In SF this week for work, will have a couple nights for dinner on my own. Staying at the Hilton in the Financial District, anyone have any good recs for Chinatown or North Beach?

Honestly, having lived in SF for 9 years until relatively recently, id venture away from north beach and chinatown for food. The touristy areas tend to not be the best spots, and you'll overpay and not realize that it's nothing special. Just like pier 31/fishermans wharf. For good Chinese, go to Richmond IMHO. I lived in the Sunset, the west side of the city (and Richmond, north of the park) which is 50% Chinese, and that's where you'll get authentic stuff that isnt catering to tourists. Many don't really care much for white people, fair warning, so don't be offended if they stick you in the corner and ignore you, but it's worth it. Damn I miss the food in SF...

They're good in north beach and chinatown, just not gonna be where you find the best options, and honestly it's on par with anywhere else.

Tadich Grill - oldest continuously operating restaurant in CA, been several times always good

Went to Kokkari Estiatorio (Greek) couple weeks ago, it was great as well, and really cool atmosphere.

My client also recommended Wayfare Tavern and Per Diem, but wasn't able to make those.

"Today Food" is right by the hotel and I thought their dumplings were great, its super small inside.

Don't try to drive anywhere, at anytime around a rush hour, just total gridlock down there, even coming in from the airport at like 8:00PM.

Had Tadich Grill a few weeks ago and loved it.

Enjoyed the following during a trip:
16th Street Diner, Mission Dolores
Original Joe's, North Beach

Tadich's bouillabaisse was one of the best meals I've had in my life. Maybe it was Cioppino - but pretty much same thing and my point stands.

Is Scoma's still around? Two of the best meals I have ever had where there. Although it's been 25 year since I've been to the City.

house of prime rib is very good on van ness ave

I had a friend recommend Scoma's last week.

I always hit Trattoria Contadina and Tadich Grill when I'm in SF for work. Trattoria Contadina is in Little Italy. Really good food and a cool, old school vibe. From all my travels, I think San Francisco is one of the best cities for foodies. So many really good options.

Lived there more than a decade ago but Tadich Grill is a great option. One of our regular favorites was Tommaso's. We would often get a coffee or Gelato at the Ferry Market Building before or after (Parking near Tommaso's and walking down the hill and back up)

Bix is excellent. Live music every night.