If you are staying near Union Square, there is a branch of Yank Sing that is in walking distance. See www.yanksing.com for a map of both locations. The one on Stevenson Street is just parallel to Market, between first and second.

We go regularly to Scala's at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, and enjoy that a lot as well (www.scalasbistro.com).

Once again you've made some wonderful suggestions! Thank you!

I had considered Cafe Claude but the reviews on yelp and zagat ran hot & cold. The bistro menu appealed to me but the reviews made me look for another spot!

I will check out Le Central, Cafe Gitane & ones on Belden Alley.

2010

if you get hungry as you shop union square, i strongly recommend the rotunda at neiman marcus.
it is on the top floor with the most gorgeous stain glass ceiling.
ask for a table by the window and you can watch union square go by.
the bullion and the popovers with strawberry butter is beyond divine.

1300 on Fillmore.
=P~=P~=P~

ooops:
http://www.1300fillmore.com/

Very good black skillet fried chicken.
Next to Yoshi's so if you like jazz...((8))((8))

Yank Sing at Rincon Center is the BEST dim sum I have had (yes - it is expensive but worth it) and it is a block or two away from the Ferry Building. The Farmer's Market is great. I've been on Saturdays and it's crowded but very enjoyable. If you like oysters, Hog Island Oyster Co in the Ferry Building is great.

I also like Restaurant LuLu on Folsom and Barcar (they have a "wall of wine" so great wine list and the food is great too).

Enjoy! there is a lot to choose from.

In case you're looking for it, it's Bacar (not Barcar).

2010: Poggio in Sausalito is a great choice. You can drop in for a quick bite to eat at the bar, or if the weather is nice, a seat by the large windows that open up to the street is a great place to observe the Bridgeway. Good wood-fired pizzas.
Café de la Presse is a good choice for breakfast/coffee and croissants.
The café up-front has a plethora of newspapers and magazines.
Scala's Bistro near Union Square has a convenient location and great atmosphere. I have enjoyed many meals there; however, they just started a new chef.
Other favorites of mine:
Delfina
Town Hall
Jardinière
Tartines
Foreign Cinema
Zuni Café
Kristina: The Ferry Building Marketplace is fabulous to visit any day of the week, but it really does come alive on Saturdays during the Farmer's Market. For lunch, there are vendors along the side and behind the building selling all kinds of mouthwatering foods. As for permanent eateries, Mijita has delicious fish tacos, and Taylor's Refresher is always a winner -- I'm craving their blue-cheese bacon burger right now!

Hello! Me, again!

My reservations for Boulevard & Slanted Door have been confirmed! Just waiting to hear back from Perbacco.

I've tried to make dinner reservations at Cafe de La Presse through Open Table but the site notes that they are not currently on-line. Should I be concerned? Before I call long distance to reserve a table, I was wondering if anybody has dined there recently?

Thanks!
2010

We'll be there in March and April so Perbacco's will be on our "to do" list one of those trips.

Will they close for remodeling in May?

((6))

No but they may need to re-stock the wine cellar and salumi locker! =P~

More info on Zingari, please!

i am personally not a fan of italian food but everything i had at zingari last november was excellent. the piano bar is pretty cool too.

Thank you, Abranz!

Okay, what to order at Slanted Door?
Any particular favorites?

Yes, if you drink alcohol, do not skip the ginger limeade thing (ok, now I have to look it up) - I'm back, vodka, ginger and lime on the rocks. Fabulous. Crispy imperial rolls are outstanding (with lettuce and mint leaves and a yummy dipping sauce). That's all I can remember specifically, but the food is really excellent (as are the views).

sf = why aren't you outside - it's beautiful !!!

Stu Dudley

I've been in and out Stu (manicure, Sephora, Burlingame Optical, Mollie Stone's, BofA, Grey's Paint (twice))(and I'm about to leave again) - it is spectacular weather (my DH is out refereeing kids soccer -- he was just hoping it wouldn't rain, had no idea it would be glorious!)

Alohaaaaaaaaaa from the Napa Valley....

THEE Stu...to say the weather in Nor Cal is beautibul is an understatement!!!

Just had a couple of glasses of Napa's finest on the patio of the River Terrace Inn waiting for the wedding later today.
Can't it get any better than this?

Kal, congratulations on your wedding! My sympathy to your bride.

((6))

I have been extremely interested in this topic since we leave for our San Francisco trip next week and we are making our final reservations. So far we have reservations for Hurleys and Restorante Allegra in the wine country. We have Slanted Door, Hyde Street Seafood, Betelnut, Yang Sing and Pesce Seafood reservations in San Francisco. Need I say we love oriental and seafood. We are staying in the marina area and need to make our final decisions. We are seeking moderately priced restaurants. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We enjoyed Yank Sing for dim sum (http://www.yanksing.com) and went to the Stevenson Street location, which was just off Market and closer to our hotel on Union Square. I would go again in a minute, but should caution that it is, as others have said, very expensive. Two people can hardly try much of the entire huge selection. It will take several trips.

Leburta, Do you have another suggestion for dim sum that would not be as expensive?

cjml,
some other places that are really good for dim sum and not as expensive as yank sing:

koi palace - outside of s.f. in daly city
city view - financial district
ton kiang - geary and 23rd - a bit out of the way. this is the one that i tend to go to most often. they do not take reservations for parties under 7. there is always a crowd waiting on the street but the wait is not long. breakfast/lunch is the best time to go as they have carts coming around constantly.

leburta,
since you are into oriental and seafood, a couple of place in the marina that i love are
betel nut - on union street has singaporean asian
umami - on webster at union has japanese influenced asian fusion

if you want to venture beyond asian,
mamacita - on chestnut has fabulous mexicanish food
laiola - also on chestnut has great spanish tapas - you have to have their chick pea croquettes and the pan con chocolate dessert. it is the best version of chocolate with olive oil and sea salt that i have had anywhere.

Leburta, thank you for your wonderful suggestions. Being new to the area, we welcome suggestions.

It's amazing how food talk can generate such enthusiasm! Thanks to all for joining in!

Unfortunately, Colibri cannot seat us at our requested time for dinner - a large party has booked the place. I am wondering about Zazil in the Westfield San Francisco Centre. Any comments or suggestions for Mexican food within walking distance from Union Square?

2010

Had dinner at Zingari, here are my likes and dislikes:

Easy to get in, at 6.15 we just walked in without reservations.

If you don't like stairs, enter through the hotel, take an elevator to level R.

A table for 2 at the window overlooking Post St, fast and polite service.

Nice wine list.

The noise level is too high, even at the little table for two it was difficult to hear each other.

Not used not to see several vegetarian entries in San Francisco. Didn't feel like swirling spaghetti, had to have appetizer and salad only - not my usual dinner choice.

dayenu,
i am so sorry your experience at zingari was not up to my recommendation.
i did not realize you were vegetarian.
i do not eat mammals but there was a lot of fish and chicken that worked for me.
i do think it sucks when you are expecting a decent meal because of a recommendation and does not turn out that way.
again, so sorry.