Mo's Grill, Grant Avenue
One of the best places is Mo's Grill on (1322) Grant Avenue (North Beach end)… it serves fantastic burgers, both meat and veggie with brilliant toppings (I always had the garden burger with mushrooms and onions). They do breakfast too but we only went there in the evening.
There are good coffee shops in the Haight and the Magnolia Pub and Brewery (1398 Haight Street) does good bar food to go with their microbrews.
www.mosgrill.com
Nichola
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Chez Panisse, Shattuck Avenue, Berkley
I am a Londoner who has been lucky enough to call San Francisco home for the last ten years. This city is truly an epicurean capital with no shortage of world class restaurants to chose from. A short BART train ride to Berkley will take you to Alice Waters' world famous Chez Pannise, the main restaurant books out months in advance and has a set menu, however the less formal Cafe upstairs is a much better deal and relatively easy to get a table. In San Francisco the top restaurants are well sign posted (from Quince to Aqua to Gary Danko). It's the local gems that are the real treat, my overall favourite is Firefly in Noe Valley. Others worth considering are Delfina in the Mission, Chapeau in Outer Richmond, Blue Plate in Bernal Heights and Chez Papa in Potrero Hill.
Tony Hynes
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Osha, Valencia Street and Papalote, Fulton Street
I lived in San Francisco for seven years and can recommend a few
places. Osha, which is in the Mission district and Embarcadero, does
fantastic Thai food. Papalote, also in the Mission, as well as the
Panhandle district, does delicious Mexican food, with amazing chips
and salsa. Then there is also Q in the Richmond district, which does
the best burgers I've had, and also out there is Burma Superstar,
obviously Burmese.
David
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Canteen, Sutter Street
The San Francisco food scene is so deep and diverse that the best way to experience it is often to avoid the tourist centers such as Fisherman's wharf and the piers area and venture into one of the many districts. Canteen restaurant on Sutter street, next to what used to be the old commodore hotel is outstanding. Their menu changes weekly and is seasonal. A recent menu is available on their web site. It is a TINY space, (only 20 seats or so), so calling ahead for a reservation is strongly recommended even for a party of one and should be made several days in advance for larger parties. Expect to spend around $40 before wine, tax and tip. I recommend arriving early and heading up the block to Cup-A-Joe for a very reasonable happy hour pint before dinner. If your adventures take you to the Richmond district stop into Halu on 8th Ave at Clement street for some fantastic, non-sushi, Japanese food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The owner is in a band and usually has The Beatles, the Stones or similar if smaller bands playing on the sound system. It should also be noted that Halu has a terrific selection of sake.
Ben M
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Balompie Cafe, 18th Street
Here are a few tips for great cheap eateries that provide Salvadorean flavours not so common in the UK and a taste of Indian food that can't be beat in the San Francisco Bay Area:

Balompie Cafe
3349 18th Street
San Francisco

This is the place to try Salvadorean cuisine. The breakfasts are a great start to the day with chorizo con huevos -- spicy sausage with scrambled eggs -- beats the traditional English breakfast. The best lunch and dinner plates are called "traditional plates," such as pupusas, griddled corn cakes filled with cheese and topped with vinegary slaw. You might try steamed or fried yucca, served with pork, or pacayas, a kind of vegetable that's a bit like spaghetti squash. Oh, and you can catch football on the telly during World Cup season too.

Vik's Chaat Corner
726 Allston Way
Berkeley
Tues - Sun 11am until 8pm (I think)

