Feature

• Add comment

Culinary adventurer Janice Nieder is no stranger to hunting down delicacies in the remotest of locations, but we asked her to attempt something far more problematic: name the ten best restaurants in her home city of San Francisco. Here's her take:

Everyone in San Francisco talks about food — it's a Twitter topic, it's a compatibility factor on Match.com and it's probably the real reason that the city consistently ranks as the nation’s #1 tourist destination.

Since the Gold Rush, food lovers have flocked to San Francisco to claim its culinary riches: organic produce, sustainable seafood, artisan cheeses, free-range meats and world-class wineries. San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the country, so when asked to select my top ten from 4,675 eateries I was momentarily thrown. But, loving a challenge and loving to eat, I stepped up to the plate.

Let the forks fall where they may . . .

BERETTA at 1199 Valencia Street

This peperoncino-hot Italian eatery is in the Mission district; one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods. Serving artisan cocktails, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and a contemporary roster of farm-fresh antipasti, this bistro opens with a buzz at 5:30 p.m, and turns into party-central by its 1:00 a.m closing. Best seats for people watching are at the communal table.

Must Order: Eggplant caponatina with creamy burrata cheese, warm radicchio salad, escarole with pancetta tesa, fritto misto with crispy shrimp and calamari. 

Happy Ending: Panna gelato with extra virgin olive oil & sea salt.

Insider Tip: For the ultimate comfort dinner try wheedling an order of the Pizza Carbonara off the brunch menu.

DOSA at 1700 Fillmore Street

This sophisticated Southern Indian stunner was reincarnated from a thrift store. Their signature Dosas (delectable oversized crispy crepes with bold fillings and dipping sauces) are to die for. For first-timers, the four-course tasting menu for $39 is the way to roll. It includes a starter, dosa, curry and dessert. Wine pairing is only an additional $20.

Must Order: Yogurt-marinated Chennai chicken, Spicy Mung Masala Dosa and free-range Tamil Lamb Curry with lemon basmati rice.

Happy Ending: The chilled, house-made pistachio Kulfi.

Insider Tip: Try starting brunch with a ‘Curry’ Bloody Mary.

• Add comment