Willie Brown Jr., and Wilkes Bashford

If you are looking for the best restaurants and hot spots in San Francisco, you need only ask one man — Wilkes Bashford. Since opening Wilkes Bashford on Sutter Street in the 1960s has been at the center of San Francisco cultural life, both literally and figuratively speaking.

Wilkes has seen it all come and go, and has a special taste for what is best. He was recently asked for his “Top Ten Restaurants & Hot Spots” and this is what he came up with (in no particular order):

ALLEGRO ROMANO
1701 Jones Street, 415.928.4002
“A small and intimate restaurant in the Russian Hill area and the owner Lorenzo couldn’t be more charming.”

GARY DANKO
800 North Point, 415.749.2060
“Excellent food. Elegant service and decor. Book well in advance.”

1300
1300 Fillitore St., 415.771.7100
“Soul food in the Jazz District. Excellent fried chicken and short ribs.”

BACCO
737 Diamond St., 415.282.4969
“Love the rigatoni.”

FIREFLY
4288 24th St. 415.821.7652
“Go when the fried chicken is on the menu. It’s usually on for a few weeks at a time, and they’ll notify you by e-mail.”

RNM
598 Haight St., 415.551.7900
“Small, local crowd. Excellent food.”

HARRY DENTON’S “STARLIGHT ROOM”
450 Powell St., 415.392.7755
“For drinks with a view.”

LE CENTRAL
453 Bush Street, 415.391.2233
“Favorite lunch spot with Mayor Willie Brown, you’ll find me here everyday.”

BIX
56 Gold Street, 415.433.6300
“Lively dinner crowd and active bar, on alley in antique district.”

NORTH BEACH RESTAURANT
1512 Stockton, 415.392.1587
“A local favorite. Wonderful Italian food. The zabaglione is to die for.”