Good Food in SF
March 26, 2008 10:51 AM Subscribe
What is a good place for a first anniversary dinner in San Francisco?
My wife and I are taking a trip (from Vancouver) to San Francisco to celebrate our first anniversary. We will be there at the end of April, and I would like to take her out for a "nice" dinner while we are there. We are not vegetarian, but are not averse to vegetarian cuisine. When we go out "fancy" in Vancouver, we like going to places like Raincity Grill, which serve local, in-season food.
We are staying in Japan Town, but we are mobile.
My wife and I are taking a trip (from Vancouver) to San Francisco to celebrate our first anniversary. We will be there at the end of April, and I would like to take her out for a "nice" dinner while we are there. We are not vegetarian, but are not averse to vegetarian cuisine. When we go out "fancy" in Vancouver, we like going to places like Raincity Grill, which serve local, in-season food.
We are staying in Japan Town, but we are mobile.
Best answer: If you're looking for local/organic then you may want to consider going across the bay to Alice Water's Chez Panisse thats as good as its going to get.
In the city you've got Quince whose chef/owner carries on what Alice Water's started.
You can also almost never go wrong with Foreign Cinema
posted by bitdamaged at 11:29 AM on March 26, 2008
In the city you've got Quince whose chef/owner carries on what Alice Water's started.
You can also almost never go wrong with Foreign Cinema
posted by bitdamaged at 11:29 AM on March 26, 2008
I can't recommend Millenium for non-vegetarians; the purpose of Millenium is for vegans and vegetarians to experience the novelty of having a menu from which they can order anything. The meals I've had there (when I was a vegan) were far from memorable; in fact, I found them a bit bland.
Around Japantown, you are within a walkable distance to Fillmore St/Pacific heights, which has a number of nice restaurants. You can start narrowing things down using Yelp.com, which usually has at least a couple reviews for any bay area restaurant that's around. Keep in mind that Yelp users are not necessarily knowledgeable about food or service (although they often have a sixth sense for when the waiter is "like, totally ignoring us"); still, it is a good resource to figure out what is in the area, what kind of food they serve, and how popular it is.
If you are particularly interested in the 'eating local/slow food' movement, you might look into trying for reservations at Alice Waters' Chez Panisse. That said, it's in North Berkeley, and thus a 'hell of a way' from Japantown (not terrible, but probably around 1 hour each way by public trans), and reservations might be difficult to get. (it is supposedly somewhat easier to get into the cafe -- as in walk-ins are possible).
posted by fishfucker at 11:35 AM on March 26, 2008
Around Japantown, you are within a walkable distance to Fillmore St/Pacific heights, which has a number of nice restaurants. You can start narrowing things down using Yelp.com, which usually has at least a couple reviews for any bay area restaurant that's around. Keep in mind that Yelp users are not necessarily knowledgeable about food or service (although they often have a sixth sense for when the waiter is "like, totally ignoring us"); still, it is a good resource to figure out what is in the area, what kind of food they serve, and how popular it is.
If you are particularly interested in the 'eating local/slow food' movement, you might look into trying for reservations at Alice Waters' Chez Panisse. That said, it's in North Berkeley, and thus a 'hell of a way' from Japantown (not terrible, but probably around 1 hour each way by public trans), and reservations might be difficult to get. (it is supposedly somewhat easier to get into the cafe -- as in walk-ins are possible).
posted by fishfucker at 11:35 AM on March 26, 2008
I wouldn't say that you have to go to Chez Panisse.
Its hard these days to find in San Francisco a nice restaurant that doesn't serve local, in-season food. When I was eating at Serpentine the other day for example, customers complained that their burgers had no tomatoes. Why? Because tomatoes aren't in season :)
posted by vacapinta at 11:44 AM on March 26, 2008
Its hard these days to find in San Francisco a nice restaurant that doesn't serve local, in-season food. When I was eating at Serpentine the other day for example, customers complained that their burgers had no tomatoes. Why? Because tomatoes aren't in season :)
posted by vacapinta at 11:44 AM on March 26, 2008
Nthing Quince. Lovely atmosphere, very romantic, terrific food. The Chef, Michael Tusk, is a Chez Panisse alum, and his charming wife Lindsay runs the FOH.
posted by trip and a half at 11:59 AM on March 26, 2008
posted by trip and a half at 11:59 AM on March 26, 2008
I recommend Bix. Fancy. I find it romantic but it might just be the good memories I have of dining there on very special occasions. Menu here.
posted by lucia__is__dada at 12:12 PM on March 26, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by lucia__is__dada at 12:12 PM on March 26, 2008 [2 favorites]
I'll toss Delfina and Jardiniere into the mix. Those are the two places we tend to go for anniversaries and so on. Both very invested in local/organic food, and both very tasty. Jardiniere will be closer to where you're staying, and don't try to park near Delfina - take a cab there.
