Nopa

The warm doughnut holes with rum caramel make this restaurant. With their freshly baked aroma, these desserts can be devoured by the basket. Sinfully sugar-coated, these doughnuts, far from your ordinary Safeway or even Krispy Kreme varieties, will make your mouth quiver in ectasy.

The dinner is good, too. Start off with the marinated olives and goat cheese crostinis then choose from a short list of vegetarian and meat dishes. The Mediterranean fish stew is terrific and reminiscent of traditional Italian cioppino. Just make sure to save room for dessert. Mouthwatering Nopa is located on the corner of Hayes and Divisadero.

Fog City Diner

Don’t let the name diner fool you. Fog City Diner encompasses all the seafood you can dream of, from salmon to scallops to whole crabs along with all the proper accompaniments of corn bread, zesty cole slaw and clam chowder.

The crab cakes, one of their signature dishes, are delicious. Remember to order enough sourdough bread, french fries and onion rings to go around. Trust us, you will finish them. This casual yet classy restaurant actually exists inside an extended cable car at 1300 Battery St.. Big tables are also available for large groups.

Slow Club

Plans fall through at the last minute? If so, Slow Club is sure to have something on its menu, which changes daily, to please everyone. The grilled flat bread, whose toppings include spicy tomato sauce, white anchovies, feta cheese, chioggia radicchio and roasted garlic, is sure to please, as is the traditional Caesar salad.

The menu always features several meat dishes, a variety of salads, at least one fish dish and a pasta. Many dishes require some investigation as they often feature unheard-of vegetables, but the waiters are more than willing to answer any questions and usually allow substitutions or omissions.

Slow Club, located at 2501 Mariposa St., does not take reservations but usually has seats for small parties. If nothing else, Slow Club’s loud din can drown out any awkward conversation you and your date are suffering through.

Absinthe

Also with a menu that changes daily, the seductive ambiance of Absinthe gives off a fancy French vibe without being stuffy. Your prom party will fit right in with the Saturday night opera-symphony goers who frequent this gem located in the heart of the financial district at 398 Hayes St. at Gough St.

Dig into whole crabs, salmon, tuna, pork loin, steak and duck or chose from the many different oysters. Absinthe’s french fries, which arrive in a brown paper cone accompanied by garlic mayonnaise, and the tradition French onion soup complement any main course. Absinthe is a popular restaurant so make reservations early if you hope to seat more than two.

Burger

Are you trying to avoid the hype and cost that often accompanies prom? Burger Joint is a more relaxed restaurant than your average prom eatery.

It lacks the grease common to fast food restaurants clearing the path for rich, thick milkshakes, huge piles of golden fries and … well, I’m vegetarian but their burgers have a good reputation.

There’s always a booth open and while your formal party may look slightly out of place amongst the neon lights and plastic seats, Burger Joint is the way to go for those looking for a cheaper way to go.

Regalito

This small, inexpensive Mexican restaurant doesn’t serve your ordinary fare. Regalito has a very friendly atmosphere, but if you’re thinking tacos and burritos, you won’t see a single thing you recognize on the menu.

Cheese, potato and chicken taquitos topped with heaps of fresh salsa and cream, grilled pork chops with chile strips and round flat tortilla chips made fresh for dipping in spicy salsa – make for an enjoyable experience.

Located at 3481 18th St. at Valencia St., Regalito is convenient, cheap and fun. Just be sure to ask for sugar, as their lemonade is incredibly sour.