Wanderlust World Wanderlust World San Francisco has long been known as one of the best restaurant cities in the country. In addition to fine-dining and innovative cooking, there are restaurants of nearly every stripe, including ones that might be irreverent or just plain fun. Some stem from the tolerant climate, incredible diversity, cosmopolitanism and wealth for which San Francisco has long been known.
Betelnut opened in the Cow Hollow area in the fall of 1995. Once you endure the inevitable wait in the usually cramped bar and head to your seat, it is impossible to miss the cooks in the prominent open kitchen chopping, tossing, and frying foods. This is an energetic place that sizzles at a low roar during most evening hours. Unlike forced companionship of the disparate Asian cuisines that lesser attempts offer, Betelnut serves Pan-Asian cooking that works well for each dish and also when many items are ordered and eaten communally. The family-style sharing is part of the fun of Betelnut.
Betelnut Pejiu Wu
2030 Union
San Francisco, California 94123
415-929-8855
betelnutrestaurant.com
This 700-ton floating structure is essentially an island accessible only by a private boat from Fisherman's Wharf. Not many cities can boast anything similar, so this can be an especially entertaining choice. Forbes Island features white sand patios, a 40 foot lighthouse and palm trees nearly as tall. People come for the incredible views: the downtown skyline, relaxing sea lions, Alcatrez, the Golden Gate Bridge, and -- from the underwater dining room -- even fish swimming. Well-suited for tourists and romantics, access to the wonderful setting does not come cheaply.
Forbes Island
Pier 39 & 41
San Francisco, California 94133
415-951-4900
forbesisland.com
This might not have been viewed as corny when it opened in 1945, but that mid-century tiki vibe is what draws them in today. Classic cocktails like the Zombie and Mai Tai, many with tiny umbrellas, plus complimentary leis, a band playing from a boat and a dance floor can help make for a different and fun evening. The Pacific Rim-inspired food might generally be forgettable and overpriced, but it is not really what brings people in the door.
Tonga Room
950 Mason (in the Fairmont Hotel)
San Francisco, California 94108
415-772-5278
tongaroom.com
In the North Beach neighborhood since 1991, The Stinking Rose has famously taken the garlicky aspect of Italian-American cooking to new heights. Its dishes familiar pasta and pizza offerings, local seafood, and dishes like 40 Clove Garlic Chicken and Garlic Roasted Prime Rib, each with a big dose of garlic. You won't have to worry about vampires for a day or two after dining at this fun, humorous and often boisterous spot.
Stinking Rose, The
325 Columbus
San Francisco, California 94133
415-781-7673
thestinkingrose.com