This elegant but casual Italian restaurant perfectly blends innovative twists of Sicilian cuisine with local flavors. Inside, you will find black lamps, terra cotta walls and a plethora of foliage. Not only is it a great place for live jazz, it is also an excellent spot to try pizzas or choice grilled dishes such as the Lamb Chops with Garlic and Asparagus. A huge variety of wines are available. Locals haunt the place and the service is great.
Since this four-star seafood restaurant is right on Fisherman's Wharf, the view cannot be beat. It specializes in Sicilian seafood and the photographs lining the walls depict the owners' fishing background. A variety of tasty fresh fish meals with pasta are available, but the cioppino (fish stew) is the specialty of the house and is terrific. The wood-burning oven cranks out some great steak and lamb dishes as well. The wine list is eclectic, topping out with the usual USD200 Dom Perignon and an Italian Red, Tignanello, Marchesi Antinore at USD132. The service is family-like and locals frequent the place on a regular basis. See website for menus, videos, and more.
Longstanding popularity with locals and tourists alike, this restaurant has several special features--each with its own appeal. The oak bar is nearly 200 years old, while the Cannery Row room has a pirate-like atmosphere; the conservatory is alive with statues, and the Captain's Room captures days-gone-by with its Barbary Coast feel. Food-wise, this restaurant is diverse as well; the Abalone Bisque is world famous, and the venerable eatery specializes in create-your-own banquet meals. The service will be professional and personable. More than 1000 wines are at the ready in its wine cellar, which can be rented out for parties of up to 16 people. Join the star-studded list of celebrities who have also dined here.
The flavors of coastal France, Spain and Italy are brought into play at this restaurant, serving as the inspiration and the culinary backbone for such dishes as Bouillabaisse Marseleillaise and Osso Buco Fandango. Dishes are peppery, flavorful and rich. Order a selection of tapas as an appetizer. The bill will be high, but the place encourages diners to follow the European habit of stretching dinner into a three-hour experience. The interior is warm and handsome. The glowing natural tones of light wood are used in everything from the furnishings to the ceiling to the trim on the windows.