Betelnut - Quality Pan Asian cuisine, good for groups

Sometimes you just need to get together with more than 8 people, could be a college reunion, a birthday or maybe you just have too many friends! SF is not the most accommodating for large groups, especially if you also want to enjoy a quality dining experience. Worry no more, Chef Alexander Ong and Betelnut are here for you, the welcoming red interior is always a hustle and a bustle with small and large parties, serving up tantilizing street dishes from around Asia. Great beer selection and friendly staff are cherries on the cake for Betelnut. Dishes not to miss out on: green beans, firecracker shrimp & the Roti Prata but all in all you can't go too far wrong.

Credo - A tasty find in the Financial District

My office is on Sutter street between Union Square and the Financial District. Finding a decent place for lunch that isn't a hotel or a "quick bite" is a constant challenge. On a recent walk from the ferry I discovered Credo, an alluring glass fronted establishment on Pine, after checking out the menu (which was described by the pretty hostess as "Italian with other interesting ingredients"), I made a reservation.

The scene was buzzing with an upwardly mobile lunch crowd, every table was taken. A simple menu presented pastas, salads and pizzas. The salmon nicoise was delicious as was the lasagne. Friendly and knowledgeable staff added to the experience and matched the thought provoking art installations that adorned the restaurant walls. It won't break the bank like a PerBacco but is a little more than average. Try it out next time you are in need of quality food and shelter downtown.

5A5 Steakhouse - A taste of the Meatpacking in SF

If you are a transplanted NY'er or big cityite and have been hankering for that stylish, see and be seen drinks / dinner spot, your search is over. 5A5 Steakhouse in the Financial District delivers the goods. This restaurant also boasts a legitimate lounge which as locals know is hard to come by.

Perfect for a first date, business drinks, catch up with friends - perfect for any occasion really and definitely a break from the general dive bar mission vibe. Foodwise, you're generally taken care of, highlights on the menu were the Hamachi shooters, the Alaskan king crab legs, a delectably naughty mac and cheese and then a solid selection of quality steak from all corners of the world. My choice was the bone in ribeye. Desert was a little underwhelmingly chi chi but overall this it a place that you can count on for a fun night out preferably on yours or your friends expense account!

Vin Antico - Top 3 in Marin

After having moved north over the bridge to the land of BMW's, Audi's and babies, we thought that the amazing SF restaurant scene was going to be a thing of the past for us. However, to our surprise we discovered Vin Antico on 4th street in San Rafael after spying it on a drive by. As soon as you enter from the street, you are immediately engulfed into the energy and warmth of this little Marin treat. The food was a big hit each time we've been with a focus on locally grown produce. Flatbreads and pasta with an extensive Italian wine collection are on offer. We can't pick a favourite as the menu seems to get updated each time we go. That being said if you live in Marin and are looking for a spot for a date night or dinner with friends, look no further than Vin Antico.

Piperade

Having been away from the evening restaurant hunt for a while now, lunchtimes are a new opportunity to discover those hidden and even the not so hidden gems. Last week, compliments of a new epicurious friend I was introduced to Piperade in the Advertising Gulch of the city just off Telegraph Hill. An inviting exterior lures you into a stylish living room with dark wood and splashes of red. All the staff sounded Spanish which was the first clue that this restaurant was indeed a Basque concoction, starting with its name which is also their signature dish. Piperade is a typical Basque dish coming from the word for pepper and also mirroring the colours of the Basque flag. Chef Hirigoyen adds an egg on top of the onions, peppers and tomatoes to make a perfect hearty lunchtime meal. I am already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. This place is definitely one of San Francisco's places to check out as a visitor or a local. Enjoy!

Akiko's on Bush

In need of a drink, instinct would usually send me to Rickhouse, the ever trustworthy post work watering hole but tonight I was lured elsewhere. This ended up being a pleasant surprise with even more pleasant company. Round the corner from the office, located on Bush between Grant and Kearney, Akiko's is easy to find and immediately inviting. We were served by Ray, who upon leaving, we discovered was the owner along of the restaurant with his dad the sushi chef. Service was great and we were treated to a tasty selection of rolls, sashimi and seaweed salad. Feeling like a back street Shibuya sushi joint with one of the fanciest bathrooms I have come across, Akiko's is definitely a place to check out for a quick drink or some rolls. Make sure to say hi to Ray if you make it there!

Chez Spencer ce soir

Since I have now been to Chez Spencer 3 times, it is about time I put down some finely chosen words about this legendary city joint. This round was a dinner with the boys. Hidden from the street next to neighbouring and better known Nihon, Chez Spencer lures you in through its herb and flower garden into the high ceilinged inner sanctum. Laurent and Erin opened the restaurant in 2002 and named it after their son. Since the doors opened they have delighted diners with well crafted French fare and exceptional, mostly French service.

For starters go for the Green Asparagus and / or the Scallops and heart of palm salad. I prefer "and" as opposed to "or", the scallops are too good to miss. Main course in my book needs to be the Fillet Mignon. Other popular dishes are the Risotto and the Rack of Lamb. You think you will be able to walk away without dessert but its really not recommended or possible. Go chocolate or profiteroles. Chez Spencer will leave you very satisfied time and time again. Don't over indulge, use as a special occasion night out and make sure you spread the word - Chez Spencer is an SF classic.