This daddy of burger joints with up-market eats and a low-key vibe stacks up to Bay Area standards with all-natural Niman Ranch beef and eco-friendly packaging. Moreover, these juicy quarter- and half-pounders, cooked to order and tossed on a freshly..

From its hilltop home in a light orange Mediterranean villa surrounded by the vineyards of northern Napa, Auberge du Soleil's setting leaves nothing to be desired. The interior dining room conjures rustic Provence, but the heated and covered terrace ..

Follow the path from frat pack to the FiDi corner office and you'll eventually land in the circular lounge at Americano, the Hotel Vitale hub for happy hour-loving young execs. A lengthy bar and gorgeous outdoor patio boasting views of the Bay Bridge..

An historic building, waterfront dining, and years of local admiration are just a few of the hallmarks of this stalwart restaurant. Embracing a unique décor, Boulevard feels like something of a Belle Époque beauty capable of making the most of each h..

This historic château, once home to the Christian Brothers Winery, is flanked by grapevines intertwining like lace through the grounds. Dream up the most idyllic wine country setting imaginable, but know your arrival at Greystone will exceed expectat..

For Californian cuisine, Chez Panisse has been the mother of invention for over 40 years now. The culinary icon, opened by Chef/owner Alice Waters in 1971, launched a cuisine as well as the careers of many top Bay Area chefs. The jewel of Berkeley's ..

A stone's throw from bustling Union Square, this popular crowd pleaser attracts a mainly tourist cluster with its darling digs and fresh plates of modern Mexican. Wrought-iron chandeliers and lanterns illuminate persimmon and gold walls, in a room fi..

Some build castles in the air, while others create underwater fantasies. This vastly lauded seafood respite brings ocean to land only feet from Union Square in a spectacular space where every detail captures the life aquatic with octopus stools, jell..

Tadich Grill is as much a spot for history buffs as it is for local foodies: opened in 1849, San Francisco's oldest restaurant retains its antique charm. While there are a few tables, regulars prefer a niche at the long wood bar where they can catch ..

Quince lives on as one of the city's hot spots and whoever the scenesters may be, expect to see them dining here. And yes, those are their limos lined up in front of the kitchen's picture window. The stylish clientele matches the restaurant's atmosph..

At the heart of Italian North Beach stands a tiny Asian eatery revered for colorful fusion flavors and known simply as the house. Blond wood furnishings and a minimalist décor create a pleasant vibe without detracting from the cuisine, while efficien..

This old-school charmer dispenses Italian-American dishes in a quaint trattoria donning a faux-balcony overhead. Rife with a nostalgic vibe (framed photos of celebs hang throughout), it's no wonder that this homey tavern has such a loyal following. B..

Upon alighting at Chapeau! stylish disciples are welcomed with a kiss-kiss from Monsieur and Madame Gardelle, the husband-wife team that runs this strictly French ship. A long banquette and close-knit tables span the clamorous dining room that, with ..

Koo is praised and preferred for its delicate tempura and pristine nigiri, but this local darling also advertises an array of maki which, although mighty innovative, are created for an American palate. Enter the pleasant wood-trimmed dining room, dot..

The French Laundry is a venerable destination set in sleepy Yountville. This marvelous structure's rustic and restrained façade seems unassuming, but to better appreciate its celebrated French-country sensibilities, stroll the grounds across the stre..

This appealing American brasserie sits on a corner opposite the Ferry Building with streetcars gliding past. Retro-feeling décor and high ceilings make this a loud and bustling place attractive to businessmen and tourists alike. Sit at the popular ba..

Set in a trendy shopping area of downtown Los Gatos yet discreetly shielded from prying eyes with its opaque shades, Manresa seems all the more an old friend. Inside, what once felt rustic is now contemporary with its curvy fireplace, elegant chandel..

In its picturesque home of Woodside, The Village Pub leads two distinct lives. On the one hand, it is a comfortable pub that flaunts traditional trappings like coffered ceilings with dark wood beams, a roaring fireplace, and low lighting. At the same..

Despite the shopping mall environs, Alexander's Steakhouse in Cupertino is the go-to place for tech-types conducting expense account dinners. Suited businessmen filter past the steaks in the meat-aging rooms, pause at the front bar and lounge dressed..

Acquerello is well-tread by power brokers and affluent locals, so be sure to slip on your finest to dine here. Upon reflecting that this restaurant is housed in an old chapel, it seems perfectly fitting to drop to your knees and give thanks for this ..