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The 38 Essential San Francisco Restaurants, July 2014

Your answer and ours to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant?"

by Allie Pape
View as Map
by Allie Pape

It's time to update the Eater 38, your answer and ours to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant?" This highly elite group covers the entire city, spans myriad cuisines and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs. Every few months, we add pertinent restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months) or have stepped up their game. And keep in mind, this list is presented in no particular order.

As always, a few places must depart the 38. Some complaints have led to our scratching non-restaurants Four Barrel Coffee and Humphry Slocombe (both of which are still worthy of a visit), while Izakaya Yuzuki is on pause while they sort through a chef shuffle. In their stead, we offer Piccino, the perennially underrated Dogpatch Italian favorite; St. Vincent, a wine lover's dream which has really come into its own in the food department; and Maruya, which provides the kind of traditional, high-end, reliably excellent omakase sushi experience SF has long lacked. (If you're looking to find a great bar, the Eater SF cocktail heatmap has what you're seeking.)

Rather than having a stage-four meltdown over our having excluded your favorite restaurant from the list, wouldn't it be more productive to just nominate it for inclusion?

More Eater Maps:

· The Bay Area Heatmap: New Restaurants to Try NOW
· SF's 20 Most Underrated Restaurants
· The Brunch Heatmap: 12 New Places to Try NOW
· The Patio Heatmap: 11 New Spots For Outdoor Fun
· The 20 Dishes Eater Readers Crave the Most
· Where to Score $1 Oysters in SF

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Nopa

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Both neighborhood standby and destination restaurant, Nopa does everything right: delicious, seasonal food that's not too precious or pricey, excellent cocktails, interesting wines, friendly waitstaff, late hours. Seven years into its tenure, it remains one of the city's toughest tickets: book early, try brunch, or go later in the evening for the awesome burger.

560 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-8643
(415) 864-8643

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Frances

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James Beard-beloved chef Melissa Perello has given us Frances, an easygoing, timeless neighborhood nook, serving hearty, yet nuanced seasonal dinners. Always begin with her bacon beignets, and finish with a slice of rich, apple-filled lumberjack cake. The tiny space fills up quickly, and reservations are a must even as it's aged.

3870 17th St., San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-3870
(415) 621-3870

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Lers Ros Thai

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Lers Ros is the only Thai restaurant in town with rabbit, frog and venison on its regular menu, but even the pad Thai rivals the best you'll find anywhere in Thailand. The pork belly, duck larb, and chili-garlic clams are perennials. A second location in Hayes Valley offers more ambience, at slightly inflated prices.

730 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 931-6917
(415) 931-6917

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Bar Tartine

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Though it opened in 2006, the restaurant from the Tartine Bakery people continues to reinvent itself. Thanks to Nick Balla's ahead-of-the-curve Eastern European menus, this rustic neighborhood staple continues to push boundaries and palates, with an emphasis on housemade everything, from pickles to yogurt to beer. A shout is also in order for its daytime guise as a sandwich shop, touting irresistible smørrebrød on exclusive Tartine loaves like rye and porridge bread.

561 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 487-1600
(415) 487-1600

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SPQR

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Chef Matt Accarrino continues to refine his craft, serving his own irresistible brand of Italian food, that remains hearty and homey despite the use of refined technique. Try to score seats at the chef's counter and don't miss the exceptional wine list, curated by award-winning sommelier Shelley Lindgren.

1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 771-7779
(415) 771-7779

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Aziza

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Mourad Lahlou continues to redefine Moroccan cuisine in the California vernacular: from the must-order bisteeya, to sous vide short rib with carrot jam, to Melissa Chou's not-to-be-missed, anything-but-rustic desserts.

5800 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 752-2222
(415) 752-2222

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Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant

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For an alternative take on Chinese fare, Old Mandarin is a beloved industry standby. Cumin lamb, beef pancakes, and a very generous BYOB policy (yes, despite the name) are the keys to its popularity, and while it's definitely not the place to go for health food, it's spicy and reasonably priced.

