SF Restaurant Guide

If you like great food almost as much as playing Bridge, you've come to the right tournament.  Diners can choose from the up-scale and trendy to food malls filled with artisan producers.  There are more than 200 dinner houses within one mile of the hotel and fabulous food courts in the Ferry building and the new Westfield Centre.

Would you like your dining expenses to be less than your entry fees at the San Francisco NABC?
If the answer is "YES" we have some options for that that will put a smile on your face.

In addition to the detailed listing below, we also invite you to see our
Governor, Mayor, and President's letter for more helpful information.
 

This tournament is surrounded by a culinary mecca. The food supply in the Bay Area is more fresh, varied, organic and artisinal than anywhere and it only gets better and better!  Whether you spend $40 a day or $100, you will eat well! Enjoy.

Price Key

The per-person price range for dinner entrees without beverage:

$ $15 or less
$$ $15–25
$$$ $25–35
$$$$ $35–50
$$$$$ expensive

Reservations for dinner are always recommended. All the dinner restaurants listed have full bars unless otherwise shown.

*Show your convention card or this guide to receive your complimentary treat at starred (*) restaurants.

DINING NEARBY

Across the street from the playing site is the fabulous Westfield Mall which has more than a dozen choices of ethnic menus ranging from soup to nuts, including Bristol Farms, the ultimate gourmet grocer and purveyor of prepared foods. If you like scenery with your meal, a short walk or ride on San Francisco's antique street cars will take you to Ferry Plaza
where you dine on the Bay at your choice of another dozen or so equally varied venues.

San Francisco's most highly regarded restaurant is Gary Danko at 800 Northpoint, 415-749-2060.
They are also famous for difficulty in obtaining a dinner reservation.
If your plans for the SFNABC include dining there, you need to make your reservation now.
PS: Bring your credit card as the average check without drinks is $96.

See http://ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

Garden Terrace $$ Marriott
At the top of the lobby escalator. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily
California cuisine, lavish buffets.

Fourth Street Bar & Grill $ Marriott
4th & Mission Lunch, Dinner: 11–11 daily
A good place to catch a game — any game. Big screen sports bar with pub food.

Annabelle’s $$ Across 4th St.
54 4th St. Lunch 11:30–3 daily
777–1200 Dinner 5:30–10:30 nightly
Late Nite bar menu until midnight. Renovated bar and bistro with California/French cuisine. Happy hour.

Educated Palate $–$$ Across 4th St.
88 4th St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–1:30
908–7522 Dinner Tue–Thur 5:30–8
The restaurant serves as a classroom for students studying culinary arts and hospitality at City College of San Francisco.

Fifth Floor $$$$$ Across 4th St.
12 4th St. Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–10
348–1555
Elegant citadel of fine cuisine. Gail & Chris’s favorite.

Les Joulins Bistro $$ 0.1mi.
44 Ellis St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat 8–9
397–5397 Sun 9–5
Extensive menu, California/French cuisine. Live jazz nightly.

John’s Grill $$ 0.1mi.
63 Ellis St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat 11–10
986–0069 Dinner Sun 5–10
The legend of Sam Spade lives on here. Popular dishes: pepper steak, ahi tuna, jumbo prawns dijonnaise. John’s Caesar salad: Marian Robertson’s favorite dish.

Café Bistro $ 0.2mi.
865 Market St. (Nordstrom’s, top floor)
243–8500 Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat 9:30–8, Dinner Sun 10–6
Salads, soups, bistro fare. Spectacular skyline views.

Little Joe’s $$ 0.2mi.
85 5th St. at Mission Breakfast, Lunch,
433–4343 Dinner to 6:30 – 10:30 daily
Long time SF favorite with Joe’s Special, steaks and best hamburgers in town. Try the breakfast omelets.

Café Museo $$ 0.2mi.
151 3rd St. Lunch Thur–Tue 10–6
357–4500 Dinner Thur only 6–9, closed Wed
Visit one of the most esteemed showcases of modern art (the MOMA) and have a delicious meal of edible art.

