on offer and it's best enjoyed shared - when you can get a taste of as many dishes as possible. The meat dishes are flavourful...I think that is what they serve best. The service is also very friendly - with a waitstaff who is relaxed and happy to accommodate.
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Soluna Cafe and Lounge
Cuisine: Californian
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Civic Center |
9/2/2006
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What a wonderful find! I've been to 1550 Hyde thrice and enjoyed myself every single time. The food is creative and delicious and the dining room staff is very gracious. The only questionable service was the waitress on our most recent visit - who clearly didn't want to be there that evening. Regardless, my friends and I were determined to have a great experience. I had the soup special that evening - delicious. Not too salty, not too rich. My friends had salads which they all thoroughly enjoyed. When the mains arrived, two of my friends had the lamb moussaka which they raved about. I had the roast chicken, which was tender and tasty - not the least bland. Desserts and Cheese are also very interesting and delicious at 1550 Hyde. Their winelist is also creative and inventive, which unusual finds and a good price range for many different types of experiences. I am already looking forward to my next visit to 1550 Hyde. The host is remarkably hospitable!
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1550 Hyde
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean Organic
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Russian Hill |
8/27/2006
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It's been a couple of months since I had dinner at Bar Tartine. There were four of us. The dining room there is nice - well lit, rustic and modern. The staff seemed a bit flustered, but they were friendly enough. Perhaps it's because I really expected a lot from this restaurant but we walked away underwhelmed. The bread accompanying dinner was very nice, but everything else seemed mediocre and bland. A lot less imaginative and comfortable than we had hoped. Friends who dined the night before warned us that they had a lukewarm experience and that some of the dishes were downright bad. None of our dishes were bad but none of them were worth recommending as well. With that said, I do think that they deserve another chance to ensure that we weren't there on an off night. I really do want to like that place!
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Bar Tartine
Cuisine: American (New) French
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Mission |
8/27/2006
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In a town with many french offerings, Garcon doesn't stick out. It's not a bad place for french food, but it's not a fantastic place either. The servers all seem to come from french-speaking countries and the decor is dark and sexy. Yet the food seems slightly uninspired and unimaginative. If you're looking for french food, you can have a decent meal here...but chances are that it won't rock your world. If you want something unusual, try one of the other french restaurants in SF. If you're in the Mission and you want a loud and noisy place that serves decent French food, Garcon is an option.
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Garcon
Cuisine: French
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Mission |
2/5/2006
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The service is very comfortable from the moment we entered the restaurant. Range is a less refined Delfina, but it has that cozy atmosphere with a similar menu (at a slightly better price). I enjoyed the salad I started with and the chicken I ordered as my main. I was a little disappointed that my chicken dish was a tad too salty (did it brine a bit too long?) but all in all, our meal was very nice. Range is a good addition to the ever-changing Mission scene. It's accessible and refined. It's well presented and not stuffy. It's a good place for a date.
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Range
Cuisine: American (New)
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Mission |
2/5/2006
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It is truly unfortunate that a space so cool can churn out such bland cuisine. I had heard mixed reviews on Zuppa and went to check it out for myself. Everything was mediocre -- from service to (especially) the food. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a celebrity (the tables are very close to one another) and we both commented how disappointed we were with our dining experience. The food was was, the presentation was unimaginative and the place lacked energy. I had the chicken for dinner and it was swimming in a tasteless "broth" and overboiled vegetables. I ordered a side of kale as none of the mains come with anything and the little pot of kale was appalling. It was boiled and had no flavour at all. The kind of veggies my 96 year-old grandmother makes. All in all, it was disappointing and I wouldn't be surprised if this place didn't last long. There are too many better places in this area. Save yourself a disappointing experience and by all means, dine somewhere else!
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Zuppa
Cuisine: Italian
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SoMa |
2/5/2006
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Parking is a bit tough here because of its proximity to Union Square, but the food more than makes up for it! The guacamole is excellent, made at your table (if it's not too crowded with patrons). The Carnitas is my favourite dish here, made just perfect with the right blend of spices and not overcooked and dry (in fact, it is a very tender pork). The chile relleno is very nice as well. The service has always been friendly and attentive without being too much. I've dined here twice and both experiences have been very positive. Also a great place for after-work happy hour drinks.
