Photo: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5Where to Eat in San Francisco: 67 Restaurants Worth the Trip
San Francisco eats like its fog: sourdough since 1849, taquerias in the Mission, and three-star temples. This guide maps 67 essentials — from the Wharf to the Sunset — with what to order at each.
The must-go list
If you eat at nowhere else in San Francisco, eat here — ranked, best first.
Atelier Crenn
Worth crossing town forChef Dominique Crenn's three-Michelin-star French restaurant in Cow Hollow, famous for its 12-course poetic tasting menu written as verse. She was the first woman in the US to earn two, then three stars.
Tip: Three Michelin stars since 2019 — first woman in the US to earn three.
House of Prime Rib
Worth crossing town forSan Francisco institution since 1949 serving tableside-carved prime rib (including the King Henry VIII cut) in an old-school English-club dining room. Dinner only; reservations book out months ahead.
Tip: Open since 1949 — reservations book out months ahead.
Tadich Grill
Worth crossing town forCalifornia's oldest restaurant, founded in 1849 by Croatian immigrants — white-jacketed waiters serve charcoal-grilled seafood and famous cioppino in the FiDi.
Tip: Founded 1849 during the Gold Rush — California's oldest restaurant.
Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café
Flagship Fisherman's Wharf bakery café of SF's 1849 sourdough institution — clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is the order. Recognized as the oldest continually operating business in San Francisco.
Tip: Founded 1849 — the oldest continually operating business in SF.
The Buena Vista
Historic 1916 saloon and cafe credited with introducing Irish coffee to the United States in 1952. Steps from the Powell-Hyde cable car turntable — expect lines at peak.
Tip: Irish coffee introduced Nov 10, 1952 — expect lines at peak.
Lazy Bear
The Mission's two-Michelin-star dinner party — chef David Barzelay's playful, hyper-seasonal tasting menu. Ticketed reservations via Tock sell out; began as an underground apartment dinner.
Tip: Two Michelin stars — ticketed reservations via Tock.
Caffe Trieste
Photo: Nicolas Vigier / Wikimedia Commons · CC0Historic North Beach Italian cafe at Columbus and Vallejo, open since 1956 — SF's first espresso cafe. A Beat-generation institution: Kerouac, Ginsberg and Ferlinghetti drank here.
Tip: Operating since 1956 — SF's first espresso cafe.
House of Nanking
Legendary, always-lined-up Chinatown-edge Chinese spot — the move is to let the chef order for you. Nanking sesame chicken; open daily 11–9.
Tip: Don't order yourself — tell them your preferences and they cook.
Arsicault Bakery
Worth crossing town forArtisan French bakery in the Richmond District famed for what many call the city's best croissants — almond, chocolate almond and ham & cheese. Open 8–3:30; morning line moves quickly.
Tip: Morning line moves quickly — go early for the almond croissant.
Good Mong Kok Bakery
Chinatown's legendary takeout-only dim sum counter — absurdly cheap shrimp dumplings, sui mai, and baked BBQ pork buns. Takeout only, no seats; bring cash.
Tip: Takeout only, no seats — bring cash; go early.
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Photo: 9yz / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.013-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani's North Beach flagship with seven ovens and a dozen pizza styles — Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian and more.
Tip: 13 world pizza championship titles — seven ovens, a dozen styles.
La Taqueria
The Mission's most famous taqueria since 1973 — James Beard-winning, Michelin-listed, with lines out the door for the carne asada burrito. Order 'Dorado-style.'
Tip: Closed Mon–Tue — order tacos 'Dorado-style.'
Sotto Mare
Tight, loud, beloved North Beach Italian oysteria — the 'Best Damn Crab Cioppino' (serves two) is the must-order. Reserve ahead.
Tip: The 'Best Damn Crab Cioppino' serves two — reserve ahead.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Beloved oyster bar in the Ferry Building serving Sweetwater oysters from its own Tomales Bay farm — order a half-dozen plus the clam chowder. Lines run long at lunch.
Tip: Oysters from its own Tomales Bay farm — arrive early at lunch.
