Bayside brio: San Francisco draws in visitors with its vibrant street life, historic architecture and hip bars and restaurants
SHANNON ROWBURY, Olympic middle-distance runner
Start by going to a restaurant in the Mission district called Farina Focaccia & Cucina Italiana, tel: (1-415) 565 0360. It's a clean and cozy space, the wine selection is good and the food is fresh and great. After you've had dinner, stroll along Valencia Street to a place called Amnesia, tel: (1-415) 970 0012. It's a very small bar and every night of the week they have live music. Another option, near Amnesia, is the Phoenix Bar & Irish Gathering House, tel: (1-415) 695 1811. To end the evening, walk along to Dolores Park. Nearby is Bi-Rite Creamery, tel: (1-415) 626 5600. It's an ice cream place, and a great way to end your night out. (See 10 things to do in San Francisco.)
JEREMY STOPPELMAN, CEO, Yelp.com
I would start with drinks at the Clock Bar, tel: (1-415) 397 9222. It's a nice lounge that is fairly new, and it has been put together by one of the more prominent chefs in the city, Michael Mina. Then go straight to dinner at the brand-new La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, tel: (1-415) 397 8880, a Peruvian restaurant known for its seviche. It's a beautiful spot on the Embarcadero, located right on the water. I recommend the leche de tigre. I'd then take a stroll down the Embarcadero and stop in at the District wine bar, tel: (1-415) 896 2120. It's in a loftlike space with a brick-lined interior.
TATIANA SOROKKO, former model and Harper's Bazaar contributing editor
I'd start off by going to Restaurant Gary Danko, tel: (1-415) 749 2060, a very high-end gourmet establishment with a back room that seats up to 10 people. To sit there with a group of friends and an amazing meal is something I really enjoy. Or you could go to Quince, tel: (1-415) 775 8500, run by the fabulous chef Michael Tusk. It's located on Octavia Street and Mike has incredibly light hands. I always order the pasta. It's Californian cuisine with touches of Italian. I ask for the pasta with caramel sauce. Finish the night by going to Tosca Café, tel: (1-415) 986 9651, in Nob Hill. Or, if it's Tuesday, I go to Enrico's, tel: (1-415) 982 6223, a little jazz club with a great cabaret show. If you're feeling more adventurous, go to Asia SF, tel: (1-415) 255 2742. The nightclub's waiters are all transgender youth, and they do an amazing show on the bar. It's a lot of fun.
— with reporting by Mridu Khullar