The Front Porch in depth look

MISSION DISTRICT

SOUTHERN

An underground bar once occupied the space, and the pressed-tin ceiling and black-and-red checked floor combined with the squint-to-read-this

1550 Hyde Cafe

NOB HILL

CALIFORNIA

Servers love to wax poetic about the extensive wine list and simple seasonal plates at this charming neighborhood spot. A chicly minimalist atmosphere lets the food—from charcuterie to crumbling cake—take center stage. Many return for the chef’s outstanding rabbit entrées.

2223 Restaurant

CASTRO / UPPER MARKET

MODERN AMERICAN

A modern dining room features high ceilings, a sophisticated lighting system, and lots of energy from the packed tables and bar. Exotic cocktails pair well with a menu that takes its influences from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the United States too. Diners also get cozy with this unique brand of comfort food at the highly regarded Sunday brunch.

54 Mint

SOMA / SOUTH BEACH

ITALIAN

[Photograh by Lori Eanes]

A16

MARINA / COW HOLLOW

PIZZA & PASTA

When chef Christophe Hille left last April, Nate Appleman, Hille’s right-hand man since the restaurant opened in 2004, was a natural replacement.

A16

MARINA / COW HOLLOW

ITALIAN

The restaurant named for a highway that cuts through Campagna just keeps rolling, leading diners on a tour of a southern Italian region blessed with sharp and simple (but serious) cuisine.

Absinthe

HAYES VALLEY

FRENCH COUNTRY

One of the best martini menus in the city meets decadent French cuisine at this romantic Hayes Valley establishment. An oyster bar and an ample brunch menu make it appropriate for many occasions. You can’t go wrong with classics like coq au vin, duck confit, and a Scharffen Berger chocolate pot de crème.

Acme Chophouse

SOMA / SOUTH BEACH

STEAK

There’s no question that this is the place to be on game days, when the orange-and-black faithful stop in for a juicy rib eye and a California Cab. But the boisterous dining room has more going for it than a spot within earshot of the crack of the bat. Even in the off-season, people come for a classic chophouse experience that avoids some of the classic chophouse pitfalls. Hefty cuts of meat are naturally raised and hormone free—some are even grass-fed—and side dishes are more than just something to push to the side on your way to the meat.

Ad Hoc in depth look

NORTH BAY

MODERN AMERICAN

Of course, because it’s Thomas Keller, even comfort food, however casually delivered, comes with expectations, the promise of a

Adesso

EAST BAY

ITALIAN

Rare is the sports bar that pours more pinot grigio than PBR and favors soppressata over fried zucchini sticks. But Adesso isn’t trying to be a

Alfred's Steakhouse

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

STEAK

When San Franciscans yearn for scotch and steak, they head to Alfred’s. As steakhouses go, this one is textbook: deep red booths, bright white linens, sparkling chandeliers, and wineglasses the size of goldfish bowls. Open and aging its own beef since 1928, Alfred’s has perfected the art of grilling steak. Fancy an ice-cold martini, or one of more than 100 single-malt scotches Alfred’s has on hand?

Alioto's

EMBARCADERO

SEAFOOD

You can't miss Alioto's at Fisherman's Wharf?its neon sign is a San Francisco landmark.

Amber India

SOMA / SOUTH BEACH

INDIAN

In a delicious case of culinary imperialism, the owners of the Peninsula’s lauded upscale Indian restaurant Amber India have built a

Ame in depth look

SOMA / SOUTH BEACH

PACIFIC RIM FUSION

Although the fusion in each dish is exceptionally fluid, the overall progression of a meal can be jarring. Opening an evening with “Lissa’s

Ame

SOMA / SOUTH BEACH

ASIAN INFLUENCES

While its sister restaurant in St. Helena, Terra, traffics in refined rusticity, Ame offers a more urban experience.

Anton & Michel

SOUTH BAY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIAN

When we need a getaway, we head for Carmel-by-the-Sea. One reason: the prospect of dining at Anton & Michel.

Aqua

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

FRENCH

In a city where neighborhood restaurants have become destinations, a visit to this longtime seafood temple can be disorienting.

Asia De Cuba

UNION SQUARE

LATIN AMERICAN

Philip Stark brings the glamour of New York and Los Angeles to Northern California at the Clift’s swanky dining spot. Alight at the communal table for a menu of sharable Asian fusion fare. Tuna tartare and crispy calamari are favorites among hungry martini swillers.

Aziza

RICHMOND / SEACLIFF

MOROCCAN

The scent of rosewater fills the room, and light fixtures cast a dim glow over the deep blue banquettes that call for canoodling. The food itself is also quite seductive. In keeping with the Bay Area ethos, chef Mourad Lahlou drops names all across his menu so you can be clear about the provenance of his ingredients: Prather Ranch lamb shank, Brokaw Nursery avocado, and Devil’s Gulch Ranch rabbit—all prepared with the flavors of Morocco.

B44

LOWER NOB HILL

SPANISH/FRENCH

Killer paella, infused vodka at the bar, and a central Belden Place location are the main draws at this Union Square Catalan bistro. Sidewalk diners flock to it on sunny days, but heat lamps make it lovely even when the fog rolls in.