Nico's At Pier 38

Description:

• This tiny take-out place produces gourmet French cuisine island-style on Styrofoam take-out containers at local plate-lunch prices. Sit on plastic lanai chairs and tables under a deep green awning to munch on these delicious entrees at the edge of the pier. French-born Chef Nicolas "Nico" Chize has cooked at such upscale eateries as Michel's and the Bistro At Century Center, but his small, oddly located eatery is so popular you'll have to stand in line during the crowded lunch hour, when you will see commercial fishermen, business executives, and a smattering of tourists (they do take orders over the phone if you want to shorten your wait). My favorite is the furikake pan-seared ahi with the addictive ginger garlic cilantro dip, served with greens or macaroni salad for $8.75. They also have wicked catch-of-the-day specials (grilled swordfish with a fennel-cream sauce was on the menu when I was there), a double cheeseburger to die for, and a mean beef stew. Hearty breakfasts are served till 9:30am weekdays and 10:30am Saturdays.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010