Elephant Sushi in Russian Hill usually has a bit of a wait, so try to head there on the early side (they open at 6).

Trattoria Contadina in North Beach serves fantastic pasta in a warm and welcoming setting.

Cocotte is a small French place in Russian Hill where you should go for a midweek date.

If you’re looking to be healthy - or at least feel like you’re being healthy - hit up Blue Barn.

Amarena is a small Italian spot in Russian Hill that’s great for dropping into on a weeknight for some solid pasta.

A low key Russian Hill wine bar with excellent meat and cheese. The ladies love Union Larder.

Abrazo is a Spanish place in Russian Hill that’s great when you need a last-second table.

Head to Loving Cup in Russian Hill for rice pudding and frozen yogurt when ice cream just isn’t what you want.

The secret to doing Mezcalito in Russian Hill right is to know that it’s a mezcal bar first, a restaurant second.

Nook is a solidly on-price, reliable neighborhood hang in Russian Hill. Even if they do weird things with granola.

Leopold’s is San Francisco’s German-Austrian party cabin in Russian Hill. Most importantly: you can drink beer out of a giant glass boot.

The Market Restaurant at China Live in Russian Hill serves an extensive menu of Chinese food in a large, loud dining room.

Do you ever get the urge to eat tacos in a gentlemen’s club? If so, get yourself to Nick’s Crispy Tacos in Russian Hill as quickly as possible.

Bacchus Wine Bar is a tiny wine bar in Russian Hill that's perfect to sit at while you wait for a table to open up at Elephant Sushi.

You can get great pizzas in Russian Hill from Fiorella on Polk Street.

Head to Sam’s in North Beach for a late night burger when you’re done bar hopping.