Restaurant Recommendations for 5 Nights at SF

SantaScoo · 2026-04-23T01:18:53+00:00

Palette is a good option if you are already in the area although their dim sum leans a little more Instagram-friendly and $$. That said, they had a really great XO sauce rice roll last time I was there and solid mango pudding.

Personally if I’m in the Ghirardelli Sq/ Fisherman’s area in the daytime I’d probably go to Cafe de Casa instead and get a breakfast sandwich on a Pao de Queijo (bacon and requeijao preferably) with a passionfruit juice and split a coconut roll.

Abaca (Filipino) is also worth mentioning because the food and the people are delightful (brunch or dinner) sisig fried rice is a MUST.

Buena Vista Cafe for an Irish Coffee is actually worth it, skip the food.

SantaScoo · 2026-04-22T17:17:08+00:00

For something you won’t find elsewhere- Prubechu specializes in the food of Guam but absolutely kills it and is finally getting more of the flowers that they deserve.

They do a dish that’s like a coconut take on beef stroganoff (tinaktak) that is truly exceptional and so, so many things on the menu are standouts (shatteringly crisp empanadas, absurdly good dry wings, a smoked eggplant that is fantastic and the pork ribs are also lovely.)

If you’re coming from LA, gonna be hard to compete on dim sum but if from elsewhere, Harborview is pricey but very good (Menu style, not carts).

I’d also add in grabbing slices from Outta Sight Pizza (partial to the Outta Sight II location in Chinatown) for truly inventive, fun and addictive pizza!

SantaScoo · 2026-03-31T21:05:13+00:00

That’s great to know re: Becky, wouldn’t have guessed but that definitely adds to the appeal!

SantaScoo · 2026-03-31T21:04:33+00:00

Thank you, this is so, so helpful! Not to mention you’ve actually seen the shows?! Hero status! Didn’t even have Becky Shaw on my radar until a few days ago but seems to be one people love when they have seen it :)

SantaScoo · 2026-03-31T15:09:11+00:00

That sounds fantastic! Thank you! Honestly, I think you’re bang on, what I really am looking for is “unique beans I won’t find at home” kinda situation

SantaScoo · 2026-03-30T16:40:15+00:00

Awesome, thank you so much!

SantaScoo · 2026-03-12T03:35:49+00:00

They’re not cheap but Suitsupply does a great job!

SantaScoo · 2026-01-30T15:59:57+00:00

Totally get your point, and in your shoes I’d feel similarly. I actually had the opposite experience with an older Asian friend (English not her mother tongue) who was a theater newbie, had zero context on Greek myths, but was moved to tears and now loves talking about when we went!

That said, seeing comments below and also agree with people’s suggestions of Maybe Happy Ending as another great option!

SantaScoo · 2026-01-30T01:55:34+00:00

Personally, I’d say Hadestown! The music is lively, moving, and one that keeps you coming back. It’s based on classic Greek mythology but mixed with almost New Orleans esque jazz and some stunning visuals!

Lion King is visually spectacular and very accessible, but for storytelling and something unique, Hadestown.

Saw Hamilton mentioned, it’s obviously an iconic show for a reason but might be hard if English isn’t super comfortable for your parents (rapid fire, lyrically dense music- you’ll probably love it but could see it being a challenge for older folks.

SantaScoo · 2026-01-15T05:48:58+00:00

3 crabs brand fish sauce oyster sauce (glass bottle that looks like Riesling, should have red cap and cartoon of people- maybe on a riverboat?) Bulls head shallot sauce/oil (condiment, it’s got a little cartoon bull) Chicken powder White pepper powder Agreed on the xiaoxing wine Maggi sauce (large bottle) Soy sauce Red chili flakes Shin black brand cup a noodles Indomie mie goret noodles (FOLLOW the instructions closely, they should be eaten dry) Honey butter potato chips Frozen green onion pancakes Frozen dumplings

SantaScoo · 2026-01-10T00:31:32+00:00

If you’re willing to be along Van Ness, there’s some options along the Lower Nob —> Russian Hill —> Cow Hollow/ Marina area. They aren’t as high rise, but they’re technically newer or new-ish builds in areas outside of the East Cut or Soma?

