If you're prioritising weight loss for health and wellbeing, you might be interested in where fat goes when you drop a few kilograms.
Q: Do fat cells go away?
A: According to scientists, fat cells never really disappear. When someone starts losing weight, the size of the fat cells decreases or shrinks. They do not 'burn' away as some people mistakenly believe.
Q: Can you ever get rid of fat cells once they are formed?
A: From birth to your early 20s, the number of fat cells in the body increases, but when an individual reaches their mid 20s, the number of fat cells remains constant. If a cell dies, the body quickly replaces it.
Q: A research study published in the British Medical Journal in 2014 suggested that the fat you lose is actually breathed out. Is there any truth to this?
A: The study determined that if you aim to lose 10kg, about 8.4kg is exhaled as carbon dioxide through the lungs and the rest (1.6kg) becomes water, which can be expelled from the body in your urine, tears and other bodily fluids. What you're actually breathing out is metabolic by-products of fat, not the fat cells themselves.
Q: What is body fat and is it important to fat loss?
A: An individual's body fat is calculated by the total mass of fat, divided by the total body mass multiplied by 100. You need a healthy amount of fat to keep you warm and insulate and protect your organs and joints. If your percentage of body fat is too low, your energy levels are low and you become more susceptible to infection and disease. If your percentage of body fat is too high, you are at risk of diabetes and other health problems. You can ask your doctor what is a healthy body-fat percentage for you, keeping in mind that above 25% for men and above 30% for women can be a health hazard.
Q: Can exercise help to keep fat cells from getting bigger?
A: Yes, if fat becomes carbon dioxide, the only way to increase the amount of carbon dioxide your body is producing is by exercising. The good news is that even everyday activities can raise your metabolic rate. For example:
Standing up and getting dressed more than doubles your metabolic rate
Going for a walk triples your metabolic rate
Playing with the kids
Gardening or weeding
Cycling
Q: What role does diet play in shrinking fat cells?
A: Eating to promote fat loss and shrink fat cells rests on the principle of eating fewer kilojoules than your body needs, which forces your body to burn fat for fuel. Eating protein helps stave off hunger and keeps you fuller for longer compared to carbohydrates, but a balanced, reduced-kilojoule diet will bring the most success.
Q: Is fat converted into muscle?
A: This is not physiologically possible. Fat cells cannot become muscle cells since the components of one cell type are different from the other. When you exercise, your muscles grow larger and the energy used during exercise makes the fat cells shrink.
Something to think about: Experts agree that exercise is essential for cardiovascular health and managing a healthy weight, but many studies agree that vigorous exercise alone is not the best strategy for weight loss. You might be prioritising intense training over a healthy eating plan and become frustrated if the results are slow.
The information is shared on condition that readers will make their own determination, including seeking advice from a healthcare professional. E&OE. Life Healthcare Group Ltd does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by the reader as a result of the information provided.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
A great dining table needs seating to match; dining chairs are a necessary purchase. Your dining chairs might be used daily or just occasionally, but either way, it's important to find ones that are comfortable, sturdy, and stylish. There's no shortage of dining chairs to choose from, and they're available in a vast range of styles, so you're sure to find something that suits your tastes.
Here are the best dining chairs for any home style.
Our Top Picks
These traditional dining chairs are made from solid rubberwood with mortise-and-tenon joinery for durability.
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With a Y-shaped backrest and curving arms, these solid wood chairs would look great in a farmhouse or Scandinavian-style home.
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This modern, comfortable, and affordable dining chair has a sleek acrylic seat supported by a chrome base.
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Choose from several colorful upholstery options—including green, grey, and yellow—for this set of two chairs.
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These leather chairs are available in numerous colors, including both real and faux leather options.
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Made from handwoven rattan, these chairs dining have a beachy appearance, with a silhouette inspired by Parisian bistro chairs.
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These contemporary armchairs are crafted from molded plastic, have comfortable armrests, and come in several colors.
