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Singapore Restaurant Recommendations

Posted on March 24, 2020

Where does a San Francisco Foodie eat in the Singapore? Follow our journey and learn from our experiences.

Here is a compilation of more casual restaurants, snack places we visited during our 2019 Asia trip. Our goal was to find good eats at reasonable prices, primarily restaurants where locals go. We have no interest sampling cuisine that is done better at home in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is challenging on an expensive ‘island’, full of pricey tourist traps.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Hong Kong

Posted on January 12, 2020

Better soup dumplings than Din Tai Fung?

Otium, Los Angeles

Posted on October 8, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Otium is a modern American restaurant in downtown LA, right next to The Broad museum (Free admission! reserve online) We finish up at the museum and came to Otium for weekend brunch.

Charter Oak, St Helena

Posted on August 28, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Charter Oak was on our list of places to hit in the Napa Valley. We had a good experience at Meadowood, so why not try this spot. It made it onto the SF Chronicles Top 100 list in 2019, so we made sure we ate here soon.

La Bodeguita Del Medio Restaurant Review, Palo Alto

Posted on July 10, 2019

Why did we dine here? – La Bodeguita Del Medio is a popular Cuban restaurant in Palo Alto. We have been meaning to dine here for dinner for quite a while. One of us recently visited Cuba, so we had a valid excuse to kindle some memories. The place is pretty busy, so you need to reserve in advance.

Balthazar, New York City

Posted on July 3, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Balthazar is a classic French bistro in New York’s SOHO district. It has been packing them in for over 20 years. We have eaten here for breakfast in the past and decided to try their weekend brunch on our latest trip to the big Apple.

Neptune Oyster, Boston

Posted on June 20, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Neptune Oyster is a popular seafood restaurant in Boston’s North End. There is a wait there everyday, and a super long one during holidays and weekends. We finally got up the courage to give it a try. We had a 2 hour wait on the weekend.

SPQR Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Posted on June 19, 2019

SPQR is an Italian osteria, located in Pacific Heights, that serves wine and more casual food than their popular sister restaurant A16 in the Marina district. According to Wikipedia, “SPQR is an initialism from a Latin phrase, Senatus Populusque Romanus (“The Senate and the People of Rome” or “The Senate and Roman People”), referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic”. Executive Chef, Matthew Accarrino, prepares “sophisticated, yet soulful, Italian cuisine using the best local ingredients, traditional and modern cooking techniques delivered in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.” Our last visit for take-out

Gooyi Gooyi Restaurant, Santa Clara

Posted on June 13, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Gooyi Gooyi is an authentic Korean restaurant in Santa Clara’s Koreatown. We’ve found some of the best Korean joints down here plus our neighbor recommends this restaurant, so we had to give it a try. We got take out from them in 2020 during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Bellota, San Francisco

Posted on June 4, 2019

Great Spanish Seafood. Why did we dine here? – Bellota (Acorn in Spanish), a new Spanish restaurant, is part of The Absinthe Group. This is a beautiful restaurant in the building that houses Air BnB. Be sure to visit the bathroom, you will see the impressive atrium. We have eaten both lunch and dinner here.

B. Patisserie Review, San Francisco

Posted on June 1, 2019

Why did we dine here? – B. Patisserie is a new bakery from Belinda Leong. She is a veteran of Gary Danko and Manresa. We couldn’t wait to give her place a try.

Iyasare, Berkeley Review

Posted on April 9, 2019

Iyasare is a Japanese Restaurant in the posh Berkeley 4th Street corridor. We were passing by and decided to finally give it a try. Without reservations, we dined at the bar. Pacing was way off, but the food was fabulous. Definitely want to try more next time! We came back for lunch in Spring 2019 and found the food just as good.

Napoletana Pizzeria, Mountain View

Posted on February 9, 2019

Napoletana Pizzeria is a new Naples style pizzeria in Mountain View. This unlikely strip mall location (Next to Cost Plus World Market), houses a low key, authentic thin crust Neapolitan pizza place. We first learned about this place from a thread on Chowhound. As the waitress put it, these authentic pizzas cook for about 90 seconds in their 900° wood burning oven. Our last visit was Summer 2019.

