Union Square is San Francisco's heart, drawing visitors with events as varied as the city's residents. The plaza is also ideal for chilling out with a coffee and just watching the world go by. Daily Grill 347 Geary Street Daily Grill serves classic American staples in a polished, masculine environment. It's reminiscent of a gentleman's club, complete with wood-panelled walls and outsized booths - so, perhaps, it's only fitting that the menu should offer simple comfort fare. Make room for mains such as chicken potpie or Cajun salmon Caesar salad (US$12-US$17). The Cheesecake Factory 8/F, Macy's, Union Square, 251 Geary Street Blessed with the best views in Union Square, the Cheesecake Factory always attracts a long line of regulars and tourists searching for a respite from shopping. The international menu includes delectable avocado egg rolls (US$9.50), but the main reason for visiting the Factory are the enormous hunks of its cheesecake in flavours such as Key lime, peanut-butter cookie dough and Dutch apple caramel streudel (US$5.95-US$7.50). Sears Fine Food 439 Powell Street The 'world famous' Sears has been serving Swedish pancakes since 1938. The restaurant (above) has changed hands since Ben Sears, a former clown, opened it, but the ambience, service and even decor retain links to that bygone era. Side dishes such as banana bread (US$3.95) go down a treat with crab cakes (US$9.95). Dining Room The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton Street If you splurge on only one restaurant in your life, make sure it's the Dining Room. The European-style restaurant has a clubby atmosphere - gilt chairs, historical oil paintings - but never feels overbearing. Chef Ron Siegel serves fresh Japanese-style seafood in light, fruity balanced broths. Expect to spend at least US$100 per head for several courses with wine. Great Eastern Restaurant 649 Jackson Street No food guide to San Francisco, however brief, would be complete without a Chinese restaurant, and the Great Eastern is worth the trek up the hill from Union Square to Chinatown. All the Cantonese standards are on the huge menu, with some particularly hot, meaty, Sichuan stir fries. Dishes cost from US$12 to US$25. The Eastern is busy from when it opens at 11am until 1am closing.