Ame $$$$ 0.2mi.
689 Mission Dinner 6–10 nightly
284–4040
Fusion of French/Northern Italian/Japanese from renowned St. Helena chef.

Puccini and Pinetti $$ 0.2mi.
129 Ellis St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat 11:30–10:
392–5500 Dinner Sun 5–10
A modern Italian grill.

First Crush Restaurant, Wine Bar and Lounge $$
101 Cyril Magnin St. (Union Square) 0.2mi.
982–7874 Dinner Sun–Wed 5–10:30  Thur–Sat 5–11:30
California French cuisine features largest all California wine list. Winner of Citysearch Best of Group Dining, Romantic Dining and Wine List. Wine Spectator Awards for six years running. Rachel Ray liked it!
*Complimentary dessert with dinner purchase

First Crush Restaurant, Wine Bar and Lounge
160 Ellis St. Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–2
397–8470 Dinner 5:30–10 nightly
Serves cuisines made from royal Indian menus, featured on the Galloping Gourmet TV show.

Tad’s Steak House $ 0.3mi
120 Powell St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 7–11:30 daily
982–1718
Great food at modest prices in this SF landmark. Try it for breakfast. Beer and wine only.

Anjou $$ 0.3mi
44 Campton Pl. Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30–2
392–5373 Dinner Tue–Sat 6–10
Chef/owner Pierre Morin offers consistently satisfying French bistro cuisine for terrific value in this quiet and friendly favorite.

Kuleto’s $$$ 0.3mi.
221 Powell St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 7–11 daily
397–7720
An action-packed restaurant, Italian food, one of the most inviting bars in town.

Santorini $$ 0.3mi.
242 O’Farrell St. Lunch 11–5 daily
402–0060 Dinner 5–10 nightly
Mediterranean Greek specialties. Beer and wine only.

Johnny Foley’s Irish Pub $ 0.3mi.
243 O’Farrell St. Lunch, Dinner daily 11:30–1:30 am
954–0777
The classic Irish experience. Will remind you of the pubs of Ireland.

Cityscape $$ 0.3mi.
333 O’Farrell St. (Hilton Hotel)
923–5002 Dinner 5:30–10 daily except Mon
Sunday Brunch 10–2
California cuisine and panoramic views of the City at one of SF’s best-kept secrets.

Daily Grill $–$$ 0.3mi.
347 Geary St. Breakfast 7–10:45 daily
616–5000 Lunch 11–3:45 daily
Dinner 4–10 daily
A sleek and stylish version of past grills, generous portions. Great hours for bridge players.

Azie $$$ 0.3mi
826 Folsom Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–10
538–0918
Innovative Asian/French fusion served family style. Go with a crowd and taste many dishes.

LuLu $$ 0.3mi.
816 Folsom St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–3
495–5775 Dinner 5:30–10:30 nightly
Sunday Brunch 11:30–3
Offers seasonal Provencal menu, featuring wood-fired oven, roti and grilled specialties.

Oola $$ 0.3mi.
860 Folsom St. Dinner Tue–Sat 5–1 am
995–2061 Dinner Sun–Mon 5–12
An American Bistro featuring SF cuisine. Open until midnight or later. Happy hour specials.

Le Charm $$ 0.4mi.
315 5th St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2
546–6128 Dinner Tue–Sun 5:30–9:30
Traditional, unpretentious French bistro. Go for the prix fixe dinner at $28. Beer and wine only. Joyce’s favorite.

Thirsty Bear Brewing Co. $ 0.4mi.
661 Howard St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Fri 11:30–10:30
974–0905 Sat 12–12 Sun 5–10
Spanish tapas/small plates, specializing in handcrafted beers. A very lively place.
*Complimentary 12 oz. beer w/food purchase (one per guest)

Umbria Ristorante $$ 0.4mi.
198 2nd St. at Howard Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2:30
546–6985 Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–10
Bella pasta, pannini and pizza from the heart of Italy. A Roz Kahn favorite.