Tartine Bakery
The Mission's famous bakery — morning buns and Paris-grade croissants. The morning bun and banana cream pie sell out — come early, then eat in Dolores Park.
Tip: Morning bun and banana cream pie sell out — come early.
Browse every spot
Numbers match the map — tap a pin to jump to its card, or a number to find it on the map.
67 of 67 places
Atelier Crenn
Worth crossing town forChef Dominique Crenn's three-Michelin-star French restaurant in Cow Hollow, famous for its 12-course poetic tasting menu written as verse. She was the first woman in the US to earn two, then three stars.
House of Prime Rib
Worth crossing town forSan Francisco institution since 1949 serving tableside-carved prime rib (including the King Henry VIII cut) in an old-school English-club dining room. Dinner only; reservations book out months ahead.
Tadich Grill
Worth crossing town forCalifornia's oldest restaurant, founded in 1849 by Croatian immigrants — white-jacketed waiters serve charcoal-grilled seafood and famous cioppino in the FiDi.
Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café
Flagship Fisherman's Wharf bakery café of SF's 1849 sourdough institution — clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is the order. Recognized as the oldest continually operating business in San Francisco.
The Buena Vista
Historic 1916 saloon and cafe credited with introducing Irish coffee to the United States in 1952. Steps from the Powell-Hyde cable car turntable — expect lines at peak.
Lazy Bear
The Mission's two-Michelin-star dinner party — chef David Barzelay's playful, hyper-seasonal tasting menu. Ticketed reservations via Tock sell out; began as an underground apartment dinner.
Caffe Trieste
Historic North Beach Italian cafe at Columbus and Vallejo, open since 1956 — SF's first espresso cafe. A Beat-generation institution: Kerouac, Ginsberg and Ferlinghetti drank here.
House of Nanking
Legendary, always-lined-up Chinatown-edge Chinese spot — the move is to let the chef order for you. Nanking sesame chicken; open daily 11–9.
Arsicault Bakery
Worth crossing town forArtisan French bakery in the Richmond District famed for what many call the city's best croissants — almond, chocolate almond and ham & cheese. Open 8–3:30; morning line moves quickly.
Good Mong Kok Bakery
Chinatown's legendary takeout-only dim sum counter — absurdly cheap shrimp dumplings, sui mai, and baked BBQ pork buns. Takeout only, no seats; bring cash.
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani's North Beach flagship with seven ovens and a dozen pizza styles — Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian and more.
La Taqueria
The Mission's most famous taqueria since 1973 — James Beard-winning, Michelin-listed, with lines out the door for the carne asada burrito. Order 'Dorado-style.'
Sotto Mare
Tight, loud, beloved North Beach Italian oysteria — the 'Best Damn Crab Cioppino' (serves two) is the must-order. Reserve ahead.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Beloved oyster bar in the Ferry Building serving Sweetwater oysters from its own Tomales Bay farm — order a half-dozen plus the clam chowder. Lines run long at lunch.
Tartine Bakery
The Mission's famous bakery — morning buns and Paris-grade croissants. The morning bun and banana cream pie sell out — come early, then eat in Dolores Park.
a Mano
Hayes Valley Italian spot with handmade pasta, pizza and California-Italian dishes for lunch and dinner — a short hop from Mission Dolores.
A16
Worth crossing town forMichelin Bib Gourmand, James Beard Award-winning restaurant bringing southern Italian traditions to the Marina — wood-oven Neapolitan pies; dinner reservations a must.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Hayes Valley's classic French brasserie since 1998 — steak frites, sole meunière, and the famous Black Truffle Cheeseburger across from the Opera House.
Academy Cafe
Quick-service cafe inside the California Academy of Sciences — sandwiches, salads and burgers for museum days.
Anchor Oyster Bar
Locally-owned Castro seafood bar since 1977 famous for its signature cioppino — a cozy lunch or early dinner near Dolores Park. Closed Tue–Wed.
Arizmendi Bakery
Worker-owned Inner Sunset cooperative bakery and pizzeria two blocks from the park — morning pastries, artisan breads and a daily vegetarian pizza from 11 AM. Closed Mondays.
Beretta
Valencia Street Italian restaurant and cocktail bar — dinner nightly, lunch and brunch on weekends.
