San Francisco

Award-winning, top Californian chef Gary Danko has built up a culinary name for himself by combining classical French cuisine with Mediterranean and Californian cooking, incorporating major culinary traditions from around the world into his work. His fine dining restaurant is a very special experience, and not only for the exquisite food; the service is impeccable and the atmosphere quietly elegant with no hint of stuffiness. Perhaps the best way to experience Danko's ingenuity is by way of a fixed-price seasonal tasting menu, which might include glazed oysters, seared filet of beef with potato gnocchi and roasted pears with ginger and nutmeg ice-cream. Reservations essential. Dinner nightly. Elegant dress attire requested.

Food Type :French

Address :800 North Point at Hyde Street (Fisherman’s Wharf)

Website :www.garydanko.com

Winner of several national and local awards, One Market features upscale American fare specialising in fresh meat and fish dishes. There are remarkable views of the waterfront and historic Market Street that can be enjoyed while dining on ahi tuna steak or the daily roast. For a unique dining experience, the restaurant also features a special 'Chef's Table' located inside the kitchen from where the group is guided through the exquisite tasting menu served by the chef himself. There is live jazz every evening. Closed Sundays. Dinner Monday to Saturday and lunch on weekdays only. Reservations essential.

Food Type :American

Address :1 Market Street, Embarcadero

Website :www.onemarket.com

Located in the Art Nouveau Audiffred Building near the waterfront, the mosaic floor, central open kitchen and striking decor perfectly complement the artistic dishes created by culinary star Nancy Oakes. One of the city's best restaurants, Boulevard is always packed and is ideal for a special occasion. Specialities include wood-roasted dishes like the rack of lamb, pork loin, or a variety of seafood. Reservations essential. Dinner daily; lunch on weekdays only.

Food Type :American

Address :1 Mission Street, Embarcadero, SoMa

Website :www.boulevardrestaurant.com

Chef Charles Phan prepares real Vietnamese home cooking at The Slanted Door and his food is so flavourful and incredibly fresh that even the likes of Mick Jagger and Bill Clinton have sought it out. The establishment attempts to recreate the richness of Vietnamese street food with Western style service. The menu includes fresh spring rolls, green papaya salad, chicken claypot and grilled scallops, as well as delicious desserts such as vanilla bean crème brûlée and a collection of Oriental teas. Its location overlooks San Francisco Bay and also has a to-go section for quickly prepared takeaway meals. Lunch and dinner daily.

Address :1 Ferry Building #3

Website :www.slanteddoor.com

Dining at this much-loved rustic restaurant is a quintessential San Francisco experience. The eclectic Italian-Mediterranean fare includes the legendary brick-oven roasted chicken with a Tuscan-style bread salad, hamburger on grilled rosemary focaccia bread, and the classic Caesar salad. The bustling copper-topped bar serves drinks as well as the very freshest selection of oysters. It is a great place for a pre- or post-Opera House drink and is always crammed with an eclectic crowd. Reservations recommended. Closed Monday.

Address :1658 Market Street, Civic Center, Hayes Valley

Website :www.zunicafe.com

With high ceilings and enormous windows overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay, Greens boasts one of the most dramatic dining spaces in the city and offers outstanding, creative meatless dishes that have earned it a place as one of the top vegetarian restaurants in the country. Owned by the Zen Buddhist Center, dishes use the finest organic ingredients and the delicious meals attract non-vegetarians as well as vegetarians. Open for lunch and dinner daily. There is a special fixed-price dinner on Saturdays. Brunch on Sundays.

Address :Building A, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard, Marina

Website :www.greensrestaurant.com

Critically-acclaimed chef Craig Stoll's Delfina is defined by its ultra-fresh seasonal Italian cuisine, reasonable prices and a warm atmosphere. One of the most popular restaurants in San Francisco today, Delfina is continuously abuzz with happy diners. Dishes on the daily-changing menu are kept simple but extraordinary and might include thick Tuscan soup, butternut panna cotta or roasted chicken. The handmade pastas, braised meats and fish dishes are all full of flavour. Reservations essential. Dinner daily.

Food Type :Italian

Address :3621 18th Street (Mission District)

Website :www.delfinasf.com

Hollywood Café is simply the best restaurant in San Francisco to get a classic all-American breakfast: Denver Omelette, Eggs Benedict with Dungeness Crab, French Toast with Fried Bananas and Blueberries, and the list goes on. Lunch is just as good with a range of excellent sandwiches, including a particularly enormous BLT. The portions are large, and come accompanied by freshly-squeezed orange juice or excellent coffee.

Food Type :American

Address :530 N Point Street, Fishermans Wharf

Website :www.hollywoodcafesf.com

An iconic San Francisco restaurant filled with history, etablished in 1908 John's Grill is famous for its classic ambiance of wood panelled walls and dimly lit interior. Meat and fish are the specialities here, preferably grilled. The clam chowder is wonderful too, but the real stars of the show are the lamb chops and the steak, served with gratis vegetables, bread and sparkling water. This restaurant was featured in Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, a much loved crime classic. The fact is celebrated everywhere from the etching on the glassware to the falcon statues for sale in the souvenir cabinet. Located just off Union Square.

Food Type :Steakhouse

Address :63 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA

Website :www.johnsgrill.com