San Francisco Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Francisco - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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240 Recommendations
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21. Lazy Bear
$$$$ | |There’s no end to the buzz around chef David Barzelay’s 12-plus-course prix-fixe seasonal and imagination-driven dinners, which might include guinea hen with English peas and morel mushrooms or delicate "sandwiches" of Wagyu 'nduja pimento cheese and fried green heirloom tomatoes. An ode to the Western lodge, the high-ceilinged, spacious dining room includes a fireplace, charred wood walls, and wooden rafters. The upstairs "Den" could be the movie set for a luxury countryside estate's living room, complete with camping-themed decorative items.
3416 19th St., San Francisco, California, 94110, USA415-874–9921Known For
- Freshly baked rolls with butter cultured in-house
- Sensational friendly yet formal service
- Stellar beverage program
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
22. Liholiho Yacht Club
$$$$ | Union Sq. |Inspired but not defined by the chef's native Hawaii, Ravi Kapur's lively restaurant is known for big-hearted, high-spirited cooking. It offers contemporary riffs on staples like poke and Spam, as well as squid served with crispy tripe and manila clams in coconut curry. The dining room and front bar area are perpetually packed, and are dominated by an enormous photo of a beaming woman who happens to be none other than the chef's mother.
871 Sutter St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USA415-440–5446Known For
- Beef tongue on poppy-seed steamed buns
- Giant mains that serve two to four people
- Beautifully composed cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch -
23. Maison Nico
$ | |Some of San Francisco's most exquisite French pastries are baked daily at this serene, cheery shop. On the savory side, most choices tend to be some form of pâté-filled pastry and are presented with all the artistry of haute cuisine; sweets are split between croissant-type items and proper dessert treats. Lunch seekers will be satisfied by the tiny selection of quiche, salads, and sandwiches.
710 Montgomery St., San Francisco, California, 94111, USA415-359–1000Known For
- Flaky brioche feuilleetée filled with almond paste
- Parisian feel
- Duck pithivier (similar to a meat pie)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
24. Maykadeh
$$ | |Persian dining is mostly done in homes, with fine dining a modern concept, but Maykadeh hits the mark with authenticity in Persian cooking as well as saucy, elevated, French-influenced twists. Those in the know come for succulent lamb specialties with saffron rice, served in a dining room with an old-school, white-shirt-and-tie vibe. Kebabs, like the chicken joojeh, and other marinated meats are great for sharing. Other options include ghorme sabzee, lamb shank braised with Persian aromatic herbs. There are plenty of starters, like strained-whey-drizzled eggplant dip, to tease the most hearty appetites.
470 Green St., San Francisco, California, 94133, USA415-362–8286Known For
- Loyal following of Iranians, Iranian Americans, and Persian food enthusiasts
- Eggplant dip appetizer
- Kebabs and marinated meats good for sharing
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25. Molinari Delicatessen
$ | |The whip-quick, no-nonsense, food-smart staff behind the counter at this take-out delicatessen have been serving up the most delicious, and quite possibly the biggest, sandwiches in town since 1896. Grab a number, revel in the time warp that Sinatra in the background provides, marvel at the Italian-style cured meats, and let the artists build you an unforgettable combo; then head to Washington Square Park for a picnic. The family-run shop is helmed by the fourth generation; its current torch holder is Italian-Filipino Nicholas Mastrelli, one of the Piedmont-hailing original owner's great-grandsons. Nick takes great pride in upholding his family's legacy and creating community with regulars.
373 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, California, 94133, USA415-421–2337Known For
- Italian combo sandwich
- Family business has old-time Italian vibe
- Traditional Italian products
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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26. Nightbird
$$$$ | Hayes Valley |Chef-owner Kim Alter's solo debut is this small, charming, seasonally focused tasting-menu destination that is an oasis of calm away from the frantic traffic of Gough Street. The five-course-plus-five-bite menus are beautifully orchestrated, served by a staff that seems to always anticipate the next question or request, making this one of the more relaxed splurges of San Francisco's gastronomic elite restaurants.
330 Gough St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-829–7565Known For
- Quail egg amuse-bouche
- Tiny art-deco adjacent bar, Linden Room
- Timing adjusted for diners with tickets to a show
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
27. Octavia
$$$ | Lower Pacific Heights |Regardless of the time of year, Melissa Perello’s upscale restaurant is a perennial favorite for diners seeking out what California cuisine really tastes like. The warm, immaculate dining room is a perfect setting for edgier dishes like the chilled squid-ink noodles starter, along with more comforting produce-driven small plates and entrées. Imaginative desserts and a top-tier wine program round out what is one of San Francisco's definitive dining experiences.
