There aren't many Afghan restaurants in SF, making Helmand Palace a true gem. Lamb is the specialty here, so choose from any of the many lamb-focused dishes, such as chowpan, or a half rack of lamb marinated, grilled, and served with Afghan bread, sauteed eggplant, and pallow rice. The interior here is a little staid, but taking it to go is also an excellent option.

Mezcalito has breathed new life into a space that's seen several restaurants pass through in recent years; now it's a lively, mezcal-fueled bar and restaurant serving Oaxacan cuisine. Octopus tostadas, ceviche, and fish tacos headline the menu — though don't miss the burger — alongside a robust list of mezcal cocktails and bottles.

Aux Delices is a cozy, white tableclothed Vietnamese mainstay on Polk Street, that’s been serving classics like pho, banh xeo, and fried imperial rolls for over 30 years. It’s an excellent takeout option, but always pleasant to dine in with a glass of beer, wine, or sake.

An intriguing addition to the neighborhood, Berber brings North African flavors and live performances to a space that’s seen several businesses come and go in recent years. Dishes like shakshouka with crispy potatoes, charred beer kebabs, and bissara, a warm sprouted fava bean dip, are served in a five-course set menu that is paired with belly dancers, aerialists, and live music. Grab a la carte dishes and craft cocktails in the bar, too, without the commitment to a show.

A minimal interior leaves the focus on the coffee at this Russian Hill spot. Food is very limited to just a few pastries, so go for the well-made pour overs and espresso drinks, made with coffee sourced from independent producers.

Greens is never short on crowds of sports-loving neighborhood dwellers, who flock there for draft beers and whatever game is on TV. The windows open onto Polk Street, giving it an airier feel than most dark, divey sports bars in town. Check out the many autographed, framed photos on the wall for a quick lesson in sports history.

You'll pay for them, but if it's a big salad you crave, Blue Barn has what you need. There are seasonal sandwiches and grilled cheese, too, but it's the salads you want here. This is also a great place to work during the day, as there's Wifi aplenty.

Low-key coffee drinking and hanging is what you do here, evidenced by the many laptops that dot the tables at Royal Ground. Wifi is strong enough, there are plenty of outlets, and the inexpensive, yet hearty banh mi sandwiches will fuel you through your work.

Hidden in the back of Polk & Green Produce Market, The Boy's Deli has a massive, meaty sandwich menu that will surely satisfy. And if it doesn't, you can always make your own.

This is the second location of the popular Outer Richmond restaurant, bringing its thin-crusted Neapolitan pies, calzones, and plates like octopus and pork chops to Russian Hill. There’s also plenty of handmade pasta and charcuterie, and a larger bar than its original spot, with wines from Italy and California, and low ABV cocktails like a Fiorella spritz (prosecco, Cappelletti, orange).

The husband and wife team behind Lord Stanley have garnered many accolades for their modern European menu, including one Michelin star. It's all for the inventive cuisine, which pulls influences from Britain, Europe, and Japan, and pays particular attention to produce. Last thing: definitely don't skip dessert.

It’s all old-school all the time at this charming Russian Hill ice cream parlor — which has since gone international. They’re scooping up standbys such as sticky chewy chocolate and Turkish coffee, plus turning them into massive classic sundaes, too.

Union Larder sets the bar for wine bars in San Francisco, with its glowy interior, excellent wine list, and just-enough food menu. It's casual and comfortable inside, and you'll likely encounter plenty of first dates, but there's a reason for that. And that reason is because it's a great first date spot.

Now officially in Russian Hill after a three block move at the end of 2019, Seven Hills is known for comforting Italian and Californian fare, particularly its fresh and filled pasta. The special occasion dinner destination counts crowd favorites like the maccheroncelli, a tube-shaped extruded pasta tossed with crushed tomatoes, chiles, and dolloped with fresh ricotta; and heritage pork chops brined for 24 hours.