There are a lot of great restaurants in the SoMa district of SF – as soon as you head south of Market, great selections abound, from fancier business lunch restaurants on Mission and Howard to hipper, more artisanal eateries closer to the Embarcadero. But Delancey Street Restaurant distinguishes itself among the other restaurants in several ways. For starters it’s an old-fashioned American restaurant, complete with traditional tables, chairs, and decor. That’s quite a rarity given its location in the land of startups. It’s also closely associated with Delancey Street Foundation, “the country’s largest self-help residential organization for people who have hit bottom to completely rebuild their lives.” So Delancey Street housing residents train as chefs and servers at the restaurants, and all proceeds go towards supporting the organization. Did I mention that the food was excellent, both in taste and value?
I ordered the linguini with smoked chicken and shiitake mushrooms in white sauce, and it was one of the richest and heartiest pastas I’ve had in a long time. The piping hot dish was cooked well, with a flavorful sauce mixed with tasty chicken and mushrooms. The portion was huge and the dinner was around $10, another rarity in the city. All the servers were friendly and attentive, and I really felt at home enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. The next time I might opt to sit in the outdoor patio, which provides a great view of the Bay Bridge.
Food for a cause at www.TheFoodSpotlight.com.
List of 100 amazing dishes around Berkeley at The Food Spotlight 100!