You have to know where to go. The really good innovative stores and restaurants are stashed away in strip malls, because the rents in SF are so expensive, all t

You have to know where to go. The really good innovative stores and restaurants are stashed away in strip malls, because the rents in SF are so expensive, all the stores and restaurants sort of look the same because they have a huge monthly nut to make. You see a lot of new fusion and tapas restaurants, as well as high end boutiques. Cupertino has a bunch of really good Chinese restaurants, there's a great dim sum place in Daly City, and Fremont is known for good Afghani food, and there's one place in Belmont that is also good Afghani food. And there's a great Japanese kaiseki place in San Mateo, and good ramen near downtown San Mateo, and a good sushi place in San Bruno. Downside is that you do need a car though.