Ricky Rodriguez

4 days ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Lani Conway |Ricky Rodriguez

The menu at this fine dining Mexican spot is a 12-page program for the night, complete with the menu, names of the entire staff, and, of course, the ceramicist in charge of the dinnerware (Erin Hupp, for anyone keeping track). Some plates look like phases of the moon, while a course of caviar-topped grilled banana arrives in a bowl that looks like a custom-built throne. We’d expect nothing less from a place worthy of your last meal in the city.

2 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Patrick Wong |Ricky Rodriguez

Price: $36.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids K-Elements BBQ is a Korean BBQ restaurant with one of the longest protein menus in the city—in addition to meats like beef belly, filet mignon, and lamb shoulder, they also have a ton of seafood options, from garlic butter clams to spicy baby octopus. The family-friendly Richmond spot is great for groups, and also has enough TVs to fill in any awkward meat-flipping silence.

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Patrick Wong |Julia Chen |Ricky Rodriguez

Skip the crowds praying for no fog at Pier 39 this Fourth and go to MadLab to stare at something colorful and pretty. The delicious kakigori here come leopard-printed in gold leaf, smothered with an excessive amount of salted yuzu whipped cream, or topped with a giant poof of cotton candy. It’s far more exciting—and frankly less annoying—than fighting for personal space at the Wharf. Whether you’re feeling out someone new or mounting a reprisal of your 400th date night, rely on Verjus.

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Patrick Wong |Ricky Rodriguez

Follow the scent of sizzling carnitas to Don Chuy’s, a Mexican corner store in the Excelsior that serves one of SF’s best burritos. Tucked behind the aisles of pan dulce and tortillas, you’ll find a counter where you can order the super burrito with a hefty scoop of guacamole, and pickled carrots and jalapeños. Getting it with the carnitas—some of the crispiest within a seven-mile radius—is mandatory.

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Julia Chen |Lani Conway |Ricky Rodriguez |Patrick Wong

Any time someone new comes to town, they want a Mission burrito. You should absolutely take them to get one, even if they didn’t ask (but you already knew that). La Taqueria’s rice-less behemoth is certainly the most famous—and worth braving the line. They’re a glorious ratio of pinto beans to perfectly charred, perfectly fatty carne asada, and melty cheese inside a 13-inch tortilla.