1701 Octavia St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USA415-408–7507Known For
- Exciting preparations with peak-of-season produce
- Spicy deviled egg starter
- Truly professional service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
28. Rich Table
$$$ | Hayes Valley |Sardine chips and porcini doughnuts are popular bites at co-chef Evan and Sarah Rich's lively, creative restaurant; mains are also clever stunners, including pastas like the sea urchin cacio e pepe. The room's weathered-wood wallboards, repurposed from a Northern California sawmill, give it a homey vibe. There's a nice selection of wines by the glass and artisanal cocktails. Reservations are not an easy acquisition, but twelve bar seats are available for walk-ins. Try their fast-casual option a block away, RT Rotisserie, if you need a quick pre-theater sandwich or roast chicken plate.
199 Gough St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-355–9085Known For
- Tough-to-get reservations
- Freshly baked bread
- Seasonal ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
29. ROOH
$$$ | SoMa |Traditional Indian dishes get a captivating, innovative spin at this hot spot near Oracle Park. Look for tandoori octopus and chili garlic escargots, complemented by equally inventive cocktails and a splashy, colorful space. Every dish seems to have a modern catch, whether it's artificial fog in a barbecue oysters preparation or butter powder on the paneer pinwheel. This is fun, unique dining at its best. Note that there is an equally great location in Palo Alto, as well.
333 Brannan St., San Francisco, California, 94107, USA415-525–4174Known For
- SF's best butter chicken
- Green pea, goat cheese, and truffle kulcha bread
- Best dining choice before a Giants game
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
30. Sightglass Coffee
$ | SoMa |The stunning interior design of Sightglass's three San Francisco cafés demands several photographs on each visit, but quickly all eyes settle on the pitch-perfect shots of espresso and cups of robust coffee from beans roasted at their airy, bi-level SoMa café and roastery. This is the heart of their operation and a must-visit for any coffee lover. Pour-over coffees are their specialty, but they'll also make a perfect latte to jump-start your morning.
270 7th St., San Francisco, California, 94103, USA415-861–1313Known For
- Vanilla cold brew
- Photogenic space and drinks
- Good selection of pastries
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31. Sons & Daughters
$$$$ | Nob Hill |The constantly evolving tasting menu that chef-owner Teague Moriarty serves at his standout, Michelin-star restaurant serves as a primer for how to do highly seasonal cuisine right. Though the preparations are intricate and often luxurious, there is a pretension-free, contemporary elegance that makes this one of the most relaxed (and fun) fine-dining experiences in the city. The accompanying wine list is equally stellar.
708 Bush St., San Francisco, California, 94108, USA415-994–7933Known For
- Cozy but chic dining room anchored by an ornate fireplace
- Excellent house-made bread
- Attentive service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
32. Sorrel
$$$$ | |After a long run as one of San Francisco’s most important dining pop-ups, Alex Hong’s refined seasonal Californian cooking can be found in one of San Francisco's most dramatic dining settings, with a skylight and floral arrangements that epitomize California “good life” architecture. That vibe is reflected in dishes like a springtime dry-aged duck with green garlic and kumquat, where Hong beautifully blends contemporary techniques and local ingredients. The tasting menu and à la carte offerings change relatively frequently, but the signature sourdough focaccia and oyster with sorrel ice are staples. Hong, an alum of Quince's esteemed kitchen, is also immensely talented at the pasta craft, and an elegant pasta or two is offered each evening.
3228 Sacramento St., San Francisco, California, 94115, USA415-525–3765Known For
- Exemplary pastas
- Beautifully composed tasting menu
- Upscale dinner party vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
33. SPQR
$$$$ | Pacific Heights |This modern Italian favorite continues to be a special destination for chef Matthew Accarrino's inventive seasonal cooking. The five-course tasting menu includes tempting antipasti, superlative pastas like mustard capellini with guinea hen ragù, and a few hearty secondi; save space for the fantastic desserts. The Italian wine list is also full of gems and divided by region, providing a great education with your bottle. The polished yet relaxed atmosphere, with travel posters on the wall, attracts a dedicated neighborhood following of all ages. Singles and walk-in couples can sit at the two counters (one looks into the galley kitchen). Accarrino's fried chicken on Sundays is worth planning your day around. And doughnuts and coffee are served during the daytime for Fillmore's steady stream of weekend power shoppers and walkers.