Chevy’s $–$$ 0.4mi.
201 3rd St. Lunch, Dinner 11–10 daily
734–2521
Traditional and regional fresh Mex.

Yank Sing $$ 0.4mi.
49 Stevenson St. Lunch 11–3 daily
541–4949
Chinese, creative dim sum, barbeque pork buns, chicken lotus, Peking duck.

Le Central $$ 0.4mi.
453 Bush St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat 11:30–10:30
391–2233
The first French brasserie in the City. Try the cassoulet, onion appetizer or any grilled steak.

Café Claude $$ 0.4mi.
7 Claude Lane (off Bush, between Grant and Kearny)
397–9470 Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat 11:30–10:30
Dinner Sun 5:30–10:30
The food and wines are typical of the cafes of Paris, casual and fun. A favorite.

Sam’s Grill $$ 0.4mi.
374 Bush St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Fri 11–9
A favorite SF tourist stop with seafood at reasonable prices.

Bong Su $$$ 0.4mi.
311 3rd St. (at Folsom) Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30
536–5800 Dinner 5–10 nightly
Vietnamese dishes in a sleek and modern setting. Go for the fruit duck or pepper calamari.

Two $$ 0.4mi.
22 Hawthorne Lane Lunch, Dinner Mon–Fri 11:30–10
777–9779 Dinner Sat–Sun 5:30–10
A casual and informal restaurant recently renovated to replace a SF favorite, same chef.

Henry’s Hunan $$ 0.4mi.
110 Natoma St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Sat
546–4999
Generous portions of authentic and rural Chinese cooking (hot and spicy). Beer and wine.

Fly Trap $$$ 0.5mi.
606 Folsom St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–5
243–0580 Dinner Mon–Sat 5–10
Updated classics in a cozy SF atmosphere. Piano and jazz live.

Salt House $$ 0.5mi.
545 Mission St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2:00
543–8900 Dinner nightly 5:30–late
Contemporary tavern in an old printing press warehouse.  American fare, charcuterie, hearty main dishes. Excellent!
SAN FRANCISCO FAVORITES
Worth the trip!

Fringale $$ 0.6mi.
570 4th St. Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30–2:30
543–0573 Dinner 5:30–10 nightly
Modern French Basque cuisine compliments straightforward bistro food. A San Francisco favorite.
*Complimentary dessert with dinner purchase.

Tadich Grill $$ 0.8mi.
240 California St. Lunch, Dinner Mon–Fri 11–9:30
Sat 11:30–9:30
A glitz-free eatery, been around since the Gold Rush. Best for seafood. No reservations.

Boulevard $$$ 1.0mi.
1 Mission St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2
543–6084 Dinner 5:30–10 nightly
Chef Nancy Oakes French-American cuisine is always fabulous. Great food in a magnificent historic building.

Shanghai 1930 $$$ 1.0mi.
133 Steuart St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2:30
896–5600 Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–11
Step back in time at this highly rated Chinese restaurant.
Great food, atmosphere and live jazz on Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat.

One Market $$$ 1.0mi.
#1 Market St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2
777–5577 Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–9
Seasonal farm fresh American fare from Chef Bradley Ogden.

Slanted Door $$$ 1.1mi.
1 Ferry Bldg. # 3 Lunch 11:30–2:30 daily
861–8032 Dinner 5:30–10 nightly Celebrated Chef Charles Phan puts an elegant spin on traditional Saigon street food in the very popular, hightech Ferry Plaza on the Bay. Noisy but a must visit.

Piperade $$$ 1.2mi.
1015 Battery St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–3
391–2555 Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30–10:30
Chef Gerald Hirigoyen’s West Coast Basque Cuisine.
Helene Gay’s favorite restaurant.

Bix $$$ 1.2mi.
56 Gold St. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–2
433–6300 Dinner 4:30–11 daily
Popular supper club, speakeasy and elegant saloon with live jazz. California cuisine.

