Dining

On the SAA site, see: Dining Guide

Share your experiences, recommendations or warnings about dining options in San Francisco.


 * Slanted Door is a must visit for any cocktail enthusiast. It is located in the historic Ferry Building and can easly be accessed by both MUNI and BART.  Slanted Door features California cuisine mostly based in the Vietnamese tradition and features local ingredients.  Known for its superb wine list and fresh cuisine, the Slanted Door is recognized as a true gem of San Francisco restaurants.


 * B44is a Spanish Catalan place that recalls the leisurely atmosphere of European dining. It is fairly close to Union Square and their food is consistently rated as a local favorite in restaurant reviews.


 * Flytrap while albeit an odd name for a restaurant, maintains rave reviews year after year. It has been around for over 100 years so as far as city establishments go, it is tried and true.  They have live piano jazz every weekend and they have private banquet rooms. This is a popular place to recommend by hotel concierges.


 * Henry's Hunan reasonable price, no fuss; several locations, am only familiar with the Natoma one, got take out from one of the others-the food wasn't as good; recommend Hunan House Bean Curd and Smoked Ham with String Bean; they'll ask what level spicyness, but it still varies based on ethnic makeup of your party


 * The Hidden Vine not really a dining option but a great sipping option! Featured Region of the Month for August is Chile.


 * Samovar Tea Lounge is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea on a terrace overlooking Yerba Buena Gardens or share Russian, English, Japanese or Chinese tea services with your friends. “Featuring seasonal, organic, fresh crop artisan tea, herbal infusions, and Bay Area cuisine, Samovar Tea Lounge is the perfect respite for tea time, high tea or any relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.”


 * For your late night cravings, Bob's Donuts, 1621 Polk Street (between Sacramento and Clay), turn on your streetsmarts, you have to go through not the best part of town, open 24 hours with late-night fresh, fresh, fresh donuts. We were there last weekend and they said the glazed were coming out at 1, but we were happy with the crullers and the still warm buttermilk donuts.


 * Dottie's True Blue Cafe is located at 522 Jones St. between Geary St. & Ofarrell St. A friend's description from his Twitter feed: "Dottie’s cafe just rocked my very notion of breakfast itself. Quality stuff." Reviewers rave about the menu and some do mention a wait, so get there early.


 * Sultan Indian is right across the street from the hotel (next door to Naan-n-Curry). The food was lovely - I highly recommend the appetizers. Also see the Yelp Review for this restaurant.