Farallon

(Union Square)
450 Post Street  
415-956-6969 Map it
www.farallonrestaurant.com

$$$$
Seafood
dine at the bar, fine dining, good for groups, notable wine list, open 7 days, private dining or party space, prix-fixe menu, romantic, theater district

SCENE: Owners Pat Kuletlo and Mark Franz designed this restaurant as an underwater fantasy for seafood lovers. Sit at the jellyfish bar, with its sand-dollar chairs and octopus bar stools, or opt for dinner in the poolroom under a sea-urchin chandelier and mosaic ceiling.

EATS: The menu is, of course, mainly fish and shellfish. Staples include oysters on the half shell and the grand tasting of iced shellfish, which features Maine lobster, shrimp, clams, crab and crayfish. Entrees pair luxurious ingredients with sustainable seafood, such as Alaskan black cod with local asparagus, fingerling potatoes and morel vinaigrette. Longtime pastry chef Emily Luchetti delights with her ethereal ricotta fritters with blood orange compote.