3 stars
Why did we eat here? – Quipas is a restaurante de cocina peruana contemporánea ubicado in Lima, Peru. Not a big spot, about 12 tables and a bar counter. They serve lunch and dinner. This was our first dinner in Peru and a highly anticipated one that is rated at 4.9 on Google. (They do ask you to leave a review after you pay) A fellow foodie suggested we try this spot. We were trying to get the best of Peru, but without tasting menus.
We have been coming here for years to Boulevard San Francisco Restaurant near the Ferry Building in the Embarcadero waterfront area. It is one of our favorite places as it is pretty consistent.. Always a candidate for the short list of best restaurants. It earned One Michelin Stars last in 2015 and lost it after.
Why did we eat here? – We were staying at the Ritz Carlton Bangkok and had Free breakfast thanks to Chase Sapphire Reserved The Edit or Amex Platinum! It normally costs 1118 THB = USD$34, which is Very reasonable. This is not just a beautiful and great hotel, it is centrally located next to the One shopping mall. This mall has some great food options on floor B1 and 3rd floor.
Buffet Walk Through
Why did we dine here? – The Market is renoun to be one of the best Hotel Buffets in Hong Kong. Being big fans of luxury buffets and having ate at several over the years, it was next on our list.
Walk Thru Video:
Why did we dine here? – Maria Isabel is the latest restaurant from the Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz of Dalida Fame. Chef Laura’s family roots in Guerrero and Sinaloa allow her to purse this cuisine. We loved their other spot, so we had to give this new place a try. We gave the place about 2 months to dial in. This restaurant lives up to all the hype.
Acquerello Restaurant (which means “watercolor” in Italian) is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Polk Gulch Area of San Francisco, just off Van Ness. For over 20 years, they have been serving traditional dishes from all regions of Italy in a lighter, more contemporary style. Frankly, a lot of the dishes are more American or New American.
Did you know the California state bird is a quail?
Why did we dine here? – State Bird Provisions has generated lots of positive buzz from reviewers to fellow food bloggers, with its excellent food and unique dim sum cart like serving system. 4.5 stars on Yelp, One Michelin star starting in 2014, James Beard award winning, you get it. Their sister restaurant next door is also fabulous, The Progress, which is more cutting edge and vegetable forward.
Best Vegan Bakery Ratings for Top Rated Cakes, Cupcakes, Pastries Etc in San Francisco Area
Why did we dine here? – Four Kings is a Cantonese Chinese restaurant in San Francisco Chinatown. It is started by alumni Franky and Mike from nearby Michelin starred Mister Jius. Considering that this is one of our native cuisines, we just had to give it a try. The spot has also garnered extremely high reviews on Yelp. Last visit was in Early 2026.
Bourbon Steak has recently reappeared in the Westin Saint Francis. Deja Vu. We were last here about 15 years ago. Since then, prices have risen significantly. Steaks start at $70. it is Expensive, so let’s get that out of the way. The space is dark, clubby and loud with modern music.
First time in Texas and we had to get BBQ. Pinkerton’s BBQ has locations in Houston and San Antonio. It is one of the top spots on Yelp when we searched, plus it was not far from IAH airport.
Why did we dine here? – Arquet is a new restaurant from the team at one Michelin Star Sorrel. We were fans of Sorrel and chef Alex Hong, and had to give this newspot a try. It is located in the former Slanted Door location at the Ferry Building, right next to their bakery – Parachute. Arquet opened only 3 weeks before our first visit, so there were kinks definitely being worked out.
Must goto for SF vegans/vegetarians! Plant based cuisine satisfying even Carnivores.
Why did we dine here? – Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya has remarkable 4.5 stars on Yelp. With the plant based revolution booming, we just had to try this spot. We’ve returned a couple times.. Must go for vegans and vegetarians. They started offering takeout during the pandemic.
Why did we dine here? – Din Tai Fung is a popular Xiao Long Bao (It means small bamboo steamer bun in Chinese) – Shanghai Steamed Soup dumpling restaurant with locations in Bellevue, Seattle, Southern California, Taiwan, Japan, China, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore, and several other countries. Few Chinese dishes generate so much obsession. Think of it like a quest to find the best burger or pizza. We have been to this location several times. Din Tai Fung grosses more per location than any other restaurant, even Nobu.