3132 Vicente St, San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 564-3481
(415) 564-3481

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

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World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani bakes every kind of pizza imaginable: New York, Roman, Sicilian, and on. His Neapolitan is an award-winner and his on-site pizza school attracts students from across the country. Bonus points for a bustling, friendly atmosphere, including a bar for date nights and booths for grandpa.

1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 835-9888
(415) 835-9888

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St. Vincent

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Thanks to owner David Lynch's wine savvy, St. Vincent has always been a great place to sample a few interesting vintages (there are 100 wines under $100 and they'll do any wine by the half-bottle, which is pretty great for those who love to sample). But Bill Niles' gutsy Southern cooking is now the equal of what's in the glass, with a frequently changing, never-dull menu.

1270 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 285-1200
(415) 285-1200

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Namu Gaji

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The Lee Brothers hit a gold mine when they opened their sophomore effort on Dolores Park, serving the most nuanced, contemporary take on Korean food in town. Menu standouts include the KFC (chicken wings), stonepot rice, okonomiyaki, and dumplings. It's worth going in early for happy hour, the only time gamja fries and Korean tacos are served.

499 Dolores St., San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 431-6268
(415) 431-6268

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Maven

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In new chef Isaac Miller, Maven now has a culinary force that's the equal of Kate Bolton's always-great cocktail program. Whether you're in for a burger and a cocktail or a five-course extravaganza with drink pairings, you'll leave satisfied, and the buzzing energy of the dining room is hard to resist.

598 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 829-7982
(415) 829-7982

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Nopalito

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Though it shares ownership with Nopa, Nopalito is very much its own beast, serving smart, sustainable sit-down Mexican fare that provides a nice counterpoint to the taqueria grind. From the addictive totopos con chile to the comforting tortilla soup to the killer carnitas, there's something for everyone here (plus damn good margaritas).

306 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 437-0303
(415) 437-0303

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Kokkari Estiatorio

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A crazy crowd-pleaser (especially for parents in town), Kokkari rocks something of an older crowd, but it's hard to deny its appealing meld of Cal-Greek fare, a wood-burning hearth, and a busy, urban vibe. The zucchini cakes, hearth-grilled lamb chops, and baklava ice cream are all perennials.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-0983
(415) 981-0983

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Range

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From the training ground for greatness behind their bar to the always delicious seasonal menu and friendly service, Range is one of the most consistent restaurants in town. It's a grown-up place, good for date nights, dinners with the parents, and anything else that requires some peace, quiet, and space.

842 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 282-8283
(415) 282-8283

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R & G Lounge

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The Richmond and Sunset are consistently better sources of Chinese food than Chinatown itself, but for group dining that's a notch above hole-in-the-wall, R&G is one of the few Chinatown spots that delivers. Bring a group and settle in amongst the families going to town on its famed salt-and-pepper crab, Peking duck, walnut prawns, and other Cantonese banquet favorites.

631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 982-7877
(415) 982-7877

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Perbacco

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Mature and stylish, Perbacco has established itself as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Owner Umberto Gibin is a presence in the front of house, and chef Staffan Terje continues to surprise with his seasonal and refined Northern Italian fare.

230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 955-0663
(415) 955-0663

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Trick Dog

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Trick Dog would have been good enough just as a bar-- the cocktails, from The Bon Vivants, are some of the city's most innovative, and the industrial space is lively and cool. But the affordable, all-hours food, from a tasty beef tartare to a top-notch kale salad to the most perfect fries on Earth, is proving to be not only worthy of return trips, but trendsetting in terms of local menus.

3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 471-2999
(415) 471-2999

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Foreign Cinema

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While the beloved brunch, flickering hearth and nightly movies continue, Gayle Pirie and John Clark are keeping things fresh at their 20-year-old Mission standby, with new North Africa and Mediterranean menu leanings and a deepened wine program.

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-7600
(415) 648-7600

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Super Duper Burgers

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Although it's lovely that there is Straus milk in the shakes and 100% Niman Ranch beef in the patties, what really matters is taste, and Super Duper's burgers—with their perfect ratio of meat to bread and cheddar cheese—continually rank among the best in the Bay Area.

