| Type | Name | Description |
| American | Polkers | Get in line with the rest of the neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday mornings for overflowing skillets and scrambles. The all-American menu switches gears to burgers and deluxe salads for lunch and dinner. 2226 Polk St., (415) 885-1000. |
| American | Swenson's | This ice cream shop has been around for generations, super-fresh cones and overpacked pints to crowds on sunny days (and even some cold, foggy ones). Corner of Union and Hyde streets, (415) 775-6818. |
| California | Andrew Rothstein Fine Foods | Stop in for salads, side dishes and main courses that will impress any gourmand. 2238 Polk St., (415) 447-4094. |
| California | Tablespoon | Closely packed tables, a row of mirrors and a partly open kitchen create a casual ambience that encourages banter among the eclectic patrons, while chandeliers, cherry wood-paneled walls and polished concrete floors lend a tailored impession that suits the neighborhood. The excellent California cuisine-style pasta, salads and main courses all seem to have some twist that raises them above the ordinary. 2209 Polk St. (between Vallejo and Green), (415) 268-0140. |
| European | Frascati | Friendly service and lots of regular customers give this rustic restaurant the welcoming atmosphere of a true neighborhood favorite. Frascati features pan-European fare in a quirky, intimate setting that includes an open kitchen, a mezzanine balcony overlooking the main dining room, and several secluded nooks that fit just a table or two. 1901 Hyde St., (415) 928-1406. |
| French | La Folie | One of the most expensive restaurants in San Francisco has a whimsical interior -- clouds on the ceiling, hand-painted signs and closely set tables. The menu is traditional French, with California touches. The wine list focuses on California and French vintages. 2316 Polk St., (415) 776-5577 |
| French | Le Petit Robert | Traditional French peasant food influences the small-plate menu at this elegantly casual bistro (run by Pascal Rigo of Chez Nous and Boulangerie Bay Bread). The restaurant's high, airy ceilings, warm-hued décor, and bustling pace are harmonious with the hearty simplicity of the food. 2300 Polk St., (415) 922-8100 |
| Italian | Pesce | Visit this fish restaurant for simple seafood dishes with an Italian accent. The dark wood décor and tile floors give the place a clean, classic ambiance. 2227 Polk St., (415) 928-8025. |
| Japanese | Sushi Groove | The best sushi choice in the neighborhood has a trendy, posh interior and devastatingly gorgeous sake cocktails. Wait for your table at Bacchus Wine and Sake Bar next door. 1916 Hyde St., (415) 440-1905. |
| Jewish Take-Out | The Bagelry | Line up with the masses for fresh-baked bagels, a variety of cream cheeses and toppings like lox and tomatoes. Mainly a takeout place, but there are a few tables outside. 2139 Polk St., (415) 441-3003. |
| Pizza | Za Pizza | Too-large-to-hold gourmet pizza slices. Eat at the large bar or at one of the few small tables, or take it home. 1919 Hyde St., (415) 771-3100. |
| Seafood | Yabbies Coastal Kitchen | Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in town. Eight kinds of fresh oysters are available by the dozen. 2237 Polk St., (415) 474-4088. |
| Spanish | Zarzuela | There's usually a line outside this Spanish restaurant, and no wonder. The casual atmosphere, pitchers of sangria and tapas menu practically ensure a festive dinner. Highlights include the paella, garlic shrimp, mushrooms and fried bananas with black bean sauce. 2000 Hyde St., (415) 346-0800. |
| Thai | Lemongrass | Good value Thai food in a cozy atmosphere. The cooks pay special attention to freshness and spice; the green curry (with seafood, vegetables or chicken) and pad thai are especially good. 2348 Polk St., (415) 929-1183. |
