Nestled in a residential section of Pacific Heights, just two blocks from Lafayette Park, Quince is one of the more upscale restaurants in town. The cuisine focuses on organic, local and seasonal ingredients and is mostly Italian. It's been a challenge to get a table since it opened two years ago, and you'll still wait several weeks before getting a spot between 7 and 8, regardless the night of the week.

So is Quince still worthy of the hype? Taking into account the small portions where each course is clearly meant to be a single portion, and the accompanying high prices, the answer is "maybe" and only if you happen to choose the right dishes. An overly lengthy menu seems to allow the kitchen to lose focus, and sometimes it loses its way completely. -- Amy Sherman