Wifey and I will be flying in to SF on Friday, and have Dinner reservations at either the Farralon at 9pm or Aqua at 8:15pm. (A little late, but we'll be tooling around the city playing tourist in the afternoon.)

Does anybody like these places? I've seen mixed reviews about them both. Do you have another recommendation that we could get reservations for four or six into?

IMHO, Aqua is terrific. I have eaten there three times, and would eagerly return.

Aqua--definitely--particularly, if you love seafood.

I too would choose Aqua over Farallon. I've dined at Farallon 3 times over the years and the food has never been inspiring, in fact, other than the interesting decor, which is worth a look, the food is rather boring.

Aqua and Farallon are right around the corner or so from one another ... you should take a peek in Farallon and walk to the back of the dining room, which use to be an indoor swimming pool many many years ago. Note the very nice tiles on the ceiling.

I haven't eaten at the one in SF but the Aqua in Vegas is my favorite. If they have the tuna tartare appetizer it is a MUST.

DEFNINTELY eat at Aqua...I've eaten there many times since 1996 and have yet to be dissapointed by the food, the setting or the service. It is one of the best places to dine in San Francisco for an overall unforgettable dining experience.

DO NOT even go to Farallon. It used to be good when it opened (1997) and I went there several times...noticing that the food and service started to go downhill. The worst was a meal there in 1999 that was so bad, that I sent it back because it was inedible (it was a dish with pasta and it was horribly salted.) not to mention that the service was inattentive. I've never been back since that incident. It's okay to go there to have a drink and wig out on the Pat Kuleto interior. BTW - I also think it is way overpriced (at least at Aqua you get the quality for the price you pay) and a it got bit too 'touristy'...almost like the places down at Fisherman's Wharf (which no self respecting San Franciscan would get caught dining there!)

Have a wonderful time in our Fair City!

I ate@ Aqua before, but not the other place.
For "independent" review, go check following URL from SF Chronichle about the 100 Best Restaurants in the Bay Area.

http://www.sfgate.com/eguide/food/restaurants/top100/

AQUA
Although chef Michael Mina has gone on to create other concepts in San Francisco, Southern California and Las Vegas, this elegant seafood restaurant remains his home base. For more than 10 years Aqua has served some of the best, most creative seafood in the United States. When you add the impressive flower arrangements that fill the dramatic contemporary space it makes for one of the best fine-dining experiences in the city. However, even though the restaurant has removed a few tables, the dining room is still noisy and will put off anyone wanting an intimate dining experience.
Cuisine: Contemporary seafood
Specialties: Savory black-mussel souffle; lobster pot pie; grilled tuna layered with foie gras in Pinot Noir sauce; root beer float
Seats: 120
Prices: $31-$39
Noise:
Parking: Valet $8 (dinner only)
Vitals: 252 California St. (between Battery and Front), San Francisco; (415) 956-9662. Lunch weekdays, dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.

Thanks for the terrific responses everyone. I did pick the Aqua, and hope that we get a quiet enough table so we can visit with some friends I haven't seen in a few years.

If you're in the mood for a more casual, French dining experience, le Bistrot on California at Jones is superb. On the top of Nob Hill.

Yes, another vote for Aqua. The best meal that I have ever eaten....try the sampler (which is what we had), and make sure that the server explains the oddly wonderful treats!

San Francisco Dining Forum may have some more information.

Glad to hear you picked Aqua. But it will not be quiet.

Just a quick report.

Aqua was wonderful! It was a bit loud, but our table was in the corner (nearest the kitchen) and worked very well for four of us, and conversation was not diffuclt in the least.

The menu seems to change fairly often, but I had a Dorade that was very good, my wife has an Ocean Bass that was wonderful, my friend's snapper was also good, and his fiancee's "Aqua Surf and Turf" was amazing! (of course, I love abalone, and think any dish with it is amazing. :P )

The appetizers were also good, but the standout was the bacon wrapped scallops. We also sampled different desserts with teh the winner being the Butterscotch Pot de Creme. I'm adding it to my list of "Best Desserts I have ever had!"

All in all, I would give it 4 stars. I didn't experience any of the snootiness that some people have complained about in reviews on some of the websites. But, of course, all of us dining there were about 30, and fairly well-dressed...but I would still be surprised if I came in jeans and were not treated well. It really is a good restaurant in all areas.