The mention of Swan Oyster Depot reveals this to be marketing spam. I went there one time and it's not any better or fresher than dozens of other places... and it's crowded and more expensive.

This was written by someone I know, it wasn't a shill. Clearly her experience was just better than yours

Maybe it was. A lot of people like the place but judging by the dishes I tried and the ambiance I can't figure out why. There seem to be a lot of restaurants in SF that have a big reputation and nothing to back it up.

A few recommendations I'd make are:

- the duck red curry at Little Thai on Polk and Broadway

- the terolise pizza (spelling?) at Pane e Vino on Union

- the camarones taco at the mexican place on 18th and valencia

- the burger w/ fried egg at chez maman

For what it's worth, Tartine is also highly overrated. The desserts are beautiful but taste waxy and artificial. The coffee is also subpar.

The photos make the article.

I liked Scomas when I lived there -- went by a few times.

Touristy, but good eats.

I've had some delicious food there and also a few duds. But I still recommend it to people if they want good food around fisherman's wharf.

I've never made it there, but I've heard about the (obvious) emphasis on garlic at "The Stinking Rose" (which is not mentioned in the article; at least "rose" is not present in its text). Is it worth the trip?

it's disgusting. The whole restaurant is a gimmick and none of the dishes I tried were any good. Picture a big garlic themed gift shop with an adjoining dining room that serves standard tourist destination (no repeat customers necessary) fare loaded with garlic.

I love garlic and cook with it extensively, so I was really hoping the stinking rose would be a real restaurant.

Thanks very much for the feedback. You've saved me a trip, and a disappointment (or, a greater disappointment; I, too, love garlic -- in good food).