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 trolly 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.
El Farolito is one of the Mission's most beloved dive taquerias. The lighting is alright, the decor is bargain-basement, but the burritos are huge and the filling is a delicious, slow-cooked Carne Asada, tender chicken, spicy pork, or veggies and guacamole. You will also find tacos and enchiladas. It is a popular place with locals and people looking for a quick meal, especially late at night when most other spots have closed down. The service is quick and efficient. Only cash accepted.
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.
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so then it is logical to do breakfast right. To experience this, the Pork Store Café is a place to be. Though small in dimension, the food here is huge. Every plate served is colossal, and, more importantly, delicious. It touts lots of meat on the menu (it's called the Pork Store, after all.) Ham, bacon, sausage, chops, all served with eggs, potatoes, toast and endless cups of strong coffee is served up by the friendly wait staff. If you are not feeling carnivorous, order a short stack of pancakes, omelet, French toast, or a veggie and tofu scramble. Sit at a window table or choose a stool at the counter, where you can watch all that fabulous food being prepared.
This famous Chicago-style pizza company is always packed with UC students, families and out-of-towners. No one seems to mind the 20-minute (or more!) wait for the stuffed masterpiece. The pizza is made as thick as a pumpkin pie (yes, you do need a knife and fork), and the ingredients are put on upside down with tomatoes on top, meat on the bottom. So filling and so delicious, count on bringing home leftovers. For those with a slightly lesser appetite, they also serve thin crust pizzas that are just as delectable.
Fenton's has been an Oakland institution for over 100 years, serving up homemade ice cream and deluxe toppings, along with all your classic American diner favorites. You can always get a juicy burger with fries, or cranberry turkey sandwich, but the real draw are the sweets. Fenton's serves up everything from your basic flavored ice cream cone to a super-deluxe sundae or an incredible milkshake. Besides high quality ice cream, the toppings are a huge favorite here, especially the marshmallow sauce.
Kagawa-Ya Udon is a sleek Japanese bistro dishing out Japanese and Hawaiian specialties. Fans of Japanese cuisines can relish Udon, Onigiri, Tempura, a variety of curries and much more. They are popular for their Udon dish, which is prepared by aging it for 19 hours, it is then pressed, rolled and sliced to perfection. Foodies can come in and enjoy a bowl of delicious Udon. Besides regular drinks they also serve Hawaiian beverages like Hawaiian sodas, coffee and tea.
Stop by Corridor Restaurant on Van Ness Avenue for a casual dinner or quick drink before catching a show at the nearby Bill Graham Auditorium. Its hip and spacious interiors make for a relaxed and cozy dining experience. With well-balanced flavors merging the best from different cuisines, the eatery has a diverse and expansive menu. Start with creamy onion soup and the delicious monkey bread. The meat lasagna and the garganelli bolognese are exceptional. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine or tap beer. With a private dining option, Corridor is a good place for a small get together or a party as well.
Enjoy bottomless cups of tea as you pet, play and socialize with KitTea's adorable cats, all of whom are up for adoption. The cafe is the first of its kind in San Francisco, and is a haven for all those who find themselves unable to resist a friendly feline. Visits to the cat lounge last up to an hour and incur a fee that includes limitless tea refills. You can also enjoy sandwiches, cakes and other snacks from the cafe menu as you play. A separate tea-room offers a view of the cat lounge, where you can enjoy the varied cafe selection while watching the cats do their thing. KitTea also works alongside Give Me Shelter, a local cat rescue, to help these adorable cats find a permanent home.
The food at Azalina's is steeped in deep culinary roots of Malaysian cuisine and spices. Helmed by owner Azalina Eusope, this revolutionary restaurant was her dream after years of being a food vendor who made delicious home-cooked meals before word got out about her delicious food. Offering creative Malaysian fare, Azalina's is located in South Market. Sample interesting options such as tea leaf salads and then go on to try the more fulfilling sambal beef lunch infused with Asian spices. If this catches your attention, maybe you should know that Azalina has catered for President Obama in the past.
Helmed by NYC's culinary scene stalwarts Aris Tuazon and Jim Harvey Sy, Manila Bowl introduces authentic Filipino cuisine to San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood. The menu predominantly features Filipino-style rice bowls with flavors and ingredients that represent the diverse food culture of the Southeast Asian island nation. The signature dishes on the menu include chicken adobo bowl, beef pares bowl, bangus sisig bowl and vegetarian laing bowl. You can also customize your own bowl by choosing from a wide selection of rice base, protein and toppings.
This churrascaria, or Brazilian steakhouse, serves food Rodizio style; continually presenting different cuts of meat until the patrons are finished eating. The word espetus means skewer - which is inspired by the cooking techniques of Brazilian Gauchos in the 1800s. The meats are sliced at the table and include options like pork sausages, slow-roasted Brazilian herb chicken, and top sirloin. They also have an extensive salad bar with traditional Brazilian side dishes. The meals are served all-you-can-eat style; just turn the chip on your table to the green side to be served, and to the red side when you are done.