🌁 San Francisco Places you should visit
This is a recommendation of places to visit in San Francisco curated by Christian Van Der Henst.
Mr Jiu's
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
Try the duck. This is a Michelin-starred Chinese American restaurant in Chinatown -the original Chinatown of San Francisco. The video will show you how much care they put into that duck, and they also do amazing hot pot and cocktails.
Added: 2023-10-07
San Ho Won
– Mission (🥟 Asian)
Chef Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang's Michelin-starred Korean charcoal barbecue restaurant. The house menu is generous, the banchan and vegetables are as carefully handled as the meat, and the charcoal-grilled beef is the centerpiece. Reservations can be difficult, so book when they are released.
Added: 2024-01-10
La Taqueria
– Mission (🌮 Mexican)
Oh my God, it might be called The Place of the Tacos, but trust me, this place really knows how to make a burrito. Go for the carne asada, make it supreme, ask for extra guac if you want, and maybe ask for less beans. You will love it. You go here for the burrito -the carne asada one, amazing.
Added: 2024-01-10
Swan Oyster Depot
– Nob Hill (🦪 Seafood)
I recently made the line and it was totally worth it. Not only do they have amazing oysters, but always ask for a sample, but also their sashimi plates are great, as well as the clam chowder soup. Really recommend it. Worth the wait. Remember that it's cash only and get a beer.
Added: 2024-01-10
China Live
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
China Live made what Italy is for Italian food but for Chinese food in Chinatown. They have an amazing variety of stuff, great for groups. Try all the different dim sum. The Xiaolongbao is always a great recommendation, and it's a very big space. Not only do they have the restaurant, but there's also a speakeasy that's highly recommended.
Added: 2024-01-10
Burma Love
– Mission (🍜 Burmese)
Has many locations, but the one that I recommend is the one in the Mission. You have to try the tea leaf salad because those fermented tea leaves are amazing and it has a great umami magic. Also, the coconut rice is great and I always include at least a curry, a soup with noodles, and some chicken. Bring a big group so you can try it all.
Added: 2024-01-10
Tony's Pizza
– North Beach (🍕 Italian)
It's a place in San Francisco that has some awards, especially if you want to go for the Margherita or the Mozzarella one. They have seven different ovens for different styles, and they say that some of the pizzas will be sold out. I've never seen any pizza sold out, but just go early. Make the line. It's totally worth it.
Added: 2024-01-10
Rintaro
– Mission (🍣 Japanese)
This is the beautiful izakaya that we have in town. It really cares about yakitori. And the chicken skewers are really recommended. But try everything and ask for the specials. You'll have a blast. Their sake selection is also really good. It really feels like Tokyo in the Mission.
Added: 2024-01-10
Mijoté
– Mission (🥐 French)
Modern French bistro with a California soul. The duck confit and the bone marrow with escargot are standouts. Natural wine program is exceptional. Intimate space perfect for special occasions.
Added: 2024-01-10
Lazy Bear
– Mission (🍔 Modern American)
One of my most memorable fine-dining experiences in San Francisco. The cultured butter and bread were exceptional, but what made the meal truly special was the original shared-table dinner-party format, with everyone eating together. Lazy Bear no longer seats guests communally, but the nostalgic, hyper-seasonal tasting menu and that incredible bread and butter still make it a recommendation.
Added: 2026-07-17
Plow
– Potrero Hill (🍽️ Brunch)
Is definitely the best brunch in town. It's long hour waits on the weekends, but trust me, it's worth it. And they also have some special breakfast if they have the Chinese one, go for it. Thanks to my poblano cooks for this amazing, beautiful place in San Francisco.
Added: 2024-06-22
The Mill
– NoPa (☕ Bakery/Cafe)
Famous for thick-cut toast topped with seasonal ingredients and Four Barrel coffee. The $4 toast became a symbol of SF's artisanal food movement. Their bread from Josey Baker Bread is exceptional, and the almond butter toast with sea salt is iconic.
