great desserts

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=candybar,+++sf&sll=37.817921,-122.406578&sspn=0.103603,0.215263&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.786318,-122.43885&spn=0.024352,0.053816&z=14&iwloc=A

Vaguely gallery-like in feel (lots of sharp angles and walls hung with oversize paintings), this dessert lounge a few blocks off of Divisadero welcomes lingering patrons, plying them with board games and one of the city’s finest selections of dessert wines.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The sweets at Candybar play on familiar flavors (chocolate, carrot and cheesecake among them) but each has an unusual twist—nicoise-olive caramel, cream cheese sorbet and foie gras tapioca—that expand the concept of dessert. Though it sounds unlikely, the pairings are far more successful than one might expect. A very limited savory menu compliments the sweet offerings, but Candybar is primarily a place for a post-dinner rendez-vous.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=369+The+Embarcadero,+San+Francisco&sll=37.787745,-122.398768&sspn=0.011836,0.019312&g=83+Minna+St.,+San+Francisco&ie=UTF8&ll=37.78915,-122.394562&spn=0.011836,0.019312&z=16&iwloc=addr

The sister restaurant to Waterbar, Epic Roasthouse is Pat Kuleto’s homage to meat. The dining room, made to look like a pump house, is outfitted with deep leather banquettes, giving the room a clubby feel. Almost every seat offers spectacular views of the Bay.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>As you would expect at a self-described “roasthouse,” the focus here is on the beef. The usual suspects (filet, prime rib and porterhouse among them) are on the menu, joined by hearty lamb and veal chops. Sides are à la carte and include cream-rich scalloped potatoes, sautéed spinach and the requisite macaroni and cheese. Epic also serves what may well be the most expensive hamburger in town—a full three-quarter-pound, $25, ground-daily version. The chocolate soufflé, topped with caramel ice cream, is among the best in the city.</p> <p>MUST ORDER: The macaroni and cheese</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Waterbar+sf&sll=37.788488,-122.413015&sspn=0.007614,0.01339&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.799883,-122.399712&spn=0.028891,0.053558&z=14&iwloc=A

2009 EDITOR'S PICK: Best New Restaurant

One half of Pat Kuleto’s megaproject on the Bay, Waterbar has floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the gorgeous view of the water and the Bay Bridge beyond. The restaurant’s design centers on two 19-foot-tall aquariums (stocked with fish found in our local waters) and a raw bar.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Naturally, the focus of the menu is on seafood—both raw and cooked. The kitchen, headed by Farallon alum Parke Ulrich, has a knack for restraint. Shell-on prawns are simply roasted in the wood oven and accompanied by lemon wedges; petrale sole is set on a bed of shredded brussels sprouts. Even those richer, more elaborate dishes—such as bone marrow topped with Dungeness crab, black truffle and cream—aren’t overwrought. Desserts, such as the pineapple tart (pineapple custard in a buttery pastry shell), are homey and satisfying.</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>

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Rulli’s flagship in the heart of the Marina looks like an Italian restaurant straight out of central casting—there’s a white-marble and dark-wood bar, with the requisite espresso machine; a vaulted ceiling painted with an elaborate fresco; and waiters circulating the room, presenting the Northern Italian food with a flourish.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Rulli is a good place to enjoy traditional, untrendy Italian. Risotto, perfumed with saffron and topped with sautéed wild mushrooms, is a model of perfection; braised beef is meltingly tender, the rich gravy melting into the creamy onion fondue. Even the humble bread basket offers some gems, such as the crisp, salty bread sticks and pillowy focaccia. For dessert, linger over house-baked biscotti and a perfectly pulled house-roasted espresso.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Restaurant+Lulu+++,++sf&sll=37.774311,-122.420311&sspn=0.013162,0.026522&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=38.087013,-122.280579&spn=0.78903,1.697388&z=9&iwloc=A

