Lani Conway

Oakland

food and pop culture. senior editor @infatuationsf, former editorial director @Zimbio. Former @ColumbiaJourn, @Sanfranmag

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Articles

Where To Eat Dips & Talk Sh*t In SF

5 days ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Patrick Wong |Ricky Rodriguez |Lani Conway

Beit Rima in Duboce Triangle is loud (as is their other location in Cole Valley)—so any dramatic personal details are kept relatively confidential while you swipe pita through every square inch of the no-skips mezze sampler. Be sure to throw in the puffy za’atar-topped house bread to get the last bits of tangy lebna and the muhammara that’s smooth enough to lay a brick wall. When your group has so much to catch up on that you have a shared Notes app agenda, book a table at Kitchen Istanbul.
Piccino Coffee Bar

6 days ago | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

Piccino Coffee Bar is one of many great options for coffee on and around 22nd Street in the Dogpatch. The standing-room-only coffee shop next door to its namesake restaurant is located in the same yellow Victorian and makes croissants, scones, and banana bread, plus fantastic espresso-based drinks. For a quick refuel later in the day, head to the fridge for pre-made salads, sandwiches, and onigiri.
Where To Take Your Friends Who Won't Shut Up About Missing New York

2 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Patrick Wong |Lani Conway

If there’s one thing SF isn’t good at, it’s staying up late. Thankfully, there are places like Big Apple Pizza N Grill. The Tenderloin bodega-style counter-service spot—opened by a team from NYC—is open until 3am most days except for Friday and Saturday when they’re feeding late night crowds until 5am. Get the forearm-length chopped cheese first and foremost and consider getting a slice of pepperoni pizza if you’re feeling nostalgic about a New York dollar slice (but willing to pay $5 for it).
Bar Shiru - Review - Uptown Oakland - San Francisco - The Infatuation

3 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

RESERVE A TABLEBar Shiru is a Tokyo-inspired listening bar we head to with anyone who complains that there are no fancy date-night bars in Oakland. It’s low-lit and moody thanks to a sound system playing tunes that oscillate between sultry and jazzy. Everyone is here to lounge at one of the round tables and drink highballs, Japanese whisky, or their favorite shaken drink while feeling hot, so it’s the move for date night or times you want to have some eyes on you.
Gold Palm - Review - Oakland - San Francisco - The Infatuation

3 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

A new place to party by the Bar Shiru team has sprung up in Gold Palm. The formula for a great time here: stellar cocktails, local wines, and a menu of Pakistani snacks. Gold Palm is our new favorite spot to kick off a night out with friends.
The 17 Best Restaurants In North Beach And Little Italy - San Francisco - The Infatuation

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Lani Conway |Patrick Wong |Will Kamensky

Whether you’re looking for Neapolitan pizza or excellent patatas bravas and croquetas, these are the best restaurants in North Beach Little Italy.
Domo - Review - Hayes Valley - San Francisco - The Infatuation

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

Everyone in the city needs a neighborhood sushi spot. In Hayes Valley, Domo is that place. We keep coming back for the fresh fish, creative rolls, and quick, friendly service. The menu is concise, which is a rare gift at many sushi spots in the city. The special rolls are the main draw here, like the baked Domo roll covered in spicy mayo—which you'll likely eat snuggled up close to your neighbor since this place is almost predominately bar seating.
Orphan Andy’s 24-hour breakfast is great anytime of the day - Review - San Francisco - The Infatuation

2 months ago | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

Sometimes, you have one drink too many and need some no-fuss french toast and chicken fried steak smothered in gravy at 1:30am. The two-level, retro-style diner is a rare 24-hour spot that’ll pull you in with red swivel chairs, bright neon lights, and a menu of hearty breakfast classics that never fail to hit the spot.
The Old Clam House

2 months ago | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

photo credit: Melissa ZinkRESERVE A TABLEA meal at The Old Clam House starts with a shot of complimentary hot clam juice. It’ll prime you for all the sautéed shellfish, seafood pastas, creamy chowders, and other perfectly solid fish-forward specials you’ll consume at this Bayview seafood classic. The salty drink is a fitting start to dinner at the city’s oldest running restaurant in the same location (established in 1861), which heavily leans into the nautical theme.
Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack

Jan 15, 2025 | theinfatuation.com | Lani Conway

Arthur Mac’s is the can-do-it-all pizza joint. They have large thin-crust pizzas, knockout wings, and soft serve. While there’s a tight takeout operation here, they also have a kid-friendly patio crowded with heat lamps, communal tables, and private booths. Oh, and there are arcade games in the back to fit with the retro-style theme. Come for family date night, a solo beer-and-slice fuel-up, or any time you need the Warriors and a pint and are OK with a pinball machine stepping in as babysitter.