In SF for one night - need totally unique spot for dinner

[oceanel6]

I'm looking for a place that's totally unique AND not too expensive. I'm not looking for a Gary Danko. I need a place that has great decor, is hip, and has something about it that is all its own, without being extremely pricey (keeping it under $50/person). Any suggestions? THANKS

[wolfe]

Aziza, although I am not sure what is hip anymore. It used to be we all knew the words to Suzanne.

[steve h.]

bar crudo is pretty good.

[vulber]

To do it right, Aziza is more than $50/person. $63 (just increased from $55 - oh, the Michelin stars) tasting menu + cocktails = $90+ after tax and tip.

If you are going to be with other people, I would recommend the recently re-opened Limon and order a bunch of different stuff to share - three of us went there the other night and ordered one ceviche, one entree, one side, one appetizer, and one item from the last category that I forget, and it came out to $23/person.

While only Tower of Power truly knows what hip is, I would generally consider it to have great decor and be hip and unique; they definitely put a lot of effort into thinking out the design with all the time they had to rebuild it.

[wolfe]

That's comparing pomegranates to oranges. Try ordering the same categories at Aziza for 3 without the tasting menu.

[vulber]

Given some complaints about portion size at Aziza, especially ones that say you won't be full unless you order the tasting menu (and after I had the tasting menu, I was full, but just barely); it might be difficult.

Also, as Limon has no liquor license, their cocktails are mostly limited to sojus and mojitos, which, while good, are not particularly unique and not a critical part of the experience, IMO.

Aziza, on the other hand, has unique cocktails, but at $10 each, that can add about $13-14 on to the bill.

[wolfe]

The comparison is still unfair just because the drinks at one place aren't worth ordering.

[susancinsf]

I don't think the portions are too small at Aziza at all. Quite the contrary, the tasting food is too much food for me, and I don't consider myself a light eater. I do tend to spend over $50 a person there, but generally have wine and a cocktail (their cocktails are not to be missed).

[milklady]

Two of us went to Aziza a few months ago. We ordered two drinks, two appetizers, two entrees and one dessert. We couldn't finish everything. We definitely did not leave hungry.

[ceekskat]

Gitane. The apps are tasty & good sized helping keep costs down.

[Meredith]

Canteen? The decor isn't great but I think the renovated tiny coffee shop turned delicious restaurant gives it a hip cache (though as said earlier in the thread, I don't know what hip really means anymore) and having only 20 seats where you can watch a great chef cook all of your food himself gives it something all its own. And it is truly delicious, and I think falls into your price range.

[oceanel6]

I like the suggestions. I'll be with my boyfriend so portion size is important - the boy can eat a lot. Good cocktails or good draft beer selection are a plus too.