San Francisco is internationally known as an incredibly rich destination for foodies. From ground-breaking California and exciting fusion cuisines to adventurous ethnic dishes, there are thousands of restaurants competing for your taste buds − those that don’t make the grade soon fall from notice, and those that do are on everyone’s lips. Some districts are known for particular fare (the Mission for taquerías, North Beach for Italian, and Chinese on the Inner Richmond’s Clement Street, but nearly all neighborhoods offer a wide variety of cuisines for every meal of the day.
Price guide for a three-course meal and half a bottle of house wine for one person:
$$$$ = over $100
$$$ = $50–100
$$ = 25–50
$ = below $25
Fisherman’s Wharf
Albona
545 Francisco Street; tel: 441-1040; www.albonarestaurant.com; Wed–Mon D only; cable car: Powell-Mason; bus: 30, 39; $$$
An intimate and “homey” Istrian restaurant serving Northern Italian dishes influenced by the flavors of Central and Eastern Europe, such as homemade ravioli stuffed with three cheeses, pine nuts, golden raisins, and fresh ground nutmeg, and braised rabbit with onions, honey, and juniper berries.
Alioto’s
8 Fisherman’s Wharf; tel: 673-0183; www.aliotos.com; daily L and D; cable car: Powell Mason; metro: F; bus: 47; $$
In San Francisco, the Alioto name stands for politics, feuds, family, and fine food. For generations, this famous family-owned establishment has ruled the Wharf with fresh, local seafood and Sicilian dishes.
An original takeout hatch
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Blue Mermaid
471 Jefferson Street; tel: 771-2222; www.bluemermaidsf.com; daily B, L, and D, metro: F to Jones and Beach streets; cable-car: Powell–Hyde; $$$
Housed in the historic Argonaut Hotel, chowder dominates this menu. The sampler option is a great way to try a selection of the different recipes on offer. The nautical interior adds to the experience, as do the sourdough soup bowls.
Gary Danko
800 North Point Street; tel: 749-2060; www.garydanko.com D daily; $$$$
Shuttered to the outside, epicurean pleasures are the only focus here. The menu is neatly divided between a three- and five-course tasting menu that places diners completely in the hands of the world-renowned chef. It is quite possibly the best food San Francisco has to offer.
A table overlooking the marina in Fort Mason
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In ‘N Out Burger
333 Jefferson Street; tel: 800-786-1000; www.in-n-out.com; daily L and D; metro: F; bus: 30; 47; $
Founded in 1948, In ‘N Out is possibly the most loved fast food chain in California. In old-fashioned diner digs, this Fisherman’s outpost is an easy stop for a simple – and good – burger, fries, and milkshake.
McCormick and Kuleto’s
900 North Point Street, Ghirardelli Square; tel: 929-1730; www.mccormickandschmicks.com; daily L and D; cable-car: Powell–Hyde; bus: 19, 47; $$$
From the relaxed, redwood-paneled dining room, you can enjoy waterfront views of Alcatraz, Marin and historic ships as you choose from a huge variety of fresh, imaginative seafood dishes and American favorites.
Scoma’s
Pier 47; tel: 771-4383; www.scomas.com; daily L and D; metro: F to Jefferson and Taylor streets; $$$
For a glimpse of the working man’s wharf, dine right on the pier at this old-school Italian spot that has served seafood, pasta, and its acclaimed clam chowder for 50 years.
Spicy ribs
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North Beach
Firenze by Night
1429 Stockton Street; tel: 392-8485; http://firenzebynight.ypguides.net; daily D; bus: 30, 41, 45; $$
The house specializes in traditional Northern Italian fare – pillowy-soft gnocchi, tender calamari, and pappardelle pasta Toscana with rabbit – but the long menu pleases all tastes. Treat yourself to a house-made limoncello with dessert.
L’Osteria del Forno
519 Columbus Ave; tel: 982-1124; Mon, Wed−Sun L and D; www.losteriadelforno.com; bus: 30, 41, 45; $$ (cash and travelers checks only)
For casual but satisfying Italian food, including antipasti, thin-crusted pizzas, and a fine roast pork loin, head to this tiny gem that captures the spirit of North Beach.
