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SPONSORED: The PEPCID® Brand’s Picks for Bold Flavors in San Francisco

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Whether you just landed in a new city, have taken a few weeks off the dining scene or are looking to get a pulse on what's new in foodie culture, the PEPCID® Brand has got you covered. They've mapped out the hottest dining destinations and boldest flavors across the country - this time in San Francisco. Some new, some old favorites with new additions, and some you might have missed along your journey of exploring local eats. From the hole in the wall taco joint to the hip new handmade pasta joint, these are the top spots to eat at right now. Wherever you choose, though, don't let heartburn stop you from your journey of exploring unique ingredients and various flavor combinations.

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Bar Tartine

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Opened in 2006, Bar Tartine is fawned over by visitors, critics, locals, and newbies alike. And rightfully so. Nick Balla’s dedication to housemade everything — pickles, yogurt, beef bonito — makes his Eastern European take on food that much more interesting. And with the bakery set for world domination, you can bet that Bar Tartine will continue to reap the benefits.

Commonwealth

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Jason Fox knows what he is doing with seasonal fare at this Mission eatery, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Perhaps one of the most underrated restaurants in the city, Commonwealth is worthy of a regular visit for dedicated diners.

Flour + Water

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Five years ago, Flour + Water was the best thing to happen to pasta and pizza in San Francisco. Today, that likely remains true, and Thomas McNaughton is to thank. This wunderkind chef, author and restauranteur knows his way around dough, garnering a global reputation for his pasta and pizzas. Warning: you’re going to want to order seconds.

Foreign Cinema

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Who would’ve thought that the city’s most romantic restaurant is located in the Mission. Thanks to the decor and delicious food, Gayle Pirie and John Clark have a good thing going. But they aren’t resting on their laurels of nightly movies and consistently outstanding brunch. The menu continues to evolve, and if you haven’t been lately, head back soon.

La Taqueria

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Lest we forget to put one of The Mission’s squadron of taquerias on the list, La Taqueria is still the best of them all. For all of its on-point menu items, and thanks to Nate Silver, you can rest easy knowing that you are at a top quality taqueria. It recently won the title of "America’s Best Burrito."

Rich Table

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We all know about those porcini fritters, but that isn’t the only inventive item on Evan and Sarah Rich’s menu. The salads change often as do the pastas. If your wallet (and your date) allow for it, we recommend doing the chef’s picks and let them do the work.

The move at Matt Accarrino’s ever evolving SPQR is to grab a seat at the chef’s table. There, you will be able to see the chef continue to refine his techniques. While you watch, sip on an outstanding wine from the stellar list they’ve curated. Like the wine, SPQR is only getting better with age.

State Bird Provisions

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This may be one of the most inventive restaurants in the country. Run by Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, this whimsical restaurant serves up the best of California, dim-sum style. Make sure you end with some World Peace Milk. It lives up to the name.

For years, Tosca was a rundown bar with a certain charm. Today, with the help of April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman (of New York’s Spotted Pig fame), it is now a high class bar with high end food and its unmistakeable charm intact. Aim to sit in the corner booth when you go. You’ll feel like you own the place — especially if you order the meatballs.

Zuni Cafe

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This is it. The quintessential San Francisco restaurant. Zuni does everything right: brunch, late night dining, date night, and post-bar scene. Zuni continues to endure as a mainstay in the SF dining scene. And if you don’t order the chicken, that’s on you.

Bar Tartine

Opened in 2006, Bar Tartine is fawned over by visitors, critics, locals, and newbies alike. And rightfully so. Nick Balla’s dedication to housemade everything — pickles, yogurt, beef bonito — makes his Eastern European take on food that much more interesting. And with the bakery set for world domination, you can bet that Bar Tartine will continue to reap the benefits.

Commonwealth

Jason Fox knows what he is doing with seasonal fare at this Mission eatery, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Perhaps one of the most underrated restaurants in the city, Commonwealth is worthy of a regular visit for dedicated diners.

Flour + Water

Five years ago, Flour + Water was the best thing to happen to pasta and pizza in San Francisco. Today, that likely remains true, and Thomas McNaughton is to thank. This wunderkind chef, author and restauranteur knows his way around dough, garnering a global reputation for his pasta and pizzas. Warning: you’re going to want to order seconds.

Foreign Cinema

Who would’ve thought that the city’s most romantic restaurant is located in the Mission. Thanks to the decor and delicious food, Gayle Pirie and John Clark have a good thing going. But they aren’t resting on their laurels of nightly movies and consistently outstanding brunch. The menu continues to evolve, and if you haven’t been lately, head back soon.

La Taqueria

Lest we forget to put one of The Mission’s squadron of taquerias on the list, La Taqueria is still the best of them all. For all of its on-point menu items, and thanks to Nate Silver, you can rest easy knowing that you are at a top quality taqueria. It recently won the title of "America’s Best Burrito."

Rich Table

We all know about those porcini fritters, but that isn’t the only inventive item on Evan and Sarah Rich’s menu. The salads change often as do the pastas. If your wallet (and your date) allow for it, we recommend doing the chef’s picks and let them do the work.

SPQR

The move at Matt Accarrino’s ever evolving SPQR is to grab a seat at the chef’s table. There, you will be able to see the chef continue to refine his techniques. While you watch, sip on an outstanding wine from the stellar list they’ve curated. Like the wine, SPQR is only getting better with age.

State Bird Provisions

This may be one of the most inventive restaurants in the country. Run by Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, this whimsical restaurant serves up the best of California, dim-sum style. Make sure you end with some World Peace Milk. It lives up to the name.

Tosca

For years, Tosca was a rundown bar with a certain charm. Today, with the help of April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman (of New York’s Spotted Pig fame), it is now a high class bar with high end food and its unmistakeable charm intact. Aim to sit in the corner booth when you go. You’ll feel like you own the place — especially if you order the meatballs.

Zuni Cafe

This is it. The quintessential San Francisco restaurant. Zuni does everything right: brunch, late night dining, date night, and post-bar scene. Zuni continues to endure as a mainstay in the SF dining scene. And if you don’t order the chicken, that’s on you.

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