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Choose from dozens of upholstery fabric options, including performance velvet, soft boucle, and more.
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This chair has a distinctly midcentury appearance, thanks to its walnut finish and unique elbow rests.
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This incredibly affordable set of four metal chairs can be stacked for compact storage and can be used outside or in your home.
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Dimensions: 22 x 23.5 x 37 inches |Material: Rubberwood |Weight Capacity: 275 pounds |Arms: Available with or without arms
What We Like
Durable construction
Comes in various colors
Available with or without arms
What We Don't Like
Expensive
For a classic chair that will never go out of style, you can't go wrong with the Aaron Dining Chair. These well-made chairs are crafted from kiln-dried rubberwood with mortise-and-tenon joinery and corner blocks for exceptional stability, and they have a beautiful X-shaped back.
These dining chairs are available in a wide range of wood finishes, and they're finished by hand and sealed with a protective lacquer. Plus, you also have the choice between regular armless dining chairs and dining armchairs, depending on your home style and personal preference.
Dimensions: 20.1 x 21.7 x 29.5 inches |Material: Wood frame and rope seat |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No
What We Like
Durable construction
Comes in various colors
Can sit close to the table
What We Don't Like
No warranty
Are traditional wooden chairs too plain for your tastes? You can infuse a bit of personality into your dining room with the Tomile Wishbone Chair, which features a popular design from Danish designer Hans Wegner. The chairs are solid wood, and they feature a Y-shaped backrest and curving arms, all constructed with mortise-and-tenon joinery for durability. The seats have a light natural finish, and their seats are interwoven rope in a similar hue.
Dimensions: 21.62 x 22 x 32.25 inches |Material: Chrome-plated steel and polycarbonate plastic |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No
What We Like
Affordable
Comes in various colors
Flexible
What We Don't Like
Can scratch easily
For a more modern home, the TOBIAS Chair is a cool and affordable pick. These chairs have transparent polycarbonate seats mounted on a chrome C-shaped base, and they come in clear and blue color options. The seat of this chair is flexible to make it more comfortable to sit in, and you can't beat the reasonable price, especially if you need to buy several of them or are shopping on a budget.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 20.1 x 32.7 inches |Material: Uphostery with metal legs |Weight Capacity: 250 |Arms: No
What We Like
Comes in various colors
Comes in a set of two
Includes warranty
What We Don't Like
No arms
The Kora Upholstered Dining Chair will add a pop of color to your dining room—they're available in eight different upholstery colors. The chairs come in a set of two, and they're covered with polyester velvet that's delightfully soft to the touch. The chairs are mounted on four angled wooden legs, and you can even choose from several finish colors to match your space.
Dimensions: 18 x 23.5 x 32.5 inches |Material: Leather or vegan leather with iron legs |Weight Capacity: 275 |Arms: No
What We Like
Made with genuine leather
Durable construction
Comes in various colors
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Leather will add an elegant touch to any dining room, and the best-selling Slope Dining Chairs come in genuine top-grain leather or animal-friendly vegan leather in a variety of colors. These chairs have a wooden seat with foam padding, supported by powder-coated iron legs that form an interesting X-shape design.
Choose between several leather colors and several metallic finishes for the base, customizing these beautiful chairs to match your style perfectly.
Dimensions: 18 x 23.5 x 35 inches |Material: Rattan |Weight Capacity: 300 |Arms: No
What We Like
Comes in various colors
Available with or without arms
Easy to maintain
What We Don't Like
No warranty
For a beachy and airy vibe, the Riviera Dining Chair is handwoven rattan on a hand-shaped rattan frame. The silhouette is inspired by Parisian bistro chairs and made using classic French techniques, and you can choose from four colors, including a natural tan hue and three shades of blue. Plus, the brand has a matching bench if you want to offer different types of seating around your table.
