One of our favorite things to do in San Francisco is eat fabulously—which means we look forward to SF Restaurant Week when autumn comes and we need to store food inside our cheeks for the winter. Wait, no, we’re thinking of squirrels. At any rate, this year’s SF Restaurant Week is November 8 to 17, when restaurants throughout the city offer special prix-fixe menus. The price points are set in advance so you know what you’re expecting.
For brunch or lunch, where you’ll be served two or more items or courses, the prices are: $10, $15, $25, $35 or $45. For dinner, where you receive at least a third item or course, the prices are: $30, $45, $60, $75 or $90. The participating restaurants can be gleefully studied here, where you can see the menus and book a table. On the list, we see an array of international cuisines, from Burmese food to Caribbean and Peruvian, from Malaysian to Algerian, with American soul food and Californian cuisine and everything in between.
What makes SF Restaurant Week special?
It’s a chance to try out a restaurant without a huge expenditure. You may sample a restaurant’s signature dish and find it’s your new favorite. For restaurateurs, they can experiment with new dishes and see how they go over.
Will any Michelin starred restaurants participate?
We don’t see any Michelin starred restaurants on the list. But Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, the #2 pizzeria in the nation, will be showcasing a $75 three-course meal (antipasti, pizza and dessert) that includes a glass of Prosecco or house wine.
Who organizes Restaurant Week?
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association, founded in 1936. It’s a nonprofit group that helps shape legislation for the industry and keeps members in the know about the particular concerns of running a San Francisco restaurant by providing networking and sharing best practices.
Do you have a few suggestions for restaurants to try?
Of course! We’re looking at three you should consider, in no particular order:
Dirty Habit with a $45 four-course dinner concluding with this dessert: Dirty Habit Private Barrel Whiskey-Soaked Bread Pudding with Crème Anglaise
Bodega SF with a $25 three-course lunch starting with shrimp or mushroom banh khot (mini savory pancakes).
Pizzeria Delfina with a $35 three-course lunch beginning with an antipasti of zuppa di farro (the same menu is offered for dinner at $45).
However you spend your time, enjoy the experimental fun of Restaurant Week. You can keep up to date with SF Restaurant Week’s Instagram and find some other restaurant recommendations there.