As you're planning your itinerary for the week - don't forget to work in some time to go out and have an excellent SF meal! As a recent transplant, I've dedicated many hours to exploring my local dining options.
With the most restaurants per capita in the country (really!), narrowing it down can be tough. I'll attempt to give some guidance with my recommendations below.
Coffee Spots
Blue Bottle (SoMa – Westfield mall food court)
For when Starbucks drip just doesn’t cut it.
Sightglass (SoMa - 270 7th St)
THE place for the uber-coffee obsessed to see and be seen. It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from Moscone.
$
144 King Art Café (SoMa - 144 King St)
Lunch only – not your average sandwich and salad options – local and organic, naturally. Next to AT&T park, it’s an easy 20 minute walk from Moscone.
Nick’s Crispy Tacos (Nob Hill - 1500 Broadway)
Get your tacos Nick’s way and order the elote (and bring floss)!
15 Romolo (North Beach - 15 Romolo Pl)
Your cocktail will be more expensive than your meal and both will be delicious.
Slider Bar (Castro - 2295 Market St)
Great beer selection, juicy burgers and excellent people watching.
$$
Chez Maman [Potrero Hill (18th) or Hayes Valley (Gough)]
Delicious casual French – make sure to get something with the garlic aioli. Excellent burgers.
House of Nanking (Chinatown/North Beach - 919 Kearny St)
It will no doubt be packed, but they move people in and out pretty quickly. Order that really cool looking flower tea and let them pick the rest!
The Plant [Embarcadero or Financial District (101 California St)]
Very vegetarian friendly – the Embarcadero location is on the water and has unbeatable views from their patio.
Zero Zero (SoMa - 826 Folsom St)
SF has a thing for upscale pizza places and this spot is a good example – excellent drinks and excellent everything else!
$$$
Absinthe (Hayes Valley - 398 Hayes St)
Exstensive cocktail menu and great atmosphere.
Sauce [Financial District (Belden) or Hayes Valley (Gough)]
If they’re still on the menu, get the mini meatloaf social plate - heavenly!
Wayfare Tavern (Financial District - 558 Sacramento St)
Celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s spot – California comfort food.
$$$$
Boulevard (Embarcadero – 1 Mission St)
Outstanding – won the James Beard award for Outstanding Restaurant (highest award in the country) for 2012. What more can I say?
Flying solo? Join a group of 5 other peers for a dinner reservation at a restaurant of your choosing, arranged by RSA Conference.
Bonus: Get discounts at restaurants throughout the city by showing your conference badge.