Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [91]
Fisherman’s Wharf (at Taylor St.). 415/673-0183. www.aliotos.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $15–$30 lunch; most main courses $15–$50 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am–11pm. Bus: 10, 15, 39, or 47. Streetcar: F. Cable car: Powell–Hyde line.
Ana Mandara ★ VIETNAMESE Yes, Don Johnson is part owner. But more importantly, this Fisherman’s Wharf favorite serves excellent, inventive Vietnamese food in an outstandingly beautiful setting. Chef Khai Duong is considered a pioneer of modern Vietnamese cuisine with stacks of awards to back up the claim. Amid a shuttered room with mood lighting, palm trees, and Vietnamese-inspired decor, diners (mostly tourists) splurge on crispy rolls, lobster ravioli with mango and coconut sauce, and wok-charred tournedos of beef tenderloin with sweet onions and peppercress. There is no more expensive Vietnamese dining room in town, but, along with the enjoyable fare, diners pay for the atmosphere, which, if they’re in the neighborhood and want something more exotic than the standby seafood dinner, is worth the price.
891 Beach St. (at Polk St.). 415/771-6800. www.anamandara.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $22–$40. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm; Sun–Thurs 5:30–9:30pm; Fri–Sat 5:30–10:30pm (bar until 1am). Valet parking Tues–Sun $9. Bus: 19, 30, or 45.
Moderate
Cafe Pescatore ★ ITALIAN This cozy trattoria is one of the better bets in Fisherman’s Wharf. Two walls of sliding glass doors offer pseudo-sidewalk seating when the weather’s warm, although heavy vehicular traffic can detract from the alfresco experience. All the classics are well represented here: crisp Caesar salad, fried calamari, bruschetta, cioppino, pastas, chicken Marsala, and veal saltimbocca (sautéed veal scaloppini) with whipped baby potatoes, spinach, prosciutto, and lemon-caper butter sauce. The consensus is to order anything that’s cooked in the open kitchen’s wood-fired oven, such as pizza (Margherita), roasts (sea bass with pine-nut crust, or Atlantic salmon), or panini (lunch only; grilled chicken or grilled veggies). They serve a darn good breakfast, too.
2455 Mason St. (at North Point St., adjoining the Tuscan Inn). 415/561-1111. www.cafepescatore.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $6.50–$12 breakfast, $9–$22 lunch and dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am–10pm. Bus: 15, 39, or 42. Streetcar: F. Cable car: Powell–Mason line.
Fog City Diner ★ AMERICAN When it opened, Fog City Diner was the “it” spot for locals in search of upscale California chow. These days, it gets a lot of mixed reviews for service and food, but I’ve always had a satisfying experience here. The restaurant looks like a genuine American metallic railroad diner—but only from the outside. Inside, dark polished woods, inspired lighting, and a well-stocked raw bar tell you this is no hash-slinger. Dressed-up diner dishes include juicy gourmet burgers with house-made pickles, huge salads, “warm breads,” soups, sandwiches, cioppino, macaroni and Gouda cheese, and pork chops. Fancier fish and meat meals include grilled catches of the day and thick-cut steaks. Light eaters can make a meal out of the long list of small plates, which include crab cakes, quesadillas with asparagus and leeks, and their famous red-curry mussel stew. They’ve recently opened for weekend brunch as well. The food is fine, but if your heart is set on coming here, do so at lunch or for early evening cocktails and appetizers—you’ll be better off elsewhere if you want a special dinner.
1300 Battery St. (at the Embarcadero). 415/982-2000. www.fogcitydiner.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $14–$24. DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Thurs 11:30am–10pm; Fri 11:30am–11pm;