721 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 538-3437
(415) 538-3437

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Rich Table

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Evan and Sarah Rich's inventive food may have been slightly overshadowed by the other couple that opened a great and deeply personal restaurant in SF this year, but this spot is every bit as good as State Bird, with wildly inventive, consistently delicious food and a smart wine selection and cocktail program. Don't miss the sardine chips, flatbreads, and pastas.

199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 355-9085
(415) 355-9085

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Greens Restaurant

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Annie Somerville's been quietly putting out excellent vegetarian fare down at Fort Mason for more than 30 years, and dishes like mesquite-grilled tofu brochettes and potato griddle cakes will win over even the most die-hard carnivore. The water views are pretty great as well.

Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-6222
(415) 771-6222

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Flour + Water

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The opening media buzz has died down, but F+W continues to gather lines at 5 p.m. nightly, packing the house with its sophisticated pizzas and pastas served in a lively, casual atmosphere.

2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-7000
(415) 826-7000

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Commonwealth

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Jason Fox's food continues to evolve now that Commonwealth is three years in, and paired with the sleek, Mission-hip atmosphere, reasonable prices for the high-end fare, and the charitable outreach of the space, it's a hard combination not to love.

2224 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 355-1500
(415) 355-1500

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La Taqueria

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It wouldn’t be San Francisco without The Mission’s squadron of gut-busting taquerias. This one continues to lead the pack with unwavering rave reviews for its sublime, spot-on Mexico staples.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 285-7117
(415) 285-7117

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La Ciccia

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Not so much San Francisco Italian as pure unadulterated regional Italian (Sardinia, to be specific), this family-run sparkler is free of pretension and full of love. Don’t miss the spicy octopus stew, the sea urchin pasta, and the unusual wine selection.

291 30th St, San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 550-8114
(415) 550-8114

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Delfina/Pizzeria Delfina

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You can make the argument that no restaurant in the last decade has changed the dining landscape quite like Delfina and its pizzeria offshoot next door, which turned the Mission into a dining hotspot. They're both still winners: Delfina's Cal-Ital fare pleases picky parents and fawning foodies alike, and Pizzeria Delfina's pies are fresh, seasonal, and best enjoyed with a glass of rosé on the sidewalk as the world passes by.

3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 552-4055
(415) 552-4055

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Swan Oyster Depot

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Open only for lunch, Polk Street’s 100-year-old gem still churns out the best crab, oysters and sourdough in town. Anthony Bourdain unfortunately clued the tourist crowd into this one a while back, so get there early to snag one of the handful of seats (and a prime view of the quirky, old-school staff).

1517 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-1101
(415) 673-1101

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Brenda's French Soul Food

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A trip to New Orleans often creates food longings that last for months afterwards, but Brenda's Cajun fare can hang with the best of the Big Easy. The addictive crawfish beignets, killer gumbo, and perfect biscuits are consistently delicious and reasonably priced. Weekend brunch crowds can get crazy, so consider weekday lunch or dinner.

652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 345-8100
(415) 345-8100

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Maruya

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Pristine, omakase-style sushi isn't the easiest thing to find in SF, but newcomer Maruya delivers with beautifully presented, painstakingly sourced fish served in the traditional style. It's small and pricey, as these places tend to be, but it's an elegant respite from the sometimes noisy local restaurant scene.

2931 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 503-0702
(415) 503-0702

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La Torta Gorda

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When a "hole-in-the-wall" turns out to be a bright family-run stop with outrageously good tortas and super authentic Puebla eats, that's 38 material. The pierna enchilada (pulled pork) torta is the perennial, but they're all good, and huge; no need to order the large unless you've got a hefty appetite or a hellish hangover.

2833 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 642-9600
(415) 642-9600

Piccino

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This Dogpatch heartwarmer doesn't get enough love outside its neighborhood, but its Cal-Ital fare is good enough to merit a special trip. Great meatballs, solid pizza, and a beautiful, yet family-friendly atmosphere are big draws.

