Clove and Hoof is a butcher shop and restaurant that does big burgers, big fried chicken sandwiches, and big Philly cheesesteaks.

TrueBurger, a fast-food style spot in Oakland, has mastered the art of three simple things: burgers, fries, shakes.

Cosecha in Old Oakland’s Swan Market makes excellent tacos on handmade tortillas.

The original Champa Garden in Oakland’s Ivy Hill serves exceptional Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese specialties.

Souvlas outnumber Lord Of The Rings movies at this point, and we’ll stop by the newest one in the Marina for Greek food and frozen yogurt anytime.

Tigerlily is an Indian restaurant and bar in North Berkeley with a small patio and interesting cocktails.

The great dim sum at Palette Tea House gives us a good reason to go to Ghirardelli Square.

House of Pancakes makes some of the best Chinese food in the whole Sunset. Order as many of the beef and lamb pancakes as you can.

Beit Rima in the Mission makes Middle Eastern food that’s as delicious as it is affordable.

Tony’s Coal-Fired Pizza And Slice House is a quick counter-service version of Tony’s Pizza in North Beach.

Kevin & Chris’s Noodle House is a good, cheap spot for Vietnamese food in the Inner Sunset.

Buddha Lounge is a dive in Chinatown that you should stop at for pre-dinner drinks or a final nightcap.

The Showdown is a bar in North Beach with good food, a pool table, and an indoor stoop for hanging out on.

Homage Ltd. is a small fast-casual spot in the Financial District with great salads and tartines for a workday lunch.

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

Izakaya Sozai in the Sunset makes some of the best ramen in the city, in addition to their small menu of skewers and vegetable dishes.