Haute Cuisine: Worth Every Penny at MKT, Roka Akor, Parallel 37 and The Cavallier

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MKT Restaurant and Bar
Four Seasons Hotel
757 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 633-3000

Ambiance
In a few words, MKT can be described as retro urban-chic. High-end casual is a great way to think of the dress code here.

What to order
The “meat locker” selection – a variety of cuts sourced from local purveyors – is a forte of MKT. Other highlights include the fried green tomatoes, curry roasted cauliflower and fabulously concocted cocktails. The brunch menu shines brightly with the vegetarian panini and lovely selection of bubbles.

Who Comes Here
Since opening this past summer, MKT has already had a VIP showing. Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford and Ryan Seacrest have been spotted at MKT while visiting San Francisco.

Sweet Tooth
Don’t even think of skipping dessert at MKT.  Rhubarb, Raspberry and Cardamom cheesecake will call your name long after your departure.

 

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Roka Akor   
801 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 362-8887

Ambiance
Cool as ice, Roka Akor brings a chic Japanese flair to the Jackson Square District area of North Beach. The street-level dining room is an open contemporary setting, while the lower level bar and lounge is dimly lit, sleek and sultry.

What to order
Don’t forget that Roka Akor is a sushi house and a steakhouse. Without a doubt, all the red-labeled dishes on the menu are worth a shot: ButterFish, Pork Belly, Miso Cod, Madagascar Shrimp and Sweet Corn.

Who Comes Here
The crowd here is chic. Financial District businessmen and attractive women in silky tops and pencil skirts are a common sight here.

Sweet Tooth
The dessert platter will blow you away.

 

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Parallel 37
The Ritz-Carlton
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 773-6168

Ambiance
Elegant yet not fussy, Parallel 37 is a lovely place to sip a cocktail at the bar, or go for a full-on dinner.  The atmosphere is quiet, which makes it perfect for a date or a get together with an old friend.

What to Order

Chef Michael Rotondo, who hails from Charlie Trotter in Chicago, presents an impressive menu. Dishes are tasty and beautifully plated with intriguing flavors.  Menu highlights include polenta fries and smoked paprika pasta.

Who Comes Here
It is no surprise that the Parallel 37 attracts a sophisticated crowd; a mixed group of business people, local residents and guests of the Ritz-Carlton. Notable guests spotted in the restaurant include Bay Area’s favorite “Foodie Chap” Liam Mayclem, who dined with actor Jason Priestley and Rolling Stone’s Founding Editor Ben Fong-Torres.

Sweet Tooth
The warm semolina cake is just pure heaven.

 

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The Cavalier
360 Jessie St, Ste 112
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 321-6000

Ambiance
The Cavalier evokes a sultry British vibe. Think 1960s London-inspired brasserie meets gastropub. As designed by Ken Fulk, the space is masculine and distinguished.

What to Order
As the menu is an ode to British cuisine, it’s all about fish and chips, and the duck scotch egg.

Who Comes Here
The uber hip (dare we say “hipster”) crowd from partner Hotel Zetta inevitably makes their way into the Cavalier. Though the restaurant has only been open for over a month, San Francisco’s “who’s who” crowd is already popping in here.

Sweet Tooth
The Lemon Posset with dates has a refreshing tangy taste.