Mary

OK guys...I need a little help. I've been reading past messages and need some more advice. We are going to Sonoma the last week in September and then will spend the weekend in SF. That Friday night happens to be my birthday. I would like to go to a real nice restaurant that is not too touristy. It would also be great if it was somewhat casual (we may be a little tired and are going to the Giants game on Saturday). Since I am from FL and live in TN, I would love a seafood place, but am not married to the idea. The following have been suggested: Farallon, Plouf, Scomas and PJ Oysters Bed. Any other thoughts? We are staying at the Sir Francis Drake hotel if that matters. Would it be better to go over to Sausalito since I have never been there?

doug

Maybe you could try Globe or Absinthe. Try the web for SF dining chowhound or zagats.

kam

Farallon to me is not worth it. I've been there 3 times( I live in Palo Alto ) and never satisfied. If you want to see the beautiful decor, just have a drink in the bar, but the dinners are not worth it. Aqua is a better seafood restaurant in the same dollar catagory. You might also look into Crustacean. Try going to www. sfgate.com Sausalito is nice, but the seafood restaurants are like those at Fisherman's Wharf---ie, stay away. You might want to break with the seafood tradition since you are from Florida and have dinner in Chinatown at the Great Eastern. I doubt you have too many really good Chinese places where you live and this one is very good. Absinthe is lovely but not seafood. My fave for seafood(and french fries) is the Hayes Street Grill over near the Opera HOuse. Just a very comfortable and relaxing restaurant. I would personnaly avoid Scoma's. Have fun in SF.

an

Tadisch Grill--excellent seafood, very casual, not far from PacBell.

lawren

If you don't mind getting "dressed" Top of the Mark for Duguness crab.

Sean

I would check out Scott's over in Oakland's Jack London Square. They have great food and service and a nice location right along the Oakland waterfront.


http://www.scottseastbay.com/

Ann

Mary,

I agree with kam that you should definitely cross Farallon off your list. It's overpriced for what you get, and probably a bit more formal than what you're looking for. Haven't been to Plouf, but I hear it's good. Scomas is very touristy, food is average. PJ Oysters I also hear is good, but parking there is difficult, and it's pretty far from where you're staying.

I was thinking that Yabbie's Coastal Kitchen might be a good choice for you. It's a casual restaurant (but nice enough for a birthday dinner) in a good neigborhood, definitely a locals' place to go. The seafood is fresh and the preparation is good, very modern California style preps. I think it's pretty comparable to what you get at the more expensive restaurants, for a much better price. Plus, it's got a great wine list. Reservations are important though because the restaurant is small. Parking is atrocious in the neighborhood, they have valet, but cab fare should stay below single digits each way since it's not far from your hotel.

mar

I just had an amazing dinner and interesting cocktails at Ozuma on the waterfront in SF. The neighborhood is not so lovely but there are several restaurants next to each other to take advantage of a fantastic, romantic view. The food was heaven: sushi or asian fusion seafood and the restaurant was elegant but casual.

foggy

Aqua is expensive and a little formal. Food is good quality, but I have not been overly impressed given scanty portions and high $$$$. Ambience is plush and upscale, but not really "fun". I have been there often for business lunches and treating clients to business celebration dinners.

Globe is pretty casual and more lively they have nice homey dishes like porterhouse for two or grilled porkchops with macaroni and cheese, but it is updated upscale homey food and they usually have some fish on the menu.

I have yet to try it but some have recommend the Red Herring or Kokkari (sp?) I also like One Market and think it is slightly more fun than Aqua.

cece

Tadich grill is great. I have had many wonderful meals there. It is not fancy. The fish is great and the prices are reasonable. They used to only take cash. I don't know if that is still true.

Have a great birthday!