Dimensions: 22.6 x 21 x 30.3 inches |Material: Polypropylene plastic |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: Yes
What We Like
Comes in various colors
Stackable for easy storage
Easy to clean
Includes warranty
What We Don't Like
Made of plastic
All your guests are sure to comment on the unique Ripple Chair, formed from injection-molded polypropylene plastic. These modern chairs come in several muted color options, and they feature comfortable armrests and an intricately curved frame.
However, the best part has to be that the Ripple Chair is stackable, allowing you to easily store away extras until they're needed around your table. Because they are plastic, they can also be wiped down with soap and water, making them a wonderful option for homes with young kids.
Dimensions: 18.5 x 22 x 32.5 inches |Material: Upholstery with oak legs |Weight Capacity: 300 |Arms: No
What We Like
Comes in various colors and fabrics
Easy to clean
Offers back support
What We Don't Like
No arms
The Layton Upholstered Dining Chair offers a simple, classic appearance that would mesh well with just about any style of home decor. The chairs are mounted on solid oak legs that can be finished in several colors, and you get to choose from a vast collection of upholstery fabrics, including everything from performance velvet to soft boucle and chenille options. The seat and back are a combination of foam and polyester fibers for comfort, and the backrest is slightly curved, so it supports you without chair arms that can take up too much space at the table.
Dimensions: 30 x 21.5 x 22.5 inches |Material: Rubberwood and semi-aniline leather |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: Yes
What We Like
Comes in various colors and fabrics
Durable construction
No assembly needed
What We Don't Like
Arms are short
For a midcentury modern option, you'll love the Zola Dining Chair, which has an interesting, angular shape. This chair has a solid wood frame and padded foam seat, and you can choose between dark gray or black fabric or black leather for the seat. The back legs of the chair are slanted to create a cool Z-shape with the short armrests, and the whole piece is finished with a wood veneer in a walnut stain—the perfect match for most midcentury furniture.
Dimensions: 21 x 17 x 33 inches |Material: Metal |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No
What We Like
Durable construction
Comes in a set of four
Stackable for easy storage
What We Don't Like
No warranty
The FDW Metal Dining Chairs are durable, convenient, and affordable, and their metal construction is perfect for a farmhouse or industrial-style home. The chairs come in a set of four, and they're available in nine different colors. The chairs feature a comfortable ergonomic backrest, and they even have non-slip rubber feet to protect your floors.
The metal construction is covered in scratch-resistant paint, which is beneficial, given that you can stack them on top of each other for more compact storage. The chairs are hearty enough for outdoor use on a balcony or porch.
Dimensions: 16.5 x 19.25 x 35.37 inches |Material: Pine |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No
What We Like
Affordable
Durable construction
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Must re-tighten assembly screws periodically
The IKEA STEFAN Chair is a more affordable take on a traditional dining chair. It has a classic design with a simple slatted back, and despite its affordable price, the chair is solid pine wood. It's finished with a black lacquer that makes it easy to clean, and the only real caveat is that the brand recommends re-tightening the assembly screws periodically for stability—a small price to pay for such a budget-friendly find.
Dimensions: 19.75 x 23.5 x 40.25 inches |Material: Oak, rubberwood, and upholstery |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: No
What We Like
Comes in a set of two
Comes in various colors and fabrics
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Another traditional style option is the Paige Dining Chair, an upholstered seat that comes in a set of two. These chairs are oak wood, and they feature a round back mounted on an ornate base. The wooden parts of this chair have a slightly distressed finish that highlights the carved details, and you can choose from several upholstery options, including linen, microfiber, and velvet fabrics.
Dimensions: 30.25 x 25 x 21.5 inches |Material: Rattan |Weight Capacity: Not listed |Arms: Yes
What We Like
Comes in various colors
Durable construction
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Indoor use only
The Pari Rattan Chair will add boho flair to any dining room. Its natural rattan is carefully manipulated into a beautiful curved form and sealed with clear lacquer. The chairs are available in a natural rattan color, but they also come in several painted hues that will brighten up your dining room. Even though rattan is often used for outdoor furniture, these chairs are indoor use only, and they would look perfect in a sunny dining corner or a sunroom.
