My son and future daughter-in-law are going to be in S.F. from 12/19 to 12/23 for their honeymoon. They are looking for one big dinner and three more reasonably priced dinners while they’re there. They’re also wondering if there are any Christmas-related things they should see. Any ideas? Thanks!
There are many dinner possibilities, so a lot depends on their budget and type of cuisine they prefer. They probably ought to take in Slanted Door for one of their casual meals. It is in the Ferry Building, a good place for touristing.
Another suggestion is dim sum for lunch. Yank Sing is renowned.
Boulevard on the Embarcadero at the foot of Mission St overlooking the Bay Bridge and Yerba Buena Island could be a choice for their expensive meal especially if they have their seafood craving going as this time of year is great for seafood in SF. Great local ingredients from a multiple Michelin Starred Chef. Excellent wine list.
Things to do? Union Square is fun during the holidays. They put in an ice rink and all the stores decorate their windows up real nice. Dickens Christmas Fair, but it’s at the Cow Palace, which is a bit of a drive from downtown.
I am a huge fan of Boulevard - the food is fantastic and very consistent, visit after visit.
It has a vibe that is more bustling and “happening,” which may not fit the bill for a wedding trip special dinner.
My vote would be for Acquerello - always feels special - great food and elegant ambiance without being overdone or stuffy. I would imagine their Christmas decor would even add to all that.
Have them order the lobster panzerotti as a starter, or one of the white truffle dishes, so long as they are willing to pay the additional $60/per dish for the amazing shaved white truffles. We shared a dish as one of our three choices, and it was outstanding.
It really depends on what “reasonably priced” means to them. That said if they are foodies then I’d suggest Canteen not far from Union Square (surroundings are not that great as Canteen is in an old diner spot IIRC). They will need reservations at Canteen. While they are in town it would be a good idea to get some dungeness crab which will be at the height of the season. Add in a loaf of Sourdough bread and you have a delish meal. Other places I’d suggest are Perbacco for Italian. No pizzas but they have fantastic house made Salumi and Pasta. The pork sugo are is also very good. If they like Mexican food (which is usually on the less expensive side of things) then head over to the Mission street area. If they are looking for something upscale and romantic then either La Folie on Polk or The Dinning Room at the Ritz Carlton Hotel are highly recommended. The service at The Dinning Room is second to none (as long as they are not averse to formal dinning settings). If they like oysters then Hog Island in the San Francisco Ferry Building at the end of Market is a great place to go. Tuesdays and Thursdays they have happy hour.
Note that a good place to ask this sort of question of the San Francisco ChowHound board.
http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also take a look at the “Eat like a local not a Tourist” post
http://www.chow.com/lists/1591" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
We had an OL dinner at Paragon on 2nd & Townsend down near Embarcadero. The food was really great, prices reasonable.
If they have a car, SF is incredible during the holidays. A drive along the Marina is a must with all the yachts decorated. The downtown store windows at Nordstroms, Macy’s & the other stores are beautiful. The lobby at the pyramid building is decorated like nothing else, in the past their Christmas tree was about 30’or more tall,all made out of poinsettias.
If they like Ballet, the SF Ballet is performing The Nutcracker . Beach Blanket Babylon has a holiday show.
You can also do a search of holiday events in SF.
There is plenty to keep them busy.
Was in the city this weekend and found some new spots! Alot going on. We’ll be going to Boulevard for our winery holiday dinner. Really top notch.
Fun things to eat, drink and do are:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zero-zero-san-francisco-2
For drinks / cocktails:
Another fantastic event going on now is the Wine Exhibit at MOMA! Definite must!
http://www.sfmoma.org/exhibitions/406
Great thing to do is just walk around the city! Walk down to the wharf, get some crab, then pop into Buena Vista for an Irish Whiskey. Then walk down to the Ferry Building (dress warm!) Great people watching and views! Cruise the Ferry Building - have a few apps at Slanted Door in the middle of the day! Nothing better on a cool, SF winter day!
They will have a blast whatever they do!
If they like divey beer bars (I’m assuming they like beer!), the Toronado in the lower Haight is the best.
Thanks everyone! I’ll make sure they follow this Thread.
As previously noted, Union Square is particularly festive during the holidays. On the 7th floor at Macys are dozens of decorated Christmas trees of various themes. There’s a huge Christmas tree outside in the square.
Another ice rink is at the Embarcadero in the vicinity of the Hyatt Regency and the Ferry Building Market. The outlines of the four Embarcadero office buildings are lighted for the holidays as is the Bay Bridge. The Hyatt Regency is a cool visit. The interior is open and strings of lights hang for a dozen stories.
An extensive miniature Christmas Village is on display as well.
Brunch at the Palace Hotel during the Christmas season. Not cheap but not your everyday buffet either.
Sorry for the late post, but here are some suggestions:
Spruce, A16, Delfina and NOPA. All are neighborhood restaurants. For first timers in The City it would be great to get out of the tourist locations and see the locals.
I would also add Bar Agricole to your list…
No love for La Ciccia!?!? About a $10 cab ride from Union Sq into the Noe Valley. Freshly prepared Sardinian food - the octopus stew, grilled calimari, the sardines and the pasta with pork ragu are not to be missed. Lorrella and Chef Massimo are wonderfully friendly. Tiny place, seats around 45, so reservations a must.