Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I ate at Sanchon regularly when I lived in Seoul and worked in Insadong. The food really is amazing there.

Now I am back in NYC and back to eating at Hangawi once again. Yes, the cuisine they serve there is as close as you can get stateside. It is temple food, although it has a full menu and you have the option of ordering a la carte or a more set menu like at Sanchon. The set menus are not quite the temple food (I believe they use onions and garlic), although many similar dishes could be selected. It even has a transporting experience, complete with being seated on the floor.

It isn't quite the same, though. Without having to step from rock to rock over water, and without being forced to order the set Buddhist menu, it couldn't be. However, short of a 14 hour flight, it is as close as I get to going back.

Can I ask what camera / lens / settings / light source you were using to take these? Some of the pictures are pretty amazing given the lighting looks like it would've been pretty bad...

Does Hangawi serve temple cuisine?

there's a place on 32nd street – hangawi. you can get a similar experience, and it's all vegetarian as well – http://www.hangawirestaurant.com/

@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

For deep dish you should check out Lou Malnati's. we ordered ours with a butter crust, but, compared with the local New Haven–style pizza, it was kinda disappointing. The cheese, tomatoes, and spinach were great though.

If you're into vegetarian food, the best meal of our trip was at Green Zebra, a small plates place that was beyond delicious. They have a spectacular gewurtraminer there.

We didn't have any Indian food, but we had some amazing Ethiopian food at Demera. They had very similar taste profiles to certain Indian dishes, AND you eat with your hands (and injera, of course).

Oh, I forgot to mention: Blackbird. Doesn't fit any of the categories you listed, but it's wow.

Hot Doug's!

Fine dining: Alinea, Tru, Schwa (if you can get a rez)

Casual dining: Publican, Shaw's Crab House, Frontera Grill

Ethnic and native Chicago eats: Double Li (Schezuan), Spacca Napoli (Neapolitan pizza), Hot Doug's (best hot dogs ever)

@slindstedt: I'm jealous! Definitely get the wang kalbi at san soo gap san.

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

Heck, I'm not a vegetarian and I love going to this place. Robyn, I see you snuck off to a place without me.

Dan