We'll be in San Francisco for a few days, arriving late tomorrow (May 7th). We're booked in at the Vintage Court hotel in Nob Hill (650 Bush St.) and will be using public transit and taxis during our stay.

Our plans tentatively include visits to the gardens (inc. Japanese Tea Garden), Golden Gate Park, the zoo, Chinatown, Haight, the Asian Art Museum. Are there any special events happening this week-end?

Have any of you been to or heard of the following restaurants? I'm wondering if they are worth trekking to and seeking out... your opinions would be extremely appreciated!

Ebisu, 1283 9th Ave. (@ Irving)
Grandeho Kameyko, 943 Cole St. (@ Carl)
Isobune, 1737 Post St.
Takara Sushi & Seafood, Miyako Mall, Post St. (@ Webster)
AsiaSF, 201 9th (@ Howard)
Great Eastern Restaurant, 649 Jackson St.
Burma Superstar, 309 Clement St.
Angkor Wat, 4217 Geary St (6th&7th)
The Stinking Rose, 325 Columbus Ave.
Steps of Rome, 348 Columbus Ave.
Kate's Kitchen, 471 Haight St.
Guaymas, 5 Main in Tiburon (by ferry)

I would also appreciate any other Sushi or Burmese restaurant recommendations. Also looking for a Chinatown recommendation for Sunday brunch/Dim Sum. Thanks!

Burma Superstar is a great restaurant!! Be sure to get to samosa soup--sooo good. It is very crowded at dinner time so be prepared to wait a little bit. There is a sign-up sheet right inside the door.

I like Guyma's a lot but it seems to be hit or miss. I would suggest going there no matter what as you can sit outside and see some fantastic views.

Ebisu is some of the best sushi in the city--again it gets busy.

I hate, hate, hate Stinking Rose however it seems a lot of people on this board like it. Great ambiance but the food is mediocre and not very garlicy.

Have a great trip!

Have you checked chowhound.com? It's probably the best way to quickly get info about a range of restaurants like that.

Hello dianeg,

Ebisu used to be one of my favorite sushi places. It was worth the wait for the atmosphere and the wonderfully fresh sushi. The last time I went, the sushi had a slightly "tired" look and feel, the chefs were abrupt and at a certain point in the evening, three of them got into an argument...IN CANTONESE!

I have not been to Grandeho's for a long time, but I remember it as being very charming. The non-sushi items were very good as well.

Hamano on Castro near 24th has a very small counter and a much larger seating area in the main part of the restaurant. The times I've eaten there, the chefs made some really whimsical preparations that were almost too pretty to eat.

Kabuto on Geary Street has moved into a new location. Haven't been there yet (to the new place, that is). The chef-san at Kabuto is famous for his lightning speed with the knife and his rather austere but totally impeccable sushi and sashimi. Ask him to make you a "tataki" of bonito or other fish - if you like seared ahi, you will like this.

Hmmm ... all this talk of pure briny protein .... I now have a craving (a yen!) for some uni and saba!

Another do not like The Stinking Rose here. Also think that AsiaSF is over rated; Kate's Kitchen is in the lower Haight (i.e. the Fillmore as opposed to Haight Ashbury) and good for breakfast, great if you intend to explore the lower Haight but not IMHO worth a special trip. If you are thinking of having sushi in Cole Valley (which is where Grandeho is located) you might want to consider a very small place called Hama-Ko Sushi. It has no sign and is located next to Crepes on Cole--considered sushi treasure by many.

Hope you are aware that Sunday dim sum brunch in Chinatown is the most crowded time to go. Family groups gather to eat, drink tea, converse and read the newspapers, so the table turnover wait is quite long. It can be an interesting, fun experience though, just keep that in mind.

Ebisu - excruciatingly long wait times, don't take reservations except for the tatami rooms. Convenient to Golden Gate Park. CA style sushi, rolls etc.

Isobune = nothing special in my book.

I prefer Kabuto's and Hamano. Never been to Grandeho. I would investigate Kiss Seafood for an intimate sushi experience. Reservations essential. Laguna @ Sutter.


AsiaSF. You'll be there with all the bachelorette parties before they head over to Polly Esthers. *sigh* Expensive food, the drag queens are great. Go for the comedy, not the food.

Stinking Rose: two words Tourist Trap. Uninspired, insipid food. If you're looking for good Italian, I'd suggest skipping North Beach and heading to Trattoria Antica Polk @ Union.

dianeg,
A word here about the restaurants in Japantown. With a few exceptions, they are not really terrific. Most of them are, however, totally authentic......in their mediocrity. Seriously, they're on a level with what you could get in a shopping mall adjoining a railroad station most places in Japan.

For an exceptional treat, try a place called Maki in the Japantown Center. It's right across the hallway from the big Kinokuniya bookstore. It's very small, so a reservation or showing up very early might be a good idea. Their specialty is wappa-meishi, little rice "casseroles" with various toppings. Also good daily specials, including a daily bento box lunch. The interior is intimate, elegant and subdued, but it's not a fancy place. Try one of the traditional desserts - I love the warm red bean soup with tiny rice dumplings (I know, I know, sounds weird, but try it).

Other than sunday being Mother's Day....
We like New Asia-722 Pacific, near Stockton and next to Nanking-Chef Jia's
is smaller and we think better food,
925 Kearny.
R5

Hi,

Great Eastern is my favorite for Chinese food in the SF area.

It comes highly recommended, and you won't be disappointed. I believe they also have DimSum.

Try Yank Sing for dim sum. It will be very crowded on Sunday, but they accept reservations.

Wow!! You folks are the VERY best! So much good feedback and excellent advice - it is greatly appreciated! I'll try to post by next week-end.

Aaack, I'd forgotten about Mothers' Day on Sunday...

So, dianeng,
How'd it all turn out? Any new favorites? We'd love to hear!