Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Power Lunches San Francisco
The days of the three-martini lunch may be gone, but some restaurants still buzz with the sound of wheels and deals in motion. Discreet alcoves hide the quiet rendezvous, suitably imposing menus impress VIP clients, and exquisite waterfront views set the scene for a celebratory toast. These power playgrounds attract all breeds of movers and shakers—from high-profile politicians and finance execs to media moguls and entertainment royalty.
The Draw: Haute cuisine in the French–New American style is rarely done better. Add perfectly unobtrusive service and an extensive wine list for celebrating deals, and you have a clear winner. The Scene: Housed in the historic Audiffred Building, the interior is all dark woods, Belle Epoque details, tulip-shaped lamps, and floral motifs. Despite its location just off the Embarcadero, tourists tend not to end up here. Instead, look for local power players. Mon–Wed 11am–2pm and 5:30–10pm, Thu–Fri 11am–2pm and 5:30–10:30pm, Sat 5:30–10:30pm. $$$ Hot Tip: Business lunchers opt for the tables on the east side of the room, many of which have bay views.
Perbacco 230 California St., Financial District, 415-955-0663 perbaccosf.com
The Draw: Centrally located in the Financial District, Perbacco lures stylish downtown denizens for business lunches that are at once elegant and comfortable. The Scene: Major lunchtime negotiations go down in the formal dining room, where a conservative neutral palette is conducive to serious conversation. Booths in the lounge and numerous seats at the bar host more casual gatherings for a leisurely lunch or modish happy hour. Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri 11:30am–11pm, Sat 5:30–11pm. $$ Hot Tip: Perbacco’s namesake may be the god of wine—and the restaurant certainly has an abundance of vino to choose from—but the cocktails here are truly delightful. Make like the regulars and order a Dieci (Campari, gin, and grapefruit) or the Notte Piccante, a spicy concoction mixed with Amber Liqueur.
Yank Sing 101 Spear St., SoMa, 415-781-1111 yanksing.com
The Draw: This truly local spot features the best dim sum in town, with enough tables to accommodate the masses longing to get in. It’s such a bustling spot that you never have to worry about your conversation being overheard. The Scene: Smack in the middle of Rincon Center, an indoor mall near the Embarcadero, Yank Sing is buzzing from the moment it opens with international business folks talking up the next great idea. Mon–Fri 11am–3pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm. $$ Hot Tip: Don’t confuse this space with the restaurant’s more sedate location on Stevenson Street, which serves the same great food, minus the atmosmphere.
