San Francisco food suggestions?
Mar 21st, 2015, 05:38 PM
#1
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San Francisco food suggestions?
You were all so helpful with the LA portion of my trip that I'm back for San Francisco ideas
I love good food, and I'm willing to try almost anything! I'd welcome both inexpensive suggestions and splurge suggestions.
Are there any unique SF establishments you'd recommend?
I love any kind of fresh seafood, including sushi. I like italian, and pasta in general. I love farm to table type places and although I gravitate towards meat, I also like great vegetarian places. I like both modern and old fashioned restaurants. I can't get good southwestern food or southern food where I live for the most part, so either would be a treat. Brunch is definitely my favorite meal, so any breakfast suggestions would be welcome, especially if you know of any terrific bakeries.
I can take or leave alcohol, but I do love excellent craft cocktails, so I'd like a few suggestions for restaurant that have an expansive and creative cocktail menu.
Unless there are any really exceptional pizza or burger places, you can leave those off- that's comfort food for me, and if I feel like it, I'll probably find it by myself.
Staying at Ft Mason Hostel (fishermans wharf) if that helps at all.
Thanks!
I love good food, and I'm willing to try almost anything! I'd welcome both inexpensive suggestions and splurge suggestions.
Are there any unique SF establishments you'd recommend?
I love any kind of fresh seafood, including sushi. I like italian, and pasta in general. I love farm to table type places and although I gravitate towards meat, I also like great vegetarian places. I like both modern and old fashioned restaurants. I can't get good southwestern food or southern food where I live for the most part, so either would be a treat. Brunch is definitely my favorite meal, so any breakfast suggestions would be welcome, especially if you know of any terrific bakeries.
I can take or leave alcohol, but I do love excellent craft cocktails, so I'd like a few suggestions for restaurant that have an expansive and creative cocktail menu.
Unless there are any really exceptional pizza or burger places, you can leave those off- that's comfort food for me, and if I feel like it, I'll probably find it by myself.
Staying at Ft Mason Hostel (fishermans wharf) if that helps at all.
Thanks!
Mar 21st, 2015, 06:05 PM
#2
Be sure to visit the Ferry Building. Lots of shops and restaurant options there.
My two favorites are inside the building and nearby -
Slanted Door -
http://www.slanteddoor.com/
Boulevard -
https://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/
My two favorites are inside the building and nearby -
Slanted Door -
http://www.slanteddoor.com/
Boulevard -
https://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/
Mar 21st, 2015, 06:10 PM
#3
If afternoon tea is of interest, I loved Lovejoy's Tea Room -
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/Menu/menu.html
It's out on the J Church line and going there and back is a nice way to see more of the city, including going past Delores Park (even if you don't get out)
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/About/aboutus.html
http://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/...stops/j-church
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/Menu/menu.html
It's out on the J Church line and going there and back is a nice way to see more of the city, including going past Delores Park (even if you don't get out)
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/About/aboutus.html
http://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/...stops/j-church
Mar 21st, 2015, 07:09 PM
#4
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Afternoon tea is definitely of interest, it's like you read my mind! And slanted door looks amazing, thanks!
Also of interest: I am definitely an espresso snob, so any great coffee shops can be included. Especially any near fishermans wharf, as I need that first dose early...
Also of interest: I am definitely an espresso snob, so any great coffee shops can be included. Especially any near fishermans wharf, as I need that first dose early...
Mar 21st, 2015, 07:28 PM
#6
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This is a great tea room:
http://www.samovartea.com/locations/castro/
Quintessential San Francisco:
http://www.tadichgrill.com/
Their Chicken and Warm Bread Salad is renown:
http://www.zunicafe.com/
Brunch -
http://www.foreigncinema.com/
Punch Drunk Brunch [ we ate there while it was a pop up]
http://www.thrillist.com/bars/san-fr...reat-cocktails
http://www.samovartea.com/locations/castro/
Quintessential San Francisco:
http://www.tadichgrill.com/
Their Chicken and Warm Bread Salad is renown:
http://www.zunicafe.com/
Brunch -
http://www.foreigncinema.com/
Punch Drunk Brunch [ we ate there while it was a pop up]
http://www.thrillist.com/bars/san-fr...reat-cocktails
Mar 21st, 2015, 07:36 PM
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Mar 21st, 2015, 09:13 PM
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Tartine Bakery in the Mission district is always popular, justifiably so. http://www.tartinebakery.com/
Mar 22nd, 2015, 04:13 AM
#10
There are great free city walks all over the city. If you head out to Lovejoy's consider taking the Noe Valley tour. Fascinating. You meet at the Carnegie library and see a part of the city that most tourists don't see.
