Tis the Season of Lists. They're coming fast and furious. One topic that always seems to stir the pot here in the Gayborhood is the ongoing debate over where to find good grub. Is there any? Some say no. Other stalwart Castro supporters point to their favorites and defend them against all comers. Lists, are in the end, just opinion, but when it comes from the venerable editors and critics of world recognized Zagat people do tend to sit up and take notice.
Writer's note: In our humble opinion there are some real holes in this list.
Fable for example is one of Castro Biscuit's food critic's, Chow Hounds, favorite spots for romance and creative flavor combinations. Regardless we politely repost Zagat's own list of local favorites.
Catch
Sea food lovers paradise in the Castro. And as Zagat notes always the place to see folks and be seen. “Fresh” fin fare (some swimming in “delectable” sauces) has surveyors declaring this “trendy” Castro seafooder is indeed “a catch”; the menu is “nothing fancy” and “not the cheapest”, but a “great” cocktail list, “helpful” waiters who are “hotter than the food” and a “cozy” heated courtyard with an outdoor fireplace make it a “people-watching” paradise.
2362 Market St.; 415-431-5000
Eureka Valley Restaurant and Lounge
Ah. Comfort food. Eating here is like snuggling down into a fresh, warm blanket straight out of the dryer. Southern style and “influences from New Orleans” “jazz up” the “upscale” New American “home cooking” at this “lively” Castro bistro with a “fabulous upstairs lounge” (“ask for a table” “by the window”); “cheerful”, “attentive” servers seal its status a “solid” spot “for a romantic date or cozy dinner with friends”, and it even has an “upscale bar to boot.”
4063 18th St.; 415-431-6000
Kasa Indian Eatery
No need to ride the Darjeeling Express to experience Indian food at its best-just head over to 18th Street. “Atypical” Indian eats, such as “amazing” “kati rolls” (“like Indian burritos”) and “tasty” Thali dinners attract a following to this “cheap and cheerful” Castro-ite; “portions could be bigger”, but the “trendy” “young” patrons are partial to the “hipster” staff’s use of “organic” “local” ingredients; P.S. “you might catch” their “cool purple truck” at locations around the Bay.
4001 18th St.; 415-621-6940
La Méditerranée
Best of the best when it comes to food fare from this area of the world. Always consistent and great, friendly service. Devotees “dream about” the “simple” Middle Eastern–Med menu from “savory” “phyllo treats” to “great” “meze platters” at these ”reasonably priced” “standbys” in the Castro, Upper Fillmore and Berkeley; they’re “not the fanciest of restaurants”, but they’re “as popular as ever” thanks to “warm”, “relaxed” service and “lovely” sidewalk seating perfect for “people-watching.”
288 Noe St.; 415-431-7210
Poesia
The parents of one of the Castro's newest dining experiences, Dante's Table, Poesia is classic Italian and made for date night. “Handmade pasta” and other “homey Italian food” from the Calabria region pairs with “Italian cinema classics” “projected on the wall” at this “vibrant”, “intimate” Castro osteria; while some feel the “portions are small” for the price tag and “tables are close together”, the “friendly” staffers “really do treat you like part of the family.”
4072 18th St.; 415-252-9325
Marcello's Pizza
This will most likely be hotly debated as pizza preference is such an individual love. Chow Hounds split on this subject with one voting Escape from New York and the other siding with Zagats choice. “Thin, crunchy, delicious” pizza with a “huge assortment of toppings” is the stock-in-trade of this “reliable” parlor where most patrons get it to go; in sum, it’s an “outstanding” option for a “quick, cheap meal” “before you get your drinks on” in the Castro.
420 Castro St.; 415-863-3900
Anchor Oyster Bar
Second from last, but, according to Zagat number two on their top eight list is the venerable Anchor Oyster Bar. “Why go to Fisherman’s Wharf” ask fans of this “cute” vintage “oyster bar” with a “nautical motif” in the Castro that’s a “pearl-in-the-ocean” for “chowda” and “simple” seafood “so fresh you’ll swear it was made by the Little Mermaid”; it’s “fairly pricey” and “seating is tight”, but the “super-friendly” staff and “limited” list of “local white wines” ensure the “hungry hordes” leave “happy as clams.”
579 Castro St.; 415-431-3990
Frances
Closing out the list-Zagat's number one pick. Chef-owner “Melissa Perello knows how to make her beautiful fresh ingredients speak for themselves” at this “amazing” Castro Californian showcasing her “culinary virtuosity” for “totally reasonable” prices; “getting a reservation” is as elusive as snagging a “Wonka golden ticket” (though if you’re lucky, you’ll find “room at the bar”), and the “cramped” space gets “way too loud”, but a “friendly”, “dedicated” staff along with a “brilliant” “wines-by-the-ounce” offer keeps the place “full of smiling faces.”
3870 17th St.; 415-621-3870
New spots are opening and reconfiguring in the Castro it seems on a weekly basis. We encourage feedback from readers. Let us know what Zagat missed and suggest spots for our always hungry Chow Hounds and ready to explore to review. The Biscuit looks forward to your feed back. And as Julia Child always encouraged, "Bon Appetite!"
