I’ve been asked by a group of Australians embedded in Silicon Valley for the week where they could get something decent to eat. Silicon Valley is known for a lot of things – the ideas, the technology, the connections, the deals. But one thing it is not known for is its food. For that, you need to head north to San Francisco.
Australians are serious foodies (yes, it goes beyond meat pies). They like their food fresh and non-processed, their wines big and full-bodied and their coffee strong, dark and preferably Italian. Here are my picks for a truly local sampling of what’s good in this great city – the one I’ve called home for nearly 20 years. (Note: San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods – check this link for more about each one.)
Four Barrel Coffee (the coffee shop without wi-fi), Blue Bottle Coffee (visit the original kiosk in this laneway location for those of you missing Melbourne), Philz (many varieties of coffee beans, each cup individually brewed), Peets (now it’s a chain, but it started out small and local – it is the anti-Starbucks).
Toronado: Pub in Lower Haight with big, yet eclectic selection of Belgian and local microbrewery beers. If you get hungry, you can go next door and order a sausage at Rosamunde’s.
Zuni: Walking up Market Street, away from the downtown shops, through the seedy Tenderloin and toward the ginormous rainbow flag that landmarks the Castro you will come to an oasis called Zuni, one of San Francisco’s best restaurants. It combines local California cuisine with just the right touch of an urban edge. Best time to drop in (without a reservation) is at about 3:30pm. Awesome martinis, bloody Mary’s and margaritas, local oysters, wood-oven fired pizzas, a world class Caesar salad and their chicken dinner for two. Nice desserts, and yes – strong coffee! Then sneak around the back lane to the Biron Hotel’s “B Bar” for a nice selection of wines by the glass (including an Aussie Shiraz or two).
Roosevelt Tamale Parlor: Besides being home to one of the best neon signs in the City (pictured), Roosevelt’s has been making tamales from a family recipe since 1924. It only recently got a makeover. I think they kept some of the black and white photos of the restaurant’s namesake, the first American Roosevelt president – Theodore.
Nopalito: For authentic Mexican food (no refried beans!) hit up Nopalito for a late lunch (say 2:30). Long waits at night (they don’t take reservations). The carnitas are the go-to dish here, but the $10 big bowl of soup, ceviche and anything topped with a fried egg highly recommended.
Out the Door: Very fresh Vietnamese at two locations, one in the Westfield Mall downtown and the other in the Fillmore district. Both are good.
Limon: For some reason, San Francisco has more Peruvian restaurants than any other city in North America (5). Limon is highly recommended, and located next to Blondie’s Bar and No Grill, where you can get one of the best martinis in the city. (Ask for a very dry Stoli straight up with some blue cheese olives – seriously).
Ti Couz: Also in the Mission, try authentic Breton-style crepes (both savory and sweet) with some hard cider at this charming cafe. If it’s a nice day, grab a table inside near the open window rather than one of the outdoor tables to avoid being hustled for change.
R&G Lounge: Authentic Chinese (as in where Chinese people will eat Chinese food), and famous for their deep fried salt & pepper Dungeness crab (messy, but worth it).
Vesuvio’s: Where Jack Kerouac drank. Decor hasn’t changed much since his “On the Road Days”. Feel like a real beatnik and visit City Lights Bookstore next door first for something to read while you drink.
L’Osteria del Forno: Little Italian cafe in North Beach (cash only). Everything they make here comes out of their wood-fired oven or off the four burners on their stove in what might be the smallest kitchen in San Francisco. Pizzas, a daily pasta and roast of the day. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.
For hotels – look for a good deal. Always pick Union Square/Downtown area over Fisherman’s Wharf. I recommend using TripAdvisor (for accommodations) and Yelp (to check out more restaurants and other local businesses). Also – check out Anthony Bourdain’s visit to San Francisco for his show “No Reservations.”
Photo courtesy of KazzaDrask Media.
Kathy Drasky regularly writes about online culture. Her marketing and communications work with the ANZA Technology Network, Advance Global Australians and with various Australians and Australian enterprises has led to at least a dozen trips Down Under.
An accomplished digital photographer, her photos have appeared in 7×7 Magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle and Google Schmap.
