Charles & Marie

At Nopa (not to be confused with dive bar Nova), the crowd is as sophisticated as the food is fun to eat. This corner of Divisadero and Hayes is totally stylish, what with the open kitchen and two-story dining room that dazzles with sleek neighborhood charm. The little gems salad is one of the ever-changing menu’s many highlights. Skip the burger and order the flat bread pizzas, rotisserie chicken with broccolini, or giant white beans baked to perfection. The wait for a table can run at an upwards of one hour, so prepare to fend for a seat at the small bar or communal dining table.

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Hypothetical situation: It’s Thursday night in San Francisco and you’re in the mood for a restaurant that has a lot of action going on (think DJ, power brokers in designer labels, and a dark and sexy atmosphere). Ozumo may not be the newest resto on the block, but it satiates a craving for people watching and garlicky edamame, which is unbelievably addicting. If you want to meet new people, devour them at the bar with some cold sake (options are plentiful) and the gorgeous and tasty Ozumo roll.

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Our favorite restaurant du jour? Maria Maria La Cantina, the first of several upscale Mexican restaurants to open by the legendary Carlos Santana. Margaritas with plenty of expensive tequila (and Grand Marnier upon request) appease discerning diners, but it’s the chunky fresh-made guacamole, duck tacos, and slightly spicy chicken fajitas that steal the spotlight. Come for the food, stay for the rare Santana sighting.

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Wine lovers will enjoy the lively bar at Soquel’s Café Cruz. The classic California grill prides itself on locally produced fare, from organic baby spinach to Central Valley goat cheese. Order the crab cakes, served steaming hot, or any of the sustainable seafood items which are fresh as can be. A no-fail chocolate pot de crème, topped with a mountain of whipped cream, awaits you at the finish line.

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WineStyles serves up a sophisticated selection of libations, from the rare to the recognizable (they’re an economy-appropriate $25 or less). Stop by the location nearest you for weekly wine tastings, or to pick up a gift on your way to a party. In-store wine cooler barrels allow you to chill your purchase in minutes and then be on your merry way. If you’re a budding oenophile, you’ll appreciate the store’s categorizations, ranging from crisp to bold and bubbly. Also buzz-worthy? A club that lets you jet set by way of international wines. Members receive two bottles per month, along with rewards, discounts and invitations to private tastings and special events. Go ahead, indulge in a little vinotherapy.

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