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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.