Map of Richmond District

San Francisco and surrounding area, locate the restaurant called Sichuan Home

This no-frills Chinese "home" is a cherished sanctum among locals craving flavorful Sichuan food. The décor may be basic and a touch dated, yet the place is packed and guests are willing to wait it out for a table—they know the food is always worth it. Meals start with spicy pickled cabbage and proceed to dishes copiously sized and boldly flavored. If on offer, try the chef's special fish: flaky fillets stewed in a tangy, garlicky broth filled with mustard greens and noodles. Then move onto stir-fried lamb infused with toasted cumin and numbingly delicious dried red chilies; or spicy beef short ribs imbued with caramelized garlic. You can't miss the excellent duck swimming in a beer sauce fragrant with smoky chili oil, star anise, and sliced rice cakes.