Molinari Delicatessen
373 Columbus Ave; tel: 421-2337; www.molinarisalame.com; bus: 30, 41, 45; $
This classic Italian deli is a North Beach institution. In addition to deli sandwiches, you’ll find imported cheese, cured meats, and canned goods, and Molinari’s own selection of sausage salamis and raviolis made in Hunters Point.
North Beach Restaurant
1512 Stockton Street; tel: 392-1700; www.northbeachrestaurant.com; daily L and D; bus: 30, 41, 45; $$$
A warm, relaxing spot serving hearty Tuscan cuisine. The menu features homemade pastas, home-cured prosciutto and classic Italian seafood dishes, accompanied by a dizzyingly comprehensive wine list.
O’Reilly’s
622 Green Street; tel: 989-6222; www.sforeillys.com; daily B, L, and D; bus: 30, 41, 45; $
This re-creation of an Irish pub is a cozy place for a hearty brunch or dinner, either in the cool, stoneworker interior, or on the pleasant sidewalk tables. Try the Guinness-battered fish and chips or the choice burgers.
Peña Pacha Mama
1630 Powell Street; tel: 646-0018; http://penapachamama.com; Wed–Sun D only; bus: 30, 41, 45; $$
Bolivian hospitality, robust organic flavors, traditional tapas like plantains and yucca frita, and live traditional music most nights make dining here an unforgettable experience. Raw, gluten-free and vegan selections available.
Gourmet scallops
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Chinatown
Bix
56 Gold Street; tel: 433-6300; www.bixrestaurant.com; daily D; bus: 10, 12, 41; $$$
Swank digs, upscale Californian munchies, and live jazz are served at this stylish, two-story supper club with plush banquettes and cozy booths. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or order something special from their extensive wine list.
Hunan Homes
622 Jackson Street; tel: 982-2844; http://hunanhome.ypguides.net; daily L and D; bus: 10, 12, 41; $$
Service is brusque at this popular restaurant, but the massive menu doesn’t disappoint. Local favorites include the orange peel chicken, pot stickers, and sweet and sour soup.
House of Nanking
919 Kearny Street; tel: 421-1429; daily L and D; bus: 10, 12, 41; $
Grungy and crowded, the reason for the line at nearly all hours is because this popular spot is a neighborhood favorite. What it lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in deliciousness. Take the advice of the no-nonsense owners and staff on what to order, and avoid weekends.
Racks of wine
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Financial District
Barbacco
220 California Street; tel: 955-1919; www.barbaccosf.com; Mon–Fri L and D, Sat D only; cable car: California; bus: 1; $$$
There’s always a lively buzz at this modern Italian trattoria in the Financial District. Exposed brick walls, low lights, and small communal tables set a casually cool vibe, while the Italian small plates are delicious: bruschetta, house-cured salumi, Sicilian meatballs with raisins and pinenuts, and amazing fried brussels sprouts. Its mature big sister next door, Perbacco, is more formal.
Top marks for presentation
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Cotogna
490 Pacific Avenue; tel: 775-8508; www.cotognasf.com; Mon–Sat L and D; Sun D only; bus: 10, 12; $$
Next door to its fine dining sister restaurant, Quince, Cotogna is a more casual (and less expensive) alternative. The rustic Italian menu changes daily, including spit-roasted or grilled meats and fish, wood-oven pizzas and house-made pastas.
Kokkari
200 Jackson Street; tel: 981-0983; www.kokkari.com; Mon–Fri L and D, Sat D only; bus: 10, 12; $$$$
The best place in the city for sophisticated Greek food, this inviting, upscale taverna lures dinners to the border of North Beach and the Financial District to feast (below its beamed ceilings and by its massive fireplace) on feta cheese filo pies, spiced and grilled lamb skewers, and of course walnut and honey baklava with vanilla-praline ice cream.
