Need restaurant rec

sm23

DH's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. He wants to do something low key so we're just going out for dinner, maybe with some family/friends. He is delegating to me - doesn't want to deal with planning or scheduling or picking the restaurant. So I'm on my own and feeling overwhelmed by options!

We're pretty adventurous eaters, and I want something nice but not "break the bank" fancy. Bonus points if the place has a good wine list since he's into that. I'm open to places in the East Bay (preferably on the West side of the tunnel) and SF.

So throw out your favorites! And if you've been to Kokkari Estiatorio (crazy name but the food sounds good), Acquerello or Perbacco, let me know how you liked them - they all looked interesting.

Thanks!

Rock-n-Voll

I like Roy's (Hawaiian fusion), but I also don't have the most updated sense of the S.F. restaurant scene so I'm sure there are lots of other good options as well.

PinkHighlighter

You know, it's so sad but we never go out to nice places when we're at home.  We hit every destination restaurant in towns when we travel, but when we eat out at home, it's usually something fast, mid-range priced, or sushi...

So, just a post to say, I have no suggestions! 

leolyns

I can vouch for Kokkari - that place is good. My old boss used to treat me to fancy restaurants for lunch. I know Town Hall is also good, not sure if that is in your budget or not but my boss takes clients there for lunch.

sm23

Rock-n-Voll:

I like Roy's (Hawaiian fusion), but I also don't have the most updated sense of the S.F. restaurant scene so I'm sure there are lots of other good options as well.

We like Roy's too but we just ate at the one in Vegas last week    

Roni.Cedra

We loved perbacco. I'll ask Brian what he would recommend. He is better at that than I am. 

Rock-n-Voll

sm23:

Rock-n-Voll:

I like Roy's (Hawaiian fusion), but I also don't have the most updated sense of the S.F. restaurant scene so I'm sure there are lots of other good options as well.

We like Roy's too but we just ate at the one in Vegas last week    

Ha! Well at least I'm thinking along the right lines!

walker03

Spanger's in Emeryville

Trader Vic's in Emeryville

Wente in Livermore (that sounds too far)

Vic Stewart's in Walnut Creek

hannikan

Spenger's in Berkeley? Yeah, they're good. Also Scoma's at Fisherman's Wharf, which is more high end sea food. Pomegranate Lebanese in Berkeley is really good and has a more high end feel. In Oakland I like Filippo's Italian, which is very cosy. I think you were saying you didn't want to go through the tunnel to the far East Bay but if you were open to Walnut Creek, Massimo's is really good. I think they have a pretty extensive wine list. I haven't been to too many expensive restaurants because we've always been too broke. GL!

Lorita

I know you want to stay west of the tunnel, but if he loves wine I would suggest Va De Vi in Walnut Creek.  It's awesome!

http://web.mac.com/vadevi/Va_de_Vi/Va_de_Vi_Home.html

cassandrae913

I would suggest Wayfare Tavern-its near Kokkari and the new Tyler Florence restaurant. If you want to venture out to the Cow Hollow area, I would suggest Cafe des Amis. It is where H threw my surprise 30th and fabulous. Spruce is also good and owned by the same group as des Amis.

sm23

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!