Need lunch spot for an old flame.

[scooterams]

Okay SF / Bay Area peeps, I need help with a very specific San Francisco lunch spot recommendation: A friend of mine wants to take her ex-BF out to lunch. She's considering rekindling the old flame, but doesn't want to make too big of a statement in case it doesn't pan out. She's asking for a place that is upscale, but not so obviously romantic. A place that has good energy, but not so loud (or service that is so obtrusive) that they can't flirt or have an intimate conversation. A place that is kind of special / unique, but doesn't make the lunch feel like a special occasion. All cuisines are on the table, but personally, I would stay away from strongly spiced or "stinky" foods... just in case, ya know?

Initially, I had a bunch of ideas, but then I realized that most of them were dinner-only. Any ideas??

[ttoommyy]

Just curious...does the ex bf know what he is getting into? ;)

[hychka]

Of course not. But let's not discourage this adventure....

[ttoommyy]

Poor guy.

[hychka]

Maybe not. If I had ANY idea of what love costs at day one i would have missed out on a life time of wonder!

[hychka]

Slanted Door and sit at a window.

[Robert Lauriston]

Eeew. Cold, noisy, sterile. The food is good but unless I'm in the back room I feel like I'm eating in an airport.

[hychka]

Yah, but if the OP.was thinking reunion I wouldn't be threatened and the Hyatt is across the street...

[lmnopm]

Well, the Travelodge is right near Zuni :o - seriously, Zuni would probably be my first pick. Great food, and the atmosphere is perfect for the occasion, especially mid-day.

[absc]

I;d go for Zuni as well. Great food and good people watching in case the reunion does not go well.

[hychka]

Zuni, si. Travel Lodge, no!

[Cynsa]

Lunch at OTD at 2232 Bush Street near Fillmore St.
aka Out The Door
or
Sociale at 3665 Sacramento Street
or
Seasons
http://www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancis...

[ttoommyy]

Edited to say : Seasons is closed for a "relaunch" 11/12-6/13 according to their web site.

[Cynsa]

yes, you are correct - closed as of tomorrow for renovations - perhaps for three months or more.

[Robert Lauriston]

Cotogna, Zuni, Bocadillos

[walker]

One really great thing about Zuni is that they don't close between lunch and dinner; if your friend can go for a later lunch, it's really calm and quiet there then. The caesar salad is the best I've ever had.

[ttoommyy]

I've only been to Cotogna once (and will be agin soon) but I remember i getting pretty loud. No?

[Robert Lauriston]

At peak dinner hours when a bunch of people are waiting. Doesn't seem like it would be noisy at lunch.

[ttoommyy]

Noted. Thanks.

[j mather]

Maybe Coco500: http://www.coco500.com/bar.html

Very nice cocktail menu too, if they need something to warm up with.