Whether you’re a seasoned San Francisco foodie or a first-time visitor to the city, you’ll find heaps of delicious options to satisfy your appetite in San Francisco. Here, the food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. It’s one of the the top gastronomic destinations in the U.S – with everything from elegant Michelin-starred dining to exciting food trucks and countless cherished neighbourhood institutions in-between. With so much to choose from, let me to guide you through my top picks for dining in San Francisco:
Hog Island Oyster Co.
It may not surprise you that the ‘city by the bay’ has no shortage of excellent seafood. To sample a taste of the ocean while enjoying unforgettable views across the SF bay – Hog Island Oyster Co is a must visit. From it’s location inside San Francisco’s historic ferry building to it’s menu studded with iconic San Francisco dishes like local oysters and creamy clam chowder, it’s a perfect spot to really immerse yourself in the city. For good reason it’s ultra popular with visitors, while also loved by locals for it’s quality. It’s worth planning ahead or getting down there early, as lines can get lengthy at peak times. I’d recommend spending a leisurely lunch here, sampling a selection of fresh regional oysters from across the west coast, served over ice with an optional topping of zingy vinaigrette. Grab yourself a glass of champagne, a local brew, or a perfectly spiced Bloody Mary on the side to sip while you marvel at the views of the Bay Bridge.
Where to find it: Ferry Building, #11, San Francisco, CA 94111
Visit: hogislandoysters.com
Hard Knox
Among the vast array of cuisines to be found in San Francisco, Southern soul food is one of my personal highlights. You’ll find standout spots across the Bay Area, but within the city itself, Hard Knox is hard to beat for Southern homestyle cooking. The family run venture has been serving gloriously comforting soul food since 1999. From the moment your complimentary cornbread muffins land on your table, prepare to loosen your belt and enjoy some of the most satisfying comfort food you’ll taste outside of your own family kitchen. For me, the blackened catfish with a side of yams and collard greens is my go-to order, but the deep fried pork chop and mac and cheese deserve a special mention for all-out indulgence.
Where to find it: 2526 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Visit: hardknoxcafe.com
Hot Sauce + Panko
If wings are your thing, look no further than Hot Sauce + Panko. This Russian-hill takeaway spot is a paradise for spice lovers, serving up perfectly crispy fried chicken smothered in a tantalising selection of flavour-packed sauces. There’s a range of internationally inspired sweet, spicy and savoury options. Whether you opt for mild or wild, you can choose your coating and customise your ideal level of heat. Extra dips on the side are highly recommended to take the flavours to the next level. If you’re cranking up the heat on your sauces, a side of truffle parmesan fries also makes an ideal accompaniment to cool off your palette between bites.
Where to find it: 1468 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Visit: hotsauceandpanko.com
Taqueria Cancun
For San Francisco locals, the debate over favourite burrito spots can be a heated one. So much so, that since my other half used to live in San Francisco, I had no choice but to include both of our favourites on this list. Taqueria Cancun is his number one. Here, the burritos come with rice inside, making them extra hefty and satisfying, and the tortillas here come grilled as standard. A tower of flavour contained in tin-foil, this is a burrito with the bulk to stand up unaided if you place it on its end. The carne asada is a must try for meat eaters, while vegetarians can enjoy a hearty vegetable and bean burrito that may be even more filling than the meat options. Going ‘super’ here includes rice, beans and pico de gallo plus sour cream, and slices of Hass avocado. Be warned, unless you have a serious appetite it may be best to share.
Where to find it: 2288 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
La Taqueria
This is perhaps the city’s most famous taqueria, and in my eyes its the number one. Since 1973, La Taqueria has been (as its own sign claims) “home to the best tacos and burritos in the world.” It is unwaveringly popular with both locals and visitors, so long lines extending down the street are common. The Mission-style burrito here is a showstopper, and well worth waiting in line to get your hands on. Generously filled with your choice of meat or veg, plus tangy fresh salsa. It’s worth noting the burritos here are served rice-free, and fully stuffed with perfectly cooked meat, beans or veggies. I’d recommend going ‘super’ for extra sour cream, cheese and avocado to take it to the next level.