Dimensions: 41 x 25.25 x 31 inches |Material: Upholstery and manufactured wood|Weight Capacity: 250 |Arms: Yes
What We Like
Comes in three colors
Provides back support
Includes warranty
What We Don't Like
May require some assembly
Many people like to place more prominent, more stately dining chairs at either end of their table, and the Lila Tufted Linen Arm Chair is up for the job. These attractive armchairs come in a few neutral shades, and their linen upholstery features piped edges and button tufting for added sophistication. The seat and back are foam-padded for comfort, and the wooden legs have a slightly distressed finish.
Final Verdict
For a classic dining chair that will last for generations to come, you'll want to look at the Aaron Dining Chair (view at Pottery Barn), which uses the best materials and construction techniques. If you want something a bit more modern, the Slope Leather Dining Chair (view at West Elm) has an attractive leather finish that comes in several colors.
Size
One of the most important considerations to take into account when shopping for dining chairs is their size. You'll want to measure your dining table to see how many chairs can fit around it—be sure to leave several inches of space between each chair and ensure there's space around the table for chairs to be pushed out. As a general rule of thumb, there should also be 12 inches between the seat of a dining chair and the tabletop, as this will provide adequate room to sit without bumping your knees.
Material
Dining chairs are made of various materials, each of which provides a different look and feel. Wooden chairs are typically one of the most sturdy and versatile, as you can change their finish if desired. Metal chairs are durable but can have reflective properties. Other common chair materials include upholstery fabric, which is comfortable and attractive but harder to clean, and rattan, which will add texture to your space.
Arms
Dining chairs are available with or without arms, and you'll need to decide which style suits your needs. Armless dining chairs take up less space than armchairs and are often used along the long sides of dining tables. However, armchairs are usually more comfortable, as they provide somewhere to rest your elbows and stability when you're standing up and sitting down.
FAQ
How do you prevent dining room chairs from scratching the floor?
One way to prevent dining room chairs from scratching the floor is to use felt floor protectors. Most are adhesive-backed and stick easily to the bottom of your chair legs, and they're also one of the most inexpensive ways to prevent scratching. If your felt protectors don't stick very well, try cleaning the bottom of your chair legs with an appropriate cleaning agent before putting new ones on. Another relatively inexpensive way to prevent your dining room chairs from scratching the floor includes covering the surface with an area rug.
How much room do you need between dining room chairs?
To have sufficient elbow room, you should leave around 24 inches of space for each chair at the table. This allowance will help prevent people from hitting elbows at the table and allow plenty of room to slide chairs in and out without squeezing or discomfort. If your dining room chairs have arms, leave a few extra inches of space to be safe, as arms can take up more room around the table. Always make sure to measure your dining table beforehand so you know how many chairs can fit comfortably around it.
How do you clean dining room chairs?
Cleaning your dining room chairs will depend on what kind of material they're made out of. If cleaning upholstered dining chairs, always check the fabric care instructions. Some upholstery requires professional cleaning. If you're spot cleaning a stain, you should still check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for the appropriate cleaning agent for the specific kind of fabric. You should clean liquid spills as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
If cleaning wooden dining room chairs, you'll still want to check the care instructions, but generally, you can use a small amount of mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth to clean them.
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce, The Spruce Pets, and The Spruce Crafts. With a background in textiles and design, she's an expert in selecting the best fabrics and furnishings for the home. For this list, she considered each chair's dimensions, whether it's available with or without arms, and the materials used.
How to Calculate the Best Table Size for Your Dining Room
ErikaWittlieb/CC0/Pixabay
Congratulations on your decision to get a new dining room table. Choosing a new style of table can change the whole vibe in your dining area. It's important to choose a table that fits the size of your room so there's room for everyone to walk around. Taking the time to measure the size of your dining room and comparing your open floor space to standard table sizes can help you choose a piece of furniture that's a good fit for your home.
