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SPQR (San Francisco, CA) [2]

I’ve been to SPQR once way back, just over ten years ago. That first meal was a bit unmemorable, which is a large reason why it’s been so long since I’ve returned. Since then, the restaurant has consistently received a Michelin star (since 2012) and has converted to a tasting menu-only setup. While a la carte is no longer available, there are multiple options for almost each course and the $92 price tag (5ish courses) is pretty reasonable for a Michelin-starred spot in San Francisco.
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Penny Roma (San Francisco, CA)

Penny Roma has been one of the more popular new restaurants in San Francisco. Opened in October of 2021, the restaurant is a more casual offshoot of the ever-popular Flour & Water. The restaurant replaces Central Kitchen in the Inner Mission complex that also houses Flour & Water Pasta Shop, Trick Dog, and Sightglass Coffee. 

As expected, the menu is pasta-centric but is rounded out by a selection of antipasti and protein-dense main courses. A tasting menu at a reasonable $70 price point is also available but we went a la carte. 
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State Bird Provisions (San Francisco, CA) [2]

State Bird Provisions has been one of the most popular restaurants in the city since opening over eleven years ago. Accolades came quickly to the restaurant, including being named one of America’s best new restaurants by Bon Appetit and a Michelin star in 2014 (held ever since).

I haven’t been in over 9 years, but was able to snag a spontaneous prime reservation so off we went. The famous “dim sum carts” finally returned in May after a pandemic hiatus, so it was an opportune time to revisit.