For Chinese -- the Hong Kong Flower Lounge in the Richmond District.

For Breakfast -- the Garden Court at the Sheraton Palace in the Financial District.

Fabulously wonderful and fabulously expensive: Aqua's

For Breakfast: Eats on Clement

For the view: Greens at Fort Mason (also, the best Vegetarian restaurant in town)

whatever you do, AVOID Hawthorne Lane restaurant at all costs. It's horribly expenseive, and the servcie and food are just so-so. Nothing but bad experience at this place. Even Zagat's is getting the message, although they just be afraid of a suit because they don't print the most negative reviews they are aware of. Nonetheless, you would do well to spend your money elsewhere. We were burned for over $350 in december 1998 at this place, and we swore we'd spread the word and help other avoid the same mistake. SF is a wonderful town - and there are many, many worthy places that deserve your support. But not Hawthorne Lane.

Thai: Marnee Thai Restaurant in the Sunset District(i.e. south of GG Park).

Great, different, and reasonably priced, go to the Slanted Door, innovative quasi-Vietnamese cuisine. It's noisy, but ALWAYS fabulous food. Be prepared - the neighborhood is a little scary to leave your car parked on the street. I would recommend a reservation. This place has gotten very popular.

Ben, One more good old dependable restaurant that's been around a while and is always good is Splendido's, at Four Embarcadero Center on the Mezanine. I don't know if it's in your price range. It's moderately expensive, but not super expensive like Postrio, Aqua, Farralon, and the like.

Dependably great food, nice atmosphere, and a convenient location at Embarcadero Center.

Hope that helps. L

Here's another one for breakfast -- Sears (not the department store).

It's on Union Square, old fashioned, inexpensive, and fun. Try the Swedish pancakes or the sourdough French toast. After breakfast at Sears, you can shop until past lunchtime without getting hungry!

If I spend my money on Chinese food it will be at Brandy Ho's, off of Broadway and accross the street in North Beach (Italian District) there is the Mona Lisa or if you are into garlic there is also the Stinking Rose. As most palletts are subjective I leave it to you to scale my four star selections on you own subjective criterion. Walking the streets is an experience all by itself.