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Colibri Mexican Bistro
Cuisine: Mexican Small Plates
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Downtown |
11/3/2005
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I've dined at Cosmopolitan Cafe several times over the years and I feel that it has lost its lustre. I can't quite pinpoint it, but it seems to lack soul. The service is fine enough and the food is interesting, but sitting there having our dinner, it felt a bit dull. With that said, I always recommend the appetizer "trio" if you do go there. It's pricey but worth it. I had the lobster trio and it was delicious and creative all around. The wine list is decent with a few interesting offerings but mostly safe stuff familiar to most people who enjoy wine.
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The Cosmopolitan Cafe
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
10/22/2005
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This is a great place for a down home chinese noodle/homecooking food. This tiny place in the Sunset doesn't even stand out in the little commerical block amongst residential properties. But once you find it, you will be surprisingly comfortable with the no non-sense yet somewhat friendly service. The variety of won ton soups are mindboggling and the won tons are very good, not just stuffed with fillers. They also have good fried noodle dishes, my favourite being the chow fun (thick rice noodles) with prawns and soft fried eggs (yum!). They also have a number of interesting down home chinese dishes that you can't find in other chinese restaurants. To top it all off, it doesn't cost much for a full meal here.
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Just Won Ton
Cuisine: Chinese Noodle Shop
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Outer Sunset |
10/22/2005
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I've dined here twice now and both times I enjoyed my dining experience. It does seem like just another modern, dark, loud restaurant, and in some ways it is. The bar is very nice, the ambience is sleek. Our servers both times were down-to-earth and friendly. They knew about the dishes and when asked specific questions they didn't know, they quickly found the answers from the kitchen. Last time I went, the soup special was Creamy Corn, which was very nice. The portion was a little small, but the flavours were well balanced. The main dishes are the least creative although most ingredients seem to organic. The desserts are very nice. Both times I shared dessert and that seemed to be perfect. They can be rich, so maybe a bit too much for one person alone.
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Oola
Cuisine: California American (New)
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SoMa |
8/4/2005
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Chez Papa Bistrot is blocks away from my house and I enjoy dining here. The food is creative, the waitstaff is friendly (and handsome, and the atmosphere is fun. The acoutics are strange in this little space...even when it isn't packed to the gills (which is a rarity it seems), the place is MEGA LOUD! But if you're out for a fun evening with friends, it's not so bad. If you're out on a romantic dinner, I suggest another place a bit more intimate...South Park Cafe?! The wine list is interesting although the mark-ups (esp. on the low end) are high. When the weather is nice, the tables outside are nice as well.
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Chez Papa Bistro
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Potrero Hill |
5/15/2005
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After going back and forth between positive and neutral, I opted for "neutral." The food is very tasty but the portions are small and the prices are high. If you get the little both in the back for your party of 5-6, then it affords a great deal of privacy and intimacy. The wine list is creative but like everything else there, overpriced. I've dined here thrice and have enjoyed my dinners all three times. Just be prepared to walk away having left most of your paycheck behind.
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Baraka
Cuisine: French Mediterranean
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Potrero Hill |
5/15/2005
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OK, so it's not really authentic japanese sushi, but the creative sushi offerings are refreshing and some of the combinations are downright delicious. I also like the small plate menu of delicate items. The dragon roll here is delicious as is anything with eel. The wait can sometimes be long but when you get seated and get your food, it all does seem worth it!
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Moki's Sushi & Pacific Grill
Cuisine: Fusion Hawaiian Japanese
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Bernal Heights |
5/15/2005
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I had previously reviewed Houston's and gave it a neutral, but after dining there a few more times, I was compelled to change that to "positive." The last three times I dined at Houston's, the experiences have all been extremely satisfying. Their staff is competent and mellow, the food is consistently good and the vino-friendly no-corkage-fee policy makes Houston's a stand-out. I have enjoyed all of their starters and their tortilla soup (served tuesdays and thursdays) is creative and delicious. Their burgers are also good, as well as their Niman Ranch Pork Chops and their Wild Salmon when in season. Sometimes I dine outside on their heated patio when I have my little dog with me, and that makes it very fun for both of us.
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Houston's Restaurant
Cuisine: American
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Embarcadero |
5/15/2005
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I have such mixed feelings about this place. I think it's a great cause and the location is beautiful. The brunch isn't so bad although it's not the best in the City. The service can be up and down, but the location is so nice. When the weather is nice, they put tables out on the street, in addition to the patio area, and it's just a great atmosphere to sit back and enjoy the weather and views. The food is so-so, but the location kind of makes up for it.
