San Francisco Restaurants : Hayes Valley

Zuni Cafe

Address: 1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Map) - Tel:(415) 552-2522

When it comes to restaurants, Zuni Café is a San Francisco institution. Its warm and inviting space, unpretentious feel, and delicious food are reasons to come back again and again. Judy Rogers cooks the way mom might if she had access to all the best produce and hours of time. Whether it is the classic Chicken-For-Two with a side of bread salad, a perfect cut of meat, or the heavenly Ricotta Gnocchi, the dishes are all wonderfully executed and mouth-watering. It’s near impossible to sample everything San Francisco has to offer, but if you’ve had a chance to dine at Zuni, rest assured that you’ve got a head start.

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Address: 398 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Map) - Tel:(415) 551-1590

Located in Hayes Valley, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar combines elements of fine French dining with the laid back atmosphere of a Parisian café. Absinthe recalls an earlier time when food and spirits were homemade and without preservatives, and when one could dine on a fine meal without worrying about all the etiquette. The name itself brings to mind nostalgia of a time long past, but certainly not forgotten. The pressed tin ceilings and copper table tops shine amidst the traditional French design and are an ideal setting for the restaurant’s American-inspired French and Northern Italian cuisine.

Sauce

Address: 131 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Map) - Tel:(415) 252-1369

For a restaurant that offers such unique amenities and menus, Sauce is surprisingly comfortable, relaxed, and uncomplicated. Located on Gough in Hayes Valley, Sauce is unlike many of the restaurants you'll find in San Francisco, but still retains the charm that Hayes Valley restaurants are well known for. The bar space—where many of the patrons gather—is supremely intimate, giving it a social feel without being too cluttered. There are tables available in the bar area, as well as elegantly arranged tables adorned with white table cloths in the spacious dining area. Mirroring the layout of the restaurant, Sauce's menu is also very simple yet accommodating, offering a straightforward selection of extremely creative, mouthwatering dishes like Tomato Bisque served with white truffle grilled cheese toast sticks, and Butterfish wrapped in Parma prosciutto in a poultry deem gloss. The menu also features social plates; large portioned dishes like Mac 'N Cheese and Tater Tots with cremini mushroom and white truffle oil that are served in hearty portions ideal to share with the table. All of these amazing dishes are great for a late night snack, and night owls will be pleased to hear that Sauce is open until 2:00am. Visit Sauce in Hayes Valley for a dining experience that will have you considering this restaurant a home away from home.

Suppenkuche

Address: 525 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Map) - Tel:(415) 252-9289

When “less is more” just doesn’t cut it, find solace in the authentic hearty and satisfying fare at Suppenkuche Restaurant. Regional German cuisine is served up in a sparsely decorated dining space that is warm and inviting. Long wooden benches unite diners in a communal dining experience only complemented by the lumberjack of a beer and wine menu – beer-enthusiasts will appreciate that it will take more than a few pints to get through this extensive seasonal selection. And for foodies, meat-and-potato lovers, and plain ol’ hungry folk alike, the fresh and true food menu will not disappoint.

Sebo