Sam’s Grill
374 Bush Street; tel: 421-0594; www.belden-place.com/samsgrill; Mon–Fri L and D; bus: 30; 45; $$$
Relive the days of three-Martini business lunches at this downtown grill, still going strong after 125 years. Dine on American cuisine in the high-ceilinged dining room or private booths. A comprehensive menu includes classic dishes from Bay shrimp cocktail and clam chowder to Caesar salad and New York steak.
Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building #3; tel: 861-8032; www.slanteddoor.com; daily L and D; metro: F to Embarcadero and Ferry Building; cable-car: California; $$$
Wholesome, flavorful, and modern Vietnamese food at one of the city’s premier restaurants. The menu features a mouth-watering selection of carefully sourced meat, fish and poultry dishes, plus vegetable sides and mains. At afternoon tea, sip hard-to-find Chinese varieties. Reservations required.
Tadich Grill
240 California Street; tel: 391-1849; Mon–Sat L and D; cable-car: California; bus: 1; $$$
Around in various incarnations since the Gold Rush, this institution offers old-school San Francisco ambience – from the original mahogany bar to the waiters as crusty as the sourdough – and a menu of classics including lobster Newburg, crab Louis, and sand dabs.
Gott’s Roadside
1 Ferry Building #6; tel: 866-328-3663; www.gotts.com; daily L and D; metro: F to the Embarcadero and Ferry Building; cable-car: California; $
Sit on picnic benches outside at this stylish burger joint which uses seasonal ingredients. Dig into high-end diner fare with a gourmet flourish, from California beef burgers, to thick milkshakes and sweet-potato fries.
Wayfare Tavern
558 Sacramento Street; tel: 772-9060; www.wayfaretavern.com; daily L and D; bus: 1; $$$
The pre-meal popovers are so delicious at Tyler Florence’s upscale tavern that it’s hard not to have three. But restrain yourself, because the menu of American comfort food (with a turn-of-the-20th-century twist) includes gems like deviled eggs, organic fried chicken, and Scharffen Berger chocolate cream pie...and you’ll want every last bite!
Hot dog sign
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Union Square and Tenderloin
Le Colonial
20 Cosmo Place; tel: 931-3600; http://lecolonialsf.com; daily D; bus: 2, 3, 27, 76; $$$
Upscale French-Vietnamese fare amid gentle, swirling ceiling fans and leafy palm trees transports diners to another world. A great respite, with creative cocktails and appetizers.
Fleur de Lys
777 Sutter Street; tel: 673-7779; www.hubertkeller.com/restaurants/fleur-de-lys; daily D; bus: 2, 3, 27, 76; $$$$
The city’s premier French restaurant provides elegant and romantic formal fine dining, superior service, and an exhaustive wine list.
Osha Thai
696 Geary Street; tel: 278-9991; www.oshathai.com; daily L and D bus: 2, 3, 27; $
There are five other outposts of this popular Thai restaurant (including one on 2nd Street and one in Cow Hollow), but this one stays open til 2am, making it a great pit-stop between bar-hopping downtown.
Sears Fine Food
439 Powell Street; tel: 986-0700; www.searsfinefood.com; daily L and D; cable car: Powell-Hyde and Powell Mason; bus: 2, 3; $$
At this old-school San Francisco institution (since 1938!) you can have sourdough French toast and Swedish pancakes for breakfast, club sandwiches and Bay shrimp Louie for lunch, and prime rib or San Francisco cioppino (a fish stew) for dinner.
Shalimar
532 Jones Street; tel: 928-0333; www.shalimarsf.com; daily L and D; bus: 27, 38; $
One of the city’s best Indian restaurants, this simple spot serves Indian and Pakistani food in a noisy, but relaxed atmosphere. No alcohol; cash only.
Urban Tavern
333 O’Farrell Street; tel: 923-4400; www.urbantavernsf.com; L, D daily $$$
A good option for a pre- or post-theater rendezvous, this gastropub in the Hilton offers a chic, loft-like atmosphere and a menu with lamb sliders, strip steak, stuffed trout, and a decadent mac and cheese.
