Tours
Shirley Fong-Torres’ Current Favorite San Francisco Restaurants
Posted July 2006
$ = what a deal
$$ = affordable
$$$ = special treat time
- Acme Chophouse
ATT Park, Willie Mays Plaza, 415-644-0240
This is my favorite place for braised shortribs, fried calamari, and burgers. $$ - Alfred’s Steakhouse
659 Merchant St., (in the alley across from Hilton Financial District, on Kearny) 415-781-7058
Excellent “Whiskey Steak” and other cuts of steak. Side dishes, especially risotto, are delicious. $$ - The Dining Room
Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St., 415-773-6168
Superb classical cuisine in one of the City's most romantic settings. Share special occasions here. Let Chef Ron Siegel (Iron Chef America!) create an unforgettable menu for you. $$$ - Jeanty at Jack’s
615 Sacramento St. 415-693-0941
Famed Chef Philippe Jeanty re-opened the historic Jack’s to the great joy of food lovers. Simple French classics, such as Cassoulet and one of my favorites, Coq au Vin. $$ - Kokkari
200 Jackson St., 415-981-0983
Great Kokkari’s Greek/Mediterranean food, especially the eggplant or garlic-yogurt dip. Hearty lamb shanks. $$ - Moose’s
1652 Stockton St. 415-989-7800
My good friend Gary Hirano is the new owner, and the place is as attractive as ever, offering “New American” cuisine, a nice lounge/bar, great ambience, a nice place to meet and eat. $$ - Palio d'Asti
640 Sacramento St., 415-395-9800
Lunch and dinner only, full bar, business casual, excellent Italian food. Yummy calzone, pizzas from the wood fire oven. $-$$$ - Piperade
1015 Battery St., 415-391-2555
I must eat here more often. Chef Gerard Hirogoyen, of Frigale fame, created this amazing Basque bistro. Everything is delicious and I rarely say that about any restaurant. The menu may include fresh crab meat coddled in a paper-thin crepe with a partner of a tasty mango and red-pepper salsa. $-$$ - Swan’s Oyster Depot
1517 Polk St., 415-673-1101
The freshest, the best, the most fun place to eat Oysters on the Half Shell and seafood. Totally casual. $-$$ (Guy) - Tadich Grill
240 California., 415-391-1849
One of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco, I love the clam chowder, filet of sole, petrale, bouillabaise. $$ (Michael, Marion, Jose) - Belden Place Restaurants
off Kearny St./California St.
All terrific: B44, Plouf, Cafe Tiramisu...outdoor dining, like eating in Paris. $-$$ - Via Veneto
2244 Fillmore St., 415-346 9211
New discovery for superb veal specials, pasta, charming owner Mossimo. $-$$
Others worthy of big-time mention
- Aqua
- Bacar
- Boulevard
- Cortez
- Faz
- Fleur De Lys
- Ana Mandara
- Farallon
- Gary Danko
- Nopa
- Fringale
- Scala’s
- Cosmopolitan Café
- Town Hall
- Harris’ Steakhouse
- Myth
- The Fly Trap
- Frisson
- Range
