Empress of China
838 Grant Ave., San Francisco, CA
Between Washington and Clay Streets
Phone: 415-434-1345
Cuisine: Chinese
If you want to eat in Chinatown, the Empress of China has the reputation of being your best bet. The atmosphere in this sixth-floor dining room - with its great view, inlaid marble floors and inscrutable service - is tailored for tourist clientele. Recommended dishes include Spicy Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce, Mongolian Beef and WonTon Soup.
Maykadeh
470 Green St., San Francisco, CA
Between Kearny and Grant Avenues
Phone: 415-362-8286
Cuisine: Persian
The delicious Persian cuisine requires lots of fresh pita bread to soak up the pungent sauces. For starters, try the warm Eggplant Pate. Main courses include an excellent Grilled Sturgeon and a juicy Lamb Shank with Eggplant, Tomato and Lime.
Postrio
545 Post St., San Francisco, CA
Between Mason and Taylor Streets
in the Prescott Hotel
Phone: 415-776-7825
Cuisine: California
Wolfgang Puck's Postrio offers the polished service, beautiful flower arrangements and innovative cuisine that one expects in a celebrity restaurant. The menu changes to take advantage of the freshest produce and meat selections. On a recent visit, Chinese Duck with Spicy Mango Sauce was phenomenal. Exceptional appetizers included House-smoked Salmon served on a crispy potato pancake and Sauteed Foie Gras with Fresh Peach Chutney.
Venticello Ristorante
1257 Taylor St., San Francisco, CA
Near Washington Street
Phone: 415-922-2545
Cuisine: Italian
With it's mustard-colored walls and old dark-wood bar, you may think for a moment that you've wandered into a trattoria in Rome. Pizza with Goat Cheese, baked in the wood oven, stands out and the Baked Mussels are probably the most popular dish on the menu. Service is smoothly Italian.