Quince
470 Pacific Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 775-8500
AMBIANCE
Sophistication without stuffiness sums up this gorgeous restaurant that brings an elegant crowd to San Francisco’s Financial District.
Dynamite Dishes
The dishes at Quince are things of beauty. You’ll want to enjoy the picture-perfect presentation fully before devouring these exquisite items of culinary perfection. If you’re feeling ambitious, go for the nine-course seasonal menu, where fresh ingredients from the restaurant’s rooftop garden are incorporated into virtually every dish.
Sweet Tooth
“All That Glitters Is Gold” is pure decadence in every layer. Hazelnut dacquoise, praline feuilletine, and chocolate ganache are topped with 24-carat gold dust and a gold leaf. Divine.
Top Tipple
Sit back, relax and allow your sommelier do the work. With a wine list that includes the best from around the world, pairings here are perfect.
Farm at the Carneros Inn
4048 Sonoma Hwy
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 299-4880
AMBIANCE
Farm at the Carneros Inn is California chic at its best. This Napa Valley locale is a glorious getaway from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.
Dynamite Dishes
Chef Andrew Budnyj from Ubuntu, Napa’s famous but now-closed vegetarian eatery, continues his magic with a stellar menu of deconstructed dishes. The best bet here is to go for the tasting menu. Highlights are the California Quail and the Crispy Short Rib. Vegetarians will be happy to know that the tasting menu can also be thoughtfully created sans meat.
Sweet Tooth
The sweet and smooth Brown Butter Panna Cotta will melt in your mouth, but if you’re looking for a little kick, try the Spiced Red Velvet Cake.
Top Tipple
While the wine list boasts a lovely selection of varietals from around the world, we recommend Farm’s fresh and inventive cocktails like Val’s Kina and the Lavender Kosmoz.
SPQR
1911 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 771-7779
AMBIANCE
This Michelin-rated eatery dishes up sophisticated Italian food in the bustling neighborhood of Lower Pacific Heights.
Dynamite Dishes
Executive Chef Matthew Accarrino prepares sophisticated yet soulful, Italian-inspired cuisine using only the best local ingredients. Highlights include the Meyer Lemon Spaghetti and the Sablefish with roasted sunchoke and brussel sprouts. The portions are relatively small but oh so satisfying.
Sweet Tooth
If you still have room for dessert, the housemade marshmallows are a total delight.
Top Tipple
You can’t resist ordering wine, especially when it complements pasta so perfectly. When in Rome, right? We love the 2005 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa Asili from Barbaresco Piemonte.
Lucy Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono
6526 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 204-6030
AMBIANCE
This upscale, casually contemporary restaurant lives inside the uber-chic, LEED Platinum-Certified Bardessono hotel. You’ll find an upbeat and sophisticated crowd here at any time, day or night.
Dynamite Dishes
Everything starts in Lucy’s garden, as Chef Victor Scargle builds his menu from right outside the kitchen door. Seasonal standouts include the Freshly Dug Carrot Salad, Sunchoke Soup and the Reggiano Gnocchi with shaved truffle.
Sweet Tooth
How can you resist the Cold Cobbler with quince and gluten-free Almond Crumble? If you’re looking for a twist on a classic, go for the Chewy Brownie Sundae with marshmallow ice cream.
Top Tipple
The wine list is quite amazing, but we recommend a little bubbly to go with your garden-fresh cuisine. We love the 1998 Veuve Clicquot “La Grande Dame” Brut Champagne.
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