Determine the Size of Your Dining Area
Hook the end of a tape measure to something solid against the wall, like the door trim, or have a helper hold the end against the wall. Measure all the way across the room to the opposite wall. Make a note of this size, and then repeat the measuring process on the other two walls in the room. Multiply the two numbers together to determine the size of the room in square feet. If you're choosing a dining table for a room in a house with an open floor plan, measure to the edge of the area where you want the dining area to end.
Draw the Room
Sketch the room on a sheet of grid paper or enter the dimensions in a 3D room layout planning tool. While a larger open space around the table gives a room a casual, airy feeling, allow a minimum of three feet around the perimeter of the room for walking space. The remaining space in the center of the room is the maximum to allow for a dining table. It's easier to fit a small table into a large room than it is to crowd an oversized table into a tiny room. If you have extra floor space available after placing your dining table, you can adjust the way it's positioned in the room to enhance the flow of foot traffic and increase visual appeal.
Consider Decor Elements Around the Room's Outer Edge
Some pieces of furniture are big enough they're hard to move, making them almost a permanent part of your floor plan. If there are other large furnishings around the outer edge of the room, such as a hutch or curio cabinet, be sure to include the dimensions of those items in your sketch and in your calculations.
The Role of Table Top Shapes in Choosing Table Size
This is a tip you may see at play if you look closely at tabletops for restaurants. This is because restaurant tables are often packed in snugly to provide seating for as many patrons as possible. When space is at a premium — for example if you have a small dining area and can't arrange it to leave floor space around the table — consider a round or oval table. The rounded edges of the tabletop can allow for foot traffic.
Consider a Table That Has a Leaf
Choosing a table that has a leaf is one easy way to accommodate an occasional large group while enjoying the coziness of a small table. Just add the leaf when guests are coming over and remove it when there's a smaller group present. Floor space may be tied up with the leaf is installed, but it's also freed up when you restore the table to its smaller leaf-free size.
Cream Rises to the Top: Posh Restaurants of San Francisco's Nob Hill
Of San Francisco's seven hills, Nob Hill often gets lost in the shuffle. But the rich residents of this well-to-do neighborhood wouldn't have it any other way ("Nob" comes from the British term for the wealthy). While most neighborhoods will clamor for your tourist dollar, Nob Hill quietly overlooks San Francisco behind the walls of the city's grandest and most expensive hotels: The Fairmont, The Mark Hopkins, The Stanford Court, and the Huntington Hotel. Not even the devastating 1906 earthquake could bring this lofty neighborhood down. Even though the massive fire started by the quake burned the hill all the way down to the stone (you can still find black smoke chars form the 1906 fire on some of the granite in this neighborhood), the neighborhood pooled its considerable resources together to build the area right back up.
Many visitors see Nob Hill by way of passing cable car, whizzing through on the California line to or from Fisherman's Wharf and snapping a few photos of Grace Cathedral. Don't limit yourself to that, though. If you want a taste of where the elite meet and eat - and San Francisco is one of the richest cities in the world, by the way - hop off that cable car and grab a drink at the Tonga Room and then a juicy steak at the House of Prime Rib. Remember: when on vacation, it's not a bad idea to act like you're filthy rich.
Warm, intimate Frascati teems with neighborhood folks who appreciate its comfortable ambiance and toothsome cuisine. (For people not so close, the Powell & Hyde cable car runs just beyond the front door.) The menu covers that nebulous territory that unites Italian, Mediterranean, and Californian fare; to wit, lamb carpaccio with minted eggplant caponata, pan-roasted pork tenderloin with Italian sausage and creamy basil farro, and tiger prawn risotto with melted leeks and prosciutto. Cap your choice with artisan cheeses or the restaurant's coveted black and white chocolate bread pudding. Owners Rebecca and Jon Rader are usually on-site and will do their utmost to make you feel at home.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: One of the best Mediterranean-inspired restaurants in the city.
