A couple of years ago in SF I particularly enjoyed these places and would return to all of them. I found all these places to be great values on a graduate student budget. Figaro's -- (North Beach?) excellent Italian cuisine (most were > $15), very nice Chianti's (for around $20). I had a spinach-cheese ravioli in a (pink) tomato creme sauce -- I would go back for that alone! Several friends enjoyed their dinner selections equally! I seem to remember that the interior decor was rather sparse & dark (thankfully no obligatory red checkered tablecloths, etc.), but we ate in the outdoor patio out back -- there were flowers blooming everywhere! Oriental Pearl -- (Chinatown) best dim sum dishes I've ever had!!!! Although the atmosphere was not at all typical of dim sum settings . . . rather up-scale white table-cloth dining, no carts rushing to-&-for, order from the menu Chinese-dinner-style with the patient advice and attentive service of our server. It was sort of a shock to experience "fine dining" dim sum, but the dishes were all exceptionally good! and I will definitely go back there! Two others worth noting, but I can't remember the name . . . sorry: ------------------------------------------------------------------ French bistro food, live music, in Union Square area near Powell Street (and possibly Geary?). Food was very nice, moderately priced, and the band was great! It seems the place had a second dining room for the lunch crowd but closed at night. If anyone knows of this place, I'd like to know the name for a return visit. Seafood restaurant in Sausilito (sp?). White table-cloth atmosphere built way out on a pier in the water. Only one with that construction, so should be easy to find. Unobstructed view of bay & SF skyline due to all glass walls. Food was great with most dinner entrees $12 - $20, service was attentive, O.K. wines around $25. We got there in late afternoon and watched the fog roll in under the SF bridge during dinner. The view alone was worth the price of the meal, but everyone in the party agreed the food was very good. I'd love to have the name of the place for future reference. Hope this helps, enjoy! WG
San Francisco, CA