The other high-end vegetarian restaurant is Greens, which has the added advantage of fabulous views of the Golden Gate.
posted by gingerbeer at 12:36 PM on March 26, 2008
The other high-end vegetarian restaurant is Greens, which has the added advantage of fabulous views of the Golden Gate.
posted by gingerbeer at 12:36 PM on March 26, 2008
What kind of atmosphere are you looking for? There's lots of really great food in SF served in what might be considered more causal settings like Canteen, Town Hall, and Foreign Cinema. If you want something with a bit more swoosh, Bix is a good suggestion. I had a lovely dinner at Flora in downtown Oakland. Chez Panisse is sometimes difficult to get a reservation if you wait too long.
Also search the chowhound sf boards- it may help you narrow things down, or it may overwhelm you. ;)
posted by oneirodynia at 12:44 PM on March 26, 2008
Also search the chowhound sf boards- it may help you narrow things down, or it may overwhelm you. ;)
posted by oneirodynia at 12:44 PM on March 26, 2008
We usually go to The Greens, request a window seat with bridge view , they have some tables that don't have as great of a view.
If the fog is in, you might not have as great of a view, but even so the space is pretty.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 1:01 PM on March 26, 2008
If the fog is in, you might not have as great of a view, but even so the space is pretty.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 1:01 PM on March 26, 2008
I really wanted to go to Zuni Cafe last time I was there and wasn't able to. Gary Danko is supposed to be good too, but I can't vouch for it personally. I really enjoyed my last trip the Chez Panisse and would recommend it to anyone.
posted by slogger at 1:17 PM on March 26, 2008
posted by slogger at 1:17 PM on March 26, 2008
Be aware that the end of April is beginning to be college graduation! season, and Chez Panisse is approximately 1/2 mile from UC Berkeley. They only take reservations a month in advance, so be sure to call now if you want to go there at the end of April. My sister is planning to call the moment they open the day that is a month before when we want to go in May, to celebrate her imminent graduation. It's been on her calender for months.
Waiting will surely mean that you can't get into Chez Panisse, but you may be successful in getting into the 'cafe' which is somewhat cheaper (so I've heard, at least). Friends recently called last minute (e.g. a week ahead of time) and they were able to squeeze them into the cafe for an early seating.
posted by arnicae at 1:29 PM on March 26, 2008
Waiting will surely mean that you can't get into Chez Panisse, but you may be successful in getting into the 'cafe' which is somewhat cheaper (so I've heard, at least). Friends recently called last minute (e.g. a week ahead of time) and they were able to squeeze them into the cafe for an early seating.
posted by arnicae at 1:29 PM on March 26, 2008
Seconding slogger, Gary Danko's is good (I've been there twice), but pricey. It's pretty close to Ghiradelli Square, and walking around before or after can be fun for an out-of-towner. The meal is $65 to $100, depending on how many courses (3 to 5). This does not include wine. Or parking, although it's not impossible to find street parking.
My Napa friends say the food is almost as good as French Laundry's, but significantly cheaper. Given the French Laundry's reputation, this is high praise.
posted by UrineSoakedRube at 2:55 PM on March 26, 2008
My Napa friends say the food is almost as good as French Laundry's, but significantly cheaper. Given the French Laundry's reputation, this is high praise.
posted by UrineSoakedRube at 2:55 PM on March 26, 2008
Seconding Bix. Indeed, I've a date there on Friday!
But I'd also suggest Spruce - fantastic atmosphere, great food and a phenomenal bar.
posted by aladfar at 5:15 PM on March 26, 2008
But I'd also suggest Spruce - fantastic atmosphere, great food and a phenomenal bar.
posted by aladfar at 5:15 PM on March 26, 2008
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posted by gnutron at 11:08 AM on March 26, 2008