Added: 2024-06-21
Mensho Tokyo
– Tenderloin (🍣 Japanese)
This is the best ramen in town -rich, creamy broth, and it's just perfectly cooked. You will have to make a line, and of course, it's in the Tenderloin, so some people get a little bit worried about it, but trust me, totally worth it. And they have also a branch in Tokyo. I think the one in San Francisco was even first, not sure about that, but good to consider it.
Added: 2024-06-21
Octavia
– Pacific Heights (🥗 California)
This is a cozy place for dinner. Always a great selection and a good description of what New American stands for. The menu changes with the season, but it consistently feels polished, comfortable, and worth the night out.
Added: 2024-06-22
Four Kings
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
Cozy place that reminds me of the feeling of some izakayas, but the variety is amazing. You get Singaporean, Korean, and a lot of Taiwanese and Chinese delicatessen influences all in one dinner. Great food, great ambience, and one of the most fun meals in Chinatown.
Added: 2026-04-03
Zuni Café
– Hayes Valley (🥗 California cuisine)
Their legendary roast chicken for two with bread salad is a San Francisco institution, order it and wait the 45 minutes, it's worth it. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant has been defining California cuisine since 1979. Also try their Caesar salad and oysters.
Added: 2024-01-10
Tartine Bakery
– Mission (🍞 Bakery)
Home to the city's most famous morning buns and country bread that launched a thousand sourdough obsessions. Their croissants are equally legendary. This bakery transformed American bread culture and remains a pilgrimage site for bakers worldwide.
Added: 2024-01-10
El Chato
– Mission (🥘 Spanish Tapas)
This corner really makes Madrid a thing in the Mission. Beautiful place with great owners. It's a natural wine bar and recommended to go for the tapas, the tortilla española and their wines. They're just amazing. Also ask for some Chatos to try some of the things that they have on the menu. Really cool.
Added: 2024-01-10
Mosto
– Mission (🌮 Mexican)
Their tacos al pastor are amazing because they have a proper trompo, and they also have a great mezcal selection. Unfortunately, lately they are also building burgers, and despite the fact that they are trendy, I think that they are losing part of the essence that made me recommend them at the first time.
Added: 2024-01-10
Yuanbao Jiaozi
– Inner Richmond (🥟 Asian)
Handmade dumplings are the star. Try the pork & chive and the fish dumplings. Their hand-pulled noodles in rich broths are equally exceptional. A neighborhood favorite for authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.
Added: 2024-01-10
LoLo
– Mission (🌮 Mexican)
Known for creative tacos like fried chicken with mole verde and their famous quesadilla with bone marrow. A modern Mexican spot that's both playful and deeply respectful of Mexican culinary traditions. Their decoration is extremely creative.
Added: 2024-01-10
Dumpling Time
– Design District (🥟 Asian)
Watch dumpling makers through the glass window. The colorful xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and the King-Dum (massive pork & shrimp dumpling) are Instagram-famous for good reason. Modern take on dim sum classics.
Added: 2024-01-10
Kingdom of Dumplings
– Inner Richmond (🥟 Asian)
No-frills spot for authentic Beijing-style dumplings. Their lamb & cumin dumplings and the hand-pulled biang biang noodles are exceptional. Cash only, worth the trek to the Richmond.
Added: 2024-01-10
4505 Burgers & BBQ
– Divisadero (🍔 American)
Founded by champion pitmaster Ryan Farr. The 'Best Damn Cheeseburger' lives up to its name, and the brisket is properly smoked for 18 hours. Their picnic-style outdoor seating captures SF's casual dining spirit.
Added: 2024-01-10
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
– Tenderloin (🥢 Venezuelan-Chinese Fusion)
Venezuelan and Chinese fusion with a lovely history coming from Venezuela and Panama to the Tenderloin. Will always honor their 9 dollar rice and chicken dish. A unique blend of Latin American and Asian flavors that tells the story of migration and cultural fusion in San Francisco.
