By day, there are few restaurants in San Francisco that do a better cappuccino than the one at the South Park Cafe, where newspapers are included and there is a white-linen French lunch. In the evening, the tiny dining room, garnished in hues of cream and white and adorned with fresh flowers, shines like the secret gem that it is. Windows open on sidewalk tables facing the lawn and towering trees of the park. Sip aperitifs at the zinc bar and watch the table action reflected in the mirror behind the bar. The steak frites are some of the best in town, and the rest of the menu at the South Park Cafe is also excellent. Thumbs up for the crispy pig salad. The patrons are a blend of upper-crust media types and slightly older fans of French food.

Photos © Julia Spiess and Frank Schott