A Hawaiian-ish yacht club-themed restaurant in the Tenderloin? Yes, Liholiho Yacht Club exists. And it’s excellent.

Nopa is our ultimate go-to restaurant in San Francisco.

Tawla is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in the Mission serving truly excellent comfort food.

Some of the best Spanish food in town is at Bellota, at the bottom of the Airbnb building in Soma.

Foreign Cinema in the Mission is a San Francisco classic for brunch, and dinner is solid too.

Cheese Board Pizza in Berkeley does only one type of pizza every day. It tends to be kind of unusual, but it’s always worth the long wait.

Comal serves Mexican food worth traveling to Berkeley for.

Farmhouse Kitchen is a lively and fun Thai place in the Mission that’s perfect for starting a night out.

Hong Kong Lounge II is a Chinese spot in the Richmond ideal for eating all the dim sum in sight.

Burma Love is a high-quality Southeast Asian option in the Mission. You might even be able to go without a reservation.

Looking for a last minute reservation for a big group on a Saturday night? That’s a daunting task. Fog City enters the pantheon of great places you can get into.

Firenze by Night is super old-school Italian in North Beach - in the very best way.

Pakwan comes through in the clutch with long hours, reasonable pricing, a large space, and potent spices.

Meet Terzo, your utility player restaurant. It’s hard to go wrong at this Cow Hollow bistro.

We love Lers Ros for a big group dinner, especially when your group is down to eat some spicy alligator. This Thai joint is best if you get adventurous.

Head to Dyafa in Oakland for Middle Eastern food and great cocktails. Order a lot of pita and small plates.