One word: Calamari.

Being right on the very touristy Fishermans Wharf, and having a relatively humble facade with no line as we walked in, we didn't have the highest of expectations. Our outlook improved as we entered. Inside the restaurant was remarkably clean and comfortable with a low enough noise level that Raz and I could carry on a conversation without raising our voices. 

Raz liked the smoky, savory grilled sardine appetizer, but sardines simply aren't my thing, so my opinion after the first course was still so-so. Then came our mains, and I decided that this is my new favorite place in the state of California.

I had the Siciliano, which not only included the freshest, most perfectly cooked calamari I have yet experienced, it was accompanied by amazingly fresh and likely local veggies. There wasn't a single bit of oiliness or fishiness to the dish, just bright, savory, lightly garlicky amazingness.

Raz had the Abalonetti, which was an adventure in flavor combinations. The slightly lemony sauce was downright heavenly, while the veg was bright and fresh. The lightly grilled calamari was a complementary contrast in smokiness and depth. Raz declared it his favorite calamari dish ever, and we decided that these meals were definitely worth writing home about!