Mission District 6
5 Foreign Cinema California $$$
(%415-648-7600; http://www.foreigncinema.com;
2524 Mission St; mains from $25) Reliably
tasty dishes like truffled swordfish are the
main attraction, but Luis Buñuel and François
Truffaut provide an entertaining backdrop, with
movies screened in the courtyard.
5 Quince Italian $$$
(%415-278-3700; http://www.quincerestaurant.com;
470 Pacific Ave; 4-course/chef’s tasting menu
$95/140; h5:30-10pm Mon-Fri) The tasting
menu is an event for deep-pocketed foodies, but
those who can’t swallow the price can still enjoy
an exceptional à la carte menu in the lounge.
The four-course stunner might include Liberty
Duck with radish and local honey.
5 Zuni Café American $$$
(%415-552-2522; http://www.zunicafe.com; 1658
Market St; mains $15-30; h11:30am-midnight
Tue-Sat, 11am-11pm Sun) A lively vibe is
accompanied by excellent comfort-food
wonders. Their brunch is also among San
Francisco’s best.
4 Hotel Vitale Luxury Hotel $$$
(%415-278-3700; http://www.hotelvitale.com; 8
Mission St; r from $319; W) The ugly exterior
disguises a fashion-forward hotel with echoes of
Mid-Century Modern design, up-to-the-minute
luxuries and a soothing spa.
Berkeley 7
5 Bakesale Betty Bakery $
(www.bakesalebetty.com; 2228 Broadway;pastries from $2, sandwiches $6.50-9; (^) h11am-
2pm Tue-Fri; (^) v) An Aussie expat and Chez
Panisse alum, Betty Barakat (in signature blue
wig) has patrons lining up out the door for
heavenly scones, strawberry shortcake and
fried-chicken sandwiches.
5 Boot & Shoe Service Pizzeria $$
(%510-763-2668; http://www.bootandshoeservice.
com; 3308 Grand Ave; pizza from $10; (^) h5:30-
10pm Tue-Thu, 5-10:30pm Fri & Sat, to 10pm Sun)
Patrons pack this place for wood-fired pizzas,
original cocktails and creative antipasti made
from sustainably sourced, fresh ingredients.
5 Camino American $$$
(%510-547-5035; http://www.caminorestaurant.
com; 3917 Grand Ave, Oakland; mains $13-26;
h10am-2pm Sat & Sun, 5:30-10pm Mon &
Wed-Sat, 5-10pm Sun) Gather around the roaring
fire at reclaimed-wood communal tables for
sophisticated rustic fare and seasonal cocktails.
4 Hotel
Shattuck Plaza Boutique Hotel $$$
(%510-845-7300; http://www.hotelshattuckplaza.com;
2086 Allston Way; r $219-259; aiW) Newly
remodeled, this 100-year-old downtown jewel
has a foyer of red Italian glass lighting, flocked
Victorian-style wallpaper – and yes, a peace
sign tiled into the floor.
NORTHERN.CALIFORNIA.
4
.ALICE WATERS’ CULINARY TOUR