T+L Reports: San Francisco Treats

A foodie face-lift in the Marina District—on the bay between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz—has San Franciscans riding a post-recession buzz. The main thoroughfare, Chestnut Street, is known for restaurants like A16 (No. 2355; 415/771-2216; dinner for two $70), where Christophe Hille turns out rustic pizzas and regional dishes such as braised pork with olives, herbs, and—what else?—chestnuts. • Pastry chef Gary Rullispecializes in crisp biscotti and almond paste rolled in pine nuts at Emporio Rulli Gran Caffè (No. 2300; 415/923-6464; lunch for two $20). • Chef Luke Sung's Lux (No. 2263; 415/567-2998; dinner for two $60) serves Asian favorites such as Peking duck wraps with cabbage, pine nuts, and spicy hoisin sauce. • Innovative sushi rolls and cocktails (try the "spicy jalapeño saketini") are a hit at Naked Fish (No. 2084; 415/771-1168; dinner for two $60). • The handful of tables at Pacific Catch (No. 2027; 415/440-1950; dinner for two $30) are packed with patrons chasing salmon fish-and-chips with lemongrass iced tea. • Around the corner, olive-oil merchants Oliviers & Co. have put their huiles to work in sandwiches like pan-bagnat at La Table O&Co. (3352 Steiner St.; 415/440-9040; lunch for two $18). • At Nectar Wine Lounge (3330 Steiner St.; 415/345-1377; dinner for two $50), a trio of sommeliers offers40 wines by the glass. Sink into the cozy velvet chairs for a flight, or two.
—Kevin Raub