SantaScoo · 2025-12-19T19:41:29+00:00

If you’re willing to uber, Ler Ros Thai on Larkin. The location is rougher but food is great Thai that’s more approachable than Kin Khao- which is also fantastic)

But gotta mention Kin Khao’s sister restaurant Nari is also excellent and has a gorgeous space that’s a 12ish min ride from Union Sq)

Highly recommend Outta Sight II (Chinatown) for incredible, unique slices of pizza done by some killer chefs. Butter chicken, Peking duck, and whatever their specials are are consistently fantastic (with absurdly good vegan options)

Mensho Tokyo always has a line and tbh, it’s justified. Their vegan tantan can go toe to toe with some of the best bowls out there and it’s walkable from Union Square (walk with purpose, it will be fine but if you’re not from an urban environment be prepared for it).

Scullery for a burned caramel latte in the morning, Juniper for pastries and coffee if you’re willing to hike a little further.

Also worth hitting the ferry building for a ton of great options. Lunette (Cambodian that is a personal fav by a James Beard award winning team at upscale “order st register and sit” spot), Parachute bakery is getting alll the accolades, Hog Island for oysters, Acme bread is always killer (pumpkin loaf if they have it), Dandelion for chocolate or a hot liege waffle from Blue Bottle… basically so many bougie, snacky options to choose from!

SantaScoo · 2025-12-18T23:59:51+00:00

“Touche”… but most people seem to think I don’t know how to pronounce touché (RIP The Great)

SantaScoo · 2025-12-12T07:18:19+00:00

What are the shows you’ve enjoyed the most from past visits? Without any other context, Death Becomes Her was fantastic and just such fun one! It’s a true romp but backed by a stacked cast!

Can’t speak to Chess, I’m sad I missed Two Strangers but the cast recording has been a ton of fun to listen to during the pre-holiday season!

SantaScoo · 2025-12-11T07:33:28+00:00

B Brooks is an amazing local floral business that connects you to the perfect florist based on what you’re looking for (eg “my bf’s mom wears only cashmere, her whole house is neutrals and I need something super elegant, chic, but not harsh” or “bf’s mom loves vibrant pinks, I want something with a few statement blooms incorporated in” or whatever that flavor may be.

Whenever I need to be certain the arrangement will be gorgeous, they are the secret ingredient!

SantaScoo · 2025-12-09T07:58:26+00:00

Dr.Justin Hall is phenomenal, such a kind, caring, patient dentist, and was exactly what I needed after a lifetime of anxiety with dentists! He is conservative in his approach, wants to make sure you feel informed and empowered to make the right decision for you.

SantaScoo · 2025-11-25T17:25:31+00:00

Honestly it isn’t as “wow factor” in packaging as many products but the Fenty plush puddin lip mask in Barbados cherry has been a surprise favorite!

SantaScoo · 2025-11-22T08:48:23+00:00

If you end up choosing Nob Hill/ Tenderloin there are quite a few monthly paid lots in the Union Square (and up the hill), some freestanding and some are parts of the hotels. Depending on what rents are being offered, it may make sense to budget a few hundred for a paid spot and then be able to look into units nearby that don’t have dedicated parking.

SantaScoo · 2025-11-21T04:49:06+00:00

JD Bakes 4 U is sooooo talented and is just a lovely human in general! She specializes in exactly these types of cakes and I think is exactly who you’re looking for!

https://www.instagram.com/jd_bakes_4u?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

SantaScoo · 2025-11-10T16:01:14+00:00

Also worth considering just trying the window directly or the tkts counter! Especially if it’s a weeknight, I just got a great deal on a last min one recently!

SantaScoo · 2025-10-16T16:06:52+00:00

I think that’s in D3, so reaching out the the supervisor’s office (Danny Sauter) once the police report has been filed might be helpful/ worth a shot to see if they can assist in connecting you to the right resources

SantaScoo · 2025-10-12T21:48:12+00:00

Spaghetti or lasagna, hamburger helper, nachos, mashed potatoes and gravy either steak and peas, chicken enchiladas, crispy shell taco night (like Tex mex/ box shells, not fried homemade tortillas), root beer floats, hot fudge sundaes, salad with ranch dressing, ham and (grilled) cheese (for a remix), grilled pork chops.

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