San Francisco restaurants recommendations? Are you out there Denise?

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

We've never been there, we're there for less than 48 hours on the way to the Big Island, can someone help me narrow down our restaurant choices for the two nights we will be there. We're staying at the airport Marriott because I got careless trying priceline out for the first time but I think Bart is close by for trips to the Wharf and Union Square.

We like seafood and steak but we've been know to try anything, we'd like a nice view if possible...

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I think Denise posts mostly on TUG (could be wrong though). We've had some very good dinners in San Francisco, but not sure any of the places we've been would meet your criteria. We loved our experience at the California Culinary Academy and we had a great Italian meal at Trattoria Contadina (which is right on the cable car route) Trattoria Contadina Italian Restaurant. I'm sure others will come up with more suggestions for you.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

We also loved the Moose Cafe, but it's a cable car away from Union Square... Do you like Japanese food? The Nikko Hotel has a really good restaurant... pricey, though...hopefully Faust or someone else will chime in with some more local recommendations for you...

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Guess where I got thrown also was by the "nice view". What is it you're wanting a view of?

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

I thought there was water near there somewhere, are there any with a view of the Bay?

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I thought there was water near there somewhere, are there any with a view of the Bay?

We generally go for the food, not the view. I'm sure there are restaurants with a view of the bay. Many of them on Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 would have views. I'm also sure you could get a view of the city in the Carnelian Room. But, the best food, hmmmmmm. Scoma's is good, but again, not really a view.

Just check my Zagat's for San Francisco. Restaurants listed with a view are the Carnelian Room, Scoma's, Sutro's at the Cliff House and the Waterfront.

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

Thanks Luanne, I'll check out the Carnelian Room, we're casual dressers, is that a problem there?

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Thanks Luanne, I'll check out the Carnelian Room, we're casual dressers, is that a problem there?

It shouldn't be. Steve doesn't even own a suit or sportcoat any more. Of course we don't go anywhere that requires a suit and tie. When I told him you were looking for someplace with a view he mentioned the Waterfront. The Cliff House would be good too.

[Carol C Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carol C]

We generally go for the food, not the view. I'm sure there are restaurants with a view of the bay. Many of them on Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 would have views. I'm also sure you could get a view of the city in the Carnelian Room. But, the best food, hmmmmmm. Scoma's is good, but again, not really a view.

Just check my Zagat's for San Francisco. Restaurants listed with a view are the Carnelian Room, Scoma's, Sutro's at the Cliff House and the Waterfront.

Sutro's at the Cliff House...ahhh, memories of great views! The food was just so-so but maybe they have a better chef and staff now. Worth a try imo!

I also love Greens down in Fort Mason. You could walk around and enjoy the shops and ambience there...a nice afternoon. Nice marina/water views from some tables. Superb and creative cuisine too.

From Greens website:

ABOUT GREENS RESTAURANT

On each visit, you and your guests will enjoy Chef Annie Somerville's daily menu, which draws from a repertoire that has made Greens one of the premiere vegetarian restaurants in the country. From our airy, art-filled dining room, with floor to ceiling windows you are treated to sweeping views of the Marina, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin headlands.

Greens Restaurant is located in a converted warehouse at historic Fort Mason, which currently is home to more than 50 non-profit cultural and environmental organizations. We opened in 1979 under the auspices of the San Francisco Zen Center. Built by San Francisco Zen Center carpenters, the restaurant incorporates 12 types of wood - from the massive black walnut doors, the hickory stairs at our entrance, the curved bar featuring Port-Orford-Cedar, and the dining tables of maple, walnut and cherry. Much of the wood has been recycled or reclaimed.

Greens Restaurant was a pioneer in establishing vegetarian cuisine in the United States. In the 60's and 70's, vegetarian restaurants were mostly small out-of-the way cafés. There was no high profile vegetarian restaurant in the United States. Greens changed that by raising the bar, by placing vegetarian cuisine on a level with other fine dining restaurants. We have been reviewed by food and design magazines from the time we opened. Today we are surprised if a good restaurant does NOT have vegetarian options. Greens helped pave the way for this acceptance.

Greens Restaurant

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

Since your going to come in to the city by Bart, I recommend these restaurants, They have nice views of the bay

Equinox Restaurants

Sinbad’s Sinbad's Pier 2, Seafood Restaurant, San Francisco

[Icc5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Icc5]

Carnelian Room

Thanks Luanne, I'll check out the Carnelian Room, we're casual dressers, is that a problem there?

We ate there about 20 years ago when buying at the Donatello and were impressed with the view but not so food. The view was great but I would eat somewhere else.
Bart

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

Thanks guys, glad to have the feedback. The menu at Sinbad's looks good but tripadvisor reviews are either excellent or awful, Ken have you eaten there? I think we've settled on Scoma's for one night, still waffling on the 2nd night, thanks again everyone.

[blr666 Member Find all posts View Profile Close blr666]

Hi philsfan, my suggestion would be to eat at a good restaurant with no view and then going somewhere with a view for a drink or dessert. San Francisco has great restaurants, and it would be a shame to visit without eating at a great place. That way, you have the best of both worlds...for eating without having to dress up: Lulu's, Moose's, Town Hall, Picaro's, Slanted Door. For drinks: Carnelian Room, the restaurant at Cliff House, and all the previous recommendations...

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

Hi philsfan, my suggestion would be to eat at a good restaurant with no view and then going somewhere with a view for a drink or dessert. San Francisco has great restaurants, and it would be a shame to visit without eating at a great place. That way, you have the best of both worlds...for eating without having to dress up: Lulu's, Moose's, Town Hall, Picaro's, Slanted Door. For drinks: Carnelian Room, the restaurant at Cliff House, and all the previous recommendations...

Good thinking blr, I'm gonna try to steer the other four nutballs travelling with me in that direction, thanks.

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

so much for planning...we were too tired to go anywhere but across the street from the airport Marriott on Friday and partied so hard at the Wharf on Saturday that we ate in one of the bars on Pier 39. Thanks anyway guys...