Tom's expert tip: Start off with the Russet Potato Gnocchi, a house favorite, to get a sense of their mastery of adding some California lightness to this Mediterranean staple.
Read more about Frascati →
Cuisine leaps to the forefront of this restaurant's appeal, thanks to raw and cooked options that, without exception, deliver on flavor, presentation, and preparation. Diners can choose from teriyaki, donburi, and tempura dishes and then pair them with a selection from the extensive list of sakes. Maki is a specialty, and resident chefs share their time with the Four Seasons next door. Sanraku also boasts a kaiseki menu, a rarity among Bay Area restaurants. Vegetarian items are available. Besides the Four Seasons location, Sanraku is also located in the newly remodeled Metreon, making a dinner date of sushi and a movie very convenient.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: Sanraku is consistently rated as one of the best Japanese restaurants in San Francisco.
Tom's expert tip: To insure you're getting the best mix of the fish of the day, order the Chef's Choice, an incomparable selection of Sanraku's best nigiri sushi.
Read more about Sanraku →
This small but efficient Nob Hill restaurant is routinely praised by neighborhood locals as well as tourists for getting the small things right. With seating for only twenty-eight guests, there's hardly room for error...! Chef and Owner Teague Moriarity opened this California-inspired cuisine hotspot with a clear, specific vision in mind: create dishes made from the most wholesome and local California ingredients, and serve these dishes in a small, intimate setting that brings out the thoughtfulness behind every meal. Nob Hill is not the destination for quick, cheap eats, and Sons and Daughters makes a good argument on why spending money on carefully prepared, expensive meals can be well worth the price.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: Sons and Daughters has become a standard for quality for Nob Hill dining.
Tom's expert tip: Put your meal directly into the hands of the masters in the kitchen by ordering the tasting menu.
Read more about Sons & Daughters →
Although Bay Area cuisine is all about the latest "foodie" craze, if you're not all that much into someone messing around with your steak, then tuck a white linen napkin into your collar at the House of Prime Rib. The iconic House of Prime Rib serves potentially the highest quality corn-fed beef in the Bay Area. Their meticulously prepared meat is aged for 21 days, making it especially tender, juicy and flavorful. Diners enjoy well-marbled prime rib, carved tableside to their exact specifications, along with sides like fluffy mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The dessert cart offers a decadent array of sinful sweets, and assorted wines promise the perfect pairing.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: House of Prime Rib is one of the best steakhouses in the Bay Area.
Tom's expert tip: The traditional Yorkshire pudding is a scrumptious, baked golden dome of crust stuffed with choice meats and vegetable
Read more about House of Prime Rib →
You'll always meet up with a strong contingent of locals at this rustic, romantic haunt. The cable car line runs outside, and inside a wood-burning oven and Bay views impart a special charm. The menu's Tuscan cooking features gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce and gorgonzola, rosemary grilled lamb tenderloins, veal scaloppini, and seared ahi tuna over buttered spinach. End on a sweet note with mainstays like panna cotta, tiramisu, or Frangelico cheesecake. If you find yourself wandering Nob Hill, and something in the air makes you yearn for Tuscany, you don't have to walk all the way to North Beach for an Italian meal. Head to Venticello!
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: This place is as close to Tuscany as San Francisco gets.
Tom's expert tip: Start off with the house-made meatballs, so warm and juicy it's amazing the mozzarella, marinara, and fresh basil stays in one piece!
Read more about Venticello →
This Nob Hill brunch spot offers Bay Area diners a comfortable, bistro-style atmosphere and refreshing mid-morning eats. The menu is centered around fresh organic produce, much of which is gathered from local farms, and changes depending on seasonal availability. Olea only uses cage-free eggs from Glaum Ranch in the nearby town of Aptos. You can always find Olea's signature dishes, however, including the challah custard toast and eggs baked in a cazuela. Or try eggs baked in a cazuela with tomato sauce, steamed farro spezzato, diced niman ranch applewood smoked ham and basil-almond pesto. No matter your order, a cup of Blue Bottle coffee makes the perfect addition.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: In a town obsessed with wave after wave of California foodie cuisine, Olea gets it right.