Exquisite dessert
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South of Market
Alexander’s Steakhouse
448 Brannan Street; tel: 495-1111; www.alexanderssteakhouse.com; D daily; bus: 30, 45, 47; $$$$
Sometimes nothing will satisfy like a good steak. You can quell that craving with classic cuts like Porterhouse, New York, and T-bone from grain-fed Angus beef in the handsome glass-and-brick dining room.
Boulevard
1 Mission Street; tel: 543-6084; www.boulevardrestaurant.com; Mon–Fri L and D; Sat–Sun D only; bus: 41; $$$
A great special-occasion destination, this Embarcadero landmark delivers exceptional American regional food in an elegant Belle-Epoque inspired setting. The wood-oven specialties, like the pork prime rib chop with crispy bacon and sauerkraut dumplings, are standouts. Reservations essential.
Freshly grilled steak
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Le Charm
315 5th Street; tel: 546-6128; www.lecharm.com; Tue–Sat D only; bus: 12, 27, 30, 45; $$
Ratatouille, escargots, duck confit, crème brûlée, French onion soup: French food’s greatest hits share this comfortable, unpretentious stage.
Town Hall
342 Howard Street; tel: 908-3900; www.townhallsf.com; Mon–Fri L, Sat–Sun L and D; bus: 12, 30, 45, 76; $$$
Regional American classics such as buttermilk fried chicken, cornmeal-fried oysters, smoked andouille jambalaya are served in a stylishly remodeled historic building.
Tres Agaves
130 Townsend Street; 227-0500; www.tressf.com; daily L and D; $$
Excellent Mexican food pairs perfectly with the voluminous tequila-heavy drinks menu. Adventurous diners are encouraged to explore the diversity of agave’s nectar by the knowledgeable staff. Tasting flights are on offer – but stay away from the habanera-infused tequila.
Yank Sing
49 Stevenson Street; tel: 541-4949; www.yanksing.com; Mon–Fri 11am–3pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm; metro: all lines to Montgomery; $$
A sure-fire dim sum pleaser, with fresh ingredients in a sparkling clean interior and particularly tasty dumplings.
Civic Center and Hayes Valley
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar
398 Hayes Street; tel: 551-1590; www.absinthe.com; Tue–Sun L and D; bus: 21, 47, 49; $$$
Ideal a romantic dinner before the symphony, ballet or opera (or a refresher after exploring Civic Center and Hayes Valley), this upscale brasserie serves American-influenced French and Northern Italian fare in a casually romantic atmosphere – think leather banquettes, antique mirrors, and period art. The soft garlic pretzels are a local favorite.
Ananda Fuara
1298 Market Street; tel: 621-1994; www.anandafuara.com; Mon–Tue and Thur–Sat B, L and D, Wed B and L only; metro: all lines to Civic Center; $
Ananda Fuara (meaning “Fountain of Delight”) is a sure bet for inexpensive, delicious, and varied vegetarian and vegan picks, from curry wraps to mushroom ravioli and vegan chocolate cake.
Espetus
1686 Market Street; tel: 552-8792; www.espetus.com; daily L and D; metro: F, J, K, L, M to Van Ness; $$$ (prix fixe)
Eat until you burst at this Brazilian steakhouse in the South American churrascaría style. Copious skewered meats are brought to your table and carved on the spot.
Suppenküche
525 Laguna Street; tel: 252-9289; www.suppenkuche.com; Br Sun, D daily; bus: 21; $$
One of only a few German restaurants in the city, updated German classics – spaetzle, schnitzel, fried potato pancakes, and hearty soups – are served to diners sitting family style on long spartan benches. Around 20 beers (mostly German) on tap.
Zuni Café
1658 Market Street; tel: 552-2522; www.zunicafe.com; Tue–Sun L and D; metro: all lines to Van Ness; $$
Make reservations and elbow past the crowded copper bar for the best roasted chicken and bread salad (for two) imaginable. The daily changing menu is inspired by traditional Italian and French recipes. Floor-to-ceiling windows, sidewalk tables, and an upstairs loft all add to Zuni’s allure. Closed Monday.
