Limón

(Mission)
524 Valencia St.  
415-252-0918 Map it
www.limon-sf.com

$$$
Peruvian
brunch, dine at the bar, good for groups, lunch, open 7 days, romantic

SCENE: A lime-green facade and orange walls set the scene for stylish types at this family-owned-and-operated restaurant, where the lively crowd sips on the spicy house sangria. Call ahead—the minuscule dining room is always packed. If you can, snag seats at the bar and order up expertly prepared ceviche.

EATS: The Latin-fusion cuisine, heavy on meat and potatoes, always delights carnivores. Start with the tender empanadas stuffed full of beef, olives, onions, raisins and eggs, and move on to the 12-ounce pork chop resting on a bed of bacon, cabbage and potato hash. Be sure to leave plenty of room for the Peruvian ice cream.