1001 Minnesota St., San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 824-4224
(415) 824-4224

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Zuni Cafe

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Besides "the" chicken, Zuni's burger, Caesar salad and bloody Mary have all been called the best in the city. It's the utility belt of restaurants: good for brunch, for late-night dining, for oysters and a cocktail at the bar, or for a lovely sit-down meal with a date. And did we mention that chicken?

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 552-2522
(415) 552-2522

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ICHI Sushi + NI Bar

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SF isn't much of a sushi town overall, as most chefs shy away from the challenge of pleasing bluefin-loving palates with offerings that suit the city's sustainable ethos. Ichi is one of the few spots to take on the challenge; order the (surprisingly reasonably priced) omakase and let the chefs take you on an aquatic journey through flavors both familiar and novel. They recently moved to a bigger, brighter space, and new izakaya component Ni Bar is showing early promise, too.

3282 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 525-4750
(415) 525-4750

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State Bird Provisions

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San Franciscans endure three-hour waits to eat State Bird Provisions' whimsically Californian menu, served dim-sum style. Whether it's savory pancakes stacked with local cheese, delicious crudos, or a new take on tofu skin, the flavor profiles are always eye-opening, making State Bird one of the most exciting restaurants in town, if not the country.

1529 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 795-1272
(415) 795-1272

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Yank Sing

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It's expensive for dim sum, but you pay for what you get at Yank Sing. Here, flavors are cleaner than you'll find anywhere else, and the xiao long bao and custard tarts are exemplary.

101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 957-9300
(415) 957-9300

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Burma Superstar

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We've never not seen a line at this place, and while that's cause enough for many to take a hike, Burma Superstar's signature tea-leaf salad and samusa soup continue to be satisfying tastes of an underrated cuisine. An Oakland location and neighboring B-Star offer the signature dishes, but the original is still the champ.

309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 387-2147
(415) 387-2147

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Coi

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There's only room for one ultra-fancy, ultra-pricey spot on the 38, and while Benu and Quince are top-notch contenders, it's Daniel Patterson's constantly evolving, deeply innovative, yet pristinely seasonal food that most consistently wins praise from readers. A tasting menu is $175, but for a special occasion, passionate food-lovers will be in for a treat.

373 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 393-9000
(415) 393-9000

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Cotogna

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They had us at housemade ricotta. Then the warmth of the flickering hearth in the kitchen, great service, an innovative $40 fixed price wine program, and Michael Tusk's pasta throwbacks from the old Quince days (Saffron chittara with clams, anyone?) make Cotogna an easy E38 pick.

490 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 775-8508
(415) 775-8508

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Nopa

560 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Both neighborhood standby and destination restaurant, Nopa does everything right: delicious, seasonal food that's not too precious or pricey, excellent cocktails, interesting wines, friendly waitstaff, late hours. Seven years into its tenure, it remains one of the city's toughest tickets: book early, try brunch, or go later in the evening for the awesome burger.

560 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-8643
(415) 864-8643

Frances

3870 17th St., San Francisco, CA 94114

James Beard-beloved chef Melissa Perello has given us Frances, an easygoing, timeless neighborhood nook, serving hearty, yet nuanced seasonal dinners. Always begin with her bacon beignets, and finish with a slice of rich, apple-filled lumberjack cake. The tiny space fills up quickly, and reservations are a must even as it's aged.

3870 17th St., San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-3870
(415) 621-3870

Lers Ros Thai

730 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Lers Ros is the only Thai restaurant in town with rabbit, frog and venison on its regular menu, but even the pad Thai rivals the best you'll find anywhere in Thailand. The pork belly, duck larb, and chili-garlic clams are perennials. A second location in Hayes Valley offers more ambience, at slightly inflated prices.

730 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 931-6917
(415) 931-6917

Bar Tartine

561 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Though it opened in 2006, the restaurant from the Tartine Bakery people continues to reinvent itself. Thanks to Nick Balla's ahead-of-the-curve Eastern European menus, this rustic neighborhood staple continues to push boundaries and palates, with an emphasis on housemade everything, from pickles to yogurt to beer. A shout is also in order for its daytime guise as a sandwich shop, touting irresistible smørrebrød on exclusive Tartine loaves like rye and porridge bread.