Added: 2025-07-20
Burma Super Star
– Sunset (🍜 Burmese)
The tea leaf salad is legendary, fermented tea leaves with nuts and seeds create umami magic. Rainbow salad and coconut rice are also must-orders. Expect a wait; this place introduced Burmese cuisine to many Americans.
Added: 2024-01-10
Piccino
– Dogpatch (🍕 Italian)
Wood-fired pizzas with creative California toppings and excellent natural wines. Weekend brunch is exceptional. Their backyard garden patio is one of SF's best outdoor dining spots.
Added: 2024-01-10
Shizen
– Mission (🍣 Japanese)
Vegan sushi that converts carnivores. The spicy tuna (made from tomatoes) and the candied walnut & quinoa roll are revelations. Proof that plant-based dining can be both sustainable and indulgent.
Added: 2024-01-10
House of Prime Rib
– Van Ness (🍔 American)
Old-school SF since 1949. Prime rib carved tableside from silver carts, Yorkshire pudding, and creamed spinach. The martinis are perfect. A time capsule of classic American dining.
Added: 2024-01-10
Z & Y
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
Explosive Sichuan flavors, the tea-smoked duck and mapo tofu will test your spice tolerance. Their 'Explosive Chili Chicken' is buried in chilies. One of the best regional Chinese restaurants in America.
Added: 2024-01-10
Kitchen Istanbul
– Inner Richmond (🥙 Turkish)
Family-run Turkish spot. The lamb kebabs and the meze platter with house-made hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara are exceptional. Their Turkish breakfast on weekends is an overlooked gem.
Added: 2024-01-10
Flour + Water
– Mission (🍕 Italian)
House-made pasta is the star. The agnolotti and the tajarin are life-changing. Neapolitan-style pizzas from the wood-fired oven are equally impressive. Reservations essential at this pasta temple.
Added: 2024-01-10
State Bird Provisions
– Fillmore (🍔 American)
Dim sum-style service meets California cuisine. The state bird (quail) with provisions is iconic, as are the garlic bread with burrata and the pork belly salad. James Beard Award winner that changed how Americans think about small plates.
Added: 2024-01-10
Bi-Rite Creamery
– Mission (🍽️ Dessert)
San Francisco's most beloved ice cream shop. The salted caramel is legendary, and seasonal flavors like honey lavender showcase local ingredients. Expect long lines on sunny days - it's a Mission District ritual. Their soft serve with olive oil and sea salt is a must-try.
Added: 2024-06-21
Four Barrel Coffee
– Mission (☕ Coffee)
Valencia Street's coffee temple with a massive roasting facility visible from the cafe. Single-origin pour-overs and expertly pulled espresso. The industrial-chic space with high ceilings and communal seating embodies Mission District coffee culture.
Added: 2024-06-21
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
– Mission (🍽️ Jewish Deli)
Modern Jewish deli serving pastrami on rye that rivals NYC's best, plus bagels, lox, and babka. Their challah French toast at brunch is exceptional. A taste of the Lower East Side in the Mission, with multiple locations across the city.
Added: 2024-06-21
Ju-ni
– Divisadero (🍣 Japanese)
Intimate 12-seat omakase sushi bar from former Saison chef Geoffrey Lee. The $300+ tasting menu features pristine fish flown in from Tsukiji Market. Watching the chef's knife work up close is part of the experience. Reservations essential.
Added: 2024-06-21
Marufuku Ramen
– Japantown (🍣 Japanese)
Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with rich pork bone broth simmered for 20+ hours. Choose your noodle firmness and richness level. The black garlic oil adds incredible depth. One of SF's best ramen shops, expect a wait.
Added: 2024-06-21
Hog Island Oyster Co.
– Ferry Building (🦪 Seafood)
Ferry Building institution serving oysters from their Tomales Bay farms. The grilled cheese with three artisan cheeses pairs perfectly with oysters. Views of the Bay Bridge while slurping Sweetwaters and Kumamotos. Happy hour is the best deal.