République, Los Angeles

Posted on February 6, 2019

Why did we dine here? – République is similar to Tartine in San Francisco, but they kick it up a notch. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We went for breakfast. There was a short line on a Saturday at 9am, but by 10am, the line was way out the door. Beautiful restaurant full of beautiful people.

Pho Filet, Rosemead

Posted on January 30, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Far better Pho than San Francisco! The SGV (San Gabriel Valley) is home to some fine Asian cuisine. We passed by Pho Filet on our last trip and ate there in 2018. Only 3.5 stars on Yelp, but way up there in our books.

Pine and Crane, Los Angeles

Posted on January 22, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Pine & Crane is a fast casual Taiwanese Chinese restaurant in the hip Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. It has 4.5 stars on Yelp with almost 2000 reviews. We had to see what all the hype was all about.

Redbird, Los Angeles

Posted on January 15, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Redbird is a trendy restaurant in downtown Los Angeles that was on our short list to try. This is Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser’s flagship restaurant is a follow up to popular Grace and BLD. Historic
former rectory building of Vibiana – the cathedral-turned-event-venue.

Ahgassi Gopchang, Los Angeles

Posted on January 9, 2019

Why did we dine here? – Ahgassi Gopchang is a sister restaurant to Korean BBQ favorite: Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong. (Which we also love) The restaurant’s name means Young Lady Small Intestines, hence the additions of several ‘parts’ on the menu. We stuck to the regular stuff.

Begoni Bistro, San Francisco

Posted on November 13, 2018

Why did we dine here? – Begoni Bistro is a modern, good looking Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown. It is not old and dingy like some of its neighbors. We were tipped off about this spot a while ago and finally got a chance in 2018.

Honu Seafood & Pizza, Lahaina

Posted on November 6, 2018

Why did we dine here? – Honu Seafood & Pizza one of those waterfront restaurants that has a killer view of the sunset. Prices are no doubt inflated, but it was our last day in paradise, so we decided to splurge. Be sure to ask what is local.

Smoque BBQ, Chicago

Posted on September 19, 2018

Why did we dine here? – Smoque BBQ is a highly rated BBQ restaurant in the Northern part of Chicago. We heard good things about it and decided to give it a try while on our trip to the Windy City. Many in Chicago are proud of their BBQ, so we wanted to see if it is a lot better than San Francisco’s. This restaurant is about 20 minutes from the Loop. They have a location in the Revival Food Hall in the Loop that serves a subset of this spot.

Barbuzzo, Philadelphia

Posted on September 4, 2018

Barbuzzo is a listed as a Mediterranean, Pizza restaurant on Yelp but seems to have an Italian slant too. We would call it a high quality pizza and pasta place and more. We were visiting Philadelphia and stayed a block away in the City Center area. We chose this 4.5 star restaurant based on proximity, reviews, and prices. Prices would be 50% higher in San Francisco.

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

Posted on August 21, 2018

Since 1892, this has been America’s oldest and largest public market. A perfect place for breakfast, lunch or a snack. Get exposed to Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch. A must visit for anyone into food and history! Some vendors close early, so beware. A lot more history to this food market than our Ferry Building.

Our Favorites stores:

Le Diplomate, Washington DC

Posted on August 14, 2018

Le Diplomate is a popular French Brassiere in Washington DC’s posh Logan Circle neighborhood. You need to reserve well in advance, otherwise come early for a seat in the bar or patio. This restaurant has a high 4.5 stars on Yelp. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner.

The Morris, San Francisco

Posted on July 10, 2018

Why did we dine here? – The Morris it’s a restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District that occupies the former location of the slow club.

Taverna, Palo Alto

Posted on June 26, 2018

Why did we dine here? – Taverna is a recently opened Greek restaurant in Palo Alto by some alumni of nearby Evvia restaurant. They brought in a Chef from Village Pub to execute their dream. We had good experiences at Evvia so we decided to give this less formal place a try.

