Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Here's the thread I posted a few weeks ago, hope you guys have fun there!

http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2009/05/where-to-eat-in-sf.html

Can anyone recommend a place that has halibut on a regular basis?

for a reasonably priced but good place, try chez papa near union square. It's on the SF top 100, and top 10 new restaurants. they have a great happy hour as well.

i can't san fran til i have dim sum
go to old chinatown and indulge
cheap and ungodly delicious

@Pointy Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you have enjoyed my blog. :)

For affordable Japanese, try Tazaki Sushi - Judah Okazu Ya in Sunset. The location is very close to Golden Gate park, so it is perfect combined with a visit to the park and it's museums.

I'm sorry I don't have a Morrocan restaurant referral, although in Lower Haight there is a Middle Eastern falafel-type restaurant that has cool seating areas reminiscent of the inside of Jeanie's bottle, with hookahs, etc., called Ali Baba's Cave Cafe at 531 Haight St. It's about a half mile down Haight from the main drag at Ashbury, in a residential area. Pretty cool, mellow vibe.

I am trying to think of a good French Bistro, but nothing is coming to mind. However, here are a few affordable recommendations:

Contigo (Spanish Tapas and Cava), in Noe Valley on Castro.

The Ferry Building - a must stop for any foodie. Forget Fisherman's Wharf and do this, instead. First of all, it has an awesome view of the Bay Bridge which you can enjoy for free, or for the cost of a $5 cup of Clam Chowder at the counter of the San Francisco Fish Company. Aside from that, it is a mecca of both affordable and pricey food, showcasing the best local food goods the Bay Area has to offer. Check out the great write-up on Bunrabs.

Citizen Cake or Orson (both owned by the adorable Celebrity Chef Elizabeth Falkner). Do Orson for drinks and duck fat frites at the bar, and you may just get to schmooze with Liz. Also, if you go late, you will get to see all the PVC-clad Doms and subs piling into the Bondage-a-Go-Go club, located right next door. Or, stop by Citizen Cake for, well, cake. And, perhaps a chance encounter with Mz. Liz, if your timing is right.

Paulette for macarons and pastries.

Burma Superstar - there are a few locations. Burmese food - very popular and affordable, although there is often a wait.

Another fun spot (shh! don't tell anyone) is the Wild Side West Bar at 424 Cortland Ave in Bernal Heights, with it's lovely al fresca patio - a fun place for drinks on a warm afternoon.

Also, not sure if this is your thing, but there is a lovely tea house with wisteria draped al fresca dining looking onto the fountain, gardens and surrounding architecture of the Yerba Buena Gardens, called Samovar. Very relaxing and peaceful, and the food looks fresh and interesting. It is located on the upper terrace, near the Metreon Theatre complex. I actually haven't been inside yet (I usually am off to see a flick on Imax), but reviews are great, and those indulging seem pleased as I walk by. I always tell myself I will go next time. Maybe next time, I actually will. :)

Okay, that's probably enough. I don't want to overwhelm you.

Cheers,

~ Paula

Many thanks @Paula Maack! I really appreciate your advice! Cheers!