Clift

Local restaurants

If, for some bizarre reason, you tire of the superb Asian-fusion cuisine in the hotel’s Asia de Cuba restaurant, then you’re ideally placed for all the great dining that Downtown San Francisco has to offer. The stylish and unpretentious First Crush (101 Cyril Magnin; +1 415 982 7874) is a great spot for fresh seafood, though its meats are pretty special too. Scala’s Bistro (432 Powell Street; +1 415 395 8555) is an informal, Italian-style eatery with an excellent menu of Mediterranean classics. For sophisticated ‘coastal cuisine’, head to Farralon (450 Post Street; +1 415 956 6969) and sample some of the finest sustainable finned and flippered fare to be found in the city. Run by three acclaimed chefs, Postrio (545 Post Street; +1 415 776 7825) has been serving up high-end Californian cuisine – sautéed striped bass, bacon-wrapped boat scallops, etc – for more than 20 years. Situated in the Hotel Adagio, Cortez (550 Geary Street; +1 415 292 6360) is a great place to come for Spanish-style tapas in stylish and inventive surroundings. Tucked away in a residential neighbourhood, Nob Hill Café (1152 Taylor Street; +1 415 776-6500) is ideal for a casual, comforting bowl of pasta. Its near neighbour, Nob Hill Grille (969 Hyde Street; +1 415 474 5985) is a good spot for breakfast and huge portions of all-American food. Hayes Street Grill (320 Hayes Street; +1 415 863 5545) is a San Fran seafood institution that’s been run by the same woman since 1979. Keep it simple – ask what the day’s freshest catch is, and have it grilled and served with fries and your choice of sauce. Farmer Brown (25 Mason Street; +1 415 409 3276), on the cusp of Union Square and Tenderloin, offers wonderful, farm-fresh soul food that’s the perfect antidote to the city’s often cold and blustery weather. Sample super-fresh sushi in laidback surroundings at Sakana, at 605 Post Street (415 775 7644), and if the sashimi selection overwhelms you, ask head sushi chef Michael for some pointers. Bossa Nova is a Brazilian restaurant and bar just a short walk (and an even shorter taxi ride) away from the hotel, at 139 8th Street (415 558 8004). Fashioned after the favelas in Rio, the atmosphere is cosy, hip and lively, and the eatery is romantically lit with candles.

Local bars

Grand by name, grand by nature – the Grand Café at 501 Geary at Taylor Street (415 292 0101) is a restored turn-of-the-century ballroom, adorned with high ceilings, metal sculptures and art deco flourishes. Have a glass of champagne at the bar, and admire the well-dressed and friendly bartenders. Head to Rye at 688 Geary Street (415 474 4448) for cocktails are served with precision and care – each one perfectly concocted using the freshest and best ingredients. The basil gimlet and Manhattan with a burnt orange peel come highly recommended.
 

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in San Francisco, check out our San Francisco eating & drinking guide

For a full list of recommended activities in San Francisco, check out our San Francisco destination guide