Quiet Conversation Restaurants

No matter that Chouquet’s was not intended to be the next big thing; it took off just the same. Chef Laurent Guillaume’s ability to meld old and new flavors into delightful light dishes; the service staff’s attentive and unpretentious care; and the stylish dining space meant to compliment, not distract from, the food, all converged to give Chouquet’s the attention it deserves. Brunch is offered on the weekends in place of the weekday lunch menu, and dinner is served nightly – the Effigham Oysters are seductive mignonette mint and shallots; and the Rigatoni with truffles, chanterelles, and foie gras is …

Opened by the An family in 1991 following the success of their Vietnamese kitchen Thanh Long, Crustacean offers up-scale Euro-Asian fusion fare in an elegant fine dining setting. The menu follows Executive Chef Helene An's philosophy of turning fresh ingredients that are valued in Eastern medicine for their healing properties into simple, clean and refined dishes. Loyal customers have been returning for years for the secret family recipe for Garlic Noodles and Roasted Dungeness Crab. The sophisticated Asian decor in warm dark hues provides the appropriate setting to enjoy this homey yet sumptuous food. Located in the heart of Nob …

Located on Pier 33, Butterfly hosts a view of San Francisco Bay that simply can’t be beat. With spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen where Owner/Chef Robert Lam concocts his creations, and a large and airy dining room, there is no lack of visual stimulation here. The trendy, modern décor is perhaps most complimented by the vibrant art-work that adorns the walls and ceilings, all of which have been amassed from local artists. The Cal-Asian cuisine is nothing to scoff at either. The flavorful dishes reflect Chef Lam’s culinary background as well as his Vietnamese heritage.

Sleek and sultry Straits restaurant and lounge gives the weary shopper a sexy little break from the hustle and bustle of the San Francisco shopping scene. East and West intertwine in Chef/Owner Chris Yeo's Singaporean fusion cuisine, inspired by Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and Indonesian flavors, and featuring traditional fare such as Singapore Satay Sticks and savory spiced Roti Prata. For another flavorful option, mint and fragrant saffron cultivate a zesty Rack of Lamb that slides right off the bone, rolling onto the tongue in a culmination of satisfaction. Slow things down with a ginger-infused cocktail to finish the courses off.

BayWolf Restaurant in Oakland has been one of the key players in creating and leading the Bay Area dining revolution for over 34 years because of the care, creativity, and inventive approach it takes to provide outstanding food in a relaxed setting. Their monthly menu specializes in French and Italian cuisine with a California attitude. BayWolf has always used local ingredients at their peak with a focus on wonderful duck preparations. The restaurant itself is a comfortable, old house whose modern art collection charms the dinner guests. BayWolf provides a memorable dining experience for romantic dinners as well as family …

Chef Dane Boryta of Sens Restaurant, combines traditional Mediterranean techniques, such as flatbread cooked in the restaurants wood-burning oven, with modern sensibilities, for instance Sens’ use of local, sustainably grown produce. Sens restaurant proudly features a Farmer's Market driven menu along with seasonally motivated, fruit inspired desserts from Pastry Chef Rebecca Morris. Sens’ décor effortlessly encourages a cozy and intimate dining experience. Large windows, stone and brick walls, rustic wood, earthenware plates and over-sized leather chairs recreate a classic Mediterranean experience that is further perpetuated by the restaurants excellently prepared cuisine.

If you’re searching for contemporary American fare, look no further than the Salt House. This tavern is housed in an old printing press warehouse from the 1930’s and is equal parts new and old, merging the best of both. The building stays true to its historic charm with original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, tall ceilings with massive metal support beams, and 12 foot windows—all the better to look in or out of. Salt House is more than just an impressive space though, and true to its “gastropub” label, serves up hearty yet refined ingredient-driven cuisine in a tavern-like atmosphere.

Set in an old transformed warehouse in SoMa, just a mere block from the Moscone Convention Center, Restaurant Lulu evokes the feeling of being in Provence while still staying true to its urban cityscape. Most notably recognized for its wine selection, this French eatery boasts a selection of 500 bottles and over 70 wines by the glass from all around the world, and a slew of awards from Wine Spectator. The seasonal Provençal menu is served family-style on rustic blond wood tables, the bold flavors of the food the ideal complement to the colorful and contemporary space it occupies.

Insalata is a gracious, comfortable restaurant that specializes in the genuine flavors and spices of the Mediterranean region. The complex Mediterranean food of Insalata has been made from locally sourced produce, meat, and poultry long before “locally sourced” was a standard of excellence in the restaurant industry. Owner Heidi Insalata Krahling became interested in food as a child in a food-intensive Italian family. She has expanded her Italian cooking heritage to include the cuisines of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, and it is a wonderful adventure to dine at Insalata.

Fish and Farm is a chic restaurant committed to the principles of the sustainability movement. The restaurant is dedicated to pleasing your palate with all-natural and organic, local ingredients and to composing fantastic interpretations of old favorites that have a distinctive freshness to them. By dubbing their work “New American Seafood and Artisan Meats,” the owners of Fish and Farm have attracted curious food connoisseurs from all walks of life. The energy and service at this devoted eatery is as zestful as its clientele. With all this in mind, Fish and Farm remains a must for locals and visitors alike.