Top Restaurants in San Francisco

Great American Music Hall

Get tickets in advance for shows here because even though it is a big place, sell-outs are common. All ages can enjoy the music in this historic venue, with talent spanning the entire spectrum from punk to country, famous to unknown, local to international. Jonathan Richman, Nick Lowe, Boss Hogg, !!!, the Ponys, and the Dirtbombs are just a few of the acts to have graced this hallowed stage. Watch from rows, tables, balcony seats, or the stage level dance floor that are an ornate gold and red velvet throwback to the Barbary Coast days. Food, drink, and the big crowds you would expect at any good concert.

Farallon

The underwater decor at this Union Square destination is interesting and somewhat whimsical. Imagine a sea of enormous, luminous purple jellyfish magically floating near the ceiling. It is quite a scene. People stand elbow-to-elbow in the bar, sipping on their pricey cocktails. The food, such as Sea Urchin Gratin and Black-truffled Dungeness Crab, is delicious, beautiful and expensive. Overall, it is a very memorable dining experience of the aquatic kind with service as exquisite as the glass sculptures that populate the ceiling.

Jardiniere

This collaboration between two of The City's most famed restaurateurs, Pat Kuleto and Traci des Jardins, is one of the most famous, most loved gourmet rooms in the Bay Area. It is an example of sophisticated Californian cuisine. The menu changes daily, but all of the dishes are likely to be excellent, if not perfect. Past offerings have included Herbed Lamb Loin and Filet of Beef. This is definitely a luxury dining experience.

Gary Danko

The recipient of the coveted James Beard cooking award, chef Gary Danko practices his genius at his eponymous, 65-seat Gary Danko restaurant. Luxurious appetizers, flavorful entrees, and decadent desserts are the true crowd pleasers. Try the Lobster Salad with Fennel, Citrus, Avocado and Mustard Tarragon Dressing or an entree of Seared Maine Scallops with Black Truffle, Leek and Potato Puree. Indulge in the special Flambeed Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts and Cocounut Sherbet, prepared table side and with gusto. An outstanding wine list featuring hundreds of California and French bottles is available.

First Crush

This is a classy place to begin or end an evening on the town and savor the flavors of a local vintage. This restaurant/wine bar is stocked with over 200 wines, all from California. First Crush is no stranger to awards, having been honored with Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" numerous times. You don't have to break the bank to live like a connoisseur - First Crush offers high-quality whites and reds within a wide price range. Casual with a contemporary flair, the shining wood floor and polished bar are especially welcoming in the evening hours, where you can enjoy your vino in the lounge with some traditional small plates, or sit down at a table for a bigger meal. The menus change seasonally; please see their website for details regarding the menus, including prix fixe options.

Edinburgh Castle

If you have a penchant for good whiskey, tartans, and all things Scottish, the Edinburgh Castle is your place. A wrap-around balcony allows you a perfect view of every young writer, pool shark, and musician in the place while you savor your pint. Upstairs, catch live music, plays, poetry readings and a very popular triva night. Kilts are not required here, but do not be surprised if you see one or two. Cover: free.

New Delhi Restaurant

Once featured on the television show The Galloping Gourmet as one of the best Indian restaurants in the country, the New Delhi Restaurant has also been recognized by The New York Times. It is a nice place to sit with friends and dine on quality Indian cuisine. Indian art decorates the walls and the wait staff provides excellent service. The menu features authentic, traditional Indian dishes. The daily lunch buffet is a bargain. For around USD10, you get your choice of entrees and sides such as Tandoori and Curry Chicken, lentils, beans, saffron rice, nan, chutneys, and more.

Beach Chalet, The

With its lovely ocean view, mellow atmosphere, and smooth live jazz, The Beach Chalet is a great escape from the chaos of The City. Enjoy seafood, melodies, and the unusual late night happy hour, from 10p to closing, beside the magnificent Pacific Coast. Appetizers are mainly of the fried variety: onion rings, calamari, quesadillas and the like. Chicken, meat and fish dishes are all available as entree choices. There is no cover for entertainment.The murals within the Beach Chalet Visitor Centre were completed in 1936 as part of a federal works program.The murals depict various scenes of depression era San Francisco also including the park and the water front scene.

Fleur de Lys

Since 1970, Fleur de Lys has been a jewel in San Francisco's culinary crown. This exclusive, romantic restaurant is stunning in every aspect, from the architecture to the decor to the award-winning food. Start with a meltingly luscious Mosaic of Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Entree choices include such delicacies as Stuffed Boneless Quail or Filet Mignon. The restaurant offers a five-course vegetarian meal or a five-course fish tasting menu. The service is exquisite. This is a place for extremely romantic or momentous occasions.

North Beach Restaurant

The famous North Beach Restaurant has been a San Francisco tradition for more than 25 years. It features a majestic, newly renovated decor, fine Northern Italian cuisine and a prime location in the heart of North Beach. It features Florentine tiles, domed ceilings, two dining rooms plus a wine cellar dining room, a prosciutto room where the staff cures the meats in-house, a full bar and a cigar room. The Tuscan menu is extensive as is the wine list. It offers more than 300 domestic and imported vintages. Some house specialties are Sea Scallops sauteed in a White Wine Mushroom Sauce and Petrale Portofino stuffed with Shrimp and Crab alla Mugnaia.