You’ll want to book a table in advance for the dim sum-style small plates at State Bird Provisions in the Fillmore.

The Progress, on Fillmore, is a great time and a good scene, with excellent food.

An ambitious restaurant, and a good one at that. SPQR is making a run at the San Francisco pasta crown, mostly with ingredients we can’t pronounce.

Isla Vida is a casual spot in the Fillmore with solid Cubano sandwiches and jerk chicken.

La Méditerranée in Fillmore is one of our all-time takeout favorites.

Izakaya Kou in Japantown serves reasonably priced sushi and has private rooms available for parties.

Ten-Ichi is a sushi spot that’s been holding down the fort on Fillmore for almost 40 years.

This place on Fillmore St. is a tad corporate and goes a little overboard with the nautical theme, but it beats going anywhere near Fisherman’s Wharf.