This chaat (translates literally as "lick") Indian cafe is a special East Bay scene. At lunchtimes during the week, the menu includes special plates, with daily rotating curries, rice, dahl, and chutneys, and a crowd of local professionals. At the weekend, the families arrive from Silicon Valley, sometimes by the busload, enticed by an expanded menu that includes an absolutely wonderful chicken biryani, as well as masala dosa. Their famous speciality though is Bhatura Cholle, a huge puffed ball of fried bread, served with pickles and a delicious chickpea curry sauce. Not to mention fabulous chai, a wonderful collection of Indian sweets, and bhangra or Bollywood music to complete the authentic atmosphere.
Katy Shotton
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Mocca's Deli, Maiden Lane
One of my favourite places in San Fran is Mocca's deli in Maiden Lane just moments from Union Sq.
The tri tip sandwich is to absolutely die for, but to be honest, everything here is great. The tomato soup, the sea food salad, the chicken sandwich ... I could go on, but my mouth is salivating. Plus its a great place to eat alfresco and just watch San Fran go by.
Tim Harris
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Mama's, Washington Square
Far and away the best place you will ever have breakfast is at Mama's, on Washington Square. The queue starts forming around 7.15 on Sunday, as brunch there is nothing short of divine. You would do well to be there by 7.30. All the component parts of a good American breakfast can be had there, and the specials always have something tempting and interesting on offer. The location, on Washington Square, is only a short walk away from Vesuvio, a renowned Beat Generation watering hole that opens its doors at 6 AM. Just enough time for a few Bloody Mary's before joining the queue at Mama's... perfect.
Mama's
1701 Stockton Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
+1 415 362 6421
Nika Obydzinski
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The Stinking Rose, Columbus Avenue
Although there are some excellent Chinese and Thai options in SF I'd firstly recommend The Stinking Rose - a restaurant by Chinatown/Northbeach that specialises in garlic dishes. My wife and I moved to SF from London in the mid-90's and this was always the place we wanted to eat in - t
John
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Pacific Catch, Chestnut Street
I visited San Francisco last summer and highly recommend Pacific Catch which specializes in fresh fish dishes. There are three restaurants around the bay area, but we visited the Marina which served mouthwatering Mahi Mahi and I think you will enjoy it after all the physical exertions of biking and surfing. If you want more details, go to the restaurant website at pacificcatch.com. This is an absolute gem, and not to be missed.
Sajjad
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Plouf, Belden Place
A good surf session was bettered only by dinner at local french restaurant Plouf, located in a delightfully atmospheric pedestrian only corridor besieged by similar looking restaurants in the financial district, all of which looked good. Plouf got our vote for its superb seafoods (the moules were superb), extensive wine list and the brilliant contrast of its staff, from the typically French waiter who clearly considered it below him to wait on us to the extremely friendly hostess Devon, who joined us for coffee and sightseeing tips after dessert. The later you dine, the better the atmosphere - we ate around 9.30 and it was perfect.
Duncan Madden
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Chowhound
My favorite source of food information in major metro areas in the U.S.A. is Chowhound. This includes San Francisco, Chicago, New York, New Orleans and other areas in the U.S. They also cover foreign locations but I'm not overly familiar with those at this time.
Munn
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Frascati, Hyde Street
I travel regularly to San Francisco for work, and I always make a point of returning to restaurant on Russian Hill, which I was introduced to by a West Bay local. Since then, I have mentioned it to many a San Franciscan foodie who concurs...this is the best unknown "Neighbourhood" Restaurant in the city. So here you go (just keep it to yourself):

Frascati Restaurant
1901 Hyde Street (and Green)
San Francisco, CA
94109
Frascatisf.com
*booking is necessary
Marc Tumson

For a retro style diner, try the 24hr Pine Crest on Geary. It has a large window which makes for great viewing on city life while you tuck in to traditional favourites like chili and french toast. If you like BBQ, then you can't go wrong with Memphis Minnies on Haight. Its a bit out of the way, but worth a stop-off on the way to, or from Haight-Ashbury. The mixed plates are great value and allow you to try combinations of the best BBQ in SF.
Lee
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Cafe Zoetrope, Kearny Street
In the famous 1906 Sentinel Building, Francis Ford Coppola's bistro
serves great antipasto (try the Picada tray) pastas (try the superb
Carbonara or the Linguine Vongole), pizzas (try the Tony Special or
the Sophia) and specials (try the Chicken Cattitori). Excellent
Coppola wines you'll only find here or at the Napa winery. The room is
filled with memorabilia from classic Coppola films including
Apocalypse Now and The Godfather. Weekdays you'll find Peter, a true
denizen North Beach, tending the bar.
Cafe Zoetrope
916 Kearny Street,
North Beach
San Francisco
415-291-1700
cafecoppola.com/cafezoetrope
Jerry
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One Market, Market Street
One Market. Right on the bottom of Market, opposite the Ferry building. Superb. Not cheap though, although to be honest nowhere in SFO is cheap.
John Bracken
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Benihana, Post Street
If your on your own in San Fran how about Teppanyaki? Japanese food cooked at the table (the chefs put on a great show) and if you’re on your own it’s a great way to meet people as tables are usually for 8, but often made up of smaller groups and sole diners.
Benihana, Japantown, Pacific Heights is good value and one of the most popular in town, with a not too bad Sake selection.
Benihana
Pacific Heights
1737 Post Street
(between Buchanan St & Webster St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-4844
Jonathan Dyke
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Range, Valencia Street
In terms of food, there is a slew of restaurants serving what could be called, broadly, California / New American cuisine, with an emphasis on freshness, local sourcing and seasonality. The best of these include Range, a top-notch, Michelin-starred yet informal restaurant in the heart of the Mission district, with a small, rotating menu, excellent staff and some of the most innovative cocktails in the city. The wine list is pretty interesting as well.

