San Foodcisco - Notable Restaurants
- Emily Richardson
- Jul 7, 2016
- 6 min read
This summer, I was fortunate to visit a number of restaurants that were an unforgettable dining experience. My taste buds had a field trip! I couldn't leave without writing a little blurb about each one, so I have made a short list about a few of my favorite restaurants I came across. The list is in written in no particular order, and each entry is linked to the restaurant if you want to find out more about it. Also, this is in no way a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in SF. I only stayed in town for 3 months, so I'm sure I missed many great places! These are only my personal opinion for what I was able to come across in my limited amount of time.
1. Souvla
Casual Greek
I first stumbled upon Souvla during my Spring Break visit to San Francisco. Henry and I were exploring Hayes Valley near his apartment and found this gem! The Greek yogurt with baklava crumbles has become my weekend staple for a fresh and light dessert that makes you feel much better than eating a giant slice of chocolate cake. I've also had a few bites of the pork shoulder sandwich and the lamb sandwich -- when Henry and I split food, it's generally 70/30 favoring him -- and both were delicious. The avgolemono soup is also a nice item if you are looking for something hot and filling, but not as large as the sandwiches. Overall, the portions are nicely sized, and you definitely get your money's worth here!
2. Zuni Cafe
New American
When Henry and I would walk to get groceries, we would always pass the café on the street that I could never stop staring at. Eventually, I told Henry we had to go there before I left. When Henry's parents were in town, we had a family dinner and were treated to crisp Caesar salad, elegant roasted chicken, juicy lamb medallions, and flourless chocolate cake. The two-story interior was a lovely surprise, as we got to climb a giant staircase and find out that the restaurant was MUCH larger than it first seems. Note- the menu changes daily!
Modern Greek
Kokkari was, by far, one of the highlight meals of my time here this summer. Henry's parents visited for 4th of July weekend and took us out to dinner to celebrate. Reservations must be made well in advance, since everyone in the city is trying to get a table here! To start, the Kokkari experience is about much more than the food. Don't get me wrong, the food is 5-star, but the experience you get is what keeps you coming back for more. Kokkari states that it is "driven by the concept of philoxenia, the art of making a stranger a friend," and I felt that during my dinner. The restaurant does not feel like a restaurant, but more as if you are a guest at your best friend's grandmother's home and she is cooking the most scrumptious meal for you. I ordered the Arnisia Paidakia (lamb chops), a specialty for the restaurant, Henry ordered the Souvla Tis Emeras (rotisserie pork), and Mr. Mark & Mrs. Jackie both ordered Moussaka (lamb casserole).
Malaysian and Asian Fusion
For Henry's 23rd birthday, he found Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen, located near Golden Gate Park. Having grown up in Singapore, this restaurant truly reminded him of home. A little bit about this place- best quality food for the cheapest price we've come across so far, and with great portion sizes. We ordered Nasi Goreng (Indonesian-style fried rice), Martabak (roti pratha stuffed with beef, green onion, and egg), and Monkey's Delight (sliced banana covered in chocolate and wrapped in crispy bread).
French
If you're looking for a fun, casual, and culturally engaging dining experience, look no further than Brenda's. To start, you get to write your own name on a giant chalkboard that is the wait list (only 5-10 minutes for us), and there is a giant mural painted on the exposed, original brick interior foundation. The wood floors, bench seating along the wall, combined with soul music echoing throughout the room add to the rustic feel as if you are truly in New Orleans grabbing a bite to eat. We ordered the BBQ pork ribs with mac & cheese and collard greens, jambalaya with sausage, and chicken fried steak. Of course, we couldn't leave without trying the sweet beignet flight for dessert, which included an original, chocolate, and granny smith apple beignet. On my first bite, the powdered sugar puffed out everywhere and dusted my entire face! It was quite the surprise, but I would do it all over again, powder included!
Mexican
A true Spring Break treat. Henry and I walked to the California Academy of Sciences, and on our way back, we stopped at Gordo's for a quick bite to eat. Henry had been there before, but I had no idea that I was about to eat one of the best burritos of my life. I followed Henry's lead and ordered the all meat Super Burrito. I never understood a person's love for a burrito until that day.
French
Henry moved apartments this summer, so we are now getting to explore a new neighborhood. Mrs. Jackie came in town to celebrate, so we went out to dinner at South Park Café, and we sure hit the jackpot. We heard the restaurant was known for it's "pig salad" with pork confit, shallots, apples and mustard vinaigrette, so we had to try it, and boy, was it tasty! Crisp, tangy, and fresh, I could have eaten the salad two or three times over. For our main dishes, we got the beef tenderloin, grilled hanger steak with Bordelaise sauce & pommes frites, and roast rack of lamb with gratin potatoes and basil. At this point, I was happily full, but I always have room for dessert. We ordered the classic profiteroles with Grand Marnier Parfait, and it was the cutest thing. Each of us got one profiterole and it was the perfect sized portion — just enough to get the taste, but not enough to overload your system by the end of the night.
Mexican
Henry and I cook often, but sometimes we need to explore a neighborhood and have a fun night out. We walked to The Mission and found Poncho Villa Tacqueria. This restaurant provides authentic food, a boisterous atmosphere, and an unforgettable experience. You have to go with the flow, step up in line, and order. If you don't know what to do, follow the person in front of you. After a few minutes of contemplation, I picked a random selection off of the vast menu and ended up with the most delicious fajita quesadillas I have ever had. I've even dreamed about them since.
Burgers, New American
There's always that one restaurant you walk by on your way to work that eventually you give in to out of curiosity. That was the case with Super Duper. There always seemed to be a line and everyone seemed satisfied so I told Henry we were stopping there after work. I ordered a mini burger, exactly the way it comes, with a chocolate milk shake. The burger was so tasty! I don't eat burgers that much – only if my dad cooks them on the grill in the summer – and this burger changed my mind about burgers in general! It was fresh, savory, and surprisingly light on the tummy. The chocolate milkshake was thick and rich, complementing the meal nicely.
10. Prospect
New American
For our second dinner in the new neighborhood, Mrs. Jackie found Prospect. I had a wonderful time trying a Spanish octopus & potato gnocchi dish as well as my first Foie Gras. The dinner entrees were a little more traditional, but nonetheless amazing. We ordered two Heritage Berkshire pork chops with grilled peaches, Alaskan halibut poached in olive oil, and grilled angus New York strip steak. Then, we went all out and ordered four desserts! We got strawberry cheesecake mousse, Matcha donuts, lemon sour cream pie, and “Berry” Politan ice cream sandwiches. Another highly satisfying meal to celebrate the apartment move!
Comments