Added: 2024-06-21
Doma Sushi
– Bernal Heights (🍣 Japanese)
Doma remains open, but this recommendation moved with the restaurant from its former Cortland Avenue address to 433 Precita Avenue. The welcoming neighborhood setting, omakase, nigiri, salmon skin salad, and ankimo remain the reasons to go.
Added: 2024-06-21
Reem's California Mission
– Mission (🥙 Middle Eastern)
Arab street food meets California ingredients. Their mana'eesh (flatbreads) are baked to order in a custom oven. The za'atar with cheese and the lamb flatbread are exceptional. Owner Reem Assil creates food that tells stories of Arab heritage.
Added: 2024-06-21
Beit Rima
– Cole Valley (🥙 Middle Eastern)
Modern Middle Eastern with a focus on Palestinian and Jordanian dishes. The chicken musakhan (sumac-spiced chicken with caramelized onions on flatbread) is incredible. Their hummus with lamb is a meal in itself. Cozy neighborhood spot with excellent hospitality.
Added: 2024-06-21
Balompie Cafe
– Mission (🍽️ Salvadoran)
Authentic pupuseria serving handmade pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, chicharrón, or loroco. Watch them made fresh through the window. Their curtido (pickled cabbage) and salsa roja are perfect accompaniments. Cash only, incredibly affordable.
Added: 2024-06-21
Arsicault Bakery
– Inner Richmond (🍞 Bakery)
Home of SF's best croissant - buttery, flaky perfection that regularly wins 'Best Croissant' awards. Their almond croissant and kouign-amann are equally exceptional. Arrive early, they sell out fast.
Added: 2024-06-22
Starbelly
– Castro (🥗 California)
California comfort food with a great back patio. Their fried chicken sandwich and pizzas are neighborhood favorites. Excellent brunch spot with bottomless mimosas. Dog-friendly patio.
Added: 2024-06-22
Farley's
– Potrero Hill (☕ Coffee)
Potrero Hill's community living room since 1989. Great coffee, fresh pastries, and a mix of locals working on laptops and families grabbing breakfast. Their outdoor seating on 18th Street is perfect for people watching. A true neighborhood institution.
Added: 2024-06-22
Mr Jiu's
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
Try the duck. This is a Michelin-starred Chinese American restaurant in Chinatown -the original Chinatown of San Francisco. The video will show you how much care they put into that duck, and they also do amazing hot pot and cocktails.
Added: 2023-10-07
San Ho Won
– Mission (🥟 Asian)
Chef Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang's Michelin-starred Korean charcoal barbecue restaurant. The house menu is generous, the banchan and vegetables are as carefully handled as the meat, and the charcoal-grilled beef is the centerpiece. Reservations can be difficult, so book when they are released.
Added: 2024-01-10
La Taqueria
– Mission (🌮 Mexican)
Oh my God, it might be called The Place of the Tacos, but trust me, this place really knows how to make a burrito. Go for the carne asada, make it supreme, ask for extra guac if you want, and maybe ask for less beans. You will love it. You go here for the burrito -the carne asada one, amazing.
Added: 2024-01-10
Swan Oyster Depot
– Nob Hill (🦪 Seafood)
I recently made the line and it was totally worth it. Not only do they have amazing oysters, but always ask for a sample, but also their sashimi plates are great, as well as the clam chowder soup. Really recommend it. Worth the wait. Remember that it's cash only and get a beer.
Added: 2024-01-10
China Live
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
China Live made what Italy is for Italian food but for Chinese food in Chinatown. They have an amazing variety of stuff, great for groups. Try all the different dim sum. The Xiaolongbao is always a great recommendation, and it's a very big space. Not only do they have the restaurant, but there's also a speakeasy that's highly recommended.
Added: 2024-01-10
Burma Love
– Mission (🍜 Burmese)
Has many locations, but the one that I recommend is the one in the Mission. You have to try the tea leaf salad because those fermented tea leaves are amazing and it has a great umami magic. Also, the coconut rice is great and I always include at least a curry, a soup with noodles, and some chicken. Bring a big group so you can try it all.
