| Nari |
| Because enter Japantown’s Hotel Kabuki for the hottest Thai restaurant in town. Pim Techamuanvivit, the mastermind behind Kin Khao, delivers a sophisticated, full-service space with a female-powered kitchen (Nari means “woman” in Thai). Expect flavorful plates of yum chrysanthemum greens in a chili lime vinaigrette; lamb shank massaman curry; and Linchee punch with vodka, yuzu nigori sake, and lychee liqueur.
//Japantown. |
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| Flour + Water Pizzeria |
| Because whether white or red, the pies at Flour + Water Pizzeria pack a punch with craveable toppings. Get a bianca pie with zucchini, ricotta, pea leaves, mint pesto, and chili, or stick to the classics with a blistered-crust, pepperoni-packed slice. Either way, save room for soft-serve—extra sprinkles.
Walk-ins only. //Mission. |
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| Mägo |
| Because chef Mark Liberman has captured the Piedmont community in 52 micro-seasons. Expect a rotating menu of snacks, such as ratatouille toast and chicken liver éclair, alongside larger plates like grilled king salmon in harissa and cashew milk or a shakshuka early girl tomato za’atar flatbread with farm eggs. Start the night right with a Happy Accident– a cocktail with Campari, sumac, East Bay honey and bubbles. Cheers.
//Piedmont Ave. |
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| Mourad |
| Because chef Mourad Lahlou brings to life the flavors of Morocco by way of California. Peak-season produce inspires new dishes, like a colorful tomato, watermelon, buttermilk, bottarga, and sumac number; and a duck confit basteeya made with apricot, verjus, and almond wrapped in phyllo. Savor every bite.
//SoMa. |
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| Verjus |
| Because Paris is only a date night away at Lindsay and Michael Tusk’s Jackson Square wine bar. Have a tasting of rare wines, like De Moor’s 2017 Chablis, and pair with a dozen chilled oysters before your pâté en croute arrives. You might want to order deux.
Walk-ins only. //Jackson Square. |
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| Elda |
| Because come for the 1970’s Baja style, and stay for the Jamaican beef patty and classic cocktails. Mezcal and rum-forward beverages get creative. Sip the Vampiros—a mezcal, lemon, beet, and orange-shrub refresher—while digging into a milk bread fried chicken sandwich (crust off).
//Downtown. |
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| Great Gold |
| Because the Mission has a modern red-sauce joint, and its handmade pastas are the real deal. Start with the Great Gold tomato bread (garlic lovers only) while the kitchen whips up a bucatini all’Amatriciana or Johanna’s eggplant parmesan. When it’s nonna’s recipe, you’re in good hands. Mangia.
//Mission. |
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| Gary Danko |
| Because this star-studded eatery is an institution for good reason. Taste decades of fine-dining experience in the heart of the city, with a menu that boasts decadence from start to finish: Golden Osetra caviar, roasted Maine lobster, and artisanal cheeses that melt in your mouth. End on a sweet note with the chocolate soufflé with crème anglaise; it’ll make you swoon.
//Russian Hill / Fisherman’s Wharf. |
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| Al’s Deli |
Because pick up all the fixings for a Dolores Park picnic. With a colorful interior, floor-to-ceiling windows, and freshly baked pitas, chef Aaron London’s deli offers a blend of Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like shawarma-spiced rotisserie chickens. Try the avocado latke pocket with grapefruit and preserved lemon for a crunchy, bright, handheld bite.
Walk-ins only. //Mission. |
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| Everdene |
| Because the Virgin Hotel’s expansive rooftop hotspot serves more than city skyline views. Take in an Evening Sunshine—a Los Vecinos mezcal cocktail with lemongrass and passionfruit—with a charcuterie spread to start. Then keep it light with the tuna tostada, or go big with The Not So Common Burger topped with grilled onions, American cheese, and bacon jam.
Walk-ins only. //SoMa. |
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