Za Pizza
In case you weren't aware, 'za' is short for 'pizza' and pizza is exactly what this place does best. Located on Hyde Street in Russian Hill, Za's patrons can feast on thin and crispy slices while watching the bustle of neighborhood dog walkers and listening to the thump and chime of San Francisco's famed Cable Cars. The pies here are strictly New York style and regulars will attest that Za does it right. Three tables and a handful of stools at the counter make the place cozy, but mean you may have to wait a bit on a busy Friday night. See website for menu.
This place has good food at reasonable prices. The tasteful interiors have art on the walls and gray carpeting, and the obligatory aquarium is full of goldfish, the display of which is said to ward off bad luck. The menu offers standard Chinese restaurant fare, but the food is prepared with unequivocally fresh ingredients and seasonings that are in order. The Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce and the Pepper Steak are good options to choose. Conveniently located near the cinemas on Van Ness Avenue, the place offers bar service, equipped as it is with a full bar.
Bao
Literally translated, dim sum means 'to touch the heart'. As practiced here, this unique style of Chinese cooking combines the flavors of East and West to create an original and exotic cuisine. Menu items include Jumbo Prawns and Stuffed Lotus Leaves. The restaurant has both a full service dining room and an adjoining express take-out stand. The service is outstanding and the staff assures that you visit again.
Delicious, fresh and affordable—you won't be disappointed after a meal at Jasmine Tea House. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make the experience that much better. While the menu is not in any way daring, you can still get tasty renditions of Americanized versions of traditional Chinese dishes. The dish tastefully named “Happy Buddha” is particularly delicious, with its imitation of crispy chicken and tasty mushrooms. The portions are large enough to share, and you can buy a nice bottle of wine to go with the meal.
Tai Chi
A popular debate among locals is where to find the best pot stickers in SF. Tai Chi Restaurant is a good candidate that attracts a cross section of pot sticker lovers from all over. These dumplings are a little spicier than most, in keeping with the fiery cuisine of the regional dishes served here. These are served with a generous pork-based filling and a wrapper that is neither too doughy or too crispy. For a main dish to follow, the noodle dishes, also spicy and tossed with meat, fish, or vegetables make a rib sticking meal. One word of warning, when a menu item is listed as spicy hot, believe it. If in doubt, the courteous wait staff can help you out with what may be too intense for your palate.
Serving gourmet Italian food in trendy Cole Valley, Bambino's Ristorante has a nice selection of pastas, meat entrees, pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting. The aroma of fresh garlic and bread will stimulate even the weakest appetite. The imaginative menu includes deliciously rich Roasted Garlic and Brie, a pear, pecan and cambozola salad with orange vinaigrette and several specialty pasta dishes. The selection of vegetarian pasta is superb. Do try the spicy Linguine with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms.
It's fun just to stand on the corner and watch the cooks toss pizza dough behind the wrap-around windows of the Pasquale's Restaurant & Pizzeria. This family-style restaurant is a great choice for a late night meal or pizza. The dining area is roomy and comfortable, with many large tables appropriate for group seating. Checkered red and white tablecloths lend the traditional Italian feel. Pizza is the specialty, with more than 40 tasty combination to choose from. The prices are reasonable, too. A decent selection of pastas and traditional Italian entrees is also offered. Service is quick and the waiters are friendly and cheerful. Call ahead for more information.
