San Francisco

Incanto is one of my favorite places to eat in the country, not just in SF. Chris and Mark run a tight ship, and even if you don’t like snout to tail eating, this restaurant never fails to thrill. Pine broth with matsutake and shaved abalone are my favorites.

Awesome restaurant from chef Chris Cosentino

L'shana Tovah from To Hyang, it's korean grandmother food heaven. Yes, pork ribs are in heavy rotation.

An SF institution for almost 100 years, offering fresh local fish and oysters. It’s also a restaurant if you want to eat there.

for the oysters (of course), for the crab back fat with sourdough bread), the sea urchin. Hell--whatever they got is good! Be prepared to wait on line.

Top Recommended Slow-Carb Dishes: Northern Halibut with Meyer Lemon and Green-Olive Sauce (or whatever fish or meat is on the menu that night)

This restaurant needs to be on everyone’s go-to list. Advice for anyone headed to Benu: order the tasting menu you can avoid the decision making pressure. Oh, and make your reservation well in advance.

Top Recommended Slow-Carb Dish: Pad Kra Prow Moo Krob (Stir-Fried Pork Belly with Crispy Rind and Basil Leaves)

For how amazing this place is and for being Michelin star-endowed, $75 for a 7-8 course prix fixe meal is a steal. I wouldn't be surprised if this restaurants ended up on Restaurant Magazine's annual list of top 50 restaurants in the world. In fact, I'm surprised that they're not on there already.