Guide to shops, restaurants, and general living in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood

Keep in mind that I live at Larkin and Union. If you live a couple blocks off, you may have a different experience. This is a work in progress.

Za Pizza: 1919 Hyde St
This is the second best pizza I have ever had. And I don’t think I’ll be flying to Maryland just to go to George’s Restaurant, so Za Pizza will do just fine. It is a bit pricey, but I think that good pizza is worth the money.

The employees are a little rude, but they aren’t “mean” per se. However, if you go in on a weekend day, you’ll usually find a white guy with glasses who I think is the owner, and he is super nice.

They also have a few beers on tap, including Boont, which I have taken a liking to.

Be sure to save the coupon that they tape to the pizza boxes - you’ll save a buck or two.

If you’re like me, you want to be able to eat your pizza right when it comes out. So if you order just a slice, ask them to put it in for just a minute and keep a close eye on that minute, or else you’ll singe your tongue.

Swensen’s Ice Cream: 1999 Hyde St
This is the original Swensen’s Ice Cream, open since 1948. This is definitely the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

I like to get the quart container mostly because it has the little dude on the container. The pint containers are kind of ugly.

I usually like to get the cookies and cream or the swiss orange chip. Best cookies and cream ever. I’ve tried a few other flavors and they are great too.

They always pack the containers to the brim, so much so that the lid rarely fits on well. Getting a cone to go is delicious as well. There’s nowhere to sit, so go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while you munch on your cone.

Oh, and do these kids a favor and throw a quarter or a buck in the tip jar, even if they haven’t learned to say “thank you” yet.

Zarzuela: 2000 Hyde St

Lemongrass
Andy’s
Green’s Sports Bar
Real Food
Walgreen’s
Cole Hardware
City Discount
Jug Shop