I love
Zuni. Judy Rodgers was nominated for a Beard, and maybe even won. It's on Market Street, I think, not far from the cable car turnaround.
Also: not really expensive, and considered a classic SF experience: Tadich Grill, in the Financial District, I think. It's been around forever. Simple, perfect fish. Just perfect fish. Oh, the sand dabs!!!!!
Not to complicate things for you, but you might check the San Francisco board at
Chowhound. Talk about passionate eaters! Or look at some of the places mentioned at
On The Rail in the "Comings and Goings" part of "In the Weeds."