Located inside the Inn at the Opera, Pläj Scandinavian Restaurant & Bar touts itself as the only restaurant of its kind in the city. The cuisine is a fusion of Californian and Scandinavian fare created by renowned chef and owner, Roberth Sundell. The atmosphere is sophisticated and trendy with plush lounge seating, industrial style lighting, dark wood paneling and crisp white table linens. Notable menu items include their braised ox cheek, poached lobster and cured salmon. Be sure to make reservation as this establishment is quite popular.
Should you be in the mood for hearty, meaty German food in substantial portions, stop by Suppenküche. This trendy, casual restaurant serves brunch and dinner. Reservations can be made for parties of six or more. Big, wooden beer hall-style tables and traditional, seasonal decorations will have you thinking you've been transported to a family-run inn somewhere in the Bavarian countryside. Grab a stein of lager (or maybe even a boot!), pull up a chair and revel in the vibe. Dozens of German and Belgian beers are available on draft and in the bottle. The kitchen serves up old favorites like Kartoffelsuppe and Wiener Schnitzel. The wait staff is quick and friendly. See the website for the menu, beer list and complete glossary of beer terminology.
This authentic tavern located in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco offers a warm welcoming atmosphere and delicious German and Austrian cuisine. The decor leans on the side of kitschy with rich wood paneling, oil paintings, family photos, mounted antlers and the waitresses in traditional dirndls outfits. Patrons can order a "das boot" which is a large glass boot vessel for beer or one of their many delicious menu items including pappardelle, house-made sausage, goulash, vegetable strudel and more.
For the beer-drinking enthusiasts of the world, Schroeder's proves that you don't have travel to Germany to enjoy a great German brew. Locals swear that it's the best German pub in the city, and a great place to get together with old friends or have a beer with a new one. They are known for their European beers on tap and assortment of imported bottled brews. Try your favorite beer in a pint or even a boot. Schroeder's offers a mix between authentic German fair with a Californian flair.
Kokkari Estiatorio introduces Greek essence to the Embarcadero waterfront. The success of the Levi's Plaza favorite can be attributed to its elegant ambiance and top-quality food that patrons admit is flawless. It is christened after the fishing harbor in Samos Island and illustrates welcoming hospitality signature to the village. Traditional Aegean specialties and rustic Hellenic fare is presented with a modern take and includes the likes of moussaka, kolokithokeftethes, soutzoukakia and spanakotiropita. Multiple dining areas feature warm fireplaces, hand-made furnishings and ethnic accents to create the nostalgically charming Mediterranean vibe it aims for.
With a playful ambiance and a menu full of authentic Spanish food, Coqueta--"flirtation" or "infatuation" in Spanish--is a delight for those seeking a Spanish dining experience. The restaurant offers hot and cold tapas as well as larger, family-style dishes. It also features a full bar with a wide variety of beers, hard ciders and, of course, sangrias to choose from. Be sure not to miss the unique cocktails, such as the Spanish Golden Ale, made of ransom old tom gin, fever tree Mediterranean tonic, amontillado sherry, chocolate bitters, gold and lemon espuma, and the Presidio, made of SF China Beach vodka, yuzu puree, almond, fig, farm egg and peychaud's bitters. The restaurant is often busy, so give yourself plenty of time to dine and enjoy the Coqueta experience. With tasteful wooden flooring, velvety drapes and large windows letting in some natural light, the ambiance is perfect for a romantic evening.