Way back in 1993—LuLu’s big open wood-fired hearth was something new and exciting, as was the Provencal-inspired food coming out of it: rotisserie-roasted meats and interesting pizzas. These days, LuLu is not quite as ground-breaking, but the space remains comfortable and the service efficiently friendly. If you don’t want your clothes smelling like smoke at the end of the night, ask for a table far from the fireplace.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The menu’s nearly as vast as the space, and it’s filled with old favorites, including a leek, goat cheese and bacon tart, iron-skillet roasted mussels and the duck-liver mousse. Daily rotisserie specials range from rabbit to suckling pig, but the fennel-scented pork loin is always available and always a winner (and comes with the classic olive-oil-mashed potatoes).</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mission+Beach+Cafe,+SF&sll=37.813039,-122.440224&sspn=0.111747,0.2108&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.774853,-122.424603&spn=0.027951,0.0527&z=14&iwloc=A

The large windows at Mission Beach Cafe look out over a formerly restaurant-free corner of the Mission, where Guerrero and 14th streets intersect. Because of its all-day hours, neighbors pop in for a morning cup of coffee, then return for lunch or dinner later in the day. The space feels welcoming at all times, and gets bonus style points for the oversize floral arrangements and classic Heath tableware.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>At breakfast, pick up a moist, not-too-sweet ginger blueberry muffin and perfect cannelés, a French pastry that has a cult following here. Lunch is a primarily salad-and-sandwich affair, but dinner showcases innovative takes on classics: A Caesar salad is lightened with a garlicky blood-orange dressing, the pot pie is rabbit, not chicken, and a burger is presented in miniature—three ounces of perfectly cooked beef on a soft bun with a side of spiced fries.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=600+Guerrero+St.,+San+Francisco&sll=37.763157,-122.408343&sspn=0.01184,0.019312&g=2501+Mariposa+St.,+San+Francisco&ie=UTF8&ll=37.763048,-122.415912&spn=0.01184,0.019312&z=16&iwloc=addr

The line for fresh-baked bread and pastries wraps around the block on weekends. It’s not unusual to see locals holding court at the communal table over steaming lattes in bowls. Morning flows easily into evening, thanks to a small list of wines by the glass.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Flaky croissants and orange-scented morning buns draw a devoted crowd. The bread pudding, made with house-made brioche and seasonal fruit, is a true breakfast indulgence, and for lunch, a classic croque-monsieur with dressed greens is popular. It takes willpower to leave without goodies from the pastry case, such as a picture-perfect lemon-meringue tart or almond rocher cookie.</p> <p>MUST ORDER: A Morning Bun</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.quincerestaurant.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=470+Pacific+Ave.,+San+Francisco&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.86519,74.355469&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=470+Pacific+Ave,+San+Francisco,+California+94133&z=16

Anyone that equated Quince with its original spot in a quaint Pacific Heights Victorian will be surprised to see that the new Quince is all grown up. Located in Myth's former Jackson Square space, it's much changed. A sophisticated wine room sits amid the space's exposed brick walls, a sparkling chandelier is the centerpiece of the hushed formal dining room, and the kitchen—which you can view like a voyeur from the street outside—boasts a massive Bonnet stove.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Chef-owner Michael Tusk is known for his time at Chez Panisse and Oliveto, and his commitment to the best ingredients shows. Although he's known for his exquisite ways with pasta, the menu is hardly rustic Italian. Instead it's aimed at patrons concerned with Michelin stars: It's rich and sumptuous, peppered with luxury ingredients such as spiny lobster and truffles. Ask for the tasting menu with wines paired by sommelier David Lynch, and lean back to enjoy a French Laundry-style show.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=545+Post+St.,+San+Francisco&sll=37.799036,-122.440138&sspn=0.011835,0.019312&g=2353+Lombard+St.,+San+Francisco&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr

Although it’s already had its heyday, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, located in the Prescott Hotel, still remains popular, due in large part to the superb service, excellent location and well-executed menu. The large dining room, with its sweeping staircase and grand flower arrangements, speaks of a time when dining out was a serious event.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The contemporary American fare served here—from a tempura-battered quail with capers, lemon butter and pea tendrils to a duck breast served with Thai eggplant and red curry sauce—is laced with Asian influences. Classics, like a red wine-marinated steak with Stilton and a beet-and-goat-cheese salad, satisfy diners with conservative tastes. Those in search of a casual bite can choose to eat at the bar, where pizzas, sandwiches and the like are served.</p>