Why did we dine here? – Happy Crane is a brand new modern Chinese restaurant in San Francisco that has been eagerly awaited after a successful popup. In Chinese culture, the crane symbolizes longevity, wisdom, and nobility, while the name itself also pays subtle homage to the charming, storybook-style names found in traditional English pubs. Chef James used to work at Benu among other prestigious kitchens. We’ve eaten at Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, where he had worked. Definitely see the influence. This restaurant continues the movement toward modern Cantonese food in San Francisco. It builds upon the momentum of Four Kings and Mister. Jiu. We have eaten here twice.
Why did we dine here? – The Progress is the long awaited follow on to immensely popular State Bird Provisions. Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski have a hard act to expand on, but all foodies are salivating at the thought of this new restaurant. First visit was way back in 2014, latest visit was summer 2025. They have one Michelin Star.
We are lovers of high end lavish buffets and nowhere are they more present than in Hong Kong. Not trying to get our money’s worth, we like trying all sorts of different food, items we would never order!
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Zhangjiajie is an amazing place in the Hunan Province of China. The scenic beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is unmatched with its sandstone pillars. The movie Avatar was inspired there. Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains are located in Yuanjiajie, Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Hunan Province, China. The area is accessible via Zhangjiajie City. Be sure to pay extra for VIP tickets to cut in line!
Why did we dine here? – Eylan is the latest restaurant from Chef Srijith Gopinathan and restaurateur Ayesha Thapar, the creators of Ettan, Copra. We liked those two spots, so we had to give this a try. Judging from the reservation site, we knew this place is already a hot ticket. Loud and crowded, they already are busy.
Foodnut returns to Gary Danko!
Restaurant Gary Danko is one of the top restaurants in San Francisco, they serve contemporary American cuisine. Open in 1999 and located near Ghiradelli Square, it has been at the top of the Yelp for years.
Since 1998, Delfina, a bustling neighborhood Italian trattoria has been packing them in. The menu changes daily and they use organic produce and sustain-ably raised meats and fish whenever possible. It is a popular place that requires advanced booking for a reservation or showing up at 530pm for a table at the counter or bar.
Why did we dine here? – Sorrel occupies the space that once housed Nico. Alexader Hong (Quince, Jean Georges) started doing popups in 2015 and moved to this spot in 2018. James Beard Rising Star Finalist. They received One Michelin Star in 2019. Our last visit was in the middle of 2025 for a meal at the bar.
We return to the first 3 Michelin star Chinese Restaurant in the world.
Upscale IFC Shopping Center – Glitzier than any USA Mall
Bouchon is a French bistro that is part of the Thomas Keller French Laundry empire. A more affordable way to taste his high quality food. This location is in Las Vegas Strip’s Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, Venezia Tower 10th floor, so it is far from the casino, and a pain to find!
Why did we dine here? – Lotus of Siam is a legendary Thai restaurant that most foodies in the US know of. James Beard Award winning restaurant. We have been putting off visiting this famous spot for many years. Having dined at most of the famous Las Vegas restaurants, we felt it was high time to finally visit Lotus of Siam. Anthony Bourdain recently featured this restaurant on his television show.
We have a soft spot for buffets. Large assortments of food from around the world lets us try items that we would never order. High end buffets with everything from Prime Rib to Lobster to Foie Gras to Souffles are always on our hit list. Foodnut values quality in addition to quantity, so forget about Golden Corral.
Buffets originated in France, where French hosts would set up tables full of food so diners could help themselves during parties. This concept grew and was super sized in Las Vegas.
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Reviews from our Summer 2024 trip to Paris. It has been about 15 years, so it was time to see Olympic ready Paris.
One of San Francisco’s charming restaurants.. Chapeau! is a French Bistro located in the San Francisco Richmond district in the middle of the Clement Street shopping district. Chapeau! SF opened in 1996 and it means hat or wow in French.
Why did we dine here? – Routier is a Hot Frenchish restaurant from the folks at nearby B patisserie. A friend recommended this restaurant, and we’ve been back twice. Highly rated at 4.5 stars on yelp. Belinda Leong and Michel Suas joined forces with JP Carmona, formerly chef de cuisine at Manresa, to lead the kitchen of this elevated neighborhood joint in the former jazz club location. Last visit was in Fall 2024.
SAINT-JEAN is a plant based bakery and deli in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam. They have a deli across the street. The baked items are stellar, unlike any we’ve had before. Their deli is across the street. Another nearby vegan baker spot that is closeby is Margo’s – Not as exceptional, but they serve nicer sandwiches. No gluten free options here. Prices are great, items would be at least 2-3x in San Francisco.
Party fun!
Why here? – Good Good Culture Club is a hot restaurant from the folks behind Liholiho Yacht Club. They serve Lao, Filipino fusion cuisine and has a party atmosphere. This restaurant is located in the heart of the Mission District, where Farina once stood.