http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=55
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_library
Also, the tour of the Ferry Building.
http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25
There's virtually no walking on that tour, but you get access to the upstairs - formally main floor - with the gorgeous mosaics, skylights, etc. You get to see the floor where passengers got on and off ships when the Ferry Building was the busiest port in the country. One of my favorite city walks of all.
There are many more, including a tour of Fisherman's Wharf.
If you head out to the Mission, etc. for recommendations above, consider tying in that meal with a City Walks tour.
HIGHLY recommend.
http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=55
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_library
Also, the tour of the Ferry Building.
http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25
There's virtually no walking on that tour, but you get access to the upstairs - formally main floor - with the gorgeous mosaics, skylights, etc. You get to see the floor where passengers got on and off ships when the Ferry Building was the busiest port in the country. One of my favorite city walks of all.
There are many more, including a tour of Fisherman's Wharf.
If you head out to the Mission, etc. for recommendations above, consider tying in that meal with a City Walks tour.
HIGHLY recommend.
Mar 22nd, 2015, 08:54 AM
#11
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We liked NOPA (580 Divisadero) a lot. Here's what we had:
Smoked Trout Salad ($15)
Baked Beans ($10)
Flatbread ($18) more like a pizza
Linguica ($16)
Pork Headcheese ($18)
Tart for dessert ($9)
3 glasses of wine ($37)
$162, tip included.
These were the small plates, although the head cheese plate had a large variety of meats. Large plates (prices in the upper 20s) are very generous, from what we saw, as are the side dishes. We did not leave hungry.
The restaurant is noisy and is frequented by a younger crowd--there were four persons who appeared to be over the age of 40.
Smoked Trout Salad ($15)
Baked Beans ($10)
Flatbread ($18) more like a pizza
Linguica ($16)
Pork Headcheese ($18)
Tart for dessert ($9)
3 glasses of wine ($37)
$162, tip included.
These were the small plates, although the head cheese plate had a large variety of meats. Large plates (prices in the upper 20s) are very generous, from what we saw, as are the side dishes. We did not leave hungry.
The restaurant is noisy and is frequented by a younger crowd--there were four persons who appeared to be over the age of 40.
Mar 22nd, 2015, 09:55 AM
#12
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If you don't mind meatless, Greens is a standby favorite of many, and it's right near Fort Mason hostel:
http://www.greensrestaurant.com/
It ain't cheap, but there are great views.
For a snack, a take-away bowl of clam chowder outside at Fisherman's Wharf is practically a must-do for tourists.
We really enjoyed the 2-hr sunset cruise with the Red & White Fleet. The food is much more than you'd expect, since they term it "appetizers", but it's really a full meal buffet:
http://www.redandwhite.com/bay-cruis...sunset-cruise/
There's a 20% off coupon available here:
http://www.smartsave.com/red-and-white-fleet
The coupon makes it $46.40 per adult. Reservations required.
It isn't cheap, but it's a very enjoyable cruise with good food and one complimentary drink from the cash bar.
http://www.greensrestaurant.com/
It ain't cheap, but there are great views.
For a snack, a take-away bowl of clam chowder outside at Fisherman's Wharf is practically a must-do for tourists.
We really enjoyed the 2-hr sunset cruise with the Red & White Fleet. The food is much more than you'd expect, since they term it "appetizers", but it's really a full meal buffet:
http://www.redandwhite.com/bay-cruis...sunset-cruise/
There's a 20% off coupon available here:
http://www.smartsave.com/red-and-white-fleet
The coupon makes it $46.40 per adult. Reservations required.
