Dalida is worth considering – great food, and it’s in the Presidio next to the parade ground and tunnel tops park. Beautiful views of the GGB and a nice area to explore with kids before (or after) dinner.
If you have young children:
- House of Prime Rib (I think kids would get a kick out of all of the tableside service)
- Flour and Water Pizzeria (up in North Beach; easy reservation and more family-oriented than the Flour and Water in the MIssion, also North Beach is more family-friendly than the Mission)
- Dalida (second that)
- Zuni Cafe (fourth that, but a little stuffy for kids; also the chicken is a long wait and the main reason to go–not sure kids would want to wait; and many consider the area dicey, especially out-of-towners; I live 10 minutes away walking, so I’m inured to the chaos)
- State Bird Provisions (basically Western food with mild Asian influences served dim sum style; you get the dim sum experience with very familiar, Western flavors; I think kids would like the rollicking atmosphere; I think @Robert_Dentice would agree about the place being family friendly, but he would know more)
- Hog Island Oyster Co. (basically to sit outside and stare at the Bay while eating some pretty well-executed food; grilled cheese would be kid friendly)
- Foreign Cinema would work, but the area can appear dicey to people from out of town (your native San Franciscan would say otherwise, but we are all used to that type of atmosphere)
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Thanks so much everyone. This is really helpful
Get the roasted chicken!
Yeah that’s definitely the best thing there.
Were I to eat in sf I would go to rich table, lazy bear, state bird, Benu, r&g lounge, but none of those options are great for the OP imo.
Cocktails/champagne & dancing apres (or avant) dinner @ the Top of the Mark. (We were there w/ a 14 yo last summer, who LOVED it; teach them how to live.). (& Make sure the band & bandleader are on for your night. The Top of the Mark is back.). And for dinner, if you want to let your hair down (& have FUN with the kids) the Tonga Room for dinner (yes, get a table under the palm fronds by the pool, enjoy dinner & the band floating out & the rain storms &, yes, definitely get the 2+ group cocktails w/ the 3-foot sipping straws). Of course, the wife/birthday girl has to choose. Otherwise, sure, Zuni/poulet roti, etc., or House of Prime Rib (another nod to the kids; but a classic) (or sure, go ‘foodie’ if you must…), but apres drinks & dining @ Top of the Mark (ou avec les touristes @ Tonga Room), ne pas manquer/dreams are made of! (Tonga Room has unfortunately has been discovered, so resos necessary… Prob for Top of the Mark too…)
That a good point to consider, the wait is over an hour typically. Not a big deal for adults and worth it, but something to consider with children I’d think.
I think The Progress would be perfect given it is family style portions.
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Heirloom cafe is an option I haven’t seen on this thread. Good wine list, they also have a burger (it’s off menu, but it’s a thicker patty, not sure what style your kid likes). Foreign cinema is also a good suggestion if you can get a res outside where the movies are playing.
Our group does wine dinners every now and then at Heirloom. Love the restaurant, food is good, good service. It’s maybe a bit far for someone staying in the “tourist area”, but manageable.
Another suggestion I’ve made in threads like this before: Scomas. On the wharf, a SF institution, yes it’s touristy, but if you’re in SF with kids you should be a tourist! Food for any taste is available.