Favorite SF Restaurants for the Money

[james09]

My favorite SF restaurants for the money....

Ryoko's
Millenium Restaurant
Frascati
Burma Superstar
Lemon Grass

What are your favorites?

[ccbweb]

Chenery Park.

[james09]

Thanks!

[ccbweb]

As I've been thinking more about it, I also think I'd include Roti in West Portal and Gialina in Glen Park as good for the money options. They're both places where its possible to spend quite a lot, but theyr'e also places where if you don't drink much and split a dessert, you can get out for a farily low cost but having had exceedingly well prepared food. This is a great topic, I think...I always judge a restaurant based on the total package of food, service, price, etc...and getting what you pay for always seems to leave one feeling pretty good about it all.

[mrsricho]

For bang for buck I'd definitely say Chez Maman on Union. Always perfect. I also think although I spend an obscene amount of money there Zushi Puzzle on Lombard - he could charge more than triple for his live uni, live scallop, and fresh albacore, toro and butterfish - worth every penny! Also definitely Capannina on Union for higher end Italian and Parma on Steiner for every day Italian - both are great prices for the quality of the food.

[sgwood415]

Chez Maman on 18th is great too, if that one is easier. I actually prefer it because the place is less of a scene and the food seems more enjoyable in the more pleasant atmosphere.

[laurafrofro]

I have to disagree with you on Chez Maman. Had a very disappointing brunch there. Sat outside and gazed wistfully at Rose's across the street. Thoroughly agree with you on Capannina, though. I live nearby, and when I first moved to the neighborhood, I ate there six times in eight weeks. Love Garibaldi's on Presidio too.

[Kristine]

Lahore Karahi 612 O'Farrell. Some of the best Indian food, generous portions for very little money....and my favorite part, it's BYOB.

[Big Larry]

Agree. And if you say spicy, it comes out spicy.
The fish tandoori, when cooked well, is great 'for the money'. You get 4-5 big hunks of fish served sizzling with onions for $10.

[osho]

Lahore Karahi is definitely excellent value for money. I'd add Thai House Express (on Larkin) and Darbar (Polk Gulch) to this category as well.

[poulet_roti]

Il Pollaio on Columbus in North Beach

grilled chicken
lamb chops (shoulder chops)
pork chops
italian sausage

All grilled, excellent value

[Carrie 218]

Aziza. The most amazing food at the most affordable price ($50 for the tasting menu that includes soup, amazing starters, an entree, and dessert). Seriously can't be beat.

[Atomica]

Aziza, absolutely.

[Atomica]

I've heard Chez Spencer is great for the money too. Tasting menu $80, I think (w/o wine pairings).

[rworange]

I like Chez Spencer, however it is expensive in terms of restaurants in the same class.

[Atomica]

What are some restaurants in the same class? It looks quite upscale to me. I haven't been, but some friends thought the value was excellent.

[rworange]

I don't know .. in the Zuni/Blvd/Piperade class. It's not Gary Danko or Michael Minna. I've just never heard anyone call Chez Spencer a bargain before. $29 for seabass doesn't strike me as good for the money in its class. The tasting menu is a good price.
http://www.chezspencer.net/alacartepa...

[mizchalmers]

I'd put Chez Spencer above Fifth Floor. Ate at both in the same week. Vastly preferred Chez Spencer, for less than half the price.

[Atomica]

So, you are disagreeing with me while bringing up the exact point I brought up: $80 tasting menu. Look at the photos on the website. I actually think it is more high end than you think.

[rworange]

Not really. I ate there when it opened so I am very clear about how high end they are or are not. The prices, lousy neighborhood and the bum parking situation kept me from going there more. I can get a less expensive tasting menu at Gary Danko. It compares price-wise with Manressa. Don't get me wrong. I really like Chez Spencer. I just think they are pricy.

[Atomica]

Gary Danko's site lists their tasting menu as $94.

[Maya]

Have to agree here. I went again last weekend and that place just seems to get better and better each time I go.

[whiner]

I think Fringale is an amazing value.

Also, actually, A16 is a pretty decent value -- wine list is at 90%+ over retail and corkage is $25, so that is a little not-such-a-good-value. But the food itself is priced quite well.

[kinipela]

oh i do love fringale... their ribeye steak with red wine butter sauce is wonderful....

[zin1953]

Chapeau! on Clement and A16

[chompy]

I second Chapeau! Great food, and a complete eating experience - they never rush you, it really is like France where the whole night is about being there and eating. Some people may get impatient with that, but I love it. Unfortunately it's been a couple of years since I've been able to go there (moved to the East Bay, had a baby...) Last time I was there I think the three-course menu was about $30. Amazing.

[whiner]

I agree on Chapeau!

[jcurtis10]

Frascati - best around - totally agree
Baker St. Bistro - 3 course prix fix $15 M-TH - stellar for the price
Taqueria Cancun in the Mission - had to have a taqueria
Park Chow - 9th and Irving
Mama's on Washington Square (brunch - outstanding, worth the wait in line)

[Lori SF]

Right now I am into Maverick's just had dinner there last week, delicious fried chicken on a bed of collard braised greens and grits... I tasted my friends pulled pork also excellent.. the remaining of my dinner guest loved everything they ordered. Also, had brunch a few weeks back everything was excellent.

others would be A16, Myth and Little Star Pizza.