tea time

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This cafe, the first from the beloved local microroasters of the same name, looks like a mod science lab devoted to top-shelf coffee. It anchors one corner of the Mint Plaza development and is probably best known for its $20,000 Japanese siphon coffeemaker, the first (and only) of its kind in the United States. A communal table provides not-quite-enough seating for the crowds.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>In addition to siphoned joe, you can also get drip coffee (the cornerstone of the Blue Bottle brand) and espresso drinks, but don’t come looking for any caramel Frappucinos—these people are serious about their beverages. Food offerings are dead simple: In the morning, try the poached eggs set on slices of lightly toasted Acme pullman or a bowl of stone-ground polenta topped with maple syrup or smoky ham and Gruyère. They serve sandwiches daily from 11am until 3pm, and Saturday evenings a small selection of wine and beer is on offer, along with plates of cheeses and cured meats.</p> <p>MUST ORDER: A Gibraltar</p>

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2009 READER'S CHOICE AWARD: Best Chinese

2008 EAT + DRINK AWARD: Best Dim Sum

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Some may debate the authenticity of Yank Sing, but many diners appreciate the several novice-friendly dishes and the English-speaking staff, who graciously offer descriptions of items on the dim sum cart. Shanghai dumplings filled with minced pork, scallions and ginger is a signature dish, while Peking duck, barbecued pork buns and egg custard tarts are popular choices on the 60-plus-item menu.</p> <p>MUST ORDER: Shanghai Dumplings</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>

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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>

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The Metreon food court got you down? Now that Castro's Samovar Tea Lounge has opened a second location—this one just up a flight of stairs from the Yerba Buena green—you can actually enjoy a civilized outdoor lunch at one of the black stone tables on the patio, which overlooks the serene pool of the central fountain.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Share the Russian tea platter with smoked-salmon blinis, or try a tea-seared tuna-tataki salad before you head to a matinee. There are also Japanese-style bento boxes, maki bowls and such desserts as masala-spiced rice pudding and fig-almond cake. And don’t, of course, forget the tea: Samovar offers more than 50 brews and herbal infusions for a truly relaxing pre-movie meal.</p>

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The booths are the best seats in the house at this sultry red mainstay. (The hip, always bustling Mission favorite also has an outpost in Los Angeles.)

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The cocktails here are as inspired as the updated American comfort food on the menu. An apple martini or mojito accompanied by warm goat cheese fondue with sliced apples could seduce almost anyone, but don’t miss the rigatoni with spicy sausage ragù or even just a tasty burger at the bar. Finish with bourbon-pecan chocolate cake and mint-chip ice cream.</p>