Tom's expert tip: If you're visiting from out-of-town, Olea is less than a half-mile from one of San Francisco's best free museums, the Cable Car Museum.
Read more about Olea →
For generations, this small eatery has been delighting seafood lovers from all over the city. Distinguished by a marble counter and pull-up stools, the place puts all its attention on fresh shellfish, especially just-shucked oysters. You can also try clams on the half-shell, cracked crab, lobster, and shrimp, along with a few soups and salads. The place doesn't stand out from the street, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you're around during the lunchtime rush, you'll most likely have to wait. If you're in the mood for a throwback kind of seafood restaurant, where simple style counts, then head to Swan Oyster Depot.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: Swan Oyster isn't just a top-flight restaurant - it's a civic institution in San Francisco.
Tom's expert tip: This extremely popular San Francisco institution - Anthony Bourdain always made it a point to slurp some oysters at Swan Oyster Depot when he was in town - has only eighteen bar seats, so be prepared for a wait.
Read more about Swan Oyster Depot →
When you mix the lofty expectations of French cuisine with the deep pockets of Nob Hill, you get Keiko a Nob Hill, a rich dining experience in every way. For those who want to experience what puts the Nob in Nob Hill, check your humility at the door and strut with all the swanky style you can muster right into Keiko's. You don't have to go farther than the menu to know you're in the place where the elite meet and eat: "Salad L'Extravagance" and "Cornish Hen Galantine" are just a few of the starters. If you want that big, rich, signature meal that will make your vacation but break your wallet, head to Keiko's.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: Keiko might be the epitome in Nob Hill style and swank.
Tom's expert tip: Try the King Crab and Lily bulb soup, which tastes as rich and exotic as it sounds.
Read more about Keiko a Nob Hill →
Photo courtesy of used in book.
Elegant and subdued, this intimate restaurant (whose name means "watercolor") exhibits artistry in both cuisine and appearance. Acquerello's mission is simple but effective: "At Acquerello, we believe that refined luxury is always in style." Its serene ambiance and its vaulted, beamed ceiling evoke Acquerello's former incarnation as a chapel. Contemporary Italian dishes are the main draw, though, and a frequently-changing menu features dishes like parsley-encrusted pork loin, beef carpaccio with hearts of palm and black truffles, and tuna in a fennel-dill crust with saffron sauce. The wine list features fine Italian and California vintages. Winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2012.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: Acquerello's Prix Fixe menu is legendary in the city.
Tom's expert tip: A meal at Acquerello is an event, so plan to spend several hours and many courses here, including the amazing "Cheese Cart," which will be wheeled to your table with much fanfare.
Read more about Acquerello →
Named after four of the most famous railroad tycoons of the nineteenth century (C.P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins), Big 4 Restaurant offers not only high-scale dining but a fascinating look into San Francisco's history. Led by Executive Chef Kevin Scott, Big 4 offers meals only railroad tycoons could handle: Seafood Risotto with Maine Lobster Meat, or Rack of Lamb with a Rosemary Rub. Leave plenty of time either before or after dinner to wander the sumptuous hallways of The Scarlet Huntington, and your Nob Hill experience will be complete.
Recommended for Nob Hill's Best Restaurants because: Big Four offers vintage San Francisco history and luxurious dining experience, all-in-one.
Tom's expert tip: Be sure to give yourself time to explore The Scarlet Huntington, which is where this lavish restaurant is located.
Read more about Big 4 Restaurant - The Scarlet Huntington →
Meet Tom Molanphy
The only thing that Tom Molanphy loves more than the food, art, music, and culture of San Francisco is sharing it with others. San Francisco never gets old for Tom.
