Find Out Why Critics Rave About City's Eating Scene

Abstract

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Information on Host CityFull AccessFind Out Why Critics Rave About City's Eating SceneJosepha Cheong, M.D.Josepha CheongSearch for more papers by this author, M.D.Published Online:20 Feb 2009https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.44.4.0025While I cannot claim to be an expert on San Francisco's diverse restaurant scene, after two decades of living in this city that takes great pride in the quality and innovation of its dining establishments, I can certainly share some of my favorites with you. Here are a handful that I suggest you sample:Scoma'sGreat fresh seafood with some of the city's best Dungeness crab cocktails, fresh sourdough bread, clam chowder, and wonderful pasta dishes are the highlights of this Fisherman's Wharf hot spot on Pier 47. Favorites: al dente penne pasta with calamari fritti tossed with lemon and oregano and pan-fried petrale sole in garlic lemon butter. End with an apple crisp à la mode. Always casual and always crowded.The Slanted DoorConsidered by many to be one of the top places for outstanding Vietnamese cuisine, The Slanted Door has a vast wine list. Great atmosphere and energy.Ferry Building MarketplaceA spectacularly restored, turn-of-the-20th-century building houses a colorful mix of shops and eateries including Out the Door (the walk-up cafe version of big sib, The Slanted Door); Mijita (a Mexican kitchen—fish tacos are a must, with a side of fresh salsa and tortillas); Lulu Petite (French country cafe with a changing menu of hot sandwiches, wonderful salads and pastas, and hearty meats); and my favorite gelateria, Ciao Bella (try the hazelnut biscotti and triple espresso together or, better yet, skip the meal and head straight for here). Saturdays are a particular feast for the senses because of the weekly farmers market.Caffe GrecoThis North Beach favorite is a traditional Italian cafe and gelateria. I think you'll agree that the great desserts such as homemade tiramisu and cannoli are especially tempting.Caffe TriesteLocal lore maintains that a young Francis Ford Copolla wrote much of“ The Godfather” script while drinking numerous espressos at this corner cafe. It is one of the last places that you can listen to opera recordings on the enormous jukebox in the corner as well as to live music on Saturdays with your espresso shots. The city's best tiramisu is here.EbisuOver its 27-year history, this has become one of the best sushi places in a city that reveres sushi. Located in the Sunset District near the Pacific Ocean, Ebisu is known for its great preparation and presentation as well as its incredibly high-quality sushi. Be sure to try out Hotei, its sister restaurant across the street specializing in soul-warming noodle soups and other Japanese comfort food. It is closed on Tuesdays.Squat and Gobble Cafe and CreperyThere are several locations for this great place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast plates and omelettes are hearty enough to last till dinner, but don't let that keep you from trying lunch. The menu is the same all day. Be sure to try the different dessert crepes—my favorite is the Nutella Chocolate crepe, a warm, fragrant crepe filled with hazelnut and chocolate cream.Vesuvio'sThis is my favorite bar. It's a quirky, neighborhood establishment with a lot of locals, tourists, and regulars. No frou-frou umbrella drinks here—just the good stuff. It features organic beers, wines, and spirits. Vesuvio's is located in North Beach next to City Lights Bookstore and, along with the bookstore, was a regular gathering place in the 1950s and early 1960s for Beat Generation poets, musicians, artists, and authors such as Jack Kerouac. ▪MORE INFORMATIONScoma'sPier 47 at Al Scoma Way, (800) 644-5852, www.scomas.comThe Slanted Door1 Ferry Building #3, (415) 861-8032, www.slanteddoor.comFerry Building MarketplaceEmbarcadero at foot of Market Street, (415) 983-8000, www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.comCaffe Greco423 Columbus Avenue, (415) 397-6261, www.caffegreco.comCaffe Trieste601 Vallejo Street, (415) 392-6739, www.caffetrieste.comEbisu1283 Ninth Avenue, (415) 566-1770, www.ebisusushi.comHotei1290 Ninth Avenue, (415) 753-6045, www.hoteisf.comSquat and Gobble Cafe and CreperyFive locations throughout the city, www.squatandgobble.comVesuvio's255 Columbus Avenue, (415) 362-3370, www.vesuvio.comJosepha Cheong, M.D., is chair of APA's Scientific Program Committee. ISSUES NewArchived