It's a rare and beautiful thing to find a dining destination that's as well suited to a romantic dinner for two as it is to group giggles with a small posse of good buddies. Côté Sud is one such place. As the name suggests, the jovial owner, Raymond Arbelbide and ex-Savoy chef Eric Lanvert bring the culinary traditions of their roots in the regions of Southern France to this spirited Castro establishment. The all-organic menu offers dishes ranging from traditional French-country fare ("like Grand-Maman used to make", my waiter informs me) to more inventive preparations.

- Excerpt from Côté Sud by Mandy Kemp