Sometimes you get tired of just writing reviews and more reviews. Since everyone loves lists, I decided to try to narrow down my ten favorite dishes in San Francisco. It was very difficult to leave off some of the items that I remember so vividly and that tasted so good. But my main criteria was simple: if a friend asked me where to eat and what to order, each of these would be at the top of the list. So here it is, in no particular order.
1. French Onion Soup - Absinthe
There are a lot of great things to order on both the lunch and dinner menu at Absinthe. Plus they have a terrific cocktail menu and wine list with wonderful drinks. But my absolute favorite is the French Onion Soup. To me, it truly represents the most basic comfort food, especially for those cool nights in San Francisco. The soup is absolutely spot on in both taste and texture and the presentation is terrific, with the cheese just hanging over the edge of the bowl it is served in. I could literally order bowls and bowls of this soup, grab a few cocktails and be completely satisfied for the rest of the night.
2. Nigiri - Sebo
If you read my previous review of Sebo, you know how much I love the place. You can tell you have found a great sushi spot when you can order pretty much anything off the menu. That is exactly the case whenever I come here. I put the general tag of Nigiri as my favorite. They have so many different types of fish to offer that it would be close to impossible to pick just one. My suggestion: sit at the sushi bar, talk to the chefs and get an idea about the fish, then mix and match and try different pieces. You may be surprised by what becomes your favorite. Either way, it is hard to go wrong with anything you order.
3. Fried Chicken and Waffles - Farmerbrown’s Little Skillet
This was just a recent discovery, although I have wanted to go to Farmerbrown’s for awhile. This is not the main restaurant, but a food window where you can order great southern food. It is literally located in a narrow street with no tables, just a few benches and people sitting on the sidewalk, enjoying the delicious food. While there are plenty of options on the menu, I had to go with the chicken and waffles. First the chicken. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly, with crispy skin, just the way I like it. The meat was perfectly tender and juicy as well. The waffle was terrific. I still can’t get over how great the syrup was. I could eat this for breakfast or lunch every single day and would never get sick of it.
4. Pork Prime Rib Chop - Boulevard
Boulevard is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. It really starts from the minute you enter the building; from the service to the decor to the food. It is really one of the best dining establishments in the city, through and through. While the menu is filled with wonderful items, the Pork Prime Rib Chop is absolutely out of this world. I don’t know if I have ever had meat that was so tender and perfectly prepared. You could literally see it just falling off the bone. I couldn’t put my fork and knife down. It is one of my favorite entrees that I have ordered.
5. Lamb Shank - Aziza
Aziza is another one of my favorites. This Moroccan restaurant has a terrific menu (I suggest the tasting menu), wonderful and innovative cocktail list and just a really cool vibe. While everything is really tasty, the lamb shank stood out to me. Like the dish at Boulevard, you could see the meat literally falling off the bone. The flavors and tenderness of the meat... amazing! A virtual tie for one of the best entrees in San Francisco.
6. Smoked Salmon - Swan Oyster Depot
I love this gem. It really is a true San Francisco establishment with great history. But as much as I love the other seafood items on the menu, I always will come back begging for the Smoked Salmon. Served perfectly like three or four little sandwiches, with bread, onions, capers and thinly sliced pieces of smoked salmon. Wash it down with an Anchor Steam and I am in heaven.
7. Sea Urchin - Anchor and Hope
I am not a big fan of uni. In fact, I rarely order it in sushi restaurants. Something about the texture really doesn’t do it for me. But I have heard a lot of good things about the Sea Urchin at Anchor and Hope. After some of my dining neighbors ordered it, I knew I had to try it. And it lives up to its billing. Perfect mixture of sea urchin, lobster and lemon beurre blanc. Not too heavy and actually quite refreshing. The mix of ingredients matched perfectly. And it comes in a perfect sea urchin shell, spikes included, a lovely presentation. A wonderful dish.
8. Warm Egg Salad Sandwich - Il Cane Rosso
This just might be the best sandwich I have ever had. I like egg sandwiches, but this one tops them all. It is almost like the egg is prepared as a mix of hard-boiled and scrambled eggs. The cheese and anchovy garlic butter just match perfectly. And it is served warm. And the bread is wonderful. I could go on and on, but just stop by the Ferry Building and try it yourself.
9. Lobster Salad - Bar Crudo
This was a tough one because I love so many different items on the menu at Bar Crudo. The crudo plate is awesome, as is the Seafood Chowder. But my first experience with the Lobster Salad was unbelievable. I had it with tomatoes, which were perfectly ripe and juicy. The lobster was mixed in nicely. But the real star of the dish is the burrata cheese. So creamy and a perfect mix with the lobster and tomato. If you get the seafood chowder, this salad is perfect as a refreshing starter to your meal.
10. Brussels Sprouts - Bocadillos
A rather simple dish to end things. But I love the Brussels Sprouts at Bocadillos. You may not see them on the menu as it is a seasonal dish, usually reserved for the fall and winter. Just really simple, cooked to perfection. One of the many really good dishes at Bocadillos.
Hopefully, pictures are coming of the rest of the dishes. There are really so many other great dishes that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy in and around San Francisco. But for my taste, this list really satisfies everything that I need and am looking for when I want to go out for a great meal.
