It's practically a cliche that there's a lot of excellent food to be found in and around San Francisco. Chinese and Japanese cuisines flourish here, along with many other nations' native styles and American twists thereon; Californian cuisine grew up here, and so on. A number of world-class chefs work in the region, and conversely, cheap ethnic food sustains the large populations of students and starving artists.

I'll work hard to keep this node updated! Most recent update: July 18, 2001. Please add to this node. I'm trying to avoid chains unless they are unusual or regional.

SAN FRANCISCO

- Max's (SF/Oakland): Jewish/American/Bakery $$-$$$ !! :D
- Specialty's (SF): Coffeehouse/Bakery $ :)
- Napa Ranch (SF): Breakfast/Lunch/American/Mexican/Chinese/Japanese/Cafeteria $
- California Pizza Kitchen (SF/regional): American/Californian/Pizza $$
- * Yank Sing (SF, dim sum) $$$

EAST BAY

- Sakura Sushi (Alameda): Japanese $$
- Javarama (Alameda): Coffeehouse $
- Village Cafe (Alameda): Italian $$ ! :D
- Boniere Bakery (Alameda): Bakery $
- Noah's Bagels (Alameda-based, regional): Deli/Jewish $
- Ole's Waffle Shop (Alameda): American/Diner/Homestyle $-$$ ! :D
- Crepes A Go Go (Berkeley): Um...Crepes $ :)
- Au Coquelet (Berkeley): Coffeehouse/Cafe $-$$ :P
- Norikonoko (Berkeley): Japanese $$
- Little Hunan (Berkeley): Hunanese/Chinese $ :)
- Shin Shin (Berkeley/Albany): Chinese $-$$ :D
- Mel's (Berkeley, regional): American/Diner $-$$ !
- Picante Cocina Mexicana (Berkeley): Mexican $$ !! :D
- Fatapple's (Berkeley and El Cerrito): American, desserts $$ ! :)
- Everett & Jones Barbecue (Oakland, regional): Barbecue/Southern $$ ! :)
- * Kirala (Japanese, Berkeley): $$$ ! :)

SOUTH BAY

- House of Genji (San Jose): Japanese $$$ :)


* = noded on last update
Prices (without alcohol, per person):
$ = cheap (eat for $5 or less)
$$ = moderate-inexpensive ($10 or less)
$$$ = moderate-expensive($25 or less)
$$$$ = expen$ive ($26+)
! or !!= Large or huge portions
:D = a personal favorite
:) = highly recommended
:p = not recommended


N. B.: Very few of the restaurants that I node myself are likely to be the famous gourmet ones, so maybe some more well-heeled noder will take up that challenge.

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