Palm House adds fun and flare to tropical flavors

I’ve always loved 2032 Union Street, the site of the original 1854 dairy farmhouse where Cow Hollow got its name. I remember sitting in the airy atrium upfront with my boyfri... Read More

Short Bites

Belcampo’s meat done right

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

Belcampo Meat Co. 1998 Polk Street (at Jackson), 415-660-5573, belcampomeatco.com In 2012, the folks at Belcampo set out on a mission to bring delicious meat from their own farm to... Read More

Short Bites

Elmira Rosticceria

Elmira has quickly become my go-to lunch spot. Former Fairmont Hotel chef Marc Passetti serves up an elevated twist on the humble Italian food he grew up with (the restaurant is na... Read More

Short Bites

China First

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

This may look like one of the many generic Chinese restaurants in the Richmond District, but they have some unusual seafood in their live tanks, like longneck clam and Alaskan king... Read More

Short Bites

Golden Lotus

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

The trendy Vietnamese favorite Turtle Tower has moved down the street, and it seems they left their quality ingredients behind with the new occupant, Golden Lotus. Not only is the ... Read More

Short Bites

Keiko à Nob Hill

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

Also on Nob Hill, Keiko is one of the few restaurants left in the City offering that truly romantic fine-dining experience. The $95 tasting menu (wine parings additional) changes f... Read More

Short Bites

Osso Steakhouse

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

I was the first critic to review Bobo’s (back when they still went by Boboquivari’s), and throughout the years, I have given their bone-in filet mignon high marks, nami... Read More

Short Bites

Sushi Sam’s

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

I first discovered Sushi Sam’s over two decades ago, and I still try to make a trip there at least once a month because I think it’s the best sushi in the Bay Area. I&#... Read More

Short Bites

The Old Clam House

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

When you can’t get to Sausalito but you still want a sizzling platter of garlicky Dungeness crab, check out The Old Clam House, which is owned by the same folks as SalitoR... Read More

Short Bites

Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

If you want fun in the sun with great views, food and cocktails, Salito’s is the place. A quick trip by ferry or by car, Salito’s once housed swinging singles’ sp... Read More

Short Bites

Tommy’s Joynt

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

I never thought I’d see the day a Tommy’s Joynt open-faced roast beef sandwich would rate as the worst in town. The beef at Tommy’s has always been, as my dad use... Read More

Short Bites

Lucky Penny Restaurant

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

The too-cool snobs on Yelp just don’t get Lucky Penny. This is not a place to order grilled halibut or prime rib (though they do serve both), it’s a great old diner tha... Read More

Short Bites

Arang Restaurant

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

Tucked away in the parking lot of the Western Addition Safeway, Arang is a tiny gem of a place to fill up on bargain-priced Korean classics like kim chee (seasoned pickled vegetabl... Read More

Short Bites

Hillstone

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

Whenever people dismiss chains, I remind them about Hillstone (formerly Houston’s). With a chic, dark-wood interior featuring comfy booths, a bar that serves terrific cocktai... Read More

Short Bites

Dynamo Donuts & Coffee

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

After Sara Spearin graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, she honed her skills as a pastry chef at big name restaurants like Hawthorne Lane, Stars, Foreign C... Read More

Short Bites