A world renowned name in the culinary industry, Chez Panisse is known for their innovations in tastes and flavors.Started by Alice Walkers in 1971, it was named after the movie character Honore Panisse. Prepared with fresh, local produce, the restaurant is a spectacular specimen of fine dining. The menu changes daily and is curated keeping the seasonality of ingredients. Through the week, delicacies like Striped bass carpaccio with cardoons and Titone olio nuovo and Huckleberry and Meyer lemon ice creams meringata are served, to name a few. The wine list is extensive, featuring dozens of wines from across the world. With contributions like California style pizza to the ever changing culinary world, the Chez Panisse is no less than a legend.
The name's a bit misleading. Not only is there no ocean view, but this is not your ordinary diner. Though it has streamlined aluminum and black-and-white tile, and the fare is inspired by diner cuisine, the ingredients are the freshest available and the dishes are prepared with care and imagination. At breakfast, the cooks do wonderful things with the humble buttermilk pancake, and the scrambled eggs and tortilla chips are memorable, as well. At lunch, it is sandwiches and plate specials, which often feature a fresh fish filet. The to-go counter next door offers sandwiches and pizza slices.
Sometimes you want a Louisiana link that sends your tongue on a one-way trip to New Orleans, or a decent kosher frank. That is what the owner wanted when he opened up this small stand: a taste of New York's famous ethnic sausages from its German, Italian and Polish neighborhoods. And they ship bulk orders around the world, too! Not surprisingly, this joint is a hit with local students grabbing a quick bite between classes or a satisfying break during a late-night study session. Place your order at the front and hang out while waiting for your link. Lemon Chicken, Kielbasa and the turkey "Bird Dog" are among the several appetizing selections.
This place has been serving up traditional pub fare, a few gourmet treats and lots of smiles in this congenial "publick" house atmosphere since 1981. If you are looking for a quick meal, want to catch a game on the television in the corner, or are just looking for a spirited good time, it is here. Sit at one of the tall tables or at the huge wood bar. The high ceilings and tall windows keep this place from falling into the dark, smoky sports bar category. Find dozens of beers on tap and a full bar. The menu features old standards like nachos and cheesy potato skins as well as the huge Henry's Burger.
Modeled after traditional dim sum service, State Bird Provisions lets patrons use the sense of smell and sight to choose their dishes, with cuisine brought in on a trolley for viewing. Each item is creative and innovative, with dishes like sweet corn and chive pancakes, kimchi pork belly with tofu and duck liver mousse with almond biscuit. The space is rather small, yet cozy with an open concept kitchen, and friendly staff.
Got a craving for some authentic deep dish pizza? This hip, fresh joint has food of tantalizing tastes to satisfy even the most jaded pizza enthusiast. Try the Mediterranean chicken pizza, or try the vegetarian pizza, which will have you converted in no time. Little Star also offers thin crusts, which are, honestly, just as good as the incredibly taste-infused deep dishes for which they are famous. With minimalist decor and a blaring jukebox to boot, Little Star will have you hooked.
Garden Creamery is an ice cream store that serves vegan as well as organic ice creams along with wide range of sorbets and yogurt. They do cater for private events held at any venue that you opt for. The items are served via their own food trucks for large orders, or via food carts for small parties. At reasonable rates and great taste, this multi-outlet dessert store has made a name for itself in San Francisco as well. Worth trying sweets are strawberry pretzel pop, vegan sorbets, coconut based ice creams and genmaicha.
This storefront ranks among the great cheesemongers in the United States. It is a fairly large space, but not a square inch of it is wasted in piling up the copious selection of sage derbys, gruyeres, gjetosts, cambozolas, manchegos and more. The latest arrivals are noted up on a big blackboard, and the staff is knowledgeable to the point of didacticism. It offers many other specialty foods, too, and has its own bakery. The Cheese Board Pizzeria is a Bay Area favorite for its daily changing artisan pizza specials.
As you step through the unassuming and virtually unadorned pale yellow door through to b.patisserie, you may be unprepared for the artistry about to meet your eyes. It's no exaggeration, each delectable dessert is perfectly crafted, beautifully prepared and displayed to perfection. Row upon row of delicate pastries and hearty breads greet you as you step in. While virtually everything is worth a try, the true stand outs are the specialties like Kouign Amann, a buttery Breton cake and the 10 hour Apple Tart. Stop by to treat yourself to something really special.
Montesacro Pinseria Romana Enoteca has created quite a name for itself for its unique offerings of Roman-style pizzas called 'pinsa'. Light and crisp in texture, pinsa is low in fat and calories offering a superior quality of dough with high-digestive features. Along with pizzas, the menu features exciting salads, sandwiches, paninis, characuterie and other Italian-inspired dishes. Excellent wines and beers can be combined with the food that adds to the experience. The industrial vibe of the restaurant complete old-brick ovens and rustic wooden tables offer a casual vibe perfect for deep conversations over great food and drinks.
Pink onion is a friendly and welcoming hangout that serves the culinary staples of the most beloved exports of Italy. The interior features graffiti style art giving the space an edgy, informal yet stunning look. You can choose to have your Pizza sitting indoors or even outdoors. This Italian spot has a terrific menu which is made with great care and passion. You surely would not want to miss a place that has it all - great ambiance, on tap wines and beer and a terrific menu. The place is a perfect place when you need a slice.
The first of these gourmet bakeries in the Bay Area (they now have stores in San Francisco and Emeryville), Arizmendi bakes up amazing fresh breads and gourmet pizzas daily. Some baked goods are regulars, while others change daily, like Irish Soda Bread and fig-Fennel Sourdough. The huge draw here, besides the urge to overstuff your breadbox are the fresh, specialty pizzas which change daily. Whether its a more basic version like Tomato Sauce, Olives and Rosemary, or slightly more daring and unusual, like Pasilla Peppers, Red Onions, Zucchini and Cilantro Pesto, the pizza will please any palate. Pizzas can be bought by the slice, half-pizza, or a whole and can be heated up there for immediate consumption, or half baked for you to finish yourself when you get home.