Friday, May 2, 2014

We’re Getting Hungry - Are You?


(Image courtesy of Dinner Series)

We know like alot of other offerings in San Francisco, many of the food choices we’re drawn to have a buzz centered around them. Which restaurants have the best decor, which restaurants have the most creative menus, the list never ends- but what happens when a great restaurant has trouble riding fighting the tides of publicity a competitor has thrown out?

In order to give homage to some of the best unheard of restaurants in San Francisco sf.eater.com highlights 20 restaurants you need to try. So if you’re looking to breakaway from your normal dining spot in search of something a little different, look no further than the places on this list!

CONTIGO

This stylish tapas restaurant is a Noe Valley favorite, but outside of the 'hood, it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Expect a great wine list, lively atmosphere and extensive Spanish menu serving up hits like albondigas, jamon Iberico and sardines on toast.

1320 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114

(415) 285-0250

RADIUS

Radius' rule of sourcing all food from within a 100 mile radius might seem gimmicky if the food and execution weren't so good, and this Folsom St. standby doesn't get the buzz of other, comparable restaurants.

1123 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103

(415) 525-3676

POQUITO

An out-of-the-way location makes Poquito an oft-forgotten option, but this spot's creative Latin American tapas with an Ecuadorian flair, friendly service and plenty of sangria set it apart from the rest.

2368 THIRD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107

(415) 643-3900

DARWIN CAFE

This spot has a cult following for lunch, but if you don't know, now you know: their seasonally focused salads and small plates spill over into dinner service, too.

212 RITCH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107

(415) 800-8668

LOLÓ

Loló's non-traditional Mexican food, eclectic Mexicana atmosphere and extensive mezcal selection make it the perfect sit-down option for those on the hunt for more than a takeout burrito.

3234 22ND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

(415) 643-5656

EIJI

This tiny Japanese outpost has good sushi, but the real draw is their Oboro Tofu, housemade silky tofu served with a selection of traditional condiments. And don't forget to order the mochi strawberry for dessert.

317 SANCHEZ ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114

(415) 558-8149

LOCAL'S CORNER

Most the the attention goes to this spot's weekend brunch, but Local's Corner offers up fresh seafood with a friendly, neighborhood vibe. Go for the oysters and stay for the sustainably-sourced fish and mellow vibe.

2500 BRYANT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

(415) 800-7945

FIORE CAFFÈ

Don't let the name fool you: this isn't just a spot for coffee and pastries. Fiore Caffe also offers up European-style bistro fare and full Italian dinner menu with options like linguine alla scoglio and panko breaded pork loin.

3599 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

(415) 642-4822

MANDALAY

A hop and a skip away from the famously packed Burma Superstar is Mandalay, another Burmese restaurant that offers similar dishes like rainbow salad with a fraction of the hype.

4348 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118

(415) 386-3895

NOJO

Nojo's minimalist izakaya menu and authentic yakitori make it a solid option for fresh Japanese fare, but this spot is often overlooked.

231 FRANKLIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

(415) 896-4587

THE BLUE PLATE

This cozy neighborhood spot is famed for its meatloaf, but the comfort food menu is full of surprises. Expect a warm and distinctly neighborly vibe at this local standby, which often gets passed over for its out-of-the-way location.

3218 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

(415) 282-6777

MISSION BEACH CAFE

Yes, we've all seen the brunch wait, but MBC also offers a stellar dinner that just doesn't get the same notoriety. Skip the lines and go for dinner, when this spot serves up creative farmers' market-driven fare.

198 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103

(415) 861-0198

ZAZIE

Zazie is another spot that draws crazy brunch crowds, but they too offer a forgotten dinner that serves up french bistro fare like mussels Marinieres and Poisson en Papillote.

941 COLE ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117

(415) 564-5332

LA CICCIA

If you're in the know, you're aware that La Ciccia serves up some of the finest Italian fare in the city, but it somehow doesn't get the buzz it deserves. Get to La Ciccia early and often, just like the locals do.

291 30TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131

(415) 550-8114

L'ARDOISE

This french bistro is one of the most romantic little spots in town. Located on one of Noe's leafiest blocks, L'Ardoise feels right out of a Parisian film set, and the food matches the attitude.

151 NOE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114

(415) 437-2600

SONS & DAUGHTERS

This elegant but underrated spot offers a changing set menu sourced from nearby farms and complete with optional wine pairings, so leave your a la carte ordering habits at the door and settle in for the ride.

708 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108

(415) 391-8311

IZAKAYA YUZUKI

Another izakaya that's not gotten the attention it deserves, Yuzuki offers up yakitori in a modern setting, complete with a sake sommelier and all the uni you can eat.

598 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

(415) 556-9898

OLD MANDARIN ISLAMIC

A popular hangout for locals, Old Mandarin Islamic is the a spot to get hotpot and lamb dishes, but don't come here if you're not feeling slightly adventurous.

3132 VICENTE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116

(415) 564-3481

ACQUERELLO

Acquerello sometimes gets dwarfed by trendier spots, but it's the spot to go for an old-school fine dining experience complete with elegant dining room and luxurious Italian fare.

1722 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109

(415) 567-5432

POC-CHUC

Don't be fooled bu the unassuming exterior: authentic flavors are the name of the game at Poc-Chuc, which specializes in Yucatecan dishes like their to-die-for cochinita pibil.

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