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Boboquivari’s
A red and black striped awning announces this brand new hot spot on Lombard Street. Inside the double doors, the walls are a deep shade of scarlet, and the tables sport black and white striped linens with gleaming black tops. The vibe is Cirque Du Soleil meets Napoli, with a smiling Boboquivari, the court jester, hanging above the entrance to the kitchen.
We think it’s one of the sexiest places in town – but of course! Andrea Froncillo is in the kitchen! He has created a small but decadent menu that emphasizes rich, concentrated flavors.
For starters, sample the ahi tuna carpaccio, drizzled in a soy ginger glaze and sprinkled with black sesame seeds; or savor skillet roasted mussels and shrimp. The specialty of the house is steak – enormous, dry-aged steaks that are so juicy they nearly melt in your mouth. You won’t find the tired creamed spinach that accompanies steak at most restaurants; here you’ll have to choose between modern macaroni and cheese, or the Brussels sprouts, made with capers and Parmigiano or one of the other house favorites.
If you’re still hungry after all of that, give in to the triple bypass – thick, creamy chocolate mousse.
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Fleur de Lys |
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For an incredible culinary and ambient treat, we highly recommend it Fleur de Lys. The entire experience will sweep you off of your feet from the moment you step inside; the ceiling in the main dining room is covered in yards and yards of fabric, swooping down to make a tent of sorts. Mirrors line the walls, fresh flowers sprout from the countertops, and the china is tres chic, but the details are superfluous to the food. Superstar chef Hubert Keller has invented a menu to dazzle and delight, and each and every mouthful is a delight for the senses. From creamy-smooth soups served in tiny china cups to inventive treatments with foie gras, each and every plate is a feast for all five senses. Don't miss the cheese platter at the end of the meal; the French know their fromage, and a nutty wedge of aged Gouda with desert wine just might be the perfect way to begin the rest of your night.
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The Brazen Head |
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When you'd rather see than be seen, scurry to the Brazen Head in Cow Hollow. There isn't a sign outside, but the dark wooden doors are flanked by a bower of glossy green ivy. Duck inside, and you'll feel like you stumbled into a warm European pub. The bartenders and wait staff are cheerful and fun, and they have an uncanny knack of remembering your favorite drink. There are no pretensions here; come in a suit or in sweats, and you'll be greeted with equal graciousness. Sit at the wide polished wood bar for a cocktail, or ask for one of the small tables tucked into the back of the room, where you can tuck into a pepper steak - or your date – in privacy.
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Macaroni Sciue Sciue |
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So your wallet isn't up for a big hit, but you're feeling playful and craving a scrumptious plate of pasta. No problem: head down to Macaroni Sciue Sciue in North Beach, where the tables are tiny, the ceilings are low, and the vino is served in short glass cups, Italian style. Cheerful wait staff wrapped in white aprons are likely to break into an operetta at any moment, and walls look like they're covered with - wait! is it really? yes! - pasta, in all shapes and sizes! Pretend that you're in a little trattoria in Naples, and try re-enacting the scene from Lady and the Tramp, where they each have one end of a strand of spaghetti. Try not to giggle... awwww. So cute.
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Woodward’s Garden
Perched on the corner of Market and Mission, this restaurant is all that remains of a magnificent garden that extended for several blocks, replete with exotic flowers and trees from all over the world and – the main draw – a vast collection of animals that included monkeys, deer, flamingos and camels. Today, the restaurant pays homage to those bygone days with a gentle atmosphere that radiates warmth and charm. In the kitchen, Dana and Margie (formerly at Greens and Postrio, respectively) consistently turn out food that is inventive and delicious with a touch of the fanciful. The menu constantly changes to reflect the local produce that the owners procure, so the selections are always fresh and surprising. The chandelier in the second room makes it our favorite spot for dining, but there aren’t any “bad” seats.
Ana Mandara
A whiff of Oriental glamour wafts from Ana Mandara, the swanky Vietnamese restaurant located at the quiet end of Fisherman's Wharf. Strategically placed palm trees make the space feel intimate and grand at the same time, and the decadent artwork and silky textured fabrics are easy on the eye. Begin the evening with a lemongrass martini; later on, we recommend the sea bass, which is steamed to tender perfection in a glossy green banana leaf. Aren't the tropics a perfect place to while away a cool San Francisco evening?
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