Go with friends and nosh on hummus, chicken spiedini skewers and other Mediterranean fare while sipping on wine and soaking up the good vibes.

The food at Rose's Cafe isn't going to rock your world, but that's not why you go. It's the atmosphere you're seeking out; those perfect buzzy-but-relaxing daytime brunch vibes everyone craves come Saturday morning.

Wrecking Ball has the best coffee in the neighborhood, and the pineapple wallpaper is eminently Instagrammable. Grab an expertly- prepared latte, upload a photo and sip while you rack in the likes. (This is also a solid place to hang while waiting for a table at Rose's across the street.)

This SF institution with decent food (a well-known burger is notably served on a baguette) can be many things to many people, and here are just a few:
1. A place to take your parents for dinner.

2. Great for brunch and bloodies.

3. Eating a solid burger at the bar, which is easily the best of the food.

4. A cougar-catching pick-up bar any night of the week.

5. Good men-in-suits watching, also any night of the week.

6. Crowded Saturday nights with people in their late 20s and early 30s looking for well-heeled women or men with money not wearing a hoodie.

Choose which fits your needs and head at the appropriate times.

In a serious departure from the rest of the neighborhood's establishments, Atelier Crenn is among the crème de la crème of SF fine dining. Chef Dominique Crenn's menu is written as a poem, so best of luck figuring out what you'll be eating. Just trust in Crenn that spending most of your paycheck on one meal will be worth it. You can take the Michelin Guide’s word for it: They awarded Atelier Crenn three stars in 2018, making Crenn the first woman chef to achieve that honor in the United States.

A go-to neighborhood pub, the Brixton is a known quantity among Cow Hollow regulars. Fans have come to count on it for everything from a quick beer and a burger to a weekend bloody Mary bar and big cinnamon rolls at brunch.

Palm House claims to have the second-oldest palm tree in San Francisco planted in its patio, anchoring the Caribbean theme. Outdoor diners sip on tropical cocktails and dig into jerk chicken and coconut prawns.

Old-school is the best word for the Brazen Head: It applies equally to the dark environs, classic American food with French influences, cocktails, and longtime patrons. Dates will be impressed if you take them here, especially as it's open late for food.

Taking over the former Belga space, Wildseed is still within the Back of the House restaurant group (also behind Beretta, Lolinda, Super Duper). This new vegan spot was one of the freshest openings of 2019, serving up beet poke, green pizza, and freshly squeezed cocktails. 

Perry's is classic SF and great for a traditional American meal — think steaks, salads, a burger, and the like. Head there for some upscale sports game watching, or an easy meal for even the pickiest of eaters.

It's shocking how few take-out places exist in Cow Hollow, so the Italian Homemade Company fills a major niche. Fresh pasta, flatbread sandwiches and salads can be made in a variety of ways to eat in the shop or take home. Plus, there are a lot of gluten-free options, if that matters to you.

Is Tamashisoul the best sushi ever? No, but it's what you've got in the vicinity, and it's definitely good enough. It's also always easy to get in, and very comfortable inside. Don't skip the kitchen items, like udon noodle soups.

Kaiyo colorfully and creatively blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors, serving both whisky and pisco cocktails, alongside sushi and ceviche, karaage and yucca fries. It’s the rare fusion restaurant that’s actually fun, coming from the team behind Whitechapel and Novela.