We have three nights in SD and four in SF. Anyone have recommendations for GOOD restaurants that aren't too too pricey? Looking for American/Seafood/French/Tapas/
Italian.
Thanks.

San Diego
Fish Market near the Midway Aircraft Carrier is one of my favorites.
Island Prime has a good mix of foods along with a great view on Harbor Island.

I think the Fish Market is a good choice also. It is usually very crowded so be prepared to wait.

I recommend Piatti's Restaurant in La Jolla Shores. Italian - but very old California feel. The patio setting has a large fig tree whick is like a large umbrella shading everything.

One of the best French restaurants is in La Jolla called Tapenade. It is a little pricey so you may want to call to see if they have "happy hour" specials.

Thanks. We actually went to Fish Market last time we were there. We loved having drinks outside, but were underwhelmed by the food.

I was just in San Francisco recently and had dinner with a group at Rose Pistola in the North Beach area. It was fantastic Italian food and the area is so fun to walk around. You can stop at Trieste and have coffee and people watch afterwards. Good price too--we thought there might be a mistake on the check, because we had quite a bit of wine, but it was correct. Have a wonderful trip!

You didn't mention Mexican, but we really liked El Agave in old town SD. Not your typical Mexican food, updated and they have a wide selection of tequilas.

Good luck.

MY

In San Francisco, my picks:

#1- Zuni Cafe
1658 Market
www.zunicafe.com
Try their roasted chicken salad for 2.,/i>

#2- Tadich Grill -
240 California

Go early or sit at the counter to avoid a long wait, but it is worth it. Fish is what's best here. Quintessential SF.

#3- E Tutto Qua for excellent Italian
in North Beach
270 Columbus Ave


Deb

In San Francisco, Francino is a great Italian Restaurant. It is in North Beach. The food is red sauce Italian, but it is sooo good!

go to chowhounds.com..much more food insight..also questions.. will you have a car? where are you staying you should? put down.. so we know what areas to suggest.

I would use yelp for San Francisco restaurants. I live here and had never heard of Franchino until I read Kerry's post -- and it gets consistent excellent reviews.

San Francisco:

For something a little different, we like to eat at Ti Couz in the Mission once in a while. They serve primarily savory and sweet crepes that are absolutely mouth-watering.

I agree with Deb on the rec for Zuni's chicken. They make a very good caeser salad and their cheese course is nice too.

Da Flora in North Beach serves very nice Venetian food. The sweet potato gnoochi is a signature dish and can be had as an appetizer or as a main dish. The fish is usually good here. Friends of ours that drink lots of wine love the wine list.

We had very good burgers and fries at the burger joint at the left end of Ferry Building the other day. We took them to go and ate them while sitting on the pier. Nice place to have a bite to eat on a sunny day.

There HAS to be a joke about Venetian food?

Billaaaayy...you thinking Taylor's Refresher at the Ferry Bldg?

American? Russian Hill's Rex Cafe on Polk near Green.

Thanks Kal. That's the name of it! Good burger!

Good ahi burger and spicey sweet potato fries, too.

Another good American, Fog City Diner.

I would second Fog City Diner in SF; and Slanted Door which is nearby at the Embarcadero, Ferry Building? Definitely need reservations for Slanted Door....culinary Vietnamese.

In San Diego, Island Prime also has fabulous views and good food. Cafe Sevilla has tapas. If you get up to Encinitas, Vigilucci's has good Italian and by favorite gnocchi (gorgonzola).

Casual but excellent:
I also recommend Tent City in Coronado and Zinc in Solana Beach.

La Jolla (around Girard Street) - George's by the Cove (for the view),
ZenBu (Japanese), Piatti's (in the LJ Shores), El Pescador (excellent lunch & fish tacos),
.....in the Bird Rock area (La Jolla Blvd around Bird Rock Ave) try Bird Rock Roasters (for the best organic home roasted coffee), and Lupi's Italian and Beaumonts.

In Hillcrest don't miss Bread & Cie Bakery, Peets Coffee, Crest Cafe around Third & University Streets

Had a good french bistro-type meal at Florio on Fillmore last weekend ($140 for 2). Very good seafood stew, roast chicken, sliced steak (their version of steak frites) -- the latter is served on a platter to be shared by two people. Also highly recommend SPQR (sister of A16)(I think it was less than $100 for 2), also on Fillmore. Latter does not take reservations, so go early (or for a late lunch). Added bonus: nice neighborhood to walk around. Nice wine bar - JAR - also on Fillmore.