Bi-Rite Creamery
The Mission's legendary ice cream shop across from Dolores Park — salted caramel and balsamic strawberry. Open daily noon–9; grab scoops and picnic in the park.
Bi-Rite Market
Beloved Mission gourmet market with made-to-order deli sandwiches and prepared foods — a lunch stop on 18th Street. Open daily 8 AM–9 PM.
Blue Barn
Beloved Marina fast-casual spot for chef-created salads and sandwiches from local, organic ingredients — Thai chicken salad and cobb with Mary's fried chicken.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Third-wave coffee pioneer founded in 2002 — the Ferry Building arcade cafe pours single-origin espresso and the signature New Orleans iced coffee. Open from 6:30 AM.
Brenda's French Soul Food
Beloved Polk Street spot for New Orleans-inspired soul food — beignets, shrimp and grits, and po'boys, from breakfast through dinner. Hours 8–8 (Tue until 3).
Cioppino's
Family-run wharf restaurant since 1997 named for SF's tomato-based seafood stew — indoor and terrace seating. Happy hour daily 3–6 PM.
Cotogna
Lively Italian sister restaurant of Quince — 'Cotogna' means quince in Italian. House-made pastas, spit-roasted meats from a wood-burning oven.
Dandelion Chocolate
Bean-to-bar chocolate factory cafe on Valencia Street — watch single-origin chocolate being made while you drink an outstanding Mission hot chocolate. Just two ingredients: cocoa beans and sugar.
Delfina Restaurant
James Beard Award-winning Mission trattoria on 18th Street — dinner-only Italian a short walk from Mission Dolores.
Duboce Park Cafe
Neighborhood cafe on Duboce Triangle's edge — sandwiches, salads and all-day breakfast on the patio, steps from Duboce Park. Open Mon–Fri 7–5, Sat–Sun 8–5.
Equator Coffees
Bay Area roastery cafe in Fort Mason's historic former U.S. Army gatehouse, with outdoor seating overlooking the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge — the natural stop before the bridge walk.
Fiorella Sunset
Neighborhood Italian restaurant in the Inner Sunset serving wood fired pizza, pasta and antipasti, right by Golden Gate Park. Brunch Sat–Sun 11–2:30.
Fog Harbor Fish House
Second-floor Pier 39 dining room with panoramic bay views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge — 100% sustainable seafood, an SF Green Business.
Foreign Cinema
The Mission's most romantic dinner — Californian-Mediterranean cuisine in a candlelit courtyard with a 35mm film flickering on the wall. Request courtyard seating.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
The original Ghirardelli chocolate shop at Ghirardelli Square — sundaes, shakes, hot fudge at the waterfront landmark. Open daily 9–10 (Fri–Sat to 11).
Gott's Roadside
Modern California roadside diner founded 1999 in St. Helena — the Ferry Building outpost serves the California Burger (fried egg, bacon, balsamic). Order at the counter.
Greens
Worth crossing town forLandmark vegetarian institution in Fort Mason, open since 1979 under the San Francisco Zen Center — pioneering vegetarian fine dining with Golden Gate views.
In-N-Out Burger
The only In-N-Out in San Francisco, a few blocks from the wharf — the classic California cheap lunch with a cult following. Open until 1–1:30 AM.
Jane on Fillmore
Sunny Pacific Heights bakery-café — scratch-baked pastries, standout avocado and smoked-salmon toasts. Daily 8–5; all goods baked fresh every morning.
L'Ardoise Bistro
Parisian-style French bistro in Duboce Triangle — duck confit, coq au vin and steak frites in an intimate room with red velvet curtains. Closed Mondays.
Lolo
A fun, unpretentious Valencia Street spot doing inventive Mexican small plates — cricket tostadas, squid ink sopes. Mon–Sat from 5:30 PM; book ahead.
Mama's on Washington Square
Family-run North Beach brunch institution since 1951, across from Washington Square Park — famous Monte Cristo with homemade raspberry jam. Open Tue–Sun 8–3; arrive before 9 AM on weekends.