Yank Sing, San Francisco Rincon Center

Posted on May 29, 2018

Best place for Dim Sum newbies plus the Best xiao long bao steamed dumpings in San Francisco?!?

Red Bean Trendy Restaurant, Hanoi Vietnam

Posted on April 4, 2018

Highly Rated 5 on Trip Advisor

LV Mar, Redwood City

Posted on February 21, 2018

Photo Courtesy LV Mar

Why did we dine here? – LV Mar is a Latin focus restaurant in downtown Redwood City that serves Elevated Latin tapas, platters & cocktails in a modern, comfortably upscale dining room and sidewalk patio. They also run the nearby La Viga, which is a more casual. We had a good experience at La Viga, so it was natural for us to try this restaurant. Last visit was for dinner in 2018

Montesacro Pinseria-Enoteca, San Francisco

Posted on February 7, 2018

Why did we dine here? – Montesacro is a hidden Italian gem, located in an alley right off a hardcore scary block of 6th Street in downtown San Francisco. The name comes from a neighborhood in Roma. We were tipped off about this place from a friend. Gianluca Legrottaglie, who runs nearby 54 Mint, opened this stylish restaurant, that transports you back to Rome, in 2015.

San Sebastian, Spain Pintxos Reviews

Posted on January 31, 2018

We visited San Sebastian (Donostia), Spain in 2017 and have some reviews for more casual restaurants in this review. If you are a foodie, you definitely need to visit this beautiful area.

Also checkout our reviews of legendary gastronomy temples:

Xiringuito Escriba, Barcelona – Beachfront Paella

Posted on January 8, 2018

Xiringuito Escriba is a beachfront paella restaurant that several people recommended to us. The Yelp reviews are not good, so we were worried. To its credit, the restaurant was pretty full by 8pm, while others nearby where not. The posted hours show that it opens at 7pm, but we found people eating there before this. (No doubt foreigners like us!) Any restaurant that has such a good view is always red flagged by us.

Pizzeria Delfina, San Francisco – Burlingame

Posted on January 1, 2018

Delicious Italian around the Bay. Pizzeria Delfina is the lower cost more casual eatery next to top rated Delfina. They do not take reservations and focus on ‘Neapolitan inspired’, thin crust pizzas and Antipasti. Delfina does not serve pizza. They use local, seasonal ingredients and have a lots of wines by the glass. There are 2 location in San Francisco – Mission and Pacific Heights. In 2026 we dined at the California St SF location.

Mon Ami Gabi Review, Las Vegas

Posted on January 1, 2018

Mon Ami Gabi is a classic French bistro style restaurant located at street level in the Paris casino at Las Vegas. How quaint that there is a French restaurant in a ‘French’ Casino? They specialize in Classic French Bistro Fare including crepes and quiches. “Mon Ami” means “My Friend” in French and “Gabi” is for renown Chef and Owner Gabino Sotelino. We dined at lunch time. This restaurant is rated 4 stars on Yelp.

Legal Seafood, Chestnut Hill

Posted on January 1, 2018

Does it deserve 3 Yelp stars? We had not eaten at a Legal Seafood for over 20 years and decided to try a Legal that was conveniently located at the mall we were at. This Chestnut Hill, Boston location has been in existence since 1975, and is now part of the posh ‘The Street’ mall. Be sure to check out the cool SuperLux movie theater here, it has great amenities.

Din Tai Fung, Arcadia, CA

Posted on January 1, 2018

Why did we dine here? – Din Tai Fung is a popular Xiao Long Bao (small bamboo steamer bun in Chinese) – Shanghai Steamed dumpling restaurant with locations in Bellevue, Los Angeles, Taipei, Japan, China, Singapore, and several other countries. We have dined at the location in Shanghai’s touristy Xintiandi, Bellevue, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The Los Angeles location is in Arcadia with Yelp reviews unfortunately indicating it is a step down from the ones abroad, although some say it is better than the original in Taiwan.

