Bender's is a Mission District legend. Firebombed into oblivion in 2006, its valiant founders rallied the troops, and with a cavalcade of community support, reopened just a year and half later, bigger and better than ever. Some choice burnt-to-a-crisp fire wreckage are kept around as "trophies" of the place's victory over tragedy, you will love watching it. Comfy booths surround the pool table and the grill, which is operated by the folks at Weird Fish.
It's Haight-Ashbury, so what better music to be wafting in the air as you sip the house-made brews than the Grateful Dead? Remodeling has made the setting less psychedelic, and though there is an ebullient mural on the wall, the sound system will always take you back to the Summer of Love. That sets a mellow mood for the huge sandwiches, plates of sausages, bowls of hearty soup, and tempting finger foods such as french fries and onion rings. The service from the wait staff is friendly and the atmosphere is always 1967.
You've never had grilled cheese like this! With different types of cheese and fancy combinations, the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in San Francisco puts a fun and gourmet twist on this classic dish. They also serve soups, salads, delightful baked goods, and offer daily specials that will satisfy your stomach! Situated near the ballpark, the kitchen stays open until 7p during nighttime baseball games.
Gioia Pizzeria fans flock to this Northbrae pizzeria for their careful attention to the balance of pizza crust, sauce and cheese. In addition to offering many unique gourmet toppings on their pizzas, they also serve salad, lemonade, sarsaparilla soda and cannoli. Seating is limited, but since people generally devour their pizzas in a matter of minutes, chair turnover is actually rather quick. There is only street parking in this quaint food-loving North Berkeley neighborhood, so consider browsing the nearby markets while you're there to make the most of your parking spot.
Riva Cucina is a delight to locals with its plethora of Italian recipes, waiting to be discovered. Little known to most people, it is slowly gaining popularity for its delectable food and amicable atmosphere. The dishes are Italian classics, recreated by the chefs. Try the capesante gratinate for starters, which will immediately ready the palate for the onslaught of flavors. The tagliatelle bolognese is also a safe bet, with its tangy quality. Riva Cucina also looks after its junior guests, providing them high chairs and a specially created menu suited for their palate. The ambiance is casual and intimate.
This intimate French restaurant is tucked away on the border of the Duboce and Castro neighborhoods in San Francisco. Warm tones and exposed brick walls contribute to the romantic and quaint atmosphere. Classic French dishes such as Coq au Vin or steak frites are well-executed, and a well-appointment wine list is the icing on the cake.
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.
Founded in 1955 by Lee and Ted Hanson and later bought over by Mei and Charlie Wu, Polly Anne ice cream is famous for their exotic flavors. Mei and Charlie, being from Taiwan, have added a touch of Asian flavor to their list like lychee, green tea and red bean. Their clients are not only locals but also a number of students and tourists alike. They have got a list of over 500 flavors, but if you find it a mind boggling task to select one, the staff is ever happy to create a flavor of your choice as well. For some excitement you can try the wheel of fortune that chooses the flavor for you, so if you feel lucky try it.
Gioia Pizzeria fans flock to this Northbrae pizzeria for their careful attention to the balance of pizza crust, sauce and cheese. In addition to offering many unique gourmet toppings on their pizzas, they also serve salad, lemonade, sarsaparilla soda and cannoli. Seating is limited, but since people generally devour their pizzas in a matter of minutes, chair turnover is actually rather quick. There is only street parking in this quaint food-loving North Berkeley neighborhood, so consider browsing the nearby markets while you're there to make the most of your parking spot.
This intimate French restaurant is tucked away on the border of the Duboce and Castro neighborhoods in San Francisco. Warm tones and exposed brick walls contribute to the romantic and quaint atmosphere. Classic French dishes such as Coq au Vin or steak frites are well-executed, and a well-appointment wine list is the icing on the cake.
Radio African and Kitchen is the creation of chef Eskender Aseged, who immigrated to the Bay Area from Ethiopia in the late 1980s. Aseged started off in the restaurant business by hosting "pop up" events in his home and nearby cafes, serving Ethiopian cuisine to groups of friends. Now Aseged has put down roots in the Bayview district with Radio Africa. Traditional Ethiopian dishes are served with seasonal organic produce, hearty grains and nuts, freshly caught seafood and exotic spices. The menu changes weekly, so there is always something new to try.