Bar Tartine

This stylish Mission district restaurant is consistently packed, with dedicated locals frequently returning for another hit of chef Nicolaus Balla's unclassifiable but utterly delicious cuisine that dabbles in flavours from places such as Hungary, Japan and Denmark, as well as California. Try the irresistible fried langos potato bread and daytime smørrebrød sandwiches (like steak tartare on owner-baker Chad Robertson's sprouted rye bread). Many dishes feature house-fermented and housemade items, including butter, cheese, and specially-grown peppers. Pair it all with choice beers and small-producer wines, and you'll see why this place is a hot ticket. Diners also come by for lunchtime sandwiches and weekend brunch.
• 561 Valencia Street, +1 415 487 1600, bartartine.com. Open for dinner Mon-Thurs, and Sun 6pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm; open for brunch Sat-Sun 11am–2.30pm; lunchtime sandwiches served Wed-Fri 11am-3pm, mains from $9, sandwiches from $12

Aziza

Dedicated local gourmands know the trek to the Outer Richmond is well worth it for the experience of dining on Mourad Lahlou's contemporary Cal-Moroccan cuisine. His flavour-packed food is sophisticated, soulful, and inspired (you've never had chicken wings like the ones here), and features ingredients at the height of seasonality. The culinary-minded cocktails are a can't-miss, and there are many choice selections on the wine list. No belly dancers here – but you will find some exquisite couscous and basteeya (spicy chicken pastries), and desserts are quite special. Go for the tasting menu ($95) for a full-on experience.
• 5800 Geary Avenue, +1 415 752 2222, aziza-sf.com. Open Wed-Mon 5.30pm-10pm, mains from $19

Frances

Chef Melissa Perello has had diners lining up at her door for her authentic take on California cuisine from day one for a reason – no one does it like she does. Her highly personal cuisine delivers on so many levels: execution, flavour, interest, value … it's like she knows exactly what you're craving for dinner. Start with the hearty bouchées, like the creamy panisse frites, baked cherrystone clams, and bacon beignets, before moving your way into a satisfying kale salad, and a perfect bavette steak. The wines will be matched seemingly effortlessly, and the service will strike that gentle balance of warmth and professionalism. Reservations are tough to land (call and see) but queuing up before they open can yield success.
• 3870 17th Street, +1 415 621 3870, frances-sf.com. Open Tues-Thurs, Sun 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10.30pm, mains from $18

ICHI Sushi

On a remote stretch of Mission Street – far from the Valencia Street action – is this buzzing place serving a new and California-ised style of sushi, chef-owner Tim Archuleta's creative spin on nigiri. He takes exquisite (and sustainably sourced) seafood and adorns it with bright touches such as yuzu-ponzu gel, pickled kelp, or yuzu kosho. Omakase (chef's choice) is the way to go. The vibe is casual and energetic, with quality sake flowing, and regulars chowing down on fantastic yuzu chicken wings and oysters as well. Look for an expansion into a second space nearby later this year.
• 3369 Mission Street, +1 415 525 4750, ichisushi.com. Open Mon-Thurs 5.30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-11pm, traditional rolls from $3.50

Mission Chinese Food

Who knew how much press a restaurant tucked inside a grimy Mission district Chinese dive named Lung Shan was going to generate? This place is a house on fire, just like its incendiary food. Chef Danny Bowien and crew have created a new genre of Chinese food, one that uses Sichuan peppercorns, quality ingredients, and bold flavours in abundance. The food is crazy-affordable, and crazy-delicious; the kung pao pastrami, Sichuan pickles, salt cod rice, and ma po tofu should all be on your table. There's a better chance of landing a table at lunch than dinner, but the nighttime scene of hungry hipsters is a large part of the fun.
• 2234 Mission Street, +1 415 863 2800, missionchinesefood.com. Open 11.30am-3pm and 5pm-10.30pm daily (closed Wednesday), small dishes from $4