Added: 2024-01-10
Tony's Pizza
– North Beach (🍕 Italian)
It's a place in San Francisco that has some awards, especially if you want to go for the Margherita or the Mozzarella one. They have seven different ovens for different styles, and they say that some of the pizzas will be sold out. I've never seen any pizza sold out, but just go early. Make the line. It's totally worth it.
Added: 2024-01-10
Rintaro
– Mission (🍣 Japanese)
This is the beautiful izakaya that we have in town. It really cares about yakitori. And the chicken skewers are really recommended. But try everything and ask for the specials. You'll have a blast. Their sake selection is also really good. It really feels like Tokyo in the Mission.
Added: 2024-01-10
Mijoté
– Mission (🥐 French)
Modern French bistro with a California soul. The duck confit and the bone marrow with escargot are standouts. Natural wine program is exceptional. Intimate space perfect for special occasions.
Added: 2024-01-10
Lazy Bear
– Mission (🍔 Modern American)
One of my most memorable fine-dining experiences in San Francisco. The cultured butter and bread were exceptional, but what made the meal truly special was the original shared-table dinner-party format, with everyone eating together. Lazy Bear no longer seats guests communally, but the nostalgic, hyper-seasonal tasting menu and that incredible bread and butter still make it a recommendation.
Added: 2026-07-17
Plow
– Potrero Hill (🍽️ Brunch)
Is definitely the best brunch in town. It's long hour waits on the weekends, but trust me, it's worth it. And they also have some special breakfast if they have the Chinese one, go for it. Thanks to my poblano cooks for this amazing, beautiful place in San Francisco.
Added: 2024-06-22
The Mill
– NoPa (☕ Bakery/Cafe)
Famous for thick-cut toast topped with seasonal ingredients and Four Barrel coffee. The $4 toast became a symbol of SF's artisanal food movement. Their bread from Josey Baker Bread is exceptional, and the almond butter toast with sea salt is iconic.
Added: 2024-06-21
Mensho Tokyo
– Tenderloin (🍣 Japanese)
This is the best ramen in town -rich, creamy broth, and it's just perfectly cooked. You will have to make a line, and of course, it's in the Tenderloin, so some people get a little bit worried about it, but trust me, totally worth it. And they have also a branch in Tokyo. I think the one in San Francisco was even first, not sure about that, but good to consider it.
Added: 2024-06-21
Octavia
– Pacific Heights (🥗 California)
This is a cozy place for dinner. Always a great selection and a good description of what New American stands for. The menu changes with the season, but it consistently feels polished, comfortable, and worth the night out.
Added: 2024-06-22
Four Kings
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
Cozy place that reminds me of the feeling of some izakayas, but the variety is amazing. You get Singaporean, Korean, and a lot of Taiwanese and Chinese delicatessen influences all in one dinner. Great food, great ambience, and one of the most fun meals in Chinatown.
Added: 2026-04-03
Zuni Café
– Hayes Valley (🥗 California cuisine)
Their legendary roast chicken for two with bread salad is a San Francisco institution, order it and wait the 45 minutes, it's worth it. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant has been defining California cuisine since 1979. Also try their Caesar salad and oysters.
Added: 2024-01-10
Tartine Bakery
– Mission (🍞 Bakery)
Home to the city's most famous morning buns and country bread that launched a thousand sourdough obsessions. Their croissants are equally legendary. This bakery transformed American bread culture and remains a pilgrimage site for bakers worldwide.
Added: 2024-01-10
Noe Cafe
– Noe Valley (☕ Cafe)
Known for perfectly prepared chai lattes and their avocado toast topped with hemp seeds and chili flakes. A neighborhood gem that embodies Noe Valley's village-like charm.
Added: 2024-01-10
El Chato
– Mission (🥘 Spanish Tapas)
This corner really makes Madrid a thing in the Mission. Beautiful place with great owners. It's a natural wine bar and recommended to go for the tapas, the tortilla española and their wines. They're just amazing. Also ask for some Chatos to try some of the things that they have on the menu. Really cool.