It isn't cheap, but it's a very enjoyable cruise with good food and one complimentary drink from the cash bar.
Mar 22nd, 2015, 10:00 AM
#13
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Michael: I'm won over by the smoked trout salad! But it all sounds fantastic
Also, in general- everyone, please let me know if restaurants/activities you recommend require advance reservations or more likely to be enjoyable on weekends vs weekdays.
Starrs- the list of tours is dizzying. I definitely want to do one of the chinatown tours. Of the others- have you been on any that you preferred over others or consider can't misses, I have about 3 1/2 days in sf, and want to make the most of it. So far: I plan to do a bike tour of the neighborhoods, visit Alcatraz, explore chinatown. Go to britex fabrics and city lights bookstore. Go to at least 1 museum- not sure what yet, but leaning towards Academy of Sciences or legion of honor or asian Art. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Also, in general- everyone, please let me know if restaurants/activities you recommend require advance reservations or more likely to be enjoyable on weekends vs weekdays.
Starrs- the list of tours is dizzying. I definitely want to do one of the chinatown tours. Of the others- have you been on any that you preferred over others or consider can't misses, I have about 3 1/2 days in sf, and want to make the most of it. So far: I plan to do a bike tour of the neighborhoods, visit Alcatraz, explore chinatown. Go to britex fabrics and city lights bookstore. Go to at least 1 museum- not sure what yet, but leaning towards Academy of Sciences or legion of honor or asian Art. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Mar 22nd, 2015, 12:21 PM
#14
mm, I topped Stu Dudley's list and description thread.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
He's our SF expert/treasure and a source of so much information. His wife is one of the volunteer guides (for the Victorian homes tour I think). Check out that thread for more information.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
He's our SF expert/treasure and a source of so much information. His wife is one of the volunteer guides (for the Victorian homes tour I think). Check out that thread for more information.
Mar 22nd, 2015, 03:44 PM
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When are you going to be in San Francisco? Check the De Young, Legion of Honor, and Asian Art Museum for current special exhibits.
You can go to the De Young and Legion of Honor on the same ticket (both closed Mondays). http://deyoung.famsf.org/
Even if you don't go to the De Young for its exhibits, if you are in the area (say, at the Academy of Sciences) be sure to stop in to the museum and take the elevator up to the 9th floor viewing tower--great view! (Free--no museum ticket required)
The Asian Art Museum is wonderful if you have any interest in Asian art at all--the collection is vast and comprehensive (also closed Mondays). There's a nice special exhibit currently on there showcasing the Floating World in Japanese ukiyo-e prints. http://www.asianart.org/
My favorite City Guides tours of the 10 I've been on have been the Castro, Haight Ashbury, Mission murals, and Victorian San Francisco tours. But all have been interesting and worthwhile. Choose one that fits your interests and goes on a day/time you want to go. They usually last a couple of hours.
You can go to the De Young and Legion of Honor on the same ticket (both closed Mondays). http://deyoung.famsf.org/
Even if you don't go to the De Young for its exhibits, if you are in the area (say, at the Academy of Sciences) be sure to stop in to the museum and take the elevator up to the 9th floor viewing tower--great view! (Free--no museum ticket required)
The Asian Art Museum is wonderful if you have any interest in Asian art at all--the collection is vast and comprehensive (also closed Mondays). There's a nice special exhibit currently on there showcasing the Floating World in Japanese ukiyo-e prints. http://www.asianart.org/
My favorite City Guides tours of the 10 I've been on have been the Castro, Haight Ashbury, Mission murals, and Victorian San Francisco tours. But all have been interesting and worthwhile. Choose one that fits your interests and goes on a day/time you want to go. They usually last a couple of hours.
Mar 22nd, 2015, 06:17 PM
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We've been to 1300 on Fillmore's Sunday Gospel Brunch several times and love it.
http://www.1300fillmore.com/menus/gospel_brunch.pdf
The regular dinners there are also very good...love wandering around the Fillmore Distr.
