LoveItaly:

I agree, so many restarants to chose from. I have heard wonderful reviews for the Slanted Door and am thinking of making reservations for lunch one day. The Ferry Building looks like a wonderful area to spend the day.

I have been reviewing the menus for Scala's and North Beach for our anniversary dinner. Scala's looks more romantic. The one decision that I have made is Harry Denton's StarLight room at the Drake after dinner.

What do you think?

Also where is Mama's that everyone raves about for breakfast?

Hi JazzSilver, well first of all Mama's is right there at the Washington Park at North Beach..I don't go only because I refuse to stand in line for a table (just something I will not do). But everybody love's Mama's so if that doesn't bother you I am sure you will have wonderful food.

Regarding your actual 20th wedding anniversary dinner let me say this. I lost my DH some years ago. The last anniversary we celebrated was at Scala's. It was a perfect evening. You do need to make reservations. And as I mentioned before Harry Denton's Starlight Room is right there (the Sir Francis Drake Hotel is attached to Scala's and the Starlight Room is on the top floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel). An absolutely perfect evening and one I will always remember.

Personally I would do the North Beach Restaurant another evening as I do not feel it as "romantic" but I am sure you will enjoy it. BTW, see if you can get the waiter or someone to show you downstairs and where the tunnels were during prohibition in SF. That is fun. You go down the stairs to the lower level and off to the left - old SF history.

JazzSilver, you don't need an entire day at the Ferry Bldg. but may I suggest you don't feel rushed. It really is a charming spot.

I hope you will file a trip report when you return home. I feel part of your anniversary trip! I sure wish you a special time, and feel it will be.

LoveItaly:

Thank you for your suggestions! I was sorry to her about your DH.

What a wonderful piece of history regarding the North Beach Restuarant. If we do dine there I would love to see the tunnels.

Also, it seems that you are a native to the area, what restaurants would you recommend that are not on all of the tourist lists!

Jazzsilver-

here is the walking info between the 2 hotels..

Villa Florence is about 1 block off Union Sq on fairly level ground....

For dinner, make a resercation at Tartare- it is amazing!!

The Monaco is about 2 blocks off Union Sq all UPHILL....
When we stay at the Monaco, we take a cab back to hotel as I cannot walk hills due to a bad knee...
If you have no knee problems, it is an even toss as to the location..It's just that the MONACO is sooooooo much more upscale..and we LOVE it!