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Delancey Street
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Embarcadero |
5/15/2005
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What a gem to have in the Mission. The garden in the back is intimate and well heated for those chilly SF evenings. The ribeye is one of the best I've ever tasted and despite what some may say, the grilled lettuce salad is excellent. The waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable. Two thumbs up for Blue Plate. Parking isn't so bad...park in the street behind the restaurant (one block west of Mission...parallel to Mission).
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Blue Plate, The
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Californian
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Bernal Heights |
5/15/2005
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I've been to Plouf several times over the past few years and I have mixed experiences. I like the idea of restaurants in the alley (Beldon Place) as it is charming. The waitstaff is very French and charming (always a plus). The food is mostly delicious although a few times it was underwhelming. It's fun with a bunch of people (booth for six) but if it is a romantic meal out, Plouf is probably not the best place. It's quite loud inside and the tables are set close to one another. It adds to the european charm of the restaurant.
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Plouf
Cuisine: French Seafood
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Downtown |
4/12/2005
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I've brought meat-lover friends to Millennium and even THEY were thoroughly impressed. If you've ever been doubtful about the combination of flavours one can achieve without meat or meat by-products, you need to book into Millennium. The food is fantastic and tasty on any measure. The Asian Napolean is one of my favourite dishes, as is the Millennium Plate, which looks like meatloaf and potatoes from the midwest. I preferred their old location by city hall, but the new location is bigger so they can accommodate more patrons. The desserts are also very delicious.
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Millennium
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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Downtown |
4/11/2005
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This is probably (in my opinion) the best Thai restaurant in SF for Thai food. The menu represents the cuisine very well and the dishes are well prepared and presented. Be careful to not be forced into ordering particular dishes by the waitstaff (esp. the main waitress, May). I feel that they push the food that they must get rid of (example: fish that they need to cook THAT night or throw away). So stick to what you've decided and don't waver! The Crab fried noodle (like Pad Thai but made with crab meat) is probably my favourite, but it is prepared spicy, so if you like your meals mild, make sure to indicate it when you order. Don't miss the Roti dessert. It will push you over the edge, but it's worth every bite. Try to get a reservation, especially on Friday/Saturday dinner seatings.
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Marnee Thai
Cuisine: Thai
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Outer Sunset |
4/11/2005
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House of Nanking seems to cater largely to a tourist, non-SF crowd. Some of the dishes are tasty yet on the whole, it doesn't seem worth the ridiculous wait. If you order more than three dishes, you realise they all kind of taste the same. However, if you want some fried won tons, some noodles and want a popular greasy spoon chinese diner, this may be the place for you.
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House of Nanking
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
4/11/2005
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What a fantastic little korean restaurant in the Richmond. It's not your full-fledge Korean BBQ restaurant, but if you want Bi-Bim-Bop and Tofu hot-pot-style dishes, this is the place to go! And the prices are extremely reasonable as well. I often go with my vegetarian friends and the restaurant can also accommodate vegetarian cooking preparation for the tofu dishes.
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My Tofu House
Cuisine: Korean
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Inner Richmond |
4/11/2005
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Boulevard is so well renowned, I wonder if it needs yet another review. I am with the vast majourity of the people here...it is a fantastic restaurant, from decor to service to food and presentation. I've always enjoyed their dishes which are full of flavour yet aren't overwhelming. Their meat dishes are lovely although I still remember a scallop appetitizer I had once and that was lovely as well. It's one of those restaurants where I feel you can't go wrong. And if your parents are in town and you want to impress them, take them to Boulevard. And if they pick up the check, all the better. ;-)
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BOULEVARD
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
4/11/2005
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This is the kind of place where you can go after work on a spontaneous arrangement with a friend and wind down and relax. The staff here are very personable and warm. The food is tasty and they always try to use local, organic ingredients. They also have a prix-fixe deal but that's only worth the money IF you were already planning to have a dessert. Otherwise, just get the regular starter and main and you'll come out ahead. The wine list isn't spectacular, but their corkage is $12, which seems to be on the more reasonable side these days (in the age of $15+ corkage charges!). Parking can be difficult sometimes, but plan accordingly when making your reservations.
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2223 Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Castro |
4/11/2005
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I am a native San Franciscan brought up on Chinese food (I'm Chinese-American) and I like Ton Kiang! I haven't waited in the long lines that others have experienced because I have only been there during weekday mornings, so maybe I have a different view of the experience. I think that the dumplings are well-crafted and carefully prepared. I like the smaller portions because you can enjoy more variety. I personally find the quality of the dumplings to be better and the quality of the food, in general, seems to be very good. The service isn't extraordinary, but I never go to Chinese restaurants expecting exceptional service. Ton Kiang has satisfied me on each of my visits. Their mango pudding is yum!
