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SAN FRANCISCO is one of America’s most popular cities. For the fashionistas, there is to-die-for shopping in Union Square and Fillmore Street. If you are a foodie, a walk through Chinatown, the Ferry Building Marketplace and a visit to Le Sanctuaire are a must. And for design enthusiasts, you’ll want to schedule time to pop into Sue Fisher King, Gump’s, Bell’occhio, Found by Maja and William Stout Books.

MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS:

Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
700 Howard Street @ 3rd
www.linesballet.org

For a night on the town, you must see a contemporary dance creation by the brilliant Alonzo King. I’m so charmed by the Lines Ballet that I featured them on Zavvi Rodaine, read it here.

The Cable Car
Powell-Mason/Powell-Hyde lines
www.sfcablecar.com

It may feel a bit cliche, but you should experience the famous cable cars at least once while out and about in the city.

Chinatown
@Grant Avenue
www.sanfranciscochinatown.com

This enclave, the largest Chinatown outside of China, is a fantastic place to people watch, learn something new and taste authentic Chinese food.

Japanese Tea Garden
7 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park
japaneseteagardensf.com

Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed in this garden. Enjoy a cup of tea in the tea house.

Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd Street @ Mission
www.sfmoma.org

Exhibitions by intriguing artists and a brilliant collection of modern art.

RESTAURANTS:

The Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building #3
www.slanteddoor.com

If you think there’s no way you would like Vietnamese food, Charles Phan will win you over. Try the Daikon rice cakes + Cellophane noodles with Dungeness crab.

A16
2355 Chestnut Street
www.a16sf.com

Simple elegantly presented Italian food. Great pizzas.

Ame
689 Mission Street
www.amerestaurant.com

If you can’t make it to Napa to dine at Terra, no worries, Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani have created a Michelin-star sister restaurant in the St. Regis hotel. The New American Asian menu is a delicious melange of flavors (I’ve always wanted to say that).

Benu
22 Hawthorne Street
www.benusf.com

The Benu experience is not to be missed. Elegant. Original. Surprising. Corey Lee will leave you in awe.

Fang
660 Howard Street #1
www.fangrestaurant.com

Peter Fang helms this destination for seasonal and sophisticated Chinese food.

Gary Danko
800 North Point Street
www.garydanko.com

If you can score a reservation, re-arrange everything and go. Considered the best, if not most popular restaurant in the city.

Jane
2123 Fillmore Street
www.janeonfillmore.com

This coffee shop is a great place to blog, hang out or meet friends for a quick breakfast or lunch.

Kappa
1700 Post Street
Suite K
415.673.6004

For an authentic Japanese, an evening at Kappa is a must for fresh sashimi and seafood. It’s hidden away in Japantown with only 14 seats, so reservations are strongly recommended. Dinner only.

Michael Mina
252 California
www.michaelmina.net

A great choice for a special occasion dinner. Splurge on the tasting menu for the true Michael Mina experience.

SPQR
1911 Fillmore Street
www.spqrsf.com

SPQR offers adventurous, modern Italian cuisine and a superb wine list. The mood is upbeat and it’s a great place for dinner with friends.

Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero Street
www.tartinebakery.com

Everyone is aware of the delicious pastries available at this award-winning bakery, but did you know they serve dinner at their Bar Tartine?

Yank Sing
49 Stevenson
www.yanksing.com

Yank Sing offers traditional dim sum in a casual atmosphere with good service.

Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street
www.zunicafe.com

Judy Rodgers was legendary and that’s why everyone includes Zuni Cafe on their best of San Francisco list. Zuni’s Caesar Salad and Roasted Chicken rival the country’s best.

HOTELS:

Four Seasons
757 Market Street
www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco/

The rooms are spacious, service is stellar, Union Square is two blocks away, and you have free access to the best health club in town, Sports Club L.A.

Mandarin Oriental
222 Sansome Street
www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco/

A contemporary hotel with Asian flair, views of the bay and every amenity you need for a comfortable stay including the serene MO Bar with its award-winning mixologist.

St. Regis
125 3rd Street
www.starwoodhotels.com

Legendary hotel with standard rooms dressed in a contemporary flair that presents guests with fantastic views of the skyline. Relax in the serene Remede Spa and have a date night at Ame Restaurant.