Don't underestimate the importance of quality tools when you're working on projects, whether at home or on a jobsite. One of the handiest tools to have at your disposal is a fantastic table saw. With so many options on the market, how do you separate the best from those that clearly don't make the cut? You turn to the experts. Here are the picks reviewers have rated as tops.
Best Overall: DEWALT DW7440RS Rolling Saw Stand with 10-Inch Compact Job Site Table Saw
Photo Courtesy: Amazon
For a table saw that goes anywhere, the DEWALT DW7440RS Rolling Saw Stand with 10-Inch Compact Job Site Table Saw is a helpful combo that you'll use again and again. The removable stand gives you the ability to transport it easily and use it on a table or on the stand itself. Eighty five percent or reviewers give this saw five stars for its easy setup, solid performance, and space saving footprint.
Best Value: SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand
Photo Courtesy: Amazon
If you're looking for a heavy duty table saw at a price that's light on your wallet, look no further than the SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand. According to reviews this "well engineered and quite sturdy" saw has "plenty of power" and is a "great value" whether working on DIY projects or professional jobs. Its ingenuity was also praised: "The twin tab and dual toggle method of mounting the saw to the stand is near genius."
Best For Easy Portability: Bosch 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw GTS1031 with One-Handed Carry Handle
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When you're hauling a heavy saw from the truck or the storage shed and back again, totebility is an much appreciated feature. The Bosch 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw GTS1031 with One-Handed Carry Handle is a sturdy choice that's flexible enough to tackle any job. Consumers love that "it's very compact and easy to transport" thanks to the thoughtful way accessories attach underneath, calling it "the perfect blend of performance and size."
Best Small Tabletop Saw: DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 16-Inch Rip Capacity
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You don't have to sacrifice quality for size when buying a small tabletop saw. The DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 16-Inch Rip Capacity is a powerful machine in a scaled-down package. It's lightweight, yet you can count on it for versatility. Seventy-eight percent of reviewers give this saw five stars for how hard it works while weighing a fraction of the size of other saws.
Best Heavy Duty Portable Saw: SKILSAW 10 in. Heavy-Duty Worm Drive Table Saw 15 Amp Corded Electric with Stand and Diablo Blade
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Best For Home Projects: Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw
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If you're working on projects at home, a professional quality saw can seem like overkill. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw is a portable table saw that works well for small home projects. It's compact and comes with a set of helpful accessories that make home improvement easier. Reviewers appreciate the versatility and quality of this small but mighty machine, especially those with just a garage shelf for storage. "If I could give it 6 stars I would," praised one reviewer.
Best Adjustable Guard: Dewalt 15-Amp Corded 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System
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The convenience of an adjustable guard makes the Dewalt 15-Amp Corded 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System a worthwhile choice. With power and versatility to spare, its modular guard system gives you more freedom to measure and adjust. Over 800 reviewers bestowed five stars on this well-designed choice, praising its accuracy and performance, especially for weekend DIYers and others who need something lightweight and easy to store.
Best Cordless: Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 8-1/4 in. Table Saw Kit
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Best For Easy Setup: RIDGID 15 Amp Corded 10 in. Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand
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On the jobsite, speed and efficiency matter. You don't want to waste time setting up tools, which makes the RIDGID 15 Amp Corded 10 in. Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand a smart (and speedy) choice. It does everything you expect from quality machine, but you can set it up in a fraction of the time. Reviewers love the size and easy use of this saw, as well.
Best Professional Quality: RIDGID 13 Amp 10 in. Professional Cast Iron Table Saw
Photo Courtesy: Home Depot
If solid performance is important to you, you'll appreciate the RIDGID 13 Amp 10 in. Professional Cast Iron Table Saw. This table saw is in a higher price range, but it works well on a job-site and is sturdy enough to last for years. Over 700 reviewers give this table saw five stars for dependability, power, and sturdy strength. "Well worth the money," said one user, a sentiment also echoed by more than a few reviewers.
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