3 Best Restaurants in San Francisco, California

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We've compiled the best of the best in San Francisco - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Jaranita

$$ | Marina

This excellent, festive restaurant (part of celebrity chef Gastón Acurio's global group) presents a concise menu of Peru culinary staples like ceviche and flaky empanadas. You won't miss the obligatory pisco sour (Jaranita doesn't have a full liquor license), because the "Nikkei Sour" with citrus sake is just as special.

3340 Steiner St., San Francisco, CA, 94123, USA
655–9585
Known For
  • Pollo a la brasa (Peruvian roast chicken)
  • Beautifully decorated "Yunza" tree
  • Leisurely mimosa-filled brunches
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Wed.–Fri.

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Kaiyo

$$ | Cow Hollow

San Francisco has a handful of Peruvian restaurants, but this uber-hip Union Street spot is the first Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) restaurant. Skip the pedestrian appetizers and have fun sampling around the tiraditos (dishes with raw fish) and sushi rolls. Much of the seating is at the bar or on the sidewalk terrace, so be prepared for some high decibels.

1838 Union St., San Francisco, CA, 94123, USA
415-525–4804
Known For
  • Creative pisco cocktails
  • Shrimp tempura and yellowtail Lima roll
  • Multiple kinds of "cebiche"
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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La Mar Cocina Peruana

$$$$ | Embarcadero

Right on the water's edge, this perpetually popular destination courtesy of global mega-chef Gastón Acurio imports the signature flavors of his home country, Peru, to San Francisco. Fresh seafood is a big draw here, including a long list of ceviches and the can't-miss causas (whipped potatoes topped with a choice of Dungeness crab, chicken, or vegetable salads). Even though Acurio has many restaurants around the world, this one always feels extra special since it was his first to open in the U.S. back in 2008.

San Francisco, CA, 94111, USA
415-397–8880
Known For
  • Pisco cocktails
  • Beautiful back patio
  • Empanadas and tiradito (a dish with raw fish)

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