Vegetarian sushi
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Nob Hill and Russian Hill
Nick’s Crispy Tacos
1500 Broadway Street; tel: 409-8226; www.nickscrispytaco.com; daily L and D; $
Locals rave about the cheap, delicious tacos at this ultra-relaxed joint. No one wastes time with the burritos, just order your tacos “Nick’s Way” and you will not be disappointed.
Nob Hill Grille
969 Hyde Street; tel: 474-5985; www.nobhillgrille.com; daily D, Sat−Sun brunch; $$
Homey cuisine is served in a stylish but laid-back atmosphere at this cozy neighborhood spot. Classic meat dishes like roasted chicken, pot pie, and burgers prevail at this former diner turned grown-up grille.
Zarzuela
2000 Hyde Street; tel: 346-0800; Mon–Sat L and D; cable-car: Powell–Hyde; bus: 41, 45; $$
Bring hungry friends to this cheerful Spanish restaurant atop Russian Hill and share tapas, paella, and sangria as cable-cars roll by.
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk Street; tel: 673-1101; Mon–Sat 10.30am–5.30pm; bus: 1; $
This seafood counter has been around since 1912, and crowds line up for a seat. Seafood salads and cocktails, lobster, Dungeness crab, and oysters.
Chinese stir-fry
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Marina
A16
2355 Chestnut Street; tel: 771-2216; www.a16sf.com; Wed–Fri L, and D daily; bus: 28, 20, 43; $$
With an open kitchen up front and a crowded bar, lively A16 dishes up wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and other rustic fare inspired by southern Italy, particularly Campania.
Beautiful presentation
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Betelnut
2030 Union Street; tel: 929-8855; www.betelnutrestaurant.com; daily L and D; bus: 41, 45; $$
A Pan-Asian bar-restaurant specializing in dumplings and noodle bowls with bold, exciting flavors. Large mugs of beer make a good accompaniment to some of the spicier dishes.
1909 Union Street; tel: 440-4450; www.laboulangebakery.com; daily B and L; bus: 41, 45; $
With a dozen outposts in San Francisco (the address above is for the Marina district), this French bakery and café was recently acquired by Starbucks. It’s a go-to for locals when they’re craving croissants and decadent French pastries, open-faced sandwiches, or a simple brunch.
Central Neighborhoods
Cha Cha Cha
1801 Haight St, 2327 Mission Street; tel: 386-7670, 824-1502; www.cha3.com; daily L and D; $$
If you’re in the mood for a boisterous atmosphere, tasty tapas, and pitchers of sangria, Cha Cha Cha’s outposts in the Haight and Mission districts are the place to go. No reservations.
DOSA on Fillmore
1700 Fillmore Street; tel: 441-3672; www.dosasf.com; bus: 2, 3, 22; $$
In a lofty and chic 200-seat space, Dosa serves up authentic Southern Indian regional cuisine with an innovative spin. Dishes like Tamil lamb curry, mango prawns, and Dahi Vada (lentil dumplings) can be paired with international wines or a gin-based “spice-driven” cocktail.
Kiss
1700 Laguna Street; 474-2866; Tue–Sat D only; bus: 2, 3, 38; $$$
This bite-sized spot is perhaps the city’s best Japanese restaurant, with outstanding sushi and sake, a simple and elegant atmosphere, and great service.
Fresca
2114 Fillmore St, 3945 24th St; www.frescasf.com; Mon–Tue D only; Wed–Sun L and D; bus: 1, 22; $$
In a lively dining room with an open kitchen, hungry couples and groups dig into nouveau Peruvian cuisine, including delicious fresh ceviche and savory lomo saltado.
NOPA
560 Divisadero Street; tel: 864-8643; www.nopasf.com; daily D only; bus: 21, 24; $$$
Eclectic, wood-fired cuisine is the specialty here, from pork chops with grilled peaches to spicy fennel sausage flatbreads and tasty fried fish. Open until 1am.