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Ton Kiang
Cuisine: Dim Sum Chinese
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Outer Richmond |
4/11/2005
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Just come back from dinner at Town Hall tonight and we had a very pleasant experience. The service was attentive without being intrusive. We all enjoyed our meals. The french fries were cold, which were a little disappointing. The food had nice flavours and I enjoyed the casual yet smart appearance of the restaurant. We all ordered desserts which were tasty but EXTREMELY rich. The butterscotch pot au creme was the best but it needs to be shared by several people -- you eat it alone, you may not be able to walk unassisted afterwards.
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Town Hall
Cuisine: American (New)
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SoMa |
4/10/2005
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I prefer lunch here over dinner. At dinnertime, they do the "wait at the bar" thing even if you've shown up for your reservation on time. The tiny restaurant gets excruixiatingly crowded in the evenings and its loud beyond comprehension. Not exactly your intimate dinner setting, if it is what you're looking for. If you are out with friends and want a lively atmosphere, this setting can be quite fun. The food is pretty good, sometimes a bit too salty, but on the whole, I've been reasonably satisfied.
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Luna Park
Cuisine: Hamburgers American (Traditional)
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Mission |
4/9/2005
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I just had breakfast there yesterday for my bithrday and it was wonderful. If you go during a weekday, the atmosphere is relaxed and you won't have to wait for a table. The basket of fresh baked goods is always a delicious way to start any meal. The food was really well prepared and presented, just the right portion. Often, at breakfast places, they give you way too much of everything (esp. potatoes). This isn't the case at Town's End although you also don't walk away hungry. I would definitely recommend this place to others. I haven't been here for dinner in a long time, so can't vouch for their dinner menu, but I would imagine it is probably as reliable.
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Town's End Restaurant & Bakery
Cuisine: American (New) Bakeries
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Embarcadero |
4/9/2005
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I was debating between "positive" and "neutral" for Burma Superstar, but I decided on positive because I think that Burmese food is delicious. The burmese dishes at this restaurant are very tasty, if at times greasy. They also seem to have a lot of Chinese food on the menu. If you want good Chinese food, go to a good Chinese restaurant...I don't recommend it at Burma Superstar. But their Burmese salads, starters, and noodle/soup dishes are very tasty. I love their Faluda dessert, which undoubtedbly packes on a gazillion calories, but it's very yummy!
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Burma Superstar
Cuisine: Burmese
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Inner Richmond |
4/9/2005
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I just dined at Aperto again recently and must reiterate what a lovely little neighbourhood restaurant it is. Being a resident of Potrero Hill, I try not to visit Aperto too frequently. It is however, a lovely place for both lunch and dinner - and on weekends, they offer a delicious brunch menu. The specials change daily and they offer a special item from each section of their menu. Their roast chicken is delicious and presents a remarkable value. Their pasts dishes are lovely as well. On weekends, I enjoy their hash scramble. This is a perfect restaurant for a mellow weeknight indulgence. They don't take advance reservations, adding to the local neighbourhood feel of the restaurant. I do, however, believe that they take advanced reservations for big parties (6? 8?). Give it a try!!
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Aperto
Cuisine: Italian
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Potrero Hill |
4/8/2005
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Yum-yum! Chou-Chou has such excellent food in its intimately friendly setting. The starters are all delicious and the savory pot pies are delightful. It's nice to have a quality restaurant in the suburbs. Parking is easy. On hot evenings, the inside of the restaurant can get a bit too warm. But all in all, it's a sweetheart of a restaurant! I would definitely check it out.
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Chou Chou
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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West Portal |
4/8/2005
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For Seafood lovers in the Bay Area, Yabbie's Coastal Kitchen is a true blessing. The food is always delicious and reasonably priced (and well presented). The service is comfortable and relaxed. The wine list is excellent and the mark-ups are not the usual 100%+ of retail prices, in fact, we were able to get very good wines at near retail prices...and some hard-to-find wines were on the menu (we're talking Viader and Martinelli Jackass Hill Zin!). The only downside to this restaurant is the parking situation in Russian Hill, which is pretty much a nightmare. They have arranged parking with a video shop a few blocks away. In any case, take a taxi, eat delicious food and drink wonderful wines at reasonable prices!