Zuni Cafe $$$ 1.3mi.
1658 Market St. Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30–6
552–2522 Dinner Tue–Sat 6–12 Sun 5–11
Sunday Brunch 11–3
James Beard Award-winning Mediterranean eatery. This is the place to order chicken.

Fisherman’s Wharf 1.5mi.
If you simply cannot miss Fisherman’s Wharf, you might try Scomas (Lunch and Dinner daily), a real throw-back to dining
of yesteryear (Pier 47 at Scoma Way). Or try Ana Mandara.  Upstairs in the bar is best. (Lunch Wed–Fri, dinner nightly, 891 Beach St., Vietnamese). Better yet, pick up a seafood cocktail from one of the many crab stands. To get there, hop on the Hyde St. Cable Car at Market and Powell or take the antique street car down Market St., then out along the Bay.

THE GREAT MALL BOOM
No table cloths, no waiters, no tipping, but plenty of good, fresh and, yes, innovative culinary delights.

Westfield San Francisco Centre 0.1mi.
865 Market Street (enter from the alley across 4th St., no jaywalking please, or from Mission St. into Bloomingdale’s).  This redevelopment of the historic Emporium building has been the buzz of downtown SF since opening last year.

RESTAURANTS, full service dining, 4th floor:

Cocola Bakery $ 9–9 daily
A patisserie with the feel of France or maybe Italy.
Specialty sandwiches, salads, sides and, of course, delectable pastries (forget the diet).

Lark Creek Steak $$$ Lunch, Dinner
593–4100 daily 11:30–10
Acclaimed chef Bradley Ogden’s latest dining spot features updated American food.

Straits Restaurant $$ Lunch, Dinner
668–1782 daily 11:30–2 am
Chef Chris Yeo offers dishes of Singaporean flavors and aroma. Disco atmosphere.

Zazil $$ Lunch, Dinner
495–6379 daily 11:30–9
Flavorful Mexican fare. Think tilapia, tacos, ceviche. Have a margarita with one of 340 types of tequila unless you’re
playing bridge later.
*Complimentary Margarita Zazil with meal.

FOOD EMPORIUM Concourse level

Amoura Café
Mediterranean fare, salads, grilled panini, homemade soups. Andale Mexican Taqueria
Health-conscious, fresh Tex/Mex.

Asque Grill
Thai barbeque, beef for the carnivores, veggies or marinated tofu for the rest. All skewer worthy.

Beard Papa
Fluffy cream puffs intriguing flavors assembled right in front of you.

Buckhorn Grill
Char-roasted Angus beef steak sandwiches for the meat lovers. Grilled eggplant for the vegetarians. Coriander Gourmet Thai
Thai favorites using fresh local ingredients.

Hana Grill
Noodles, teriyaki bowls, sushi.
Melt Gelato & Crepe Café
Crepes and gelato that taste like the real thing with no heavy creams.

Out The Door
A third incarnation of culinary star, Charles Phan’s Vietnamese favorites. It’s all good. Full service dining or takeout.

Pasta Moto
In a hurry to make game time? Antipasto plates and thincrust pizzas are prepared fresh and fast.

San Francisco Soup Co.
All kinds of soups, add a half sandwich or salad for a heartier meal.

Sorabol Korean BBQ
After 25 years in business they have perfected the art of grilled meat, rib-eye, short ribs and chicken.

Bristol Farms
If a grocery store can be stylish this one has to be it, offering all manner of hot and cold deli foods and more olives and cheeses than you thought existed. Takeout or eat in.

AT THE MISSION STREET ENTRANCE

'Wichcraft
NYC chef Tom Colicchio brings his sandwich-making expertise to SF. Try the grilled fontina with white truffle fondue.

Want more eating options? Walk toward the Nordstrom
side of the Centre and you’ll find at least 10 more fastfood
venues (including Segafredo) offering snacks and
much, much more.

