Over thirty years young and still thriving, locals and tourists alike remain drawn to this renowned favorite, famous for its laid-back Cali vibe and great, locally sourced eats. The iconic space is styled with exposed brick, contemporary paintings, a..

Laying off the Sauce isn't an option for Hayes Valley locals who can't help but kick back at their neighborhood mainstay, anticipating comfort food classics like baked mac and cheese with ham hock or fried chicken with whipped potatoes and gravy. The..

This is nirvana for carnivores with a penchant bordering on gluttony. "All you can eat" takes on new meaning at this Brazilian rodizio -style haven, where gallant gauchos deliver (via swords) an endless parade of roasted and grilled prot..

Sushi savants know that otoro is the supremely rich tuna belly, but in Hayes Valley it is a petite sushi spot drawing crowds of loving locals. Slate blue tones and wood accents show a contemporary aesthetic, while white porcelain dishes, windowed wal..

A longtime favorite among cosmopolites looking for a bite near the performing arts district, Absinthe offers a performance of its own. The set: a bustling Parisian brasserie with pressed-tin ceilings and mischievous green fairies spying on red velvet..

For a memorable night in town, don your best dress, find a hand to hold, and head to this dreamy longtime favorite, tinged with a sense of bygone romance. Stop off at the circular bar and join the well-heeled couples sipping cocktails pre-or post-ope..

You get what you pay for at Una Pizza Napoletana, the New York to SoMa transplant that serves purely authentic pies at import prices. But, a bevy of regulars who race in to claim their tables clearly believe that Una Pizza is worth the premium. There..

Laissez les bon temps rouler at Boxing Room, the Civic Center newcomer serving a raucous taste of the Bayou. A far cry from the neighborhood's more posh post-theater environs, this corner space with floor-to-ceiling windows has a contemporary urban..

This fresh spot located in the Inn at the Opera is the love child of Swedish-born Chef/owner Roberth Sundell. Strutting a small bar and two dining areas, inflections like white linen-topped tables and orange accents give the space a stylish yet low-k..

An exuberant din of neighborhood pizza lovers rocks the rafters at Patxi's, the Hayes Valley outpost of the Palo Alto original. Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and bright paintings from a nearby gallery give this location a distinctly San Franc..

Sebo is small, so reservations are suggested at this well-tread spot decked with a sushi counter, sprinkling of trapezoidal wood tables, Japanese ceramic dishes, and back-lit wall panels. For all the hard wood surfaces, this gem is relatively quiet—p..

Large appetite, small budget? Grab your loose change and get your growling belly to Manora's, where bountiful portions of tasty Thai keep locals coming in herds. Quick service and super cheap specials (soup, fried rice, and two main courses for under..

Sushi connoisseurs looking for the city's best aren't likely to find it at Sushi Zone, but that doesn't stop locals from lining the sidewalk to wait for one of a handful of tables or an old chrome stool at the counter. Situated at the spot where SoMa..

Woodward's Garden may sit on the site of San Francisco's first amusement park in a location that, frankly, has little curb appeal-views to the 101!-but this hidden gem somehow manages to retain a vintage charm that lures a coterie of locals questing ..

Basil Canteen is a pioneer of sorts in the former Jackson Brewery landmark building. This voluminous Thai restaurant keeps company with its surrounds by sporting an industrial look through brick walls, oversized windows, metal stairs, and rising ceil..

The secret's out about this tiny, unembellished foodie paradise. And it's no surprise: über fresh sushi at affordable prices plus long waits to boot make for a killer combo. It's a get in-get out affair here at Domo-there's no trying to linger over s..

A bright red building as bold as its barbecue and as fiery as its habanero sauce could only be Cathead's. This hot spot has already generated quite a buzz, so expect to wait in line. After ordering and paying, take a seat—preferably at the counter wh..

Mela Tandoori Kitchen recently moved to this fresh location and it is quickly becoming a favored spot for the ubiquitous lunch buffet. Dinnertime is quieter, (the non-residential streets empty out, except for that odd homeless person), but those who ..

Bar Agricole is coveted, especially for Sunday brunch. Settled in SoMa, this warehouse-like set features rough concrete surfaces, stacked plank walls, and skylights framed by sculptural glass "curtains" that hang like art installations. Rev..

This somewhat desolate stretch of Mission Street may seem an odd destination for happy hour, but Heaven's Dog brings it with a quirky vibe-think sleek banquettes and canine art-and inventive alcoholic creations such as the Shanghai Buck, a piquant co..