San Francisco's food scene is constantly changing, but these five eateries have proven to be veritable mainstays.
The staying power of Foreign Cinema
ZUNI CAFE
What would San Francisco be without Zuni Cafe? That’s a question we never want to consider, and hopefully, we’ll never have to. The bustling bilevel bistro is synonymous with the city, and its iconic dishes, like the roast chicken and bread salad, are as delicious today as 20 years ago. 1658 Market St., 415.552.2522, zunicafe.com
FOREIGN CINEMA
With vintage movies playing on a projector in the courtyard, flickering candles, and a lively atmosphere, Foreign Cinema is a magical restaurant. The Mission District favorite has been serving San Franciscans since 1999, and no matter how often we dine there, it never gets old. 2534 Mission St., 415.648.7600, foreigncinema.com
COTOGNA
Quite possibly the best Italian restaurant in SF, Cotogna was an instant success when it opened in 2010. Chef Michael Tusk and his wife, Lindsay, excel at everything from the inventive cocktails and Cal-Italian cuisine to the welcoming, chic environment. If everyone at the table wants to order their own Raviolo di ricotta, we won’t complain. 490 Pacific Ave., 415.775.8508, cotognasf.com
KOKKARI
Whether you’re dining at the bar with a colleague or at a massive table in the back for a birthday, every meal at Kokkari, Jackson Square’s long-running Greek eatery, is a memorable celebration. No one says no to an invitation to Kokkari, ever. 200 Jackson St., 415.981.0983, kokkari.com
HOUSE OF NANKING
House of Nanking is a Chinatown landmark, and chef Peter Fang is a local legend. His Chinese food, from the fragrant pork potstickers to the famous sesame chicken, is classic, glorious, and downright delectable. 919 Kearny St., 415.421.1429, houseofnankingsf.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF FOREIGN CINEMA