Namu Gaji

Here's yet another example of why the culinary scene in the Mission district is one of the city's most interesting. The trio of Lee brothers have collaborated on this energetic restaurant with an appetising menu of new Korean-American dishes; from the okonomiyaki to the bibimbap (both come in searing-hot stone pots), you'll note the balanced flavours and fresh ingredients (the Lees have their own farm that grows special herbs and vegetables for them). The potato puffs, beef tongue, and Korean fried chicken are other faves. Chef Dennis Lee is such a talent, and the location – kitty corner to Dolores Park – makes this corner restaurant one to visit (it's also open for lunch). Bonus for oenophiles: the tight yet outré wine list is fun.
• 499 Dolores Street, +1 415 431 6268, namusf.com. Open for dinner Tues-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, open for lunch Wed-Sun 11.30am-4pm, mains from $10

Nopalito

This Mexican restaurant is so popular that it now has two locations: by the Panhandle and the Inner Sunset. Chefs José Ramos and Gonzalo Guzman learned about using top-notch ingredients while cooking at sister restaurant Nopa and have applied it to wonderful regional Mexican dishes here. The housemade masa in the tamales and tortillas tastes so sweet and full of flavour, and the carnitas are regarded by many as the city's best; pozole and birria will warm you on a foggy evening. The vibe is casual and come-as-you-are, and be sure to order a cocktail: the selection of tequilas and mezcals is muy bueno (try the Paloma).
• 306 Broderick Street, +1 415 535 3969; 1224 9th Avenue, +1 415 233 9966, nopalitosf.com. Open, Broderick Street Sun-Thurs 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm, 9th Avenue Mon-Sat 11.30am-10pm, Sun 10.30am-10pm, mains from $10

Rich Table

This unfussy and welcoming restaurant in the Hayes valley neighbourhood serves a creative riff on California cuisine. Chef-owners Evan and Sarah Rich update their menu nightly, but one constant is the trademark sardine chips (get 'em). The pastas can be masterful, and the use of seasonal vegetables, texture, and flavour excite. There's a bar area to handle the flow of walk-ins; you can even stop by for excellent cocktails and a few small plates. The friendly and skilled service will make you feel like a regular in no time.
• 199 Gough Street, +1 415 355 9085, richtablesf.com. Open Sun-Mon, Wed-Thurs 5.30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-10.30pm (from 1 June 2013 Rich Table will be open seven nights a week), dishes from $11, chef's picks $80 per person

SPQR

This Upper Fillmore spot is tiny, with diners packed in at the two counters and wood tables, feasting on chef Matthew Accarrino's exquisite and sophisticated Italian dishes. The pastas are some of the city's finest, and his dishes are intricate and layered with flavour. Another huge draw is partner Shelley Lindgren's artful Italian wine list that the savvy servers will happily guide you through. To experience one of the city's best restaurants, and certainly one of its top Italian restaurants, here's your spot.
• 1911 Fillmore Street, +1 415 771 7779, spqrsf.com. Open for dinner Mon-Sat 5.30pm-10.30pm, Sun 5.30pm-10pm, weekend lunch Sat-Sun 11am-2.30pm, pasta dishes from $20, mains from $31

State Bird Provisions

The wait to get a reservation at this informal but notable restaurant is no joke (tip: keep the size of your party small). No reservation? It's worth joining the line of hopeful walk-ins lined up before it opens at 5.30pm because the cooking here shows so much heart (and talent). Chef-owners Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski have created their own style of California cuisine, with the kitchen acting like a culinary workshop. An ever-changing line-up of dishes is presented to guests on trays and dim sum-style carts – it's like the appetiser spread of your dreams. The pancake with smoked sturgeon, spicy kimchi yuba, duck liver mousse with almond biscuits, and the namesake fried state bird (quail) will make you sorry when the eating extravaganza winds to an end.
• 1529 Fillmore Street, +1 415 795 1272, statebirdsf.com. Open Mon-Thurs 5.30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-11pm, small dishes start from $3, pancakes and mains from $8

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the tablehopper e-column. She also has a book and late-night dining app about San Francisco restaurants

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