San Francisco area is great for the culinary adventurous. We enjoy the diversity and quality, though you'll see that we are partial on french cuisine...

In San Francisco
Marinette: 3352 Steiner St, San Francisco. The best place to have breakfast and lunch with friends, what we prefer: la salade landaise, la tartine/salade nicoise, and all the breads and pastries. What others say: Citysearch.
Le Charm: 315 5th Street, San Francisco, (415) 546-6128. Map, what others say: Citysearch, Zagat, what we like: good prix fixe menu, close to SOMA clubs, ideal for a group of friends.
Restaurant Clementine: 126 Clement St San Francisco (415) 387-0408. Map, what others say: Citysearch.
Timo's: Tapas. Good tapas, good cheap sangria, noisy, ideal for groups who want to have fun.
Slanted Door: Excellent Thai restaurant. Go at lunch time, or book well in advance.
Julie's Supper Club: 1123 Folsom St, San Francisco.
Rose Pistola: 532 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, Phone: (415) 399-0499. A good Italian restaurant, with live music on some days. What others say: Citysearch

In the Bay Area
Bistro Elan: 448 S California Ave Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 327-0284. Map, what others say: Citysearch, what we like: foie gras poele, great service (you are not interrupted and you get to keep your plate until everyone is finished), short but renewned menu always has fish cooked to perfection.
Chez Brigitte: somewhat expensive, but there are pretty exciting things on the menu. (408) 404-7043, 351 Saratoga Avenue, Santa Clara. Site
Amber India: rather expensive but excellent indian restaurant in Mountain View.
Pho Quyen Noodle House: 1185 W El Camino Real Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 774-0722
Chelokababi: 1236 S Wolfe Rd Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 737-1222
St Peter: Small, romantic restaurant in otherwise not-so-romantic San Jose
Dish Dash: a "new" (2002) restaurant in Sunnyvale, mediterranean and excellent if you;re hungry
Kabul, Afghan House: both cook lamb to perfection
Rose: special mention to their take away persian BBQ. The Koobideh are great, and the both cook lamb to perfection
Cafe Brioche: good for lunch
Mediterranean Wraps: the best shawarma in the bay area!
Bodeguita: more for the cuban atmosphere and the music at the bar, you have to try the mojito, you can even enjoy a cigare in the back. The food is not consistent, you have to be lucky.