I'll be in San Francisco for a conference for five days in mid-November. We'll be staying at the Hyatt Embarcadero, and I was wondering if anybody had any ideas about good places to eat (walking distance would be great, but a cab ride away is OK). I'm not quite sure whether my husband will be coming along, and although there will be colleagues around I may end up dining alone part of the time--so maybe mention if it's a place where I'd be comfortable. Thanks!
Carolyn

Are there particular foods you might enjoy more than others? What price range do you have in mind?

A short walk to Boulevard, Nancy Oakes' award winning place -- very special.
You're also walking distance to the "new" Ferry Building. Try Slanted Door, trendy and very popular modern Vietnamese.

Dear carolynk,
If you are staying at the Embarcadero Hyatt, you may avail yourself with ease of the various restaurants on Steuart Street as well as the places inside the Ferry Building. For a special meal, either by yourself or with your husband, reserve a table at Boulevard or at One Market. If you like upscale, modern Japanese food, try Ozumo. If you are very much into wine, take a cab to Bacar for dinner (south of Market) area. If you would like a very lively Italian place in the trendy Marina District, check A16 on Chestnut Street.

There is no stigma attached in S.F. whatsoever to a female dining alone. I do it all the time and get very nice, caring service from the waitstaff. So, maybe save that special dinner for an evening with your husband, but don't hold back - treat yourself!

Suzie--I love French food but don't really want an extremely expensive restaurant (especially if I'm alone)--bistro-type would be great. Italian food, too--even though I'm watching carbs (they don't count on a trip, right?) I like Chinese but avoid really spicy ethnic foods, which don't agree with me. Price range: I'm willing to splurge once or twice but can't do it every night (I'll be there five nights).

Just walk across the Embarcadero to the Ferry Market!! There are some really good restaurants here. We ate at Hog Island Oyster co (excellent food and price) but I've heard good things about Slanted Door also. There are a few other places, let your nose guide you. And pick up dessert from Miette. Man they make the best lavender shortbread cookies I have had!!!

Another vote for the Ferry Building: The Slanted Door, Taylor's Refresher, a new mexican place by Tracy Jardiniere that I can't think of the name...Other ideas: walk to Yank Sing or take BART to the Mission for great tapas and mexican (Pancho Villa) or the MUNI train for wonderful Thai at Thep Phanom. The concierge at the hotel should be able to help you out with travel logistics.

By the way, I can't handle spicy food either so know that just about everywhere has options for you, especially ethnic food (although I have to stay away from Indian)

Well, if you like Italian - head to North Beach. There are all kinds of Italian restaurants and cafes - I randomly picked 2 and had 2 great meals. I dined alone (I was also there for a conference too), and had no issues whatsoever.

And, of course, if you like Chinese, there is Chinatown!

Karen

In North Beach, less than 2 miles from your hotel is Cafe Pescatore. Casual atmosphere and very good food. I would feel comfortable there by myslef.

Get a group of 4 to 6 for dim sum at Yank Sing.