From The Fairmont San Francisco Best Nearby Best Value (Restaurants) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: San Francisco, CA Dottie's True Blue Café (Restaurants - Best Value) 522 Jones St, San Francisco  CA  94102-2008 • 415-885-2767 Distance: ~0.44 mi User Rating: 9 / 10         Description: THE TENDERLOIN. A little homey, a little kitschy and a lot of good. If you crave homemade breakfast foods and substantial portions, Dottie's is definitely the place to go. In the morning, wonderful pancakes, French toast, frittatas and baked goods bring satisfied grins to hungry, appreciative patrons. As noontime rolls around, sandwiches, salads and hamburgers take center stage. Although Dottie's isn't in San Francisco's best neighborhood, fans don't seem to mind. The charming diner is one you won't want to miss. L'Osteria del forno (Restaurants - Best Value) 519 Columbus Ave, San Francisco  CA  94133 • 415-982-1124 Distance: ~0.53 mi User Rating: 8.5 / 10         Description: NORTH BEACH. Given the size of the kitchen, it's hard to believe that so much tasty food springs from a lone oven. Its bounty includes thin-crust pizzas, fragrant foccacia, skewered lamb, a daily roast and baked pastas. Another favorite, milk-braised roast pork, also elicits raves from regulars. The restaurant has only a handful of tables, so waits are common, but the owners prefer the immediacy of small groups and the pleasure of genuine attention. A short wine list is available, and prices are extremely reasonable. Mama's on Washington Square (Restaurants - Best Value) 1701 Stockton St, San Francisco  CA  94133 • 415-362-6421 Distance: ~0.65 mi User Rating: 9.5 / 10         Description: NORTH BEACH. Act fast and early if you're thinking about Mama's – after lunch you're out of luck. And you certainly don't want to miss the array of perfectly prepared breakfast foods. Generous portions are standard, whether you order a fluffy omelet, a stack of hotcakes or light, fragrant French toast. If you need them, Mama's also offers healthy egg white creations. Quick service is a staple, but even so, weekend brunch has been known to generate waits thanks to the cafe's popularity. Pesce (Restaurants - Best Value) 2227 Polk St, San Francisco  CA  94109 • 415-928-8025 Distance: ~0.72 mi         Description: RUSSIAN HILL. Mahogany paneling, tiled floors, and a zinc-topped bar hint at Pesce's sophisticated bent, which is only confirmed by its terrific cuisine. Specializing in cicchetti, a Venetian take on tapas, the restaurant confidently serves seafood married with lemon, olive oil, truffles, fennel, and arugula. Small-plate portions mean that you can indulge in several taste sensations, and fortunately, full-sized entrees can also be had. They include grilled ahi tuna, beef tenderloin, and cioppino. A raw bar is also a treat, as are refreshing Italian cocktails. San Francisco Art Institute Cafe (Restaurants - Best Value) 800 Chestnut St, San Francisco  CA  94133 • 415-749-4567 • 415-771-7020 Distance: ~0.87 mi         Description: NORTH BEACH. A hidden jewel, this art-school cafe rests on the institute's roof, affording absolutely spectacular views of the Bay and the city. Inside, you'll encounter bustling ambience, an exhibition kitchen, and student artwork. The eclectic menu is terrific, always fresh and homemade, sporting fruit-studded scones and muffins, tender baked goods, and breakfast classics like bacon and eggs, home fries, and more. Lunchtime fare includes salads, sandwiches, and international dishes. Outdoor dining is available, too, as are great prices and vegetarian and vegan fare. Just make sure you call in advance; hours vary, and the cafe is only open when school's in session. Maya (Restaurants - Best Value) 303 2nd St, San Francisco  CA  94107 • 415-543-2928 Distance: ~0.89 mi         Description: SOMA. Burnished walls and chunky wood furniture hint at Maya's Mexican heritage, but the inspiration absolutely bursts forth in the Nuevo Latino cuisine. Earthy flavors and the chef's sure hand distinguish the wonderful dishes, which include lamb sirloin with adobo red wine sauce, pan-roasted red snapper, and lobster and shrimp marinated in achiote paste and served with roasted corn puree. Three-course prix fixe menus, available at lunch and dinner, make for affordable dining, and complimentary appetizers served during happy hour promise savory nibbling. Quince Restaurant (Restaurants - Best Value) 1701 Octavia St, San Francisco  CA  94109 • 415-775-8500 Distance: ~0.95 mi         Description: PACIFIC HEIGHTS. Quince's subdued, elegant interior gets grace notes of glitter from Murano glass chandeliers and lush photography. They're a nice foil to cuisine that's simultaneously accomplished and rustic. Chef Michael Tusk cut his teeth at Chez Panisse and brings a taste for high quality to his own restaurant. The ever-changing menu unites French and Italian sensibilities, as seen in Jerusalem artichoke soup with morels, mouthwatering pastas, and main courses like pork loin crusted with wild nettles and parmesan, spring lamb prepared three ways, or squid flavored with artichokes, olives, and potatoes. An exceptionally well-considered wine list offers both value and variety, and homemade desserts often include tortes, gelati, and galettes. The place is small, so book well in advance. PlumpJack Cafe (Restaurants - Best Value) 3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco  CA  94123 • 415-563-4755 • 888-415-9463 Distance: ~1.45 mi         Description: COW HOLLOW. [Closed for remodeling until late 2009.] Founded by San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, PlumpJack Cafe gets a built-in share of buzz and chatter. However, the restaurant's elegant atmosphere and creative local menu hold their own against the flash of celebrity. Seasonal menus present twice-cooked, braised veal shoulder osso bucco, pan-seared day boat scallops, and sautéed local petrale sole. They're richly highlighted by the carefully chosen yet affordably priced wine selections, which showcase California vintages and include a number of by-the-glass options. Yukol Place Thai Cuisine (Restaurants - Best Value) 2380 Lombard St, San Francisco  CA  94123 • 415-922-1599 Distance: ~1.71 mi         Description: COW HOLLOW. Yukol Place offers tasty Thai food in a simple setting with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Start with a fresh salad or a bowl of coconut soup to get the tastebuds acclimated. If you're there already, calamari salad with its zesty dressing packs a punch that's sure to please. The standard pad Thai is also a good choice, and authentic Thai desserts give your sweet tooth a subtle, delicious treat. If you're looking to impress (affordably), Yukol is a must. Rosamunde Sausage Grill (Restaurants - Best Value) 545 Haight St, San Francisco  CA  94117 • 415-437-6851 Distance: ~1.79 mi         Description: LOWER HAIGHT. Within this small, bright eatery, you'll find some of the city's best sausages. Choose from kielbasa, knockwurst, Italian, chicken or weisswurst, or live boldly by sampling wild boar with chutney or smoked duck with figs. The variety is impressive and – served on French rolls with toppings like sauerkraut, spicy peppers and grilled onions – the dogs are incredible. Sodas and chips also find a place on the menu, and since the grill is small, most people place to-go orders or even take their selections next door to the Toronado Pub, which stocks great microbrews. On Tuesday, Rosamunde makes awesome juicy cheeseburgers as well. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.