4 San Francisco Restaurants For A Culinary Escape

Take your taste buds on vacation with these culinary escapes—right here in San Francisco.

Nari

Miang pla with trout roe at Nari

Nari (from the Sanskrit-derived Thai word for women) dishes traditional Thai heritage recipes with a modern California influence. Diners won’t find American-common dishes like pad thai at this venue, but rather fresh, inventive, robust plates like nom tok moo (a slow-cooked pork chop drenched in nam jim jaew) or gaeng bumbai aubergine (crispy eggplant in spicy bumbai curry). Nari is chef-owner Pim Techamuanvivit’s ode to the generations of Thai women who paved the way for this kind of cuisine, as well as her own female mentors. 1625 Post St., 415.868.6274

Prubechu

Serving up traditional Guamstyle fare, such as coconut titiyas and lechen birenghenas, Prubechu is a prime spot for authentic Chamorro-inspired cuisine. The culinary vision came from chef Shawn Naputi and general manager Shawn Camacho, both proud native Chamorros of Guam who wanted to bring a piece of home to the City by the Bay. Using only local ingredients like peppers, scallions and pineapples, Naputi draws inspiration from what’s in season and puts a modern spin on the classics. 2224 Mission St., 415.853.0671

54 Mint

Find modern Italian dishes throughout the city

Modern Italian trattoria 54 Mint’s quaint brick space, Roman specialties and classic cocktails transport diners to the charming streets of Italy. The resto uses locally sourced and sustainable ingredients to create authentic fare. Featuring beloved pasta dishes like rigatoni alla carbonara, mouthwatering main courses like coda alla vaccinara (slow-braised oxtail with vegetables) and devilishly decadent desserts such as panna cotta al balsamico, this culinary destination offers not only a quintessentially Roman atmosphere but the fare to match. 16 Mint Plaza, 415.543.5100

El Buen Comer

Mexico City-born Isabel Caudillo shares the comforting, rich flavors of her childhood at her homestyle restaurant, El Buen Comer. Caudillo makes all of the authentic dishes on her menu, such as the verdolagas en puerco en salsa verde (pork simmered in tomatillo green sauce), from scratch, and she crafts everything according to Mexican tradition, even more familiar dishes such as tacos and enchiladas. The heart of her menu: the guisados—succulent home-cooked stews native to Mexico City. Whether opting for a traditional dish like albondigas (savory meatballs in tomato sauce) or playing it safe with a taco, El Buen Comer will not disappoint. 3435 Mission St., 415.817.1542