A few doors down on Fillmore is Dosa's. http://www.dosasf.com/fillmore_home.htm
We've been there several times and had a mini GTG there a few years ago. Excellent.
We ate at the remodeled Fog City Diner 2x over the past few mos and both times it was very good. http://fogcitysf.com/
We hit Hard Water a few mos ago for dinner and had a good time. Would have preferred a table vs the high bar stools decor. Owned by people who own Slanted Door. http://hardwaterbar.com/
The Andouille sausage gumbo was some of the best I've had outside the Fr Qtr in NOLA...and the Hardwater Fried chicken
Fave hole in the wall for breakfast is Pat's Cafe in No Beach/Fish Wharf area. http://patscafesf.com/
Down in the Designer Distr is Skool. We've eaten there several times and have had 2 GTGs there, one for Sunday brunch. Outstanding Bloody Marys and some innovative cocktails! http://skoolsf.com/
Love Epic Roadhouse especially if you can get a "view" table. The upstairs Quiver Bar is also a nice place for a great nosh (cheeseburger!) and view.
http://www.epicroasthouse.com/#paramount
http://www.1300fillmore.com/menus/gospel_brunch.pdf
The regular dinners there are also very good...love wandering around the Fillmore Distr.
A few doors down on Fillmore is Dosa's. http://www.dosasf.com/fillmore_home.htm
We've been there several times and had a mini GTG there a few years ago. Excellent.
We ate at the remodeled Fog City Diner 2x over the past few mos and both times it was very good. http://fogcitysf.com/
We hit Hard Water a few mos ago for dinner and had a good time. Would have preferred a table vs the high bar stools decor. Owned by people who own Slanted Door. http://hardwaterbar.com/
The Andouille sausage gumbo was some of the best I've had outside the Fr Qtr in NOLA...and the Hardwater Fried chicken
Fave hole in the wall for breakfast is Pat's Cafe in No Beach/Fish Wharf area. http://patscafesf.com/
Down in the Designer Distr is Skool. We've eaten there several times and have had 2 GTGs there, one for Sunday brunch. Outstanding Bloody Marys and some innovative cocktails! http://skoolsf.com/
Love Epic Roadhouse especially if you can get a "view" table. The upstairs Quiver Bar is also a nice place for a great nosh (cheeseburger!) and view.
http://www.epicroasthouse.com/#paramount
Mar 22nd, 2015, 06:53 PM
#18
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Just remembered M.Y China in The Dome at SF Centre Shopping Ctr. A Martin Yan resto.
I had about an hour to kill yesterday waiting for my Amtrak bus to pick me up in front of the place after an outstanding SF GTG.
http://tastemychina.com/san-francisco/home/275
Went in and had a Buddha Beer to kill some time. We ate there last year. Goooood. The food smelled sooooo good and it's always fun watching the guy toss his noodles.
I had about an hour to kill yesterday waiting for my Amtrak bus to pick me up in front of the place after an outstanding SF GTG.
http://tastemychina.com/san-francisco/home/275
Went in and had a Buddha Beer to kill some time. We ate there last year. Goooood. The food smelled sooooo good and it's always fun watching the guy toss his noodles.
Mar 22nd, 2015, 07:30 PM
#20
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Alohaaaaaa you beautiful woman! And I also forgot to mention (geez....am I turning into....nahhhhh) we've done 3 "Food Tours" by GraceAnn Walden and loved all 3 of them. We've turned several of our friends onto her and they have gone several times too. We have done the Pizza Tour, North Beach Tour and Nob Hill Tour. She also does Chinatown, Chinatown at Night and The Mission.
Good history of the tour area, people and buildings and you'll wind up stuffed and possibly a bit snockered.
But it's not free...she charges maybe $40-$50 a person. Worth it IMHO....especially when someone "gets her Jersey up". LOL
She finally had a hip replacement so she's not as cranky...darn!
she turned us on to such places as Tony's Pizza Napoletana, Liguria Bakery, XOX Truffles, O'Reilly's and a few other restos.
