San Francisco is not just a city; it’s heaven in another form for foodies. It offers different types of cuisine options, and tourists or locals can try out a range of restaurants and cafes to satisfy their taste buds. This city offers travellers everything from hole-in-the-wall taquerias to award-winning restaurants and casual eateries. You can select a restaurant and indulge in unique cuisines based on your cravings for the day and your mood.
But checking Google for the best food places in San Francisco can be challenging. Let’s discuss 15 places to enjoy a laid-back lunch or a romantic dinner and make your vacation mesmerising.
Best Food Places in San Francisco
1. Tartine Bakery
This bakery is a mecca for pastry lovers located in the Mission District. It is renowned globally for its sourdough bread, and its morning buns have become a cult classic. Expect long lines if you are considering dropping by for a pastry in the morning, but it’s worth waiting every second.
Must Try: Morning bun, country bread, and lemon cream tart.
2. Zuni Café
If you are searching for a classy yet simple ambience, then this place is for you. It’s located on Market Street and is one of the best food places in San Francisco. For any true food lover, trying their iconic brick oven-roasted chicken for two is a must. Here, you will get Californian or Mediterranean cuisine.
Must Try: Roasted chicken with warm bread salad.
3. Swan Oyster Depot
This place has been serving seafood since 1912, and if you are a fan of old-school street counters, then you should definitely visit. It’s located on Polk Street, and serving different recipes of oysters and crabs has made this place legendary. Seafood lovers have approved this as one of the best food places in San Francisco.
Must Try: Oysters on the half shell, crab salad, and clam chowder.
4. House of Prime Rib
If you’re craving an authentic, old-school American steakhouse meal, look no further than House of Prime Rib—it absolutely excels at delivering that timeless experience. While many steakhouses offer various cuts, this iconic restaurant focuses on perfecting just one: their legendary prime rib, which they prepare with unmatched skill and dedication.
Must Try: The King Henry VIII Cut with mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding.
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5. La Taqueria
This is another legendary food place in the Mission District, specializing in Mexican cuisine. La Taqueria is famous for its Burritos and Tacos, which are served with fresh and juicy grilled meat of your choice along with other ingredients. If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and are a steak freak, then you must add this place to your list.
Must Try: Carnitas burrito
6. Rich Table
Nestled in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighbourhood, Rich Table delights diners with its creatively crafted menu. Each dish showcases unexpected yet harmonious textures and bold, innovative flavors. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and sophisticated, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels stylish and unpretentious.
Must Try: Dried porcini doughnuts with raclette cheese and sardine chips.
7. Foreign Cinema
People who hear the name for the first time may think that this is just a theatre. Well, they are half right. This place is part theater and part restaurant, and if you want to watch a movie while having your favourite cuisine, then you should drop by someday. This is one of the best food places in San Francisco, and if you are a couple, then choose this place for a romantic dinner date.
Must Try: Oysters, duck confit, and the seasonal brunch menu.
8. Burma Superstar
A beloved San Francisco gem, Burma Superstar is a must-visit for anyone craving Myanmar’s rich, aromatic tastes. While the restaurant often draws crowds, leading to a wait, patience is rewarded with unforgettable dishes like their iconic samusa soup and tangy, crunchy tea leaf salad. Each bite bursts with the kind of bold, layered flavors that make Burmese cuisine so distinctive
Must Try: Tea leaf salad, samusas, and coconut chicken noodle soup.
9. Boudin Bakery
Being in San Francisco is a crime and not visiting Boudin Bakery. It’s famous for providing comforting seafood to customers and is home to the Sourdough Bread Bowl. It’s located in Fisherman’s Wharf, and people who love cakes and crabs must visit Boudin Bakery.
Must Try: Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl
10. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Located in North Beach, Tony’s Pizza is not your regular go-to place for pizza; it’s a sanctuary for pizza lovers. At Tony’s, you can embark on a global pizza journey right at your table, thanks to their acclaimed pies crafted in a variety of specialty ovens. Each masterpiece, whether a Neapolitan-style classic or an innovative creation, showcases the artistry and tradition behind the world’s most beloved dish.
Must Try: Margherita Napoletana and the New Yorker.
11. State Bird Provisions
If you love Dim Sum, then you will surely love this place, and we consider it one of the best food places in San Francisco. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant, and they change their menu frequently to always offer the customers something different. They serve small plates of dim sum, and carts flow throughout the room.
Must Try: State bird with provisions (fried quail), and the sourdough pancake with sauerkraut.
12. Rintaro
Step into Rintaro’s tranquil, warmly lit dining room, where rich wood accents set the stage for a masterful blend of traditional Japanese flavors and fresh Californian inspiration. The kitchen shines with specialties like silky house-pulled udon noodles and expertly charred yakitori skewers, each reflecting a thoughtful harmony of technique and locally sourced ingredients. This is izakaya dining elevated to an art form, inviting you to savor every carefully crafted bite.
Must Try: Tsukune, sashimi, and the omakase experience.
13. Liholiho Yacht Club
This restaurant is all about vibrant flavours. If you like Chinese, Indian, or Hawaiian food, you must book a table when you are in San Francisco. It’s located in Lower Nob Hill, and its menu is full of flair and personality.
Must Try: Tuna poke on nori crackers, duck liver toast, and beef tongue buns.
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14. The Slanted Door
Perched proudly along the waterfront, The Slanted Door dazzles with its modern take on Vietnamese food, all framed by stunning views of the Bay Bridge. This is more than simply eating; it’s a lesson in harmony and refinement, where vivid herbs meet pure local ingredients in meals made with surgical perfection. The airy, design-forward facility reflects the kitchen’s philosophy: heritage reimagined through a uniquely Californian perspective, resulting in flavours as spectacular as the panoramic vistas beyond its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Must Try: Shaking beef, crispy imperial rolls, and cellophane noodles with Dungeness crab.
15. Bi-Rite Creamery
Regardless of what kind of food you want to try or are a fan of, every foodie craves something sweet. Bi-Rite Creamery is located in the Mission District and is one of the best places in San Francisco to get ice cream. They rely on local, organic products, and the flavours are delicious.
Must Try: Salted caramel, balsamic strawberry, and honey lavender ice creams.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco’s culinary culture is as vibrant and diverse as the town. From gourmet dining to street cuisine, each neighbourhood has its distinct flavour. Whether you’re digging into a bowl of chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf or discovering fusion nibbles in the Mission District, each restaurant tells a different narrative through its cuisine.