If California cuisine starts to bore, which probably will happen, there are plenty of other options. For the freshest local oysters on a nice, sunny day, head to the Ferry Building and grab a waterside table at Hog Island Oyster Company. The best banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and one of my all-time favourite 'meals' can be found in the heart of the grubby Tenderloin at Saigon Sandwich. The prices are suspiciously low but the line reassuringly long; be prepared to bark your order from the back of the line to the women serving spicy chicken and pork sandwiches behind the counter. Saigon Sandwich has no seating, so take your banh mi to a bench in the park facing City Hall, a few blocks south. Another cheap but fulfilling street snack that is essential for any visit to San Francisco is the Mission burrito. There's a lot of debate about who dishes the best carnitas or carne asada-stuffed tortillas, but my personal favorites have always been Pancho Villa (16th Street) and La Corneta (Mission Street). Finally, for sushi, it's still hard to beat Ebisu, one of the best in the city and not too pricey. Take the N-Judah Muni train to the charming, laid-back Inner Sunset neighborhood and be prepared to wait in line to get some of the city's freshest fish. An excellent version of cioppino, San Francisco's tomatoey seafood stew, is usually on the menu at Pesce on upper Polk Street.
Gregory
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Chow, Church Street
Chow is probably my favourite restaurant in the whole wide world. Simple great food, nice people, the one next to the park is probably the best setting, especially upstairs. Be nice after a bike ride.
The best thing about San Francisco is it is almost impossible to find bad food anywhere.
Tom Ward
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Revolution cafe, 22nd and Bartlett
One of my favourites would have to be Revolution Cafe (22nd Street and
Bartlett Street) in the Mission district. Nifty little spot with
smashing sandwiches and the most bit-part crowd you're likely to see.
Marc
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Cafe Gratutude, Harrison Street
Raw vegan food: Cafe Gratitude (I am NOT vegan, but I love this
place)....2400 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110 or 1336 9th Ave, San
Francisco, CA 94122. There is one in Berkeley too.
Neil
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Beretta, Valencia Street
A place I was really surprised to have had good food in San Francisco is Beretta on Valencia and 23rd. If you like Italian food I really recommend it (and I'm Italian, so... ;-)
Federica
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Grand Cafe, Geary Street
We recommend the Grand Cafe in San Francisco for dinner. On Geary Street, and only 2-3 blocks from Union Square, we ate there twice just before Christmas and enjoyed excellent food and wine, and outstanding service. There is a cafe/bar and a restaurant. Both are well worth a visit.
Martin and Kim
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Zuni Cafe, Market Street
I’m a Brit who moved to San Francisco seven years ago, and who adores food.
One of the restaurants that pioneered California’s organic food movement is Zuni café, and many of its dishes are legendary, particularly the roast chicken with warm bread salad, the finest Caesar salad I have ever tasted, the hand rolled gnocchi, and the oysters. Start the evening with a glass of wine at a fantastic little wine bar/art gallery around the back, called Hotel Biron.
Gavin
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Mel's Drive-in, Van Ness
Check out Mel's Drive-in, Van Ness Avenue. The place looks like a 1950s restaurant with Spanish cooking and music. In fact the people working there are more Mexican than Spanish!
Jorge-efrain
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Jacqueline's Cafe, Grant Avenue
Try Jacqueline's in North Beach for a wonderful meal. This small piece of heaven provides a menu of divine soufflés that you’ll remember for life.
Gareth Johnstone
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Scoma's, Pier 47
So close to the coast it would be rude not to have some seafood. I went to SF late in 2008 and found Scoma's seafood straight out of the bay. Brilliantly fresh fish, and a wide range of dishes. Run by Italian Americans, there are platters, seafood pastas, soups, or simply fish. A vegetarian friend came with us and he was catered for perfectly too. Some of the best seafood I've ever had, and being down on Pier 47 a great atmosphere too.
Seriously, has to be done.
Ollie
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Dottie's True Blue Cafe, Jones Street
I visited SF several years ago and one of the places that I will absolutely revisit should I ever return is Dottie's True Blue cafe.

