Wildly popular among San Francisco's style-setters, this small, 55-seat Cow Hollow restaurant, with a hint of whimsical Shakespearean decor, is one of the neighborhood's most "in" places to dine -- partly because the place was founded and is frequented by Mayor Gavin Newsom. A typical dinner may start with Sonoma foie gras sweetened with Khalas dates and sweet vermouth, local Delta asparagus with smoked ham hock rillette, poached and roasted guinea fowl with a side of caramelized endive and parsnips, and for dessert a bananas Foster with vanilla bean ice cream. The extraordinarily extensive California wine list -- gleaned from the PlumpJack wine shop down the street -- is sold at next to retail prices, with many wines available by the glass.

Reservations: Reservations recommended

Parking: Valet parking $14 for 3 hr. after 6pm

Transportation: Bus: 22, 41, or 45