San Francisco - 18 hours in San Francisco. Dinner where?

Going on a quick run to SFO at the end of the month. Where would you eat dinner?

Staying at the Hilton Union Square if that helps.

Thanks!

There are quite a few threads in this forum about SF restaurants. In order to provide a useful response, you should offer more information. Primary question is cost, as you can find good inexpensive ethnic restaurants and extravagant Michelin rated places and everything in between. Second is the type of food you prefer, as SF is one of the best cities in the country for dining and has an incredible diversity of styles, cuisines, and, as I mentioned before, cost. Third is style. Do you want a restaurant with some sort of view, with a certain atmosphere?

There are quite a few threads in this forum about SF restaurants. In order to provide a useful response, you should offer more information. Primary question is cost, as you can find good inexpensive ethnic restaurants and extravagant Michelin rated places and everything in between. Second is the type of food you prefer, as SF is one of the best cities in the country for dining and has an incredible diversity of styles, cuisines, and, as I mentioned before, cost. Third is style. Do you want a restaurant with some sort of view, with a certain atmosphere?

Just "pressing F5" on the subject :)

Thanks for your response.

Let's say max $150 for dinner for two. As far as the type of cuisine...we like it all. Have eaten in China Town numerous times, so that's probably something we are looking to stay away from. Looking for somewhere a local would go, not too touristy.

If you want to stay away from anything too touristy, I'd get away from Union Square as quickly as you can.

There are so many places, it's difficult to know where to start. Check them out on Yelp or Zagat. Some favorites of mine, which aren't too touristy, are Range, A16, Terzo and Skool. They'll all be easily within your budget, even allowing for cabs to and from, if you don't go crazy with the wine and shouldn't be too full of tourists.

If you want to stay away from anything too touristy, I'd get away from Union Square as quickly as you can.

There are so many places, it's difficult to know where to start. Check them out on Yelp or Zagat. Some favorites of mine, which aren't too touristy, are Range, A16, Terzo and Skool. They'll all be easily within your budget, even allowing for cabs to and from, if you don't go crazy with the wine and shouldn't be too full of tourists.

Thank you for your help. I know there are a ton of restaurants in SFO, was just trying to get a feel on THE one I had to try :)

Going on a quick run to SFO at the end of the month. Where would you eat dinner?

Staying at the Hilton Union Square if that helps.

Thanks!

If you like Italian food, PIAZZA PELLEGRINI in Little Italy. Wonderful wine list, everything is cooked the Italian way, not the American way :D, and wonderful staff who will speak Italian to you.

If you like Vegetarian options where you won't be disappointed with anything on the menu, eat at MILLENNIUM, which is within walking distance from where you are staying in Union Square. - You'll need a reservation as it books quite quick. Also, if you are a penny pincher, don't waste your time.

If you like Modern Asian, eat at E&O Trading CO. Great small dishes, order 5! Oh, and try the corn fritters.

Enjoy, would list more but I'm in a bind ATM.

Cheers,
krpjr

all of these options are

For Italian, I don't think any restaurant in SF can compare to Acquerello. For French, I like either Atelier Cren (more $ than your limit) or Jardiniere. Although not a "high end" French restaurant, Le Charm on 5th St. has a decent menu and good wine selection and is walkable from your hotel. Otherwise, as stated earlier, I would avoid Union Square and take a cab to your destination restauarant.

Thank you all for the suggestions. Wish I could eat at all of them in my mini layover :D

Will stay away from Union Square. Well except to sleep at the hotel!

Had great dinners at Slanted Door and Incanto last month when I was in town. I'd recommend either.

My suggestion would be to have some locally farmed oysters at Hog Island in the Ferry Building, then head over to The Boulevard for dinner.

You're not far from a lot of places...

Tadich Grill
Sam's Grill
Palios
Rocco's on Folsom.

All are easy cable car/bus/trolley/cab rides from Union Square.