Added: 2024-01-10
Mosto
– Mission (🌮 Mexican)
Their tacos al pastor are amazing because they have a proper trompo, and they also have a great mezcal selection. Unfortunately, lately they are also building burgers, and despite the fact that they are trendy, I think that they are losing part of the essence that made me recommend them at the first time.
Added: 2024-01-10
Yuanbao Jiaozi
– Inner Richmond (🥟 Asian)
Handmade dumplings are the star. Try the pork & chive and the fish dumplings. Their hand-pulled noodles in rich broths are equally exceptional. A neighborhood favorite for authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.
Added: 2024-01-10
LoLo
– Mission (🌮 Mexican)
Known for creative tacos like fried chicken with mole verde and their famous quesadilla with bone marrow. A modern Mexican spot that's both playful and deeply respectful of Mexican culinary traditions. Their decoration is extremely creative.
Added: 2024-01-10
Shoji
– SOMA (☕ Cafe)
Their signature matcha soft serve and expertly prepared pour-over coffee make this a must-visit. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic creates a zen moment in busy SOMA.
Added: 2024-01-10
Dumpling Time
– Design District (🥟 Asian)
Watch dumpling makers through the glass window. The colorful xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and the King-Dum (massive pork & shrimp dumpling) are Instagram-famous for good reason. Modern take on dim sum classics.
Added: 2024-01-10
Kingdom of Dumplings
– Inner Richmond (🥟 Asian)
No-frills spot for authentic Beijing-style dumplings. Their lamb & cumin dumplings and the hand-pulled biang biang noodles are exceptional. Cash only, worth the trek to the Richmond.
Added: 2024-01-10
4505 Burgers & BBQ
– Divisadero (🍔 American)
Founded by champion pitmaster Ryan Farr. The 'Best Damn Cheeseburger' lives up to its name, and the brisket is properly smoked for 18 hours. Their picnic-style outdoor seating captures SF's casual dining spirit.
Added: 2024-01-10
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
– Tenderloin (🥢 Venezuelan-Chinese Fusion)
Venezuelan and Chinese fusion with a lovely history coming from Venezuela and Panama to the Tenderloin. Will always honor their 9 dollar rice and chicken dish. A unique blend of Latin American and Asian flavors that tells the story of migration and cultural fusion in San Francisco.
Added: 2025-07-20
Burma Super Star
– Sunset (🍜 Burmese)
The tea leaf salad is legendary, fermented tea leaves with nuts and seeds create umami magic. Rainbow salad and coconut rice are also must-orders. Expect a wait; this place introduced Burmese cuisine to many Americans.
Added: 2024-01-10
Piccino
– Dogpatch (🍕 Italian)
Wood-fired pizzas with creative California toppings and excellent natural wines. Weekend brunch is exceptional. Their backyard garden patio is one of SF's best outdoor dining spots.
Added: 2024-01-10
Shizen
– Mission (🍣 Japanese)
Vegan sushi that converts carnivores. The spicy tuna (made from tomatoes) and the candied walnut & quinoa roll are revelations. Proof that plant-based dining can be both sustainable and indulgent.
Added: 2024-01-10
House of Prime Rib
– Van Ness (🍔 American)
Old-school SF since 1949. Prime rib carved tableside from silver carts, Yorkshire pudding, and creamed spinach. The martinis are perfect. A time capsule of classic American dining.
Added: 2024-01-10
Z & Y
– Chinatown (🥢 Chinese)
Explosive Sichuan flavors, the tea-smoked duck and mapo tofu will test your spice tolerance. Their 'Explosive Chili Chicken' is buried in chilies. One of the best regional Chinese restaurants in America.
Added: 2024-01-10
Kitchen Istanbul
– Inner Richmond (🥙 Turkish)
Family-run Turkish spot. The lamb kebabs and the meze platter with house-made hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara are exceptional. Their Turkish breakfast on weekends is an overlooked gem.
Added: 2024-01-10
Flour + Water
– Mission (🍕 Italian)
House-made pasta is the star. The agnolotti and the tajarin are life-changing. Neapolitan-style pizzas from the wood-fired oven are equally impressive. Reservations essential at this pasta temple.