561 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 487-1600
(415) 487-1600

SPQR

1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Chef Matt Accarrino continues to refine his craft, serving his own irresistible brand of Italian food, that remains hearty and homey despite the use of refined technique. Try to score seats at the chef's counter and don't miss the exceptional wine list, curated by award-winning sommelier Shelley Lindgren.

1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 771-7779
(415) 771-7779

Aziza

5800 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Mourad Lahlou continues to redefine Moroccan cuisine in the California vernacular: from the must-order bisteeya, to sous vide short rib with carrot jam, to Melissa Chou's not-to-be-missed, anything-but-rustic desserts.

5800 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 752-2222
(415) 752-2222

Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant

3132 Vicente St, San Francisco, CA 94116

For an alternative take on Chinese fare, Old Mandarin is a beloved industry standby. Cumin lamb, beef pancakes, and a very generous BYOB policy (yes, despite the name) are the keys to its popularity, and while it's definitely not the place to go for health food, it's spicy and reasonably priced.

3132 Vicente St, San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 564-3481
(415) 564-3481

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133

World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani bakes every kind of pizza imaginable: New York, Roman, Sicilian, and on. His Neapolitan is an award-winner and his on-site pizza school attracts students from across the country. Bonus points for a bustling, friendly atmosphere, including a bar for date nights and booths for grandpa.

1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 835-9888
(415) 835-9888

St. Vincent

1270 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Thanks to owner David Lynch's wine savvy, St. Vincent has always been a great place to sample a few interesting vintages (there are 100 wines under $100 and they'll do any wine by the half-bottle, which is pretty great for those who love to sample). But Bill Niles' gutsy Southern cooking is now the equal of what's in the glass, with a frequently changing, never-dull menu.

1270 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 285-1200
(415) 285-1200

Namu Gaji

499 Dolores St., San Francisco, CA 94103

The Lee Brothers hit a gold mine when they opened their sophomore effort on Dolores Park, serving the most nuanced, contemporary take on Korean food in town. Menu standouts include the KFC (chicken wings), stonepot rice, okonomiyaki, and dumplings. It's worth going in early for happy hour, the only time gamja fries and Korean tacos are served.

499 Dolores St., San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 431-6268
(415) 431-6268

Maven

598 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

In new chef Isaac Miller, Maven now has a culinary force that's the equal of Kate Bolton's always-great cocktail program. Whether you're in for a burger and a cocktail or a five-course extravaganza with drink pairings, you'll leave satisfied, and the buzzing energy of the dining room is hard to resist.

598 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 829-7982
(415) 829-7982

Nopalito

306 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA

Though it shares ownership with Nopa, Nopalito is very much its own beast, serving smart, sustainable sit-down Mexican fare that provides a nice counterpoint to the taqueria grind. From the addictive totopos con chile to the comforting tortilla soup to the killer carnitas, there's something for everyone here (plus damn good margaritas).

306 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 437-0303
(415) 437-0303

Kokkari Estiatorio

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

A crazy crowd-pleaser (especially for parents in town), Kokkari rocks something of an older crowd, but it's hard to deny its appealing meld of Cal-Greek fare, a wood-burning hearth, and a busy, urban vibe. The zucchini cakes, hearth-grilled lamb chops, and baklava ice cream are all perennials.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-0983
(415) 981-0983

Range

842 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

From the training ground for greatness behind their bar to the always delicious seasonal menu and friendly service, Range is one of the most consistent restaurants in town. It's a grown-up place, good for date nights, dinners with the parents, and anything else that requires some peace, quiet, and space.

842 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 282-8283
(415) 282-8283

R & G Lounge

631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108

The Richmond and Sunset are consistently better sources of Chinese food than Chinatown itself, but for group dining that's a notch above hole-in-the-wall, R&G is one of the few Chinatown spots that delivers. Bring a group and settle in amongst the families going to town on its famed salt-and-pepper crab, Peking duck, walnut prawns, and other Cantonese banquet favorites.

