Where I Eat and Drink
A San Francisco-centric slice of my eating and drinking, as of October 2023.
There are the places I go regularly, get excited to go when I can, or have had an exceptional meal there and would love to go back.
I keep this list up to date on my website, https://www.caetieofiesh.com/eat-and-drink.
Montesacro Soma: Roman-style pizza (pinsa) and a small but strong wine list. They make their dough with a blend of soy, rice and wheat flour and it has a soft and pillowy texture. I love the Cavolfiori appetizer and their House red, an ever so slightly fizzy Barbera blend. Small and rustic, the space has a NY feel that I love. Menu | Map
Nopa: This has always been my spendy local, and we always sit at the bar. The bartenders are amazing, service is pro and the menu is creative and satisfying. I miss when their burger was $18, but so it goes. I’ve spent more elsewhere and felt much less satisfied. Menu | Map
Ragazza: Little California Italian spot on Divis that’s also our go-to for takeout pizza. It’s been one of the most consistently good places I’ve eaten over the past 10 years. There’s a small patio in the back where you can drink a glass of wine while you wait for a table, and their Baby Kale Salad with farro and green goddess dressing is repeat-worthy. Menu | Map
(Photo Credit: Ragazza)
Abu Salim: Another go-to takeout spot in the Upper Haight with a simple and filling Palestinian menu and some of the most friendly people I’ve encountered at a restaurant. They open the falafel bags so they don’t steam on your walk home! That’s quality. I especially love their stuffed falafel with sumac, pine nuts and onions. Menu | Map
Cole Valley Tavern: We just started going here for drinks, but when I found out that they use Contratto across the board instead of Campari I was hooked. Easygoing neighborhood vibe and great bartenders. Menu | Map
Mandalay: There’s a small stakes battle for the best Burmese place in SF, but this one is it for me. I should order something besides the Tea Leaf Salad and the Mandalay Special Noodle with Tofu, but I never do. Menu | Map
PizzaHacker: Excellent pizza with a low key vibe in the Mission (their Mill Valley spot is great too). They have wine on draft, and I always order the Intermezzo salad and the Rocket Man or the Summer Fave (in season). Good for small groups. Menu | Map
Besharam: The Gujarati Indian vegetarian menu is delicious and satisfying, but it’s the bar that’s a revelation for me. I tend to stick to the classics with cocktails, but I drink the Lata here. Menu | Map
Lost Resort: Mission drinking and snacking spot with excellent bartenders. Pick a warm evening and get there before six to drink on the sidewalk in the sun. I usually order the Lost Resort or a Mezcal Negroni. Good dog watching. Menu | Map
The Interval: I went here once and asked for a cocktail with gin and fernet, not too sweet. They made me a Hanky Panky and I’ve trusted them ever since. Pleasantly dark and relaxed space at Fort Mason, if I lived closer it would be my top spot. Menu | Map
(Photo Credit: Patricia Chang via Eater SF)
Birba: Little wine bar tucked out of the way in Hayes Valley with a lovely back patio. I gravitate toward their vermouths, but the wine list is also great. Good snacking but not a full dinner. Menu | Map
Bar Agricole: House-made spirits and delicious seasonal plates in one of the most gorgeous spaces in SF. Their spacious bar area makes it a go-to cocktail spot that’s good for groups, and I often stay for dinner because it’s so good. Menu | Map
Chisai Sushi Club: I’ve only been here once for a special occasion, and I was blown away by their vegetarian Omakase. I am a sake beginner, so I appreciated their help navigating the choices. Casual and approachable while still feeling special. Menu | Map
Lazy Bear: I’m not big on fixed price dinners at a blowout budget (and I don’t think this counts as blowout relative to other options), but we went here to celebrate an anniversary and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Their menus to accommodate dietary options in some cases surpassed the regular menu (which was a good thing). It felt like being at a giant and very special dinner party. Menu | Map