San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States, and nearly every ethnic cuisine is represented, from Afghan to Indian to Vietnamese. Selecting some 120 recommended restaurants is a next-to-impossible task. We have chosen several restaurants to represent each popular style of dining in various price ranges, in most cases because of the superiority of the food but in some because of the view or ambience.

The areas of town most frequented by visitors have received the greatest attention. This has meant leaving out some great places in the more distant districts, such as the Haight-Ashbury, the Sunset, and the Richmond. The outlying restaurants that are recommended were chosen because they offer an experience not available elsewhere. All listed restaurants serve lunch and dinner unless otherwise specified.

Most upper-end restaurants offer valet parking -- worth considering in crowded neighborhoods such as North Beach, Union Square, and the Civic Center. There is often a nominal charge and a time-length restriction on validated parking.

Smoking is banned in all Bay Area workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and supper clubs.