631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 982-7877
(415) 982-7877

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Perbacco

230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Mature and stylish, Perbacco has established itself as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Owner Umberto Gibin is a presence in the front of house, and chef Staffan Terje continues to surprise with his seasonal and refined Northern Italian fare.

230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 955-0663
(415) 955-0663

Trick Dog

3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Trick Dog would have been good enough just as a bar-- the cocktails, from The Bon Vivants, are some of the city's most innovative, and the industrial space is lively and cool. But the affordable, all-hours food, from a tasty beef tartare to a top-notch kale salad to the most perfect fries on Earth, is proving to be not only worthy of return trips, but trendsetting in terms of local menus.

3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 471-2999
(415) 471-2999

Foreign Cinema

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

While the beloved brunch, flickering hearth and nightly movies continue, Gayle Pirie and John Clark are keeping things fresh at their 20-year-old Mission standby, with new North Africa and Mediterranean menu leanings and a deepened wine program.

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-7600
(415) 648-7600

Super Duper Burgers

721 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103

Although it's lovely that there is Straus milk in the shakes and 100% Niman Ranch beef in the patties, what really matters is taste, and Super Duper's burgers—with their perfect ratio of meat to bread and cheddar cheese—continually rank among the best in the Bay Area.

721 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 538-3437
(415) 538-3437

Rich Table

199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Evan and Sarah Rich's inventive food may have been slightly overshadowed by the other couple that opened a great and deeply personal restaurant in SF this year, but this spot is every bit as good as State Bird, with wildly inventive, consistently delicious food and a smart wine selection and cocktail program. Don't miss the sardine chips, flatbreads, and pastas.

199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 355-9085
(415) 355-9085

Greens Restaurant

Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123

Annie Somerville's been quietly putting out excellent vegetarian fare down at Fort Mason for more than 30 years, and dishes like mesquite-grilled tofu brochettes and potato griddle cakes will win over even the most die-hard carnivore. The water views are pretty great as well.

Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-6222
(415) 771-6222

Flour + Water

2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110

The opening media buzz has died down, but F+W continues to gather lines at 5 p.m. nightly, packing the house with its sophisticated pizzas and pastas served in a lively, casual atmosphere.

2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-7000
(415) 826-7000

Commonwealth

2224 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Jason Fox's food continues to evolve now that Commonwealth is three years in, and paired with the sleek, Mission-hip atmosphere, reasonable prices for the high-end fare, and the charitable outreach of the space, it's a hard combination not to love.

2224 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 355-1500
(415) 355-1500

La Taqueria

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

It wouldn’t be San Francisco without The Mission’s squadron of gut-busting taquerias. This one continues to lead the pack with unwavering rave reviews for its sublime, spot-on Mexico staples.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 285-7117
(415) 285-7117

La Ciccia

291 30th St, San Francisco, CA 94131

Not so much San Francisco Italian as pure unadulterated regional Italian (Sardinia, to be specific), this family-run sparkler is free of pretension and full of love. Don’t miss the spicy octopus stew, the sea urchin pasta, and the unusual wine selection.

291 30th St, San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 550-8114
(415) 550-8114

Delfina/Pizzeria Delfina

3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

You can make the argument that no restaurant in the last decade has changed the dining landscape quite like Delfina and its pizzeria offshoot next door, which turned the Mission into a dining hotspot. They're both still winners: Delfina's Cal-Ital fare pleases picky parents and fawning foodies alike, and Pizzeria Delfina's pies are fresh, seasonal, and best enjoyed with a glass of rosé on the sidewalk as the world passes by.

3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 552-4055
(415) 552-4055

Swan Oyster Depot

1517 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Open only for lunch, Polk Street’s 100-year-old gem still churns out the best crab, oysters and sourdough in town. Anthony Bourdain unfortunately clued the tourist crowd into this one a while back, so get there early to snag one of the handful of seats (and a prime view of the quirky, old-school staff).