1911 Fillmore St., San Francisco, California, 94115, USA415-771–7779Known For
- Chicken liver mousse antipasti
- Vintages from less-known Italian wine regions
- Fried chicken on Sundays
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch Thurs. and Fri. -
34. Swan Oyster Depot
$$ | Polk Gulch |Half fish market and half diner, this small, slim, family-run seafood operation, open since 1912, has no tables, just a narrow marble counter with about 18 stools. Some locals come in to buy perfectly fresh salmon, halibut, crabs, and other seafood to take home; everyone else hops onto one of the rickety stools to enjoy a dozen oysters, other shellfish, or a bowl of clam chowder—the only hot food served. All of the seafood is served up with a side of big personality from the jovial folks behind the counter, who make you feel like a regular. Come before 11 am or after 2 pm to avoid a long wait, and bring a full wallet: old-school Swan takes cash only.
1517 Polk St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USA415-673–1101Known For
- Memorable Dungeness crab Louie salad
- Fresh oysters and seafood
- Clam chowder
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner, Reservations not accepted -
35. Tartine Bakery
$ | |Chad Robertson is America’s first modern cult baker, and this tiny Mission District outpost (along with the larger Tartine Manufactory on the eastern side of the neighborhood) is where you'll find his famed loaves of tangy country bread and beloved pastries like croissants and morning buns. You'll also find near-constant lines out the door; they're longest in the morning when locals (and plenty of tourists) need a pastry punch to start the day, and later in the afternoon when the famed loaves emerge freshly baked.
600 Guerrero St., San Francisco, California, 94110, USA415-487–2600Known For
- Anything bread-related
- Chocolate soufflé cake
- Fresh pastries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted -
36. Ton Kiang
$$ | Richmond | ChineseRarely found in this country and even obscure to many Chinese, the lightly seasoned Hakka cuisine of southern China is the hallmark of this local favorite, featuring dishes such as salt-baked chicken, braised stuffed tofu, steamed fresh bacon with dried mustard greens, and clay pots of meats and seafood. Ton Kiang opens in the morning for dim sum, serving delicate dumplings and steamed buns; a small selection of dim sum is available at night, too.
5821 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, California, 94121, USA415-752–4440Known For
- Hakka cuisine
- Delicious dim sum
- Shanghai dumplings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. -
37. Trou Normand
$$$ | SoMa | Modern AmericanThad Vogler's second endeavor (Bar Agricole was the first) delivers a fun boozy evening in stunning surroundings. Located off the lobby of the art deco–era Pacific Telephone building, it excels at house-cured salami and charcuterie and classic cocktails. Arancini, seasonal salads and pickles, and mains of burgers and fresh fish round out the offerings. An enclosed patio reads like a Parisian garden conservatory. Unfortunately, noise is a real issue out there, since it's an after-work escape.
140 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, California, 94105, USA415-975–0876Known For
- House-made charcuterie
- Brandy-based cocktails
- Cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential -
38. True Laurel
$ | |Hardly just a plan B for those who didn't score a table at its sibling, Lazy Bear, this excellent cocktail bar and creative small-plates restaurant by the same people offers intriguing combinations and endless conversation starters in a cool modern setting. Menu standouts include California halibut ceviche and fried hen-of-the-woods mushrooms. Don't-miss drinks on the cocktail side include the signature "In the Pines, Under the Palms," a smooth sipper of toasted coconut rye, Terroir gin, and vermouth, garnished with a small redwood sprout.
753 Alabama St., San Francisco, California, 94110, USA415-341–0020Known For
- Patty melt
- Inventive cocktails using seasonal produce
- Excellent weekend brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch weekdays -
39. Zuni Café
$$$ | Hayes Valley |After one bite of Zuni's succulent brick-oven-roasted whole chicken with warm bread salad, you'll understand why the two-floor café is a perennial star. Its long copper bar is a hub for a disparate mix of patrons who commune over oysters on the half shell and cocktails and wine. Nearly as famous as the chicken are the Caesar salad with house-cured anchovies and the chocolatey flourless gâteau Victoire. The most cheerful spot to sit is at the tip of the pyramid window near the bar, easier to score if you plan a late lunch.
1658 Market St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-552–2522Known For
- Seasonal Californian cooking at its best
- Under-the-radar lunch and late-night burger
- Beloved margarita
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
40. 54 Mint
$$$ | SoMa |Overlooking the always interesting Mint Plaza, a European-style plaza that surrounds the former U.S. Mint, this brick-walled, cozy-modern restaurant is one of San Francisco's best Roman trattorias, with both rustic traditional cooking and gentle spins on classic recipes. The exceptional cocktails by Jacopo Rosito are worth a trip on their own, and diners can wrap up dinner properly with an amaro and an espresso—this place truly feels and tastes like Rome. 54 Mint's sibling, Montesacro, a block away, introduced the city to pinsas, an oval sibling to pizza.
16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, California, 94103, USA415-543–5100Known For
- Bottarga, sea urchin, and burrata bruschetta
- Homemade pastas
- Classic and creative Negroni renditions
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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