Metropolitan Coffee
Cafe at 720 Market St serving coffee plus toast, paninis, salads and pastries daily 6 AM–6 PM.
Nopa
North of Panhandle's urban-rustic gathering place — organic wood-fired cuisine including the much-loved wood-grilled cheeseburger. Dinner only; reserve ahead on OpenTable.
Nopalito
The organic, sustainable Mexican kitchen from the Nopa family — pozole, handmade tortillas, Michelin Bib Gourmand. No reservations; must-orders: Pozole Rojo, Tacos de Lengua.
Original Joe's
Three-generation family-owned Italian-American landmark since 1937 — exhibition kitchen, leather booths, and the famous Joe's Special. Founded by Croatian immigrant Ante 'Tony' Rodin.
Park Gyros
Family-run Mediterranean counter across from the Botanical Garden — generous, cheap gyros, falafel and kebab plates. Open daily 10:30–9:30 after a park day.
Philz Coffee
SF's homegrown coffee institution — one cup poured at a time, blended to order, with the famous Iced Mint Mojito.
Pizzeria Delfina
Mission District pizzeria serving Neapolitan-style pies from 4:30 PM daily — an easy dinner stop near Mission Dolores and the Castro.
Pork Store Cafe
Haight-Ashbury institution for classic American breakfast — fluffy pancakes, chicken-fried steak, corned beef hash. Open Mon–Fri 8–2, Sat–Sun 8–3.
San Tung
Inner Sunset Chinese icon famous for its dry-fried chicken wings — crispy, garlicky wings plus black bean noodles and potstickers. Closed Tue–Wed.
Scoma's
Iconic bay-front seafood restaurant since 1965, with its own fish receiving station on Pier 47 and a 'pier to plate' menu. Listed on the SF Legacy Business Registry.
Souvla
Fast-fine Greek sandwich shop on Divisadero — spit-roasted lamb in pita or big salads, plus the famous frozen Greek yogurt. Order the lamb sandwich or chicken salad.
Souvla Hayes Valley
Fine-fast Greek sandwich shop and wine bar in Hayes Valley — spit-roasted meats in warm pita, salads, Greek wines, and frozen Greek yogurt with baklava. Open daily 11–10.
SPQR
Acclaimed Roman osteria from the A16 team on Fillmore — house-made pastas (squid ink corzetti), crispy pig's ear. 45 seats; book in advance.
Super Duper Burgers
Marina outpost of the local fast-casual chain — all-natural burgers, garlic fries and shakes at budget prices. Mini Burger $9, Super Burger $12.
Suppenküche
Bavarian beer hall on Laguna Street near the Painted Ladies — communal tables, German classics, dinner daily.
Taqueria Cancún
No-frills Mission taqueria with massive super burritos and late-night hours — open until 1:45–2:45 AM. Cash only, free chips and salsa.
The Alembic
Haight-Ashbury craft cocktail bar and restaurant — thoughtful cocktails and an extensive whiskey list alongside seasonal, comforting meals. Open Wed–Sun.
The Ice Cream Bar
Cole Valley's old-timey soda fountain — house-made ice cream, boozy floats, malted shakes at a 1930s-style counter. Try the Banana Puddin' and Wild Cherry Phosphate.
The Little Chihuahua
Sustainable Mexican taqueria in Lower Haight — tacos, burritos and enchiladas on organic gluten-free tortillas, with house-made salsas. Open daily 11–10.
The Mill
The famous toast bar at Divisadero & Oak — thick-cut Josey Baker bread with creative toppings, Four Barrel coffee. Grinds its own flour; beer and pizza at night.
The Warming Hut
Cozy Parks Conservancy park store and cafe at Crissy Field — coffee, hot chocolate, sandwiches. The only food stop on the Golden Gate Promenade walk; open 9–5 daily.
Top of the Mark
Legendary 19th-floor sky lounge atop the InterContinental Mark Hopkins on Nob Hill, open since 1939 — 100-martini menu, 360-degree views.
Wayfare Tavern
Tyler Florence's Financial District tavern, reopened in a reimagined 201 Pine Street space — marble floors, tufted leather booths. Book 1–9 days ahead; weekend brunch 11:30–4.