FYI, Michael Mina offers a dessert tasting menu for dirt cheap if you want to experience the place without splurging on a whole meal. It was <$20 (I want to say $16?) for about a half dozen different desserts.
Dang, wish I had known that!
I was just in San Francisco a week ago and went to Michael Mina. I had the 4-course meal and thought it was absolutely amazing!
I made it to Gitane - which was cute. The Ferry building has fun food stalls and restaurants - had a delicious grilled cheese at Cowgirl Creamery.
Did not make it to (but had heard good things): Slanted Door (in the Ferry building - it was hard to get in to and the night I tried to sit at the bar, there was a party that had rented out most of the bar area - boo). Cafe Claude (near Gitane) Gary Danko
That depends a lot on what kind of food you like and how much $$ you want to spend. If you're at the Ferry Building and want something quick but delicious, Boccalone has great sandwiches. Slanted Door (Ferry Building) is really good and they also have a to-go kiosk called Out the Door. If you're on Fisherman's Wharf & want clam chowder in a bread bowl, I think the best is at Boudin Bakery.
I also loved R&G Lounge in Chinatown if you want Chinese. If you're looking to spend some $$$, Gary Danko and Sons & Daughters are fantastic.