1517 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-1101
(415) 673-1101

Brenda's French Soul Food

652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102

A trip to New Orleans often creates food longings that last for months afterwards, but Brenda's Cajun fare can hang with the best of the Big Easy. The addictive crawfish beignets, killer gumbo, and perfect biscuits are consistently delicious and reasonably priced. Weekend brunch crowds can get crazy, so consider weekday lunch or dinner.

652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 345-8100
(415) 345-8100

Maruya

2931 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Pristine, omakase-style sushi isn't the easiest thing to find in SF, but newcomer Maruya delivers with beautifully presented, painstakingly sourced fish served in the traditional style. It's small and pricey, as these places tend to be, but it's an elegant respite from the sometimes noisy local restaurant scene.

2931 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 503-0702
(415) 503-0702

La Torta Gorda

2833 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94110

When a "hole-in-the-wall" turns out to be a bright family-run stop with outrageously good tortas and super authentic Puebla eats, that's 38 material. The pierna enchilada (pulled pork) torta is the perennial, but they're all good, and huge; no need to order the large unless you've got a hefty appetite or a hellish hangover.

2833 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 642-9600
(415) 642-9600

Piccino

1001 Minnesota St., San Francisco, CA 94107

This Dogpatch heartwarmer doesn't get enough love outside its neighborhood, but its Cal-Ital fare is good enough to merit a special trip. Great meatballs, solid pizza, and a beautiful, yet family-friendly atmosphere are big draws.

1001 Minnesota St., San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 824-4224
(415) 824-4224

Zuni Cafe

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Besides "the" chicken, Zuni's burger, Caesar salad and bloody Mary have all been called the best in the city. It's the utility belt of restaurants: good for brunch, for late-night dining, for oysters and a cocktail at the bar, or for a lovely sit-down meal with a date. And did we mention that chicken?

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 552-2522
(415) 552-2522

ICHI Sushi + NI Bar

3282 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

SF isn't much of a sushi town overall, as most chefs shy away from the challenge of pleasing bluefin-loving palates with offerings that suit the city's sustainable ethos. Ichi is one of the few spots to take on the challenge; order the (surprisingly reasonably priced) omakase and let the chefs take you on an aquatic journey through flavors both familiar and novel. They recently moved to a bigger, brighter space, and new izakaya component Ni Bar is showing early promise, too.

3282 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 525-4750
(415) 525-4750

State Bird Provisions

1529 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

San Franciscans endure three-hour waits to eat State Bird Provisions' whimsically Californian menu, served dim-sum style. Whether it's savory pancakes stacked with local cheese, delicious crudos, or a new take on tofu skin, the flavor profiles are always eye-opening, making State Bird one of the most exciting restaurants in town, if not the country.

1529 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 795-1272
(415) 795-1272

Yank Sing

101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105

It's expensive for dim sum, but you pay for what you get at Yank Sing. Here, flavors are cleaner than you'll find anywhere else, and the xiao long bao and custard tarts are exemplary.

101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 957-9300
(415) 957-9300

Burma Superstar

309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

We've never not seen a line at this place, and while that's cause enough for many to take a hike, Burma Superstar's signature tea-leaf salad and samusa soup continue to be satisfying tastes of an underrated cuisine. An Oakland location and neighboring B-Star offer the signature dishes, but the original is still the champ.

309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 387-2147
(415) 387-2147

Coi

373 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

There's only room for one ultra-fancy, ultra-pricey spot on the 38, and while Benu and Quince are top-notch contenders, it's Daniel Patterson's constantly evolving, deeply innovative, yet pristinely seasonal food that most consistently wins praise from readers. A tasting menu is $175, but for a special occasion, passionate food-lovers will be in for a treat.

373 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 393-9000
(415) 393-9000

Cotogna

490 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133

They had us at housemade ricotta. Then the warmth of the flickering hearth in the kitchen, great service, an innovative $40 fixed price wine program, and Michael Tusk's pasta throwbacks from the old Quince days (Saffron chittara with clams, anyone?) make Cotogna an easy E38 pick.

490 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 775-8508
(415) 775-8508

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