Mediterranean

Restaurant Website: http://www.zareflytrap.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=606+Folsom+St.+San+Francisco&sll=37.753751,-122.407608&sspn=0.00928,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.786216,-122.396944&spn=0.009276,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

Those who remember the original Fly Trap, that bastion of classic San Francisco cuisine, will recognize this dining room; little has changed, decor-wise, since chef-owner Hoss Zaré took over. Walls are still a brilliant red and botanical prints still decorate the walls.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>While the interior design may not have changed much, the menu has been given a complete overhaul. Gone are the liver and onions and the Hangtown Fry, replaced by Hoss Zaré’s masterful Persian techniques and ingredients, such as braised lamb shank with pickled grapes, oversized meatballs stuffed with myriad delights and silky eggplant in a sun-dried yogurt sauce with walnuts</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.gitanerestaurant.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=6+Claude+Ln.+San+Francisco&sll=37.579413,-95.712891&sspn=37.779043,54.492188&ie=UTF8&ll=37.790269,-122.404196&spn=0.009276,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

Like its sister restaurant, Café Claude, Gitane (French for “gypsy”) is hidden away in a downtown alley. But Café Claude’s modest French-bistro decor has nothing in common with opulent Gitane, wrapped up in a reflective stretch polymer ceiling, midcentury chandeliers, hand-printed wallpaper and loud music. The narrow bar, which occupies the first floor, is a fun place to meet for a drink after a day of shopping, but cozy tables line the second floor loft for a more secluded dinner.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The food at Gitane is inspired by the peripatetic wanderings of its namesake people. Broadly categorized as “Mediterranean,” the menu heavily favors the flavors of North Africa and Spain, with lusty, bold takes on tajine and bastilla, crab croquettes and pizzas loaded with piquillo peppers and Spanish chorizo.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Sens++,+sf&sll=37.776821,-122.418594&sspn=0.052644,0.106087&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.812903,-122.407608&spn=0.052619,0.106087&z=13&iwloc=C

The cavernous space that has played host over the years to Monte Cristo and, before that, Splendido, has been reborn (again) as Sens. The rustic room, with wooden doors, heavy beams and a vaguely Mediterranean feel, also has a brilliant only-in–San Francisco view of the Ferry Building’s red neon sign.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The food here is Cal-Med by way of North Africa—hot spices and robust lamb preparations, from foie-gras-stuffed meatballs to skinny merguez sausages and Flinstonian chops, are well-represented—we’re also fans of the flatbread topped with long-cooked greens and crescenza cheese. Desserts employ savory ingredients to great effect—chocolate cake is surrounded by a silky chocolate sauce and a scoop of cardamom ice cream. A bit cerebral, maybe, but sweet just the same.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Saffron+685,+sf&sll=37.829582,-122.414131&sspn=0.103587,0.215263&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.781095,-122.402544&spn=0.025914,0.053816&z=14&iwloc=A

This stretch of Townsend Street has long been known as a dead zone, culinarily speaking, so Saffron 685 is a welcome addition to the area. Though the space is nothing special from the outside, inside the owners have taken pains to make the large space feel comfortable—in addition to tables and chairs, they also have couches piled high with pillows.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The fare here is pretty straight-ahead falafel-joint style, but it’s got a freshness that’s absent from many places. The baba ghanoush has a rich, smoky flavor, and hummus has the tang of fresh lemon juice. The grilled lamb kebabs, sided with a taboulleh salad with a generous amount of minced parsley, are tender and mild. Though the vibrant orange konafa might look unusual, it’s the dessert to order: Sweet ricotta cheese is topped with shredded pastry dough and scented with orange flower water. Pair it with a small cup of inky Turkish coffee.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Good+Frikin'+Chicken++++sf&sll=37.782655,-122.474449&sspn=0.00658,0.013261&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.780213,-122.420998&spn=0.105284,0.212173&z=12&iwloc=A

GFC has two sections: eat-in and take-out. Both are relatively bare bones, atmospherically speaking (butcher block tables, uninspired murals and unflattering lighting), but the friendly staff makes up for the lack of ambience.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>If there were an award for truth in advertising, we’d give it to GFC. Choose between rotisserie (rubbed with sumac) or flame-grilled chicken (rubbed with a za’atar, a spice mixture that includes thyme, sesame and sumac), both available by the half or whole. Both are falling-off-the-bone tender. Dinner comes with your choice of side dishes (roasted potatoes, beans, rice pilaf, tossed green salad), and is accompanied by an addictive spice-dusted flatbread.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3011+Steiner+St.,+sf&sll=37.795135,-122.407351&sspn=0.025909,0.053816&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.799273,-122.437434&spn=0.006477,0.013454&z=16&iwloc=addr