Where to find it: 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Mission Chinese
The unassuming exterior couldn’t be further from what awaits inside Mission Chinese. At first glance you might dismiss the sign for “Lung Shan Restauraunt” as nothing out of the ordinary (although a regular line extending out the door should be a clue to the contrary). Once you step inside, you’ll find a buzzing space with an infectious atmosphere, usually filled with a young crowd, glowing string lights, paper lanterns and pumping music. On the menu you can expect creative mashups from the vision of founder Danny Bowien. Look out for the kung pao pastrami for a hit of salty, smoky umami. Spice lovers will enjoy the Chongqing chicken wings, and the aubergine (or eggplant as it’s known locally) is a standout vegetarian option I still find myself daydreaming about. I’d recommend coming here with friends to order as many dishes as you can handle and share them family style.
Where to find it: 2234 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Visit: missionchinesefood.com
Plow
While you’ll find Plow among the big hitters of my San Francisco brunch guide, it deserves an additional mention here. Breakfast and brunch-goers can savour the lemon ricotta pancakes, nourishing breakfast bowls or their namesake Plow breakfast that’s a plateful of the menu’s best bites. The lunch options here are also worth paying a visit to Potrero Hill for. Choose from fresh salads or hearty sandwiches like the classic BLT, decadent grilled cheese, or the poached tuna sandwich made with local albacore tuna.
Where to find it: 1299 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Visit: eatatplow.com
Nopalito
For upscale Mexican flavours, head to Nopalito, where traditional dishes are elevated to new heights. There are 2 branches in the city, with sit-in dining at the Broderick St restaurant, plus a takeaway taco window on 18th street that offers exclusive dishes. Among the standout menu items you’ll find mouthwatering carnitas, fresh and vibrant fish tacos, and richly complex mole sauces. There’s an emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients at the heart of menu and a wide range of regional dishes. The authenticity and attention to detail in every dish make it a must visit.
Where to find it: 306 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA 94117 + 3690 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Visit: nopalitosf.com
4505 Burgers + BBQ
For the meat lovers out there, 4505 Burgers + BBQ is a carnivore’s paradise. Sink your teeth into juicy, flavourful bites that are a testament to the tradition of smoky, slow-cooked meats. A side order of beans is not to be missed for decadently meaty comfort food that you’ll never want to end. While this place is a mecca for meat eaters, you can still eat well while keeping it veggie here – opt for the oozy and indulgent grilled cheese with a side of potato salad or spicy fries.
Where to find it: 705 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Visit: 4505burgersandbbq.com
Burma Love
Here you can experience the bold flavours of Burma without leaving the Bay Area. Burma Love is the contemporary younger sister to legendary local eatery Burma Superstar, with eateries in the Mission and Downtown. The spacious dining room and laid back feel make it ideal for dining with a group. The Burmese samusas are a perfect bite to kick things off and the tea leaf salad is truly unmissable for its layers of incredible taste and texture that will make you question any preconceptions you had about salad. Mixed table-side, fermented tea leaves are tossed with a crispy mixture of nuts, beans, and garlic with lettuce. You’ll also find a delicious selection of curries, soups, noodle and rice dishes that are perfect for sharing. Alongside, sip on a house Burma Ale or sample the cocktail list that spotlights Burmese and Southeast Asian-inspired flavors in inventive concoctions. It’ll leave you feeling a million miles from the Mission district.
Where to find it: 211 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Visit: burmalove.co
Tartine Manufactory
Indulge your inner bread lover at Tartine Manufactory, a bakery haven for those seeking flaky, buttery delights by day, and delicious dining by night. Whether you’re craving a perfectly crafted croissant or diving into their lunch and dinner menu, expect to find bread as the hero of the menu here. For something sweet try the whipped ricotta toast, with lightly toasted slices of buttermilk loaf topped with velvety ricotta, orange marmalade, pistachios, meyer lemon and lavender honey, or choose from savoury sandwiches and tartines with appetising toppings like smoked salmon, ham and gruyere, or a gloriously gooey roasted leek grilled cheese.
Where to find it: 595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Visit: tartinebakery.com
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