totally agree. arguably the best french meal in San Francisco and I would say the best foie gras ANYWHERE in the US. Superb food, great service and actually reasonable prices.
You can do a 3, 4 or 5 dish prix-fixe for $75-100 and you can either pair the wines ($65-80) or just get wine by the glass. Not just a meal but an experience.

Thanks for all your suggestions. A question: do any of you know of a good Portuguese restaurant?

Sousa's portuguese restaurant.... not bad, owned by the same couple for ages, great vino verde. Only problem......... it is in San Jose about 50 miles south of San Fran, a block off 101 and Alum Rock.

I lived a block away from The Gold Mirror for a year and tried the place once. It was a long time ago so I don't really remember the food, but I do remember the atmosphere as being very interesting in a stereotypical American-Italian restaurant kind of way.

Try Lark Creek Steak or Scoma's.

Lark Creek has gotten a lot of my business lately, and Scoma's is a perennial favorite (they have their own fishing boat).

A man of you class and taste would might be quite pleased with Cable Car Grill or Dennys's.

In all seriousness: If you Like meat and lots of good old fashion food try The House of Prime Rib on Van Ness Ave. Or Ruth Chris accross the street.
But Calling the City Frisco is an insult.

There is always Tommy's Joint on Van Ness. ;)

If you are thinking of Cable Car Burgers on Mission near Silver (where "Joe Grinds His Own Chuck Daily"), then you are talking high class meat 'n' taters indeed!

Zuni Cafe, Town Hall, One Market, South Park Cafe and Liverpool Lil's get my attention time after time. And Restaurant Lulu. There are so many options ...

:rolleyes:

Lived in Russian Hill for years, and one of my favorite neighborhood places is Street on Polk near Green. Sunday special is Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Others that I like in the neighborhood are Frascati or Antica.

For old world Italian or pizza, go to Tommasso's in North Beach/Chinatown.
For modern Italian, go to Delfina's, out on 18th St. in the Mission.

For French food, Restaurant Clementine in the Richmond is great (Clement St.).

For something special and romantic, try Cafe Jacqueline. They only serve souffles (dinner and dessert), but they are AMAZING. It is on Grant St. in North Beach, so parking is nearly impossible.

When guests come to town and want a steak, I love Original Joe's on Taylor St. (in the Tenderloin). They had a fire a few months ago, so not sure if they have reopened. Don't let the location scare you away...it is great! (http://www.originaljoessf.com/).

For crab, go to Thanh Long on Judah street (but this is a Vietnamese restaurant).

We are moving back from Zurich soon, and I can't wait to start eating again!

Good luck,

fduvall

And Tommy's Joynt is a classic! My dad worked nearby, so started going there in the early 70's. Still love the hand-carved sandwiches or the "beefalo stew."

fduvall

did someone say Portuguese?
 

www.sfgrubstake.com/menu/index.html

they are a burger/steak place on Polk with some Portuguese specials..they used to have them only on Thursdays but I think it is now every night...

good luck!

I've discovered a host of wonderful culinary experiences via Open Table.

Some favorites include Bacar in SOMA, and Catch in the Castro.

Zuni has been my favorite Frisco restaurant for more than 2 decades. I really like the place a lot. Others that have impressed me are Hayes Street Grill, Swans Oyster Depot (lunch only I think), Greens and lots of smaller, grab a bite places like the Jackson Fillmore Tratoria. Then of course there are several places across Frisco Bay in Bezerkley; notably Chez Panisse and Bettys (think that is the name) Diner. Fanny's is also great for a sandwich in the PRB.