I first discovered Sushi Sam’s over two decades ago, and I still try to make a trip there at least once a month because I think it’s the best sushi in the Bay Area. I’m not alone: Ask top chefs like Thomas Keller, Laurent Manrique, and Ron Siegel where they go f... Read More
When you can’t get to Sausalito but you still want a sizzling platter of garlicky Dungeness crab, check out The Old Clam House, which is owned by the same folks as Salito’s. Much of the menu is similar (and equally consistent in quality), but you’ll also find th... Read More
If you want fun in the sun with great views, food and cocktails, Salito’s is the place. A quick trip by ferry or by car, Salito’s once housed swinging singles’ spots like Zack’s, Margaritaville and Paradise Bay. The dark, dreary interior has been revamped ... Read More
I never thought I’d see the day a Tommy’s Joynt open-faced roast beef sandwich would rate as the worst in town. The beef at Tommy’s has always been, as my dad used to say, “tough but tasty;” however, on a recent visit it was so chewy that the sandwic... Read More
The too-cool snobs on Yelp just don’t get Lucky Penny. This is not a place to order grilled halibut or prime rib (though they do serve both), it’s a great old diner that puts out dependable, reasonably priced breakfasts and sandwiches. Being a short order cook is one ... Read More
Tucked away in the parking lot of the Western Addition Safeway, Arang is a tiny gem of a place to fill up on bargain-priced Korean classics like kim chee (seasoned pickled vegetables, the most common being baechu, made with cabbage) and bi bim bap (a rice dish topped with vegetab... Read More
Whenever people dismiss chains, I remind them about Hillstone (formerly Houston’s). With a chic, dark-wood interior featuring comfy booths, a bar that serves terrific cocktails, a menu of dishes that will satisfy everyone, and attentive service, Hillstone is better than man... Read More
After Sara Spearin graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, she honed her skills as a pastry chef at big name restaurants like Hawthorne Lane, Stars, Foreign Cinema, and Postrio. While on maternity leave, she realized there was a hole waiting to be filled in ... Read More
Lucca is a Marina staple, serving up delicious sandwiches, salads and entrées as well as selling meats, cheeses, pastas, and dry goods from their old-fashioned deli counter. Opened in 1929 by Mike Bosco and partners Maggiore Colona and Italo Cencini, Lucca is still family ... Read More
Isobune (“canal boat”) patented their Sushi Delivery System in 1982, becoming the first sushi boat restaurant in the United States. The original location is tucked inside the Kintetsu Mall in Japantown. They cater to tourists, but locals know where to find a bargain. ... Read More
I have fond memories of watching baseball games with my dad at Liverpool Lil’s, and then stepping from the bar into the restaurant for a heaping platter of fish and chips. The last time I visited, however, the fish and chips were a disappointment. There was too much batter ... Read More
Bobo’s 1450 Lombard Street (at Franklin), 415-441-8880, www.boboquivaris.com; daily 5–11 p.m. You’ll find shrimp, mussels and Dungeness crab in a messy, addictive garlic sauce on sizzling platters; fresh salads; crunchy onion rings; and warm, house-baked olive b... Read More
Asa Sushi 2365 Chestnut Street (at Scott), 415-345-8263, www.asasushisf.com Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Monday–Thursday 5:30–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 5:30–11 p.m.; Saturday 12:30–3 p.m. This hole-in-the-wall casual neighborhood sp... Read More