The Civic Center is a mass of contradictions. While it borders the perennially seedy Tenderloin, it also encompasses a thriving theater district. Head into the 'Loin for excellent, inexpensive Vietnamese fare, or stick closer to Van Ness for more upscale favorites.
Jardiniere 300 Grove Street
(415) 861-5555
Dinner In a town where many chefs pay lip service to serving seasonal cuisine, chef Traci des Jardins walks the walk.
Millennium
246 McAllister Street
(415) 487-9800
Dinner Do not let the words "vegan" and "low-fat" drive you away; Millennium may be the city's top vegetarian restaurant.
Citizen Cake 399 Grove Street
(415) 861-2228
Breakfast, lunch, and all-day sweets
Irresistible pastries, freshly baked breads, sandwiches and assorted sweets are available all day at this hip bakery.
Grand Cafe 501 Geary Street
(415) 292-0101
Breakfast, lunch, dinner Find solid, satisfying French cuisine in one of the city's grandest dining rooms.
Powell's Place 511 Hayes Street
(415) 863-1404
Breakfast, lunch, dinner If you just stand outside Powell's Place long enough, you're sure to hear "You'll love this place!" from helpful passers-by.
Stars 555 Golden Gate
(415) 861-STAR
Lunch, Dinner One of the sources of true California cuisine, Stars is running strong after a major reshuffling.
Terra Brazilis 602 Hayes Street
(415) 241-1900
Dinner Food isn't the only reason to visit Terra Brazilis: The place is a smart combination of cozy and hip.
Zuni 1658 Market Street
(415) 552-2522
Lunch, dinner, brunch Zuni is a popular San Francisco institution, as the line spilling out the door every night attests.
Canto do Brasil 41 Franklin Street
(415) 626-8727
Lunch, dinner Good renditions of Brazilian specialties; lunch specials in particular are extremely reasonable.
Golden Era 572 O'Farrell Street
(415) 673-3136
Lunch, dinner Delicious, satisfying vegan renditions of Chinese and Vietnamese classics.
Max's Opera Cafe 601 Van Ness Avenue
(415) 771-7300
Lunch, dinner A New York-inspired deli-restaurant, Max's does not so much embody as perform Jewishness, going a little over the top to make sure you get it.
Original Joe's 144 Taylor Street
(415) 775-4877
Lunch, Dinner This landmark pioneered the concept of groaning portions of simple, mostly Italian food offered at extremely reasonable prices.
Shalimar 532 Jones Street
(415) 928-0333
Lunch, dinner Shalimar counterbalances its incredibly austere decor with excellent Northern Indian cuisine at rock-bottom prices.
