This legendary steakhouse is always a party with the prime rib rolling on carts, the salads spinning over ice, and the classic cocktails overflowing. Why Sarah loves it: “How can you not love House of Prime Rib? It’s the perfect experience. The only choices you have to make are what kind of steak and sides. I always get a martini and Evan often gets the Manhattan—you know with the shaker on the side.”

Brandon Rice was the chef de cuisine at Rich Table for many years, before striking out with his own spot Ernest. Californian ingredients and Japanese touches combine in an airy loft crawling with lucky Maneki-Neko cats. Why Sarah loves it: “Brandon worked for us forever, so we have that connection, but his food is so good. It’s delicious, creative, and well thought out. He has a very playful perspective.”

Octavia is another quintessential SF restaurant that opened only a few years after Rich Table and shares many of the same sensibilities—a powerhouse female chef, farm-to-table roots, and a killer dessert list. Why Sarah loves it: “Melissa Perello is one of the greatest chefs we have in San Francisco. I’ve been to her house and had a casual coq au vin, and it’s like the best meal you’ve ever had. She makes food that looks simple, but when you start eating, it’s very complex and thoughtful.”

Nisei literally means the son of Japanese immigrants, and chef David Yoshimura brought that personal perspective to his black-box restaurant. Everyone raves about his Japanese-American tasting menu, which snagged a MICHELIN Star less than a year after opening. Why Sarah loves it: “I haven’t actually had the pleasure of eating there yet, but Evan said that David Yoshimura just does absolutely beautiful food that’s so elegant and pushes the envelope. I’d love to go there next.”

With a wise owl welcoming you in at the door, Nightbird serves a whimsical tasting menu across a dozen courses from the signature quail egg to reimagined “coffee and donuts.” Reserve the full fine-dining experience for special occasions or slide into the speakeasy next door for a covert cocktail. Why Sarah loves it: “You feel super special to be in this little jewel box. All the details are thoughtful, and the food and cocktails are delicious."

You can’t miss a Cali classic like Zuni, where couples still love to get cozy with the iconic roast chicken, crisped up to order in the woodfired oven. Why Sarah loves it: “There was a time when we’d have lunch there every couple of weeks. We’d get oysters, the Caesar salad, the chicken, some fries, and a bottle of rosé, and it was a glorious late-afternoon lunch.”

Another big nostalgia restaurant that focuses on market fare, Boulevard recently got a full refresh from acclaimed designer Ken Fulk. The Belle Epoque interiors are particularly luxurious at the moment, shining with jewel tones and peacock patterns. Why Sarah loves it: “It’s so San Francisco. When we first moved to SF, these were the institution restaurants, and it’s just one of those mainstay classics.”

This pizza and pasta icon keeps expanding, including a new location in Wine Country this year. It’s worth coming back to the OG in the Marina with its Neapolitan-style pies, award-winning wine list, and hidden garden patio. Why Sarah loves it: “The vibe is incredible. There’s always an energy there. The food is delicious. Whenever we’re in the Marina, we take any excuse to sneak into A16.”

Tourists like to go to North Beach, but locals know the best Joe’s is in Westlake. Slide into an olive-green booth for steak and ravioli along with people-watching and midcentury-modern details. Why Sarah loves it: “I usually get a martini, wedge salad, and a piccata. Evan always gets the sweetbreads. Our kids love the calamari. It’s one of those places where everybody’s going to be happy.”

You know what they say, some of the finest sushi in San Francisco is not-so-secretly just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, thanks to the omakase masters at this backwater institution. Why Sarah loves it: “Now that we live in Marin, we’re always looking for places to go up there. There’s a lot of really good sushi, but there’s a lot of ‘meh’ sushi, and this is one of the really, really nice places. You’re going to get quality.”

Further west in Marin, don’t miss this backroads bistro with a serious wine list from a French-native chef and sommelier Germain Michel. A boulangerie by day, Amélie bakes its own baguettes and croissants. Why Sarah loves it: “Fairfax is kind of a hippie town, and Amélie is this little French restaurant. If we don’t want to go into the city, it’s a place the kids enjoy. You can get onion soup, escargot, steak frites, duck confit, and nice wine by the glass."