The Fuzzy Chef & Friends

Puerto Rico, next to Cuba, on the Haight

• Overall: 3.5
• Food: 3.5
• Atmosphere: 3.5
• Service: 3
• Dessert: 0
• Vegetarian: 3
• Beer/Wine: 2*
• Noise: @@
• PPPIE: $13

Underdog (Lunch)

Great California-style sausages in SF.

• Overall: 4
• Food: 4
• Service: 3
• Atmosphere: 3
• PPPIE: $11
• Noise: @
• Wine/Beer: 0
• Veggie: 4.5
• San Francisco, Sunset District
• American Food, Sandwiches

Flour & Water

Good, very Italian, pizza and wine in the Mission

• Overall: 3.5
• Food: 3.5
• Service: 3
• Atmosphere: 3
• Wine List: 4
• PPPIE: $45
• Noise: @@@
• Location: Mission District, San Francisco
• Cuisine: Italian Bistro

So, like most people, you bought your opera/symphony/ballet/sfperf* tickets a year in advance when the economy wasn't reeling like an alcoholic after a half-case of Night Train. And now you're going to the show, but you really can't afford to dine out at wallet-emptying establishments like Absinthe, Hayes Street Grill or Jardinere anymore, even though you really want to make it a proper evening.

Don't despair! Your pre-show dinner can be both good and affordable, you only have to sacrifice the white tablecloths and three-continent entrees, and maybe walk a couple blocks more. Read the rest for a list of options.

One hint though: before going out in the Opera District, take a look at the Symphony, Ballet, Opera, CityArts and SF Performances schedules. If there are three or more events going on that night, eat somewhere else.

When most people think romantic Valentine's Day dining they think French or Italian.  But you could do better this year to think Moroccan.  Go out to Aziza, one of the city's best restaurants for a romantic dinner.

• Overall: 4.5
• Food: 4.5
• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 4
• Wine: 3
• Cocktails: 4
• Dessert: see below
• Vegetarian: 4
• Tea: 5
• Noise Level: @@
• PPPIE: $60
• Cuisine: Moroccan, Mediterranean
• Area: San Francisco, Richmond