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Yabbies Coastal Kitchen
Cuisine: Seafood
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Polk St./Van Ness |
4/8/2005
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Farallon is one of the most satisfying restaurants to visit. The setting is surreal (in a good way) and the service is attentive and thoughtful yet unintrusive. The food is otherworldly, especially if you enjoy seafood, however...I've gone there with friends who like eating landed animals and they were very pleased with their dishes. Their winelist is thorough yet they have a fantastic corkage policy of waiving the corkage charge for every bottle you order from the winelist...so if you bring a wine, order something that is about the price of the corkage charge ($25) and you will get to enjoy an extra bottle of wine PLUS the wine you brought! Parking isn't difficult as there are many parking garages nearby. If you're staying at a nearby hotel, all the better.
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Farallon
Cuisine: Seafood
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Downtown |
4/8/2005
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I like the atmosphere of Acme Chophouse. When there isn't a ballgame going on, parking in the area is extremely easy. The service if friendly, although some of the servers aren't as knowledgeable as they ought to be. The Chimichurri sauce is delicious and I would recommend that you try it with whatever chop you order. The booths are comfortable and intimate, and the restaurant is large, so I've never had to wait. A nice SOMA/Mission Bay option.
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Acme Chop House
Cuisine: Steakhouses Organic
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
4/7/2005
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Paul K is another mediocre Hayes Valley restaurant. The food is satisfactory and the service is fine, but there's nothing about Paul K that would get me excited to go back and try it again. It's location is convenient to symphonies and operas. Parking is be difficult, especially when there is a lot of roadside construction going on nearby.
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paul k
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
4/7/2005
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I really want to like Sauce because I think that Hayes Valley needs good quality medium-priced restaurants...but the food is nothing extraordinary and the service, although friendly, isn't very efficient. I believe they are attempting to be creative with their menu items but it doesn't seem quite right. It is, however, an option for pre- or post-symphony evenings.
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Sauce
Cuisine: Comfort Food
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Hayes Valley |
4/7/2005
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Granted -- a convenient option when attending the symphony or opera. The service is stuffy and sometimes rude. Some members of the waitstaff need to lose their "holier than thou" attitude! They also need to stop pushing patrons to the bar to make extra bucks! The food, however, is delicious and with prices like theirs, it better be! I would go back again, but I am less enthusiastic about it than other restaurants in this category.
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Jardiniere Restaurant
Cuisine: Californian
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Hayes Valley |
4/7/2005
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I love Delfina every time I was able to get in and get a table. Their food is one of the best and even when I'm not that hungry, I manage to put everything away. Parking in the neighbourhood can be a nightmare (although they've arranged for paid parking down the street). This is one place where you definitely need reservations if you want to sit at a table and have a meal. Their are some bar meal options as well. Their wine list is pretty good. If you have a special bottle to bring along, their corkage is $20.
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Delfina
Cuisine: Italian
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Mission |
4/7/2005
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I really enjoy my meals at Zuni. The service on the whole is friendly although every now and then you get someone who is indifferent. Their french fries are wonderful (ask for aioli to accompany it!) and their dishes are delicious. I like their small-medium-large plate options and the ability to mix and match and get a lot of different flavours in one meal. My only pet peeve is they always seem to make you wait at the bar (even if you show up on time for your reservation) and sometimes I don't want a cocktail before my meal. Other than that, I've always been satisfied.
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Zuni Cafe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
4/7/2005
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This is one of my favourites, if not THE favourite, restaurant in San Francisco. The food is excellent (I personally love the grilled quail and duck parpadelle dishes) and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. They also have year-round outdoor seating (in their enclosed courtyard) which is remarkably warm in the winter months and refreshingly pleasant on warm summer days. They are also dog friendly (in their outdoor area), which is a nice option for those who have canine family members. Parking in Presidio Heights in the evenings is a breeze. I often recommend Sociale to friends and no one has ever come back unsatisfied. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Sociale
Cuisine: Italian
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Presidio Heights |
4/7/2005
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I've never had a bad meal here and the service has always been friendly and down-to-earth. Their Yuca Frita is incredible and I find myself craving it often. I personally prefer Charanga to Cha-Cha-Cha. They are closed on Mondays so be aware of that! There's nothing worse than having your heart set on Yuca Frita and finding the restaurant closed. Parking is relatively easy in the evenings.
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Charanga
Cuisine: Pan-Latin
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Mission |
4/7/2005
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