Mission District restaurant
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Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park
Park Chow
1240 9th Avenue; tel: 665-9912; www.chowfoodbar.com; daily B, L, and D; metro: N to 9th and Irving; bus: 44, 71; $
South of Golden Gate Park, this casual, family-friendly eatery serves simple comfort food − pastas, sandwiches, salads and pizzas − either downstairs by the fireplace or upstairs on the patio (don’t worry, there are heat lamps!)
Fresh coffee
Dreamstime
The Mission and Castro
Bissap Baobab
2323 Mission Street; tel: 826-9287; www.bissapbaobab.com; Tue–Sun D only; bus: 14, 33, 49; $$
A funky international spot with a diverse clientele, serving West African fare and refreshing, potent cocktails. Standout dishes include spinach pastelle pastry, mafe with tofu in a peanut sauce, and oniony chicken dibi with couscous.
Delfina
3621 18th Street; tel: 552-4055; www.delfinasf.com; D daily; bus: 14, 49; $$$
Ultra-fresh seasonal ingredients go into the creative Italian fare at this crowded Mission hotspot. For a less expensive, but equally delicious option, try Pizzeria Delfina next door (tel: 437-6800; www.pizzeriadelfina.com).
Frances
3870 17th Street; tel: 621-3870; www.frances-sf.com; D daily; metro: F, K, M, L; bus: 4, 33, 35, 37; $$$
This relaxed Castro eatery is a firm favourite with local foodies. Chef-owner Melissa Perello’s daily changing menu of modern-Cal cuisine offers dishes like Sonoma duck breast with butter-bean ragout, and caramelized scallops with toasted faro and wild mushrooms. Reservations recommended.
La Taquería
2889 Mission Street; tel: 285-7117; daily L and D; BART: 24th Street; bus: 12, 14, 49; $
The epitome of the casual Mission district taquerías, this immensely popular spot is a perfect place to grab some carnitas tacos.
Delicious ice cream flavors
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Little Star Pizza
400 Valencia Street (also 846 Divisadero Street); tel: 551-7827; www.littlestarpizza.com; BART: 16th Street; bus: 14, 33, 49; $
Local hipsters flock to Little Star for their deep-dish pizza with Chicago-style crust − it’s no wonder President Obama loves the recipe. Decor is simple, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables and chairs, but it hardly matters because everyone’s focused on the pizza! The “Little Star” (spinach blended with ricotta and feta, mushrooms, onions, garlic) is a local fave. No reservations.
Puerto Alegre
546 Valencia Street; tel: 255-8201; daily L and D; BART: 16th Street; $
Boisterous groups descend on this Mexican table-service restaurant to get well fed and a little tipsy from pitchers of Margaritas.
Range
842 Valencia Street; tel: 282-8283; www.rangesf.com; daily D only; BART: 24th Street; $$
This warm, inviting space serves savory contemporary Californian cuisine; the short but excellent menu includes dishes such as roasted chicken with an artichoke, toasted almond, and bacon bread salad.
Rosamunde’s Sausage Grill
2832 Mission Street; tel: 970-9015; www.rosamundesausagegrill.com; daily L and D; bus: 14, 49; $
If you’re feeling peckish in the Mission or the Lower Haight districts the perfect snack awaits you at Rosamunde’s: over a dozen types of grilled sausage to choose from (smoked pork, bacon-wrapped beef, duck and figs) and a hefty beer selection to pair with it.
Outer Neighborhoods
Aziza
5800 Geary Boulevard; tel: 752-2222; www.aziza-sf.com; daily D; bus: 38; $$$
Hike to the Outer Richmond and be rewarded with upscale, modern versions of Moroccan dishes. The menu is influenced by California cuisine’s emphasis on organic, locally produced ingredients.
Sutro’s at the Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos; tel: 386-3330; www.cliffhouse.com; daily L and D; metro: N to Ocean Beach; $$$
Incredible views of the ocean, Golden Gate, and Marin Headlands make this smart, well-designed Ocean Beach restaurant a truly desirable option for seasonal California cuisine.