Go there for breakfast (but remember to turn up early and be prepared to queue) and try their pancakes, French toast, burgers - in fact, we went there almost every day after we discovered the place!
Matt
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Tartine Bakery, Guerrero Street
Tartine Bakery. Big weekend scene. Great coffee, great croissant, etc. Go lie in the grass in nearby Dolores Park if it's sunny. Voila'.
Tracey
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Cha Cha Cha, Haight Street
Cha Cha Cha at Shrader Street in the Haight-Ashbury district is my all time favourite place to eat in San Francisco. It's a mix of Caribbean and South/Central American food which is reasonably cheap and always excellent. For me though, it's as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. For a solo traveller, this is a great place to sit at the bar with a sangria and enjoy a chat with the friendly and relaxed bar staff and customers or just people-watch and soak up the fun of the place.
Janet
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Sushi Ran, Caledonia Street
We'd recommend Sushi Ran - a Michelin star rated place on Caledonia St
in Sausalito. They serve delicious sushi and sashimi as well as plenty of
vegetarian options. I loved the fact that they welcomed me in my shorts and sandals – a contrast to similarly rated restaurants in this country.
R
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House of Nanking, Kearny Street
Hands down top food tip is House of Nanking.
Forget the menu - you tell the chef the number of dishes, if you want meat/seafood/veg and anything you don't like - then let him create.
You can of course order from the menu - some things are too good to not get. I personally cannot go without getting the chilli-soy calamari. (No batter and tartar sauce within miles of that amazing delight)
C.Reif
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Gary Danko's, Hyde Street
For excellent evening eating you have to try a place called Gary Danko's. It's a few blocks back from fisherman's wharf. Ask to eat at the bar.
Paul
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Green's, Fort Mason Centre
My recommendation is the aptly named Greens vegetarian restaurant - fantastic food, beautiful views over San Francisco Bay, easily accessible, and very friendly staff.
John Buckley
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Burma Superstar, Clement Street
Burma Superstar... incredible Burmese restaurant, with an mind boggling tea-leaf salad, in a great pan-Asian neighbourhood that is seldom visited by tourists. There's a wait at the restaurant, but it gives you a chance to go across the street and dive into some Hong Kong style pancake balls (309 Clement St).

Swan Oyster Depot, Polk Street... a classic SF institution. One long bar serving the best local seafood. The lobster and crab are expensive, but a bowl of clam chowder with crusty San Francisco sourdough and a glass of anchor steam can't be beat (1517 Polk St).
Mike Hooper and Carina Wendel
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Millenium Restaurant, Geary Street
You can try the "The Frugal Foodie Menu" at the Eric Tucker's Millenium Restaurant. Eric is an inspired chef and with Millennium, he proposes a very creative vegan cuisine. You'll experience what could offer a truly plant-based gastronomy without noticing it. Which means that you don't have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy your dinner. The icing on the cake, you'll fest with great food being guilt-free and in the best form ever the day after to go cycling on the trails of the Marin County!
Millennium Restaurant
580 Geary Street // San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415-345-3900
Kristof
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Bi-Rite Creamery, 18th Street
1) For the love of God, go to Delfina, my favourite restaurant in SF for good reason: it's Cal Ital goodness has never disappointed me in years and I have lived in the Bay Area for 12. I've worked in Bay Area restaurants for
10 of those years and I live with a chef.

2) Try Bar Tartine, always delicious. And the Slanted Door never disappoints. The Bartender at SD, Jennifer Colliau is a total gem. She has her own business creating organic pre-prohibition cocktail syrups.

3) Eat Mexican food at the Sat. Farmer's market outside the Ferry Building, and savour some Hog Island oysters inside the Ferry Building.

4) Go get Dim Sum in China Town

5) Don't leave without checking out Bi-Rite Ice cream in the Mission. It's the best Ice Cream in the world.
Carolynn
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Luna Park, 18th Street
I love a restaurant/bar called 'Luna Park' on Valencia. The food is
Americana and quite good fun. The best element of the place is the
vibe though. It's dark and loud with booths down one side and a bar
at the other. The staff are very cool and it's an interesting place
to hang out. Get there on the weekend and it's buzzing. I don't
know if that's what you're looking for, if not then there'll be
something there for you. It's a very cool town indeed. Have fun.
Julian
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Lori's Diner, Mason Street
Lori's Diner is just off Union Square in the Downtown SF district;
it's a 50's style diner (there are a handful of them around the city)
that offers garlic fries with burgers, etc. We always go there when
in town, and would certainly recommend it.
Stephen
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The Front Porch, 29th Street
I’d suggest you try The Front Porch which is a locals’ dining obsession. The food is described as “Caribbean Comfort” and the fried chicken is the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s slightly off the beaten track and has great atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a great brunch spot, you should go to Boogaloos. Mexican flavoured breakfast menu with a splash of Mission District style. Nobody serves you unless they’ve been pierced or painted. Just show up and sign up…it’s worth the wait.
Lewis Heathcote