Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [110]
1793 Haight St. (at Shrader St.). 415/751-9656. www.kanzamansf.com. Main courses $4–$14. MC, V. Mon–Thurs 5pm–midnight; Fri 5pm–2am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight. Bus: 6, 7, 66, 71, or 73. Metro: N.
Lower Haight
INEXPENSIVE
Thep Phanom ★ THAI It’s the combination of fresh ingredients, attractive decor, and friendly service, and that heavenly balance of salty, sweet, hot, and sour flavors, that have made Thep Phanom one of the city’s most beloved Thai restaurants. Those who like to play it safe will be more than happy with standards such as pad Thai, coconut-lemon-grass soup, and prawns in red curry sauce, but consider diverting from the usual suspects for such house specialties as Thaitanic Beef (stir-fried beef and string beans in a spicy sauce), prawns with eggplant and crisped basil, and ped sawan—duck with a delicate honey sauce served over spinach. There’s good people-watching here as well—the restaurant’s reputation attracts a truly diverse San Francisco crowd. Be sure to make reservations or prepare for a long wait on weekend nights, and don’t leave anything even remotely valuable in your car.
400 Waller St. (at Fillmore St.). 415/431-2526. www.thepphanom.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $9–$13. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5:30–10:30pm. Bus: 6, 7, 22, 66, or 71.
Uva Enoteca ★★ ITALIAN The Haight has seen a recent resurgence in its dining scene, which can largely be attributed to the arrival of gems like Uva Enoteca. The narrow wine bar with its exposed brick and intimate setting could easily be found in New York’s West Village and is a breath of fresh air among Haight Street’s other shoddy offerings. Start with a speck and apple purée bruschetta and meat-and-cheese assortment; if you’re unsure of which of the local varieties to order, ask Boris, and he’ll bring you out a delectable pairing. If you still have stomach space to spare, follow that with a panino or piadina (flatbread sandwich), like my favorite, the pine-nut butter, raisins, bitter greens, and balsamic selection, and pasta or pizza. The wine selection changes weekly, with 80 or so types—all Italian, all the time—always on tap, which you can order by the bottle, 20 ounces, 6 ounces, or 8 ounces. The gelato, made special for the restaurant by a local company, is a can’t-miss, with flavors like avocado, honey granola, bergamot, and kiwi (alongside more normal types like chocolate and vanilla). One thing’s for sure: You’ll want to make repeat visits to Uva Enoteca to be able to taste everything on the menu and feel as if you’ve done it justice.
568 Haight St. (btw. Fillmore and Steiner sts.). 415/829-2024. www.uvaenoteca.com. Reservations recommended. Panini $8; pasta $14; pizza $13. DISC, MC, V. Sun–Thurs 5–11pm; Fri–Sat 5–11:30pm; brunch Sat–Sun 11am–2:30pm. Bus: 7, 22, or 71.
RICHMOND/SUNSET DISTRICTS
Yes, it’s a long haul from downtown to “the Avenues,” but these restaurants wouldn’t be in the guidebook if they weren’t worth the trip. For a map of restaurants in this section, see the “Richmond & Sunset Districts Restaurants” map.
Moderate
Aziza ★★ MOROCCAN If you’re looking for something really different—or a festive spot for a large party—head deep into the Avenues for an exotic taste of Morocco. Chef-owner Mourad Lahlou creates an excellent dining experience through colorful and distinctly Moroccan surroundings combined with a modern yet authentic take on the cuisine of his homeland. In any of the three opulently adorned dining rooms (the front room features private booths, the middle room is more formal,