Added: 2024-01-10
State Bird Provisions
– Fillmore (🍔 American)
Dim sum-style service meets California cuisine. The state bird (quail) with provisions is iconic, as are the garlic bread with burrata and the pork belly salad. James Beard Award winner that changed how Americans think about small plates.
Added: 2024-01-10
Bi-Rite Creamery
– Mission (🍽️ Dessert)
San Francisco's most beloved ice cream shop. The salted caramel is legendary, and seasonal flavors like honey lavender showcase local ingredients. Expect long lines on sunny days - it's a Mission District ritual. Their soft serve with olive oil and sea salt is a must-try.
Added: 2024-06-21
Four Barrel Coffee
– Mission (☕ Coffee)
Valencia Street's coffee temple with a massive roasting facility visible from the cafe. Single-origin pour-overs and expertly pulled espresso. The industrial-chic space with high ceilings and communal seating embodies Mission District coffee culture.
Added: 2024-06-21
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
– Mission (🍽️ Jewish Deli)
Modern Jewish deli serving pastrami on rye that rivals NYC's best, plus bagels, lox, and babka. Their challah French toast at brunch is exceptional. A taste of the Lower East Side in the Mission, with multiple locations across the city.
Added: 2024-06-21
Ju-ni
– Divisadero (🍣 Japanese)
Intimate 12-seat omakase sushi bar from former Saison chef Geoffrey Lee. The $300+ tasting menu features pristine fish flown in from Tsukiji Market. Watching the chef's knife work up close is part of the experience. Reservations essential.
Added: 2024-06-21
Marufuku Ramen
– Japantown (🍣 Japanese)
Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with rich pork bone broth simmered for 20+ hours. Choose your noodle firmness and richness level. The black garlic oil adds incredible depth. One of SF's best ramen shops, expect a wait.
Added: 2024-06-21
Hog Island Oyster Co.
– Ferry Building (🦪 Seafood)
Ferry Building institution serving oysters from their Tomales Bay farms. The grilled cheese with three artisan cheeses pairs perfectly with oysters. Views of the Bay Bridge while slurping Sweetwaters and Kumamotos. Happy hour is the best deal.
Added: 2024-06-21
Oma San Francisco Station
– Japantown (🍣 Japanese)
Located in the heart of Japantown, Oma is designed to resemble an izakaya. It is the best omakase in Japantown.
Added: 2024-06-21
Doma Sushi
– Bernal Heights (🍣 Japanese)
Doma remains open, but this recommendation moved with the restaurant from its former Cortland Avenue address to 433 Precita Avenue. The welcoming neighborhood setting, omakase, nigiri, salmon skin salad, and ankimo remain the reasons to go.
Added: 2024-06-21
Universal Bakery
– Mission (🍞 Bakery)
Great breakfasts from Guatemala and pan dulce.
Added: 2024-06-21
Reem's California Mission
– Mission (🥙 Middle Eastern)
Arab street food meets California ingredients. Their mana'eesh (flatbreads) are baked to order in a custom oven. The za'atar with cheese and the lamb flatbread are exceptional. Owner Reem Assil creates food that tells stories of Arab heritage.
Added: 2024-06-21
Beit Rima
– Cole Valley (🥙 Middle Eastern)
Modern Middle Eastern with a focus on Palestinian and Jordanian dishes. The chicken musakhan (sumac-spiced chicken with caramelized onions on flatbread) is incredible. Their hummus with lamb is a meal in itself. Cozy neighborhood spot with excellent hospitality.
Added: 2024-06-21
Balompie Cafe
– Mission (🍽️ Salvadoran)
Authentic pupuseria serving handmade pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, chicharrón, or loroco. Watch them made fresh through the window. Their curtido (pickled cabbage) and salsa roja are perfect accompaniments. Cash only, incredibly affordable.
