Best Restaurant, Best Splurge Restaurant, Best Restaurant for Eating at the Bar, Best Restaurant Worth the Wait
Since it opened nine years ago, Gary Danko has swept the readers' polls—winning all the major categories, (except in its inaugural year, when it won only Best New Addition). The comfortably chic Fisherman's Wharf real estate features a seasonal five-course prix fixe menu, a wine list with more than 1,800 bottles from 15 countries, and a not-to-be-missed artisan cheese cart. It can take months to snatch a weekend reservation, but you can always take your chances at its 11-seat, full-menu bar.
800 North Point St., S.F., 415-749-2060, garydanko.com

Best New Restaurant in 2007–2008
Beloved by its Presidio Heights neighbors and local politicos alike, Spruce masters swank and class with its subdued walls, faux-ostrich chairs, and white linens. Mark Sullivan, who is also the chef at Woodside’s Village Pub, has brought his highly regarded steak to the city—or try the bresaola or duck rillette from Spruce’s own temperature-controlled charcuterie-curing room.
3640 Sacramento St., S.F., 415-931-5100, sprucesf.com

Best Spot for a Meal Under $10
The bright orange-and-blue-painted walls of Papalote—which is named after the soaring kites that owners Miguel and Victor Escobedo used to follow through Chapultepec Park as part of a birthday tradition—make you feel as if you’ve stepped into one of Mexico City’s many taquerias. The authentic rice and beans, fresh guacamole, and pico de gallo are also inspired by the Escobedos’ birthday picnics at the park.
3409 24th St., S.F., 415-970-8815; 1777 Fulton St., S.F., 415-776 0106, papalote-sf.com

Best Restaurant for Dining with a Crowd
With hundreds of unique San Francisco restaurants, we’re tongue-tied wondering how Buca di Beppo won you over. It doesn’t have the local, seasonal pickings you’ve come to love (see the readers’ poll winner for best new trend: organic)— but this once family-owned, now nationwide chain does have all your Italian faves, from chicken marsala to eggplant parmesan, as well as plenty of space to let your party grow.
855 Howard St., S.F., 415-543-7673, bucadibeppo.com

Best Weekend Brunch
If you can’t decide between sweet and savory, order both from Maverick’s chock-full weekend brunch menu. Happy breakfasters can go for a strawberry-rhubarb mimosa alongside executive chef Scott Youkills’ duck confit hash with poached eggs and mushroom cream, or a Texan Migas scramble with an order of pecan-crusted french toast.
3316 17th St., S.F., 415-863-3061, sfmaverick.com

Best Heated Alfresco Dining
After their tenures at Zuni Café and Chez Panisse, chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clark spent years abroad studying restaurant concepts before refining their Mediterranean-inspired menu at Foreign Cinema. Take in a variety of foreign and indie films on their large screen while sitting outdoors on the mezzanine, or keep it rustic indoors by the large hearth.
2534 Mission St. S.F. 415-648-7600, foreigncinema.com

Best Late-Night Bites
Nopa’s organic kitchen offers some invigorating