Rich Table Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich's Guide To San Francisco

It's no secret that chefs Evan and Sarah Rich have plenty on their plates. Partners in both life and in the kitchen, the husband-and-wife duo have fused their culinary styles and unique personalities to establish their farmhouse-inspired restaurant Rich Table, as well as its counter-serve spin-off, RT Rotisserie.

Evan and Sarah started their careers like most great chefs do — as a dishwasher and a waitress, respectively. Individually, they rose through the ranks and are now accomplished chefs in the industry with a joint James Beard nomination under their belts.

The culinary couple met while working in the kitchen at the same New York City restaurant, but they chose the "evolving and vibrant" city of San Francisco to launch their new life and restaurants, as well as raise their two sons.

With destinations like Napa, Sonoma, Big Sur, and Lake Tahoe right around the corner, it's easy for the successful pair to take short trips nearby. However, they have tons of fun (and delicious!) recommendations around town as well. From family outings at Nopalito to visiting the newly redesigned SFMOMA, check out all of their favorite spots around the Bay Area:

What neighborhood do you live in? We live out by the beach in the Outer Richmond.

What’s your occupation? We’re chefs and restaurant owners. We own Rich Table and RT Rotisserie, both in Hayes Valley.

Describe San Francisco in three words: Evolving, vibrant, and chilly!

What’s your favorite overall San Francisco restaurant? We’d have to say Nopalito. When we have a night off and want a great spot we can go with our kids, Nopalito is our go-to.

Best sushi: Akiko’s

Best Italian food: Cotogna

Best dessert: b. patisserie

Best pizza: Del Popolo

Best spot for a quick lunch: Hook Fish Company

Best food truck: The El Tonayense taco truck

Best spot for a romantic date: Mister Jiu’s

Best glass of wine: Zuni Café

Best Sunday brunch: Yank Sing

Best spot for a business meeting: Most of our business meetings happen at the restaurant, so RT Rotisserie!

Best cup of coffee: 20th Century Cafe

Best steak: House of Prime Rib

Best craft cocktail: Trick Dog

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? That’s a tough one because we don’t stay in hotels in San Francisco, but we’d have to say the Seal Rock Inn, if only for the view of the beach.

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Fiddlesticks, a great kids boutique in Hayes Valley.

Best gym or fitness studio: We really liked the Presidio YMCA when we lived in that neighborhood.

Best spa: Burke Williams. It’s a classic.

Favorite charity event or organization: The Meals on Wheels gala.

Favorite cultural event: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. It’s a great, free event in Golden Gate Park, and it's kid-friendly.

Favorite cultural institution: The San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park is really gorgeous.

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in San Francisco? We love wandering through the newly redesigned SFMOMA.

Best historic or iconic San Francisco landmark to see or explore: The whole area around the Golden Gate Bridge. We love walking out to Fort Point and exploring the Presidio. And you can’t beat that view!

What’s your all-time favorite spot in San Francisco? Land’s End is one of our favorite places, and we also love the view from above Baker Beach.

The best aspect of San Francisco is: The accessibility to so many different things — you can get to the beach, many different parks, great museums, amazing restaurants, Napa and Sonoma, Big Sur and Lake Tahoe so easily. There are so many different things you can do here!

More city guides from notable San Franciscans:

• 'Allie Eats' Blogger Allie Tong's Guide
• Food Blogger Sarah Chorey's Guide
• 'Miss Cheesemonger' Blogger Vero Kherian's Guide

Image Credit: Kassie Borreson