What restaurant in SF do you recommend for someone dining alone for just one night before returning home?

Question

I don't have an expense account but could splurge a little.

Answer 1

Foreign Cinema

http://www.foreigncinema.com/home.html

Answer 2

tadich grill on california eat at the counter  great food

Answer 3

I'm with SpiritSF on this one Tadich Grill, eat at the counter.

Counters or bars are the best place to eat solo.  You have the bartender and other patrons to talk to.  Here are someplaces with single diner options that won't kill your budget.

Scala’s Bistro – In the Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Powell at Sutter – Creative upscale Italian food served in a bustling, warm environment.  

Don Ramons 11th at Harrison.  This places has been around over 35 years, a 3rd generation family restaurant.  Traditional, stick to the ribs, Mexican Food, top shelf margaritas.  

Izzys on Steiner at Lombard: - This SF institution is known for steaks, seafood and stiff drinks. Eclectic historical pics decorate this dark wood paneled favorite. Don’t miss the creamed spinach, Popeye would give up the canned stuff in a minute for theirs.

Hays Street Grill 320 Hayes at Gough. Fresh fish shines at this neighborhood favorite. They specialize in grilling fish and then serving it with your choice of sauces that only enhance the taste of the fish and shellfish.

Clement Street Bar & Grill -Clement at 8th Ave. A neighborhood favorite with something for everyone, pasta, burgers, seafood. Baseball Mary and Paula the bartender make everybody feel welcome.

And if you really want to spluge!

Farallon at 450 Post is a great seafood restaurant that is like eating in an undersea garden.

Cortez – in the Adagio hotel 550 Geary – creative California small plates