Ever since my first trip to the United States as a schoolgirl, I have kept San Francisco (SF) as one of my favorite cities.

SF is original, genuine, one of a kind, and it has so much to offer.  This year I had the chance to spend a short time there, and I could sneak a bit in Embarcadero, in North Beach, and in Chinatown.

Waterbar – It is a wonderful bar and seafood restaurant in Embarcadero, in a privileged location almost under the Bay Bridge.

I wish we would have had time to try some drinks at its beautiful bar, but we had booked a table and were short of time coming from the airport.  Next time, then …

The fresh seafood and fish were delicious.

The service attentive and friendly, and our party of eight enjoyed a most delightful, reunion dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

Nice walk along the Embarcadero to our hotel.

 

Tip:

• Hotel Bohème – I can only recommend this charming 15-room hotel in North Beach. A throwback to the late 1950’s; a well-achieved tribute to the Beat era.

 

 

 

Complimentary sherry in the lobby, nice for an aperitif or a nightcap.  Little details like this count for a foodie …

 

 

 

 

 

Stella Pastry & Café – Conveniently located just below Hotel Bohème, you find this Italian bakery and coffee shop.  They offer excellent coffees and delicious, traditional, Italian pastries and cakes.

Being at Stella, felt like being in a café in Italy.

 

Delicious Dim Sum – The Chinatown in SF is the largest outside Asia.  My Chinese DNA and weakness for its food made me found this spot in the heart of the Chinatown district.

Note that it is not a restaurant but a take away and, as its name indicates, it sells only  dim sum, and they are really delicious!  The dumplings were the best ones I have ever had, and—I can tell you—I have tried lots in many different places.

 

Café Zoetrope – This restaurant offers excellent Italian food as well as Italian and Californian wines.  It is located on the ground floor of the beautiful Columbus Tower (or Sentinel Building), also in North Beach.

The beauty of this flatiron building is really impressive.

I liked the bistro atmosphere …

 

… and really loved the wine and food!