Added: 2024-06-21
Arsicault Bakery
– Inner Richmond (🍞 Bakery)
Home of SF's best croissant - buttery, flaky perfection that regularly wins 'Best Croissant' awards. Their almond croissant and kouign-amann are equally exceptional. Arrive early, they sell out fast.
Added: 2024-06-22
Starbelly
– Castro (🥗 California)
California comfort food with a great back patio. Their fried chicken sandwich and pizzas are neighborhood favorites. Excellent brunch spot with bottomless mimosas. Dog-friendly patio.
Added: 2024-06-22
Chez Maman
– Potrero Hill (🥐 French)
Authentic French bistro with a neighborhood feel. Their moules frites and croque monsieur transport you to Paris. Great French wine selection and charming back patio.
Added: 2024-06-22
Farley's
– Potrero Hill (☕ Coffee)
Potrero Hill's community living room since 1989. Great coffee, fresh pastries, and a mix of locals working on laptops and families grabbing breakfast. Their outdoor seating on 18th Street is perfect for people watching. A true neighborhood institution.
Added: 2024-06-22
Top Neighborhoods to Explore
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18 restaurantsMission
San Ho Won, La Taqueria, Burma Love, Rintaro, Mijoté, Lazy Bear, Tartine Bakery, El Chato, Mosto, LoLo, Shizen, Flour + Water, Bi-Rite Creamery, Four Barrel Coffee, Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen, Universal Bakery, Reem's California Mission, Balompie Cafe
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4 restaurantsChinatown
Mr Jiu's, China Live, Four Kings, Z & Y
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4 restaurantsInner Richmond
Yuanbao Jiaozi, Kingdom of Dumplings, Kitchen Istanbul, Arsicault Bakery
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3 restaurantsPotrero Hill
Plow, Chez Maman, Farley's
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2 restaurantsTenderloin
Mensho Tokyo, Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
Other San Francisco Restaurant Guides to browse
- Top 100 Restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle
I like the variety of the selection and their focus in different types and budgets, similar to my guide. It also has other places from the Bay Area.
- The 38 Essential San Francisco Restaurants by Eater SF
A great list with good variety and helpful maps. I follow Eater all the time for recommendations.
- The 25 Best Restaurants In SF by The Infatuation
A curated list of the highest-rated restaurants in San Francisco from The Infatuation. Great for finding trendy new spots and classic institutions that are worth the hype. Updated regularly with new openings and fresh takes.
- San Francisco Michelin Guide
For when you're feeling fancy, explore the Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. Some jewels like San Ho Won are hard to get reservations but worth it and good value for money.
- Map of the Michelin-starred Restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2025
A map of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area. It also has other places from the Bay Area. Updated in June 2025
- The Resy Hit List: San Francisco
A good place to find last-minute reservations at respected restaurants. They also have Lolo if you want to do a reservation.
- Best San Francisco Restaurants by The New York Times
A comprehensive guide from the NY Times featuring the city's most notable dining establishments. Updated in July 2025.
- Best Tacos in San Francisco by Female Foodie
A guide to the best tacos. I agree with most of it, but they missed Mosto!
- Where To Eat For 24 Hours In San Francisco by The Infatuation
A guide on where to go if you only have 24 hours in San Francisco. This is part of the team from Bold Italic, good guide.
- 37 Standout Restaurants In San Francisco by Secret San Francisco
A list of standout restaurants that locals swear by.
- The Best Places to Eat Alone in San Francisco by The San Francisco Standard
A useful guide to restaurants where solo dining feels natural and genuinely enjoyable.
📋 Disclaimer
These restaurant recommendations are provided "as is" and are freely available for anyone to use. They represent personal opinions and experiences as of the time they were added to this list.
No warranties or guarantees are made regarding the accuracy, quality, availability, or current status of these establishments. Restaurant hours, menus, prices, and quality may change without notice. Some restaurants may have closed or relocated since being added to this list.
Please enjoy (or not) these restaurants under your own discretion and good judgment. Your dining experience may vary, and that's part of the adventure of exploring San Francisco's food scene! 🍽️
- Christian Van Der Henst (Cvander)