This small space exudes warmth—hanging Edison bulbs, a central fireplace—as well as sophistication, with a long zinc bar and a wall of wine bottles. Here, you won’t find the frat boys that pound beer at the neighborhood’s bars; instead, smartly dressed 30-somethings mingle over glasses of Nebbiolo and an array of pan-Mediterranean small plates.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>When we say “small plates,” we mean small; four people can easily polish off the entire menu, which sticks to classic combinations, such as mozzarella di bufala with confit of tuna and ciccoli beans. Steer toward the heartier dishes for more punch: House-made Italian sausage is served on a bed of creamy polenta and the beef marrow, scooped with a tiny spoon from three roasted bones, might be the most luxurious spread for toast you’ll ever try.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=safari&ie=UTF8&q=Paul+K,+SF&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,8675091498722871244&ll=37.776295,-122.422843&spn=0.007378,0.013819&z=16&iwloc=A

Ten years after opening, Paul K is still going strong. The restaurant’s intimate dining room, just blocks from the Opera and Symphony, is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-event cocktail or meal. Weekends, enjoy brunch (and bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys), served on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Though meze platters aren’t an uncommon discovery on Mediterranean menus, Paul K’s version puts others to shame, loaded as it is with artichoke hearts, roasted red and yellow beets, smoky baba ghanoush and myriad other delights. Order this and a cocktail to start, then move on to a crisp Little Gem salad with fried chickpeas and niçoise-olive vinaigrette. Main courses are of the heartier variety, such as braised lamb shanks, a robust vegetarian moussaka and a flatiron steak paired with black-eyed peas and a zippy salsa verde.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Kokkari,+sf&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,12957869814535908416&ll=37.797001,-122.399647&spn=0.010343,0.019312&z=16&iwloc=A

2009 READER'S CHOICE AWARD: Best Mediterranean

2008 EAT + DRINK AWARD: Best Mediterranean

Oriental rugs, a roaring fireplace and heavy wood ceiling beams make this romantic and refined Greek restaurant an inviting spot for couples as well as the post-work Financial District crowd. The long bar is a great place to grab a glass of wine before dinner.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>For those who believe that Greek food is all feta and grape leaves, Kokkari will be a pleasant surprise. Chef Erik Cosselmon spit-roasts Berkshire pork and baby lamb over wood, handcrafts head cheese and other charcuterie and cooks up an exceptional goat stew. There’s also a generous platter of spreads—eggplant, tzatziki and taramasalata served with house-made pita—and a brilliant moussaka, that classic Greek casserole of eggplant and lamb. Finish off the meal with baklava paired with honey ice cream.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=La+Mediterranee+,+sf&sll=37.799171,-122.422349&sspn=0.007613,0.01339&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.805173,-122.426662&spn=0.057778,0.107117&z=13&iwloc=A

A narrow gallery of small, mosaic-tiled tables, this restaurant dishes up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites to a large crowd at lunchtime. Check out the other locations in the Castro and Berkeley.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Small plates of mezes include hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh. Salads, kebabs and phyllo-wrapped starters are all reliably good.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Frascati+++sf&sll=37.792829,-122.436447&sspn=0.052633,0.106087&ie=UTF8&ll=37.816022,-122.423229&spn=0.052617,0.106087&z=13&iwloc=A

Butterscotch-hued walls, rustic wrought-iron chandeliers and a sleek mahogany bar serve as a backdrop for this cozy Russian Hill eatery, which bustles with well-heeled business types and sophisticated 30-somethings.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Homey Mediterranean-inspired cuisine shines here. Start off with toasted bruschetta with fresh heirloom tomatoes and herbs or the pan-seared day-boat scallops. For the main course, choose from grilled ahi tuna with chanterelle-mushroom-and-roasted-cauliflower risotto or grilled hanger steak with Pinot Noir sauce. The warm black-and-white chocolate bread pudding drenched in caramel and chocolate sauce is a decadent finish.</p>