Union Square: We have stayed at the Westin St. Francis www.westinstfrancis.com many times which is very comfortable, has great views, but little charm. The Hilton is the same. You can't go wrong with The Clift, the Fairmont, The Ritz-Carlton, The Huntington, Campton Place, The Mark-Hopkins. There are many boutique hotels in this area as well which can be full of charm but noisy with street sounds and voices coming from the room next door. I have yet to find a great small hotel which is quiet and reasonable priced-let me know if you have a suggestion!: cooldigs@theterens.com






North Beach my favorite place to stay in this neighborhood is the Hotel Boheme www.hotelboheme.com. Less expensive than the big hotels on Union Square and with tons of charm and location location location. I like the very dark interior rooms because they are dead quiet. The window opens into the center of the building which allows some fresh air without street noise.

Union Square: when shopping on the square try Kuleto's (on Powell): great salads, pastas, Italian fare. Super service in Pat Kuleto's flagship restaurant.

At night you might like Farallon on Post near Powell for creative seafood in creative but beautiful surroundings.

For breakfast run don't walk (it's a rough neighborhood) to Dottie's True Blue Cafe on Jones near Geary for the best breakfast I've eaten anywhere. Expect a long wait on weekend mornings or arrive at 7:30 when they open. Also good for breakfast is Max's on Sutter near Powel-excellent pancakes.


North Beach: Enjoy the best cappuccino in the city (if not the country) at the Steps of Rome on Columbus near Grant. The owners, employees, and most of the patrons are Italian. The apple cake is what dreams are made of. Don't miss this spot. Across the street is Molanari's, an Italian deli selling the best salami in the US. Many of the employees are Italian so practice your molto buono italiano on them. They also sell excellent cheese, other cured meats including my favorite, San Danielle Ham-like prosciutto but from another part of Italy. At night don't miss Jazz At Pearl's www.jazzatpearls.com on Columbus near Grant. As the name implies it is a top notch jazz club featuring the best local jazz musicians and visiting greats. Need a San Francisco souvenir? How about a leather coat or jacket? My favorite leather store is Knitz and Leather on Grant near Green. The owner/designer is usually there and although there is always plenty of stock on hand, she will make you a jacket to your specifications. And did you want to eat something in this part of town? There are too many from which to choose but I like Rose Pistola (Italian), Helmand (Afghan), Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe (Italian, ultra casual).

Other Parts of the City: remember, San Francisco is tiny. You can take a cab from one end of the city to the other in 15 minutes.
South Park Cafe: South of Market, French bistro fare, friendly, one of my favorites.
Fringale: South of Market, French Bistro fare, don't miss the frisee salad with warm bacon vinaigrette and poached egg
Bacar: South of Market, fantastic food, popular for its food and wine pairing. Several sommeliers each night are at your disposal
Slanted Door: South Beach, pan-asian, some of the best food I've eaten anywhere, a do not miss.
Aqua: Downtown, seafood, probably the best seafood in town in gorgeous surroundings, very expensive.
Swan's Oyster Bar: 1517 Polk St, sit at one large marble counter and eat very fresh oysters, crab, shrimp with a Heinekin on tap and Acme sour dough bread. There's nothing fresher.
Greens: The Marina, elegant space, excellent vegetarian with a view of the GG Bridge and the bay
Delfina: South of Market, inventive Italian, delicioso!

......there are dozens more favorites of mine
but you will find yours with the Zagat guide.