With the city of San Francisco officially moved into the orange tier as of March 24, restaurants are now allowed to expand indoor dining to 50% capacity. If you’re looking to get back into onsite dining, San Francisco Restaurant week, officially kicking off on Friday, April 9 and lasting through Sunday, April 18, provides extra incentive. This year, the annual culinary celebration will feature more than 140 restaurants throughout the city with an emphasis on more diverse options. Case in point: eateries in the Tenderloin’s new La Cocina Municipal Marketplace, which opens on Monday, are included in this edition. Menus are offered this year at six different price points: $10, $15, and $25 for two-course lunch menus, and $25, $40, and $65 for three-course dinners.
To help you get started, we took a look at the menus and pulled together a list of ten favorites you won’t want to miss out on. Happy eating.
Cocotte
Nob Hill
The charming Nob Hill French spot lures diners in with its inventive French Rotisserie infused with a California farm-fresh twist. Enjoy dishes such as duck and pistachio rillette or slow-cooked wild salmon with Parisian gnocchi on the restaurant’s heated and covered patio. Add wine pairings for $105.
The deal: $65 dinner
What to order: aged cheddar soufflé, beef filet mignon Wellington, banana creme brûlée
How to book: via Opentable.
Curio
Mission
Mystical and eclectic, this unconventional eatery pays tribute to the artistic roots of the Mission neighborhood with its Southern fare. Expect comfort food classics from truffled Mac and cheese (choose from a dairy or a vegan option) to coca-cola braised ribs. The menu is offered for takeout only.
The deal: $65 dinner
What to order: fried potato strings, curio mission bbq, cruciferous kimchi
How to book: Please call the restaurant for your pre-order at 415-551-7306 or email info@curiobarsf.com. The restaurant requires 24-hour advance notice to fulfill your order.
Fior d’Italia
North Beach
America’s oldest Italian restaurant, Fior d'Italia has had six different North Beach locations since it opened its doors back in 1886. Today, the restaurant operates on the ground floor of the San Remo hotel. The restaurant is offering dinner at all three price points and we’re happy to report that their famous mousse-style tiramisu is on all three options. Note that the main courses can be substituted for any entree that costs less than the current option.
The deal: $40 dinner
What to order: Assorted Italian cold cuts, pumpkin-stuffed ravioli, wine-braised rabbit with mushroom sauce, and mousse-style tiramisu
House of Dim Sum
Chinatown
The name gives it all away. Expect delicious dim sum for takeout or outdoor dining at this beloved Chinatown favorite. From shrimp and pork dumplings to pork buns and rice, you’ll find plenty to love on the two lunch price point options available this year.
The deal: $15 or $25 lunch.
What to order: BBQ pork bun, yam chow fried rice, leek dumplings
Le Colonial
Nob Hill
The dreamy, romantic ambiance at this Vietnamese favorite provides a much-needed escape in a travel-free year. Enjoy the delicious French-Vietnamese cuisine with a $25 on-site option or three-course $40 takeout menu.
The deal: $25 or $40 dinner.
What to order: green papaya salad, lemongrass chicken, fried rice
Pizzeria Delfina
Various locations
There’s a reason why this pizzeria remains one of the most popular in the city. You can always count on this cozy spot for some of the city’s best pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes. As a bonus, they’ve got several locations throughout the city, making it a convenient stop.
The deal: $25 dinner
What to order: Winter citrus salad, lasagna al ragu, ricotta nad chard lasagna
Rosamunde Sausage Grill
Mission
This hip and hidden gem is beloved for its notorious sausages and craft beer selection. Conscious diners will appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to using only grass-fed beef and free-range lamb.
The deal: $15 lunch option and $25 dinner option.
What to order: Bavarian beer cheese spread with soft pretzel, Schnitzel, stuffed German pancake with housemate apple compote
Terzo
Cow Hollow
Modern and warm, Terzo makes Mediterranean fare sexy. Cozy up at long, communal tables for dishes that include escarole Caesar salad and braised Niman Ranch short ribs.
The deal: $65 dinner, including wine pairings.
What to order: Saffron arancini, linguine with asparagus, English peas, cream, black pepper, and leeks, vanilla bean rice pudding
Uva Enoteca
Lower Haight
This Lower Haight favorite is always oozing with life. Their comfortable Italian dishes are easy to get excited about and even more fun to share. Chill at the tables outside or cozy up indoors. The restaurant’s exposed brick and moody lighting give it a fantastical European castle vibe.
The deal: $40 dinner, including a glass of Prosecco.
What to order: margarita pizza, stuffed shells with ricotta, spinach, and san Marzano tomatoes, chocolate budino
Wayfare Tavern
Financial District
Dark wood and leather finishes give this FiDi restaurant a timeless and elevated gastropub feel. Beloved for its fried chicken and burgers, the power lunch favorite serves up authentic American dishes — fried chicken, burgers, deviled eggs in high style.
The deal: $40 lunch
What to order: Butter lettuce salad, organic fried chicken, house-made doughnut
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