Josephine Chez Dumonet is a popular old school Bistro in the 6th Arrondissement, St. Germain, not far from the Jardin du Luxembourg. It was open in 1898 and is run by 3rd generation Jean-Christian Dumonet. We came to this restaurant to feel what Paris felt like in the old days. They serve half portions so you can sample lots of cuisine. They are known for excellent boeuf bourguignon, steak tartare, and roasted saddle of lamb. Our first visit was in 2009 and we returned in 2024.
Spoon is one of those rare finds in the Lake Tahoe region. The food is simply really good. Its easy to pay a lot up here, but not easy to find a spot like this. We’ve dined at all the stalwarts that have existed for decades and none match up. “Spoon is a funky, off-beat and cozy restaurant with an eclectic american dinner menu.” Closed Tu/Wed
Gluten free and vegetarian options. Specials change daily. Last visit end of 2024.
Elegant Vietnamese in Palo Alto.
Tamarine is a popular Vietnamese contemporary restaurant in downtown Palo Alto on busy University Avenue. They focus on small plates and serve food family style. Tamarine features light, but flavor-intensive culinary delicacies of Vietnam.
Added review of Che Fico Parco Menlo, Menlo Park
Hot Spot in the City. Why did we dine here? – Che Fico (Kay-Feeco) means what a fig – is a new Jewish Italian restaurant in San Francisco that has garnered a lot of hype. There is a long line queuing up for unreserved tables everyday. It has fallen to 3.5 Yelp stars, but we still wanted to try it out. Prices have appreciated significantly during the pandemic.
Cutting Edge Cal-Indian in Palo Alto.
Why did we dine here? – Ettan, Palo Alto open one month before the Pandemic. Talk about bad timing. Open/close – Open close syndrome. Things were opening up again, so we decided to give them a try. This was one of our first high end sit down meals in quite a while. They are tucked away in a small alley in Downtown Palo Alto. Beautiful restaurant, inside and out. Great spot to eat outside in their large patio. East Asians have discovered the spot, helping to validate the cuisine in our book.
Harris’, The San Francisco Steakhouse has been located since 1984. The restaurant has Old school steakhouse traditional decor with tall banquettes, and high quality 21 day dry aged, Mid-western, corn-fed meats. This is one place I think about when folks ask for a Steakhouse in San Francisco.
Best cornbread in town! House of Prime Rib opened in 1949 and concentrates on one dish, Prime rib. We have been coming here for many decades, whenever we have a desire for beef. They use corn-fed Prime beef Midwestern beef that is aged for 21 days and cooked in coarse rock salt.
Why did we dine here? – Best Restaurant in the USA? Tips to Dine here on the cheap! Eleven Madison Park is a well respected American restaurant situated at 11 Madison Avenue in the Flatiron District of New York City. Three Michelin stars were awarded in 2023. The restaurant was ranked #3 in the World by The World’s 50 Best Restaurant list.
Coque (coal in Spanish) is a very expensive (340€) 2 Michelin star restaurant in Madrid Spain. There are five total Two star spots in this great city. (Available 160€ optional wine pairing)
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Reviews from our 2023 trip to Spain and Portugal. Our goals were to eat at authentic non-touristy places while fulfilling our wishes to try certain items. One of us is Vegan, so will see many options for vegans and vegetarians.
Best Vegetarian heaven! Encanto is a vegetarian restaurant in Lisbon with one Michelin star from star chef José Avillez. We have no vegetarian restaurant with this rank back in San Francisco, so we had to give it a try. You can book online, they have a single 12 course tasting menu that is also available in English. Our server spoke English too.
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Restaurant reviews and guide from our recent trip to Portugal in 2023. We visited Lisbon and Porto and loved it.
Why did we dine here? – Octavia is the latest restaurant from Melissa Perello, chef-owner of 1 Michelin Starred and well loved Frances. A small 54 seat neighborhood restaurant that is already drawing crowds from throughout the City. We are in this area a lot, so we were waiting for it to finally open.
Koi Palace has been on the best Chinese Dim Sum restaurant lists in the San Francisco Bay Area for years. The Peninsula is ground zero for some of the best Chinese food in the San Francisco Bay Area. Around 2018, new upcomers with opulent interiors and modern menu have challenged them.
Why did we dine here? – Baekjeong (butcher in Korean) is a extremely popular Korean restaurant run a flamboyant former wrestler, Kang Ho Dong. (There is a huge cardboard cutout picture of him by the front door) They specialize in Korean BBQ using USDA Prime Meats.
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