5 nights in the Bay area

[matika]

We are staying in Oakland for five nights next month and except for lunch at the French Laundrey, we have no other food plans. Since we will be a little poor after our over the op splurge, I would love to find a number of budget/reasonable eateries. Dinner can be in San Fransisco, Oakland or Berkley. We may also be able to fit in a moderate great restaurant. Also, what are the best quick bites, street food, etc. for lunch in San Fransisco. We will be spending one day in Southern Sonoma, so a reasonable suggestion for that area would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[bataille2]

1) dopo
2) tacubaya
3)cesar
4)luka's taproom
5) an economical splurge: cafe rouge
i think that covers the waterfront in terms of ethnicity(w/exception of asian). whereever you go, enjoy.

[Doodleboomer]

also, check out Pizzaiolo when you are there. It is in the Temescal district of Oakland, family fun, great seasonal Cal-Italian, and the owner is one hell of a guy. You'll love the food (pizza, pasta, salads) and walk away feeling full and that it was well worth.

DON'T FORGET DESSERT! BEST IN THE BAY AREA!!!!!!!

[nicedragonboy]

Vanessa's Bistro on Solano Ave in Berkeley, dinner only. Some might call it, viet-french fusion, I probably wouldn't go that far. Decent prices. I would call for reservation.

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Vanessa's Bistro
1715 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707

[SLRossi]

My NYC buddy complains about the lack of Mexican food there, so every time he visits he demands we go to Dona Tomas.

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Dona Tomas
5004 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609

[Robert Lauriston]

You should take him to El Huarache Azteca.

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El Huarache Azteca
3842 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601

[Maya]

Or El Delfin.

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El Delfin
3066 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[Robert Lauriston]

Cheap places:

http://www.chow.com/topics/359937

Oakland/Berkeley:

http://www.chow.com/topics/416204
http://www.chow.com/topics/395180
http://www.chow.com/topics/390039

[ccbweb]

Can you give folks some idea about what you consider reasonable? Not trying to be snarky, I'd just hate to offer up great sounding places only to have you check them out and find they're too highly priced or something. Also, if you can narrow the cuisine types at all, you'll get far more focused responses that will prove more helpful! You're coming to a great place for eating well, though, be excited!

[matika]

Thanks - since we are a New York City family reasonable are main courses $16 - $23. Of course less than that is great. We are open to all cusines but it would be fun to eat West Coast Asian, food from interesting new places, or any restaurant that focuses on local products. I have a 17yr old gourmet son who is looking forward to experiencing the other great U.S. food city.

[Robert Lauriston]

Not many SF restaurants charge more than that.

Topic on restaurants with a strong focus on the best local ingredients:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/392672