Sutter Street is a busy thoroughfare that runs about two-and-a-half miles through the heart of San Francisco. It begins at Market Street in the Financial District, the business center of San Francisco, and extends west-southwest until it dead-ends west at Presidio Avenue. Many restaurants and hotels are located on or near the eastern stretches of Sutter, especially around Union Square. Since the 19th century San Francisco has been known both for the quality of its dining and its seafood.
Named for the islands north of San Francisco, Farallon opened in 1997 near Union Square and a block south of Sutter Street. Renowned restaurant designer Pat Kuleto is one of the owners; he contributed a fantastical underwater-themed decor, including prominent jellyfish-shaped light fixtures. The food also remains among the tops for seafood in the city, earning three-and-a-half stars (out of four) from the "San Francisco Chronicle" in June, 2010. The menu consists of mostly seafood, both from the California coast and well beyond. Main dishes can include pan-roasted Mediterranean Dorade, grilled Alaskan King Salmon, roasted California white bass, and grilled Hawaiian Ono.
Farallon
450 Post
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-956-6969
farallonrestaurant.com
Taking its cue from a bustling French bistro, Plouf has been serving downtown San Francisco with a seafood-focused menu since 1996. Part of the pedestrian-friendly Belden Place, it is less than a couple from blocks of Sutter Street. Many of the flavors are from Provence, such as garlic, olive oil, capers, pastis, black olives, and basil, but global influences abound, evidenced by the use of Szechuan peppers, balsamic vinegar, and chipotles. Salads are a big part of the lunch menu. Steamed mussels in a half-dozen dishes, often accompanied with their traditional partner, French fries, are what Plouf is best known for and are ordered throughout the day and night.
Plouf
40 Belden Place
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-986-6491
www.ploufsf.com
In business since 1867, this is a place to get a feel of old-time San Francisco near Sutter Street. The setting, with wood-panels and service by tuxedoed waiters, adds to the naturally retro and masculine atmosphere. The menu is similarly rooted in the city's past. Preparations from the seafood-centered menu include clam chowder, sand dabs with a lemon sauce, broiled Pacific snapper, and broiled petrale. A house-made tartar sauce accompanies most fish dishes. Non-seafood items are also time-tested, such as a veal chop, veal scaloppini, and broiled sweetbreads.
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
374 Bush
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-421-0594