Metreon Center 0.0mi.
101 4th St. (Mission) Lunch, Dinner daily

Life Noodle Co. 369–6188
Fire Wood Café 369–6199
Buckhorn Grill 369–6150
Sanraku 369–6166
Luna Azul 369–6069

Macy’s Cellar 0.2mi.
170 O’Farrell St. (Union Square)
Broad selection of mall eateries anchored by Wolfgang Puck’s pizza.

Rincon Center 1.0mi.
101 Mission St. at Spear
Lunch time food court around the Rain Fountain in a historic landmark building. Features Yank Sing and Araby.

Ferry Plaza 1.1mi.
Ferry Building (end of Market St.)
Minimum hours from 10–6
Gourmet food quickly prepared in a beautifully renovated SF landmark. Some 20 choices from cheese to caviar include:

Hog Island Oyster Co. 391–7117
Out the Door 861–8032
(the take-out area of Slanted Door)
Mijita Cocina Mexicana 399–0814
Taylor’s (soup, salads, burgers)
Marketbar 434–1100 (great spot)

Take the Market Street historic streetcar to this popular SF destination, farmer’s market, foodie heaven. Do not miss Ferry Plaza while you are here. An incredible farmer’s market on Saturday.

COFFEE, FAST FOODS, DELIS

Beard Papa 0.0mi.
99 Yerba Buena Lane Marriot Hotel bldg. Exit from the back door of the hotel, turn right. Mon–Sun 10–6:30
Fresh and natural vanilla, chocolate, caramel, strawberry (and more) cream puffs. Don’t let the long line deter you, they’re organized. Loyal patrons return again and again to savor these delicious confections. Go for breakfast, or anytime!

Starbucks 0.0mi.
120 4th St. 6–10 daily
Only the closest of many.

Mel’s Drive In 0.0mi.
801 Mission St. Mon–Fri 6–1 am, Sat–Sun 6–2 am
Sure it’s contrived and touristy, but when you get the urge for a chocolate milkshake or banana cream pie at midnight no other place will do. Juke boxes, too.

A.G. Ferrari Foods 0.2mi.
688 Mission at 3rd Mon–Sat 10–7:30, Sun 10–6:30
544–0644
Everything you could ever want from an Italian deli.

Boudin Bakery 0.2mi
190 O’Farrell St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily
San Francisco sourdough French bread, panettone, sandwiches, sourdough pizzas, chowder and more. Eat in or takeout.

Mocca 0.3mi
Maiden Lane
between Stockton and Grant 10.30–5:30 daily
Order inside, eat outside in the middle of the alley. A sandwich and salad spot for shoppers.

Emporio Rulli 0.4mi.
Union Square (Stockton &Post)
433–1122 7 :30–7 daily
Order inside, eat outside in splendidly restored Union Square. Boasting stunning pastries, delectable panini, gelati.

Cha Am Thai 1/4mi.
701 Folsom St. Lunch Mon–Sat 11–3, Dinner 5–10 nightly
546–9711
A neighborhood standby that always hits the spot and won’t kill your budget.

GREAT PLACES FOR BREAKFAST NEARBY
All open by 7 am.

Across the street at 801 Mission is MEL’S DRIVE IN for a big hearty breakfast. Around the corner at 773 Market is
THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF for caffeine and pastries, while next door is the ALEXANDRIA CAFE. Across Market on O’Farrell St. at 43 is CAFÉ MADELEINE for the most exquisite and delectable pastries outside of France and
two doors further on is CREPES AU CHOCOLATE, for all manner of same. In the Macy’s block at 190 O’Farrell is
BOUDIN BAKERY with sourdough French bread. At 120 Powell St. is TAD’S STEAKHOUSE with quality meals at a
value, while across the street at 149 is LORI’S DINER with 50’s nostalgia. A block further at 221 Powell is KULETO’S
with a full breakfast menu in a stylish setting and at 235 you will find SEGAFREDO, a European café with Krispy
Kreme donuts. Two blocks further at 439 Powell is SEARS FINE FOODS, famous for their little pancakes. Well worth the walk and great for lunch and dinner also.

Website courtesy of Supporting Bridge