China Village Restaurant, Albany

Posted on January 1, 2018

China Village is a Chinese restaurant featured on the KQED public television program Check Please back in 2008. They specialize in Szechuan (Sichuan) Chinese food but serve other styles of Chinese Food. China Village is in the 2010 Michelin Guide as a listed restaurant. We were nearby and finally had an excuse to visit. Our last visit was in the summer of 2018, after they re-opened in July 2013 and remodeled the restaurant after a fire.

Una Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco

Posted on December 21, 2017

They moved back to NYC and closed 12/30/2017! They will be missed. Long lines before they even opened.

J. Zhou Oriental Cuisine

Posted on November 27, 2017

J. Zhou in Tustin, Orange County, California is an upscale Chinese Cantonese restaurant in The District Mall. After a meal you can hit Whole Foods or the mall next door! The restaurant has been here since 2014.

Sichuan Impression, Tustin

Posted on November 20, 2017

Great Sichuan Spicy food in the OC.

Sichuan Impression in Tustin, Orange County is the second outpost of the spicy restaurant, the others are in Alhambra and Los Angeles. We at in the LA one near UCLA in 2019. This location is located in a plain jane strip mall near Highway 5. It was recommended to us as probably the top Sichuan restaurant in the OC. Also checkout our review of nearby J Zhou, Tustin for dim sum.

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, Oakland – Berkeley

Posted on November 15, 2017

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza is a popular pizza restaurant in the San Francisco East Bay that serves Chicago style pizza. They have been packing them in for over thirty years. They serve select individual slices (Sausage, Pepperoni, Vegetarian) and whole pizzas, both thin and stuffed (thick) crust. The thick crust has filling between the layers. They also have half-baked pies and gluten free pies for sale. Our last visit was in Fall 2018.

Tim Ho Wan, New York City

Posted on November 13, 2017

Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant arrives in NYC.

Mercado de Santa Caterina, Barcelona

Posted on October 23, 2017

Where the locals go in Barcelona!

Mercado de Santa Caterina is a food market in Central Barcelona where mostly locals go to do their everyday shopping.

The market is not very large and focuses on locals. There is not a lot of ready to eat food or Restaurants, unlike the other main market. After walking around, we found it very different than La Boqueria of Barcelona. Not very crowded which allowed for more interaction especially with Jamon sellers.

La Boqueria, Barcelona

Posted on October 9, 2017

The must go to food market in Barcelona!

La Boqueria is the food market in Central Barcelona, right off the touristy Las Ramblas boulevard. This is a must visit spot for all folks vacationing here. Prices of course are not cheap.

The locals have slowly been pushed away. Santa Caterina’s Market in Barcelona is much more focused on the locals.

La Viga, Redwood City

Posted on September 29, 2017

Why did we dine here? – Wonderful food at great prices. La Viga derives from the massive central seafood market in Mexico City where our chef Manuel Martinez (Left Bank, Reposado) comes from. They focus food with local sustainable ingredients and draw a huge crowd. This restaurant has a high 4.5 rating on Yelp from almost 1000 reviewers. A friend tipped us off.

Mercado laBretxa, San Sebastian

Posted on August 27, 2017

Where the locals go in San Sebastian!

Mercado laBretxa, San Sebastian is a food market in the old town of San Sebastian where mostly locals go to do their everyday shopping.

The market is not very large and focuses on locals. There is not a lot of ready to eat food or Restaurants, unlike the other main market.

Sushi Maruyama, San Mateo

Posted on August 14, 2017

Why did we dine here? – Sushi Maruyama is the latest Japanese spot to give this corner a go. They are not related to the last place. The last 2 came and went over the years. This Japanese restaurant joins a ton of others on virtually every block of downtown San Mateo. The town is now home to some top spots including Wakuriya, Sushi Sam, and Sushi Yoshizumi.

Mission Chinese, San Francisco

Posted on June 5, 2017

Mission Hipster heaven. Modern Fusion Chinese.

Mission Chinese Food is a restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District that used to be a popup in the Lung Shan restaurant. Mission Chinese Food has basically taken over the place with its success!

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