Must-have Dishes:
1. San Francisco Cheesecake
Best Place to Find it: The Cheesecake Factory (251 Geary ST) and Coqueta (Pier 5 The Embarcadero).
Approximate Price: $ 6 - $ 50
2. Dutch Crunch
Best Place to Find it: Roxie Food Centre (1901 San Jose Avenue).
Approximate Price: $ 10 - $ 20
3. Mission-style Burrito
Best Place to Find it: La Taqueria (2889 Mission St) and Taquerias El Farolito (2779 Mission St).
Approximate Price: $ 5 - $ 10
4. Cioppino
A dream dish for any seafood lover, a rich stew of fresh crabs, mussels, calamari, and other favorites, combined in a tomato broth; the Cioppino was born and crafted right here in the Bay.
Best Place to Find it: Sotto Mare (552 Green St).
Approximate Price: $ 46
5. Crab Louie
Another San Francisco original, the Crab Louie salad has been around here since the early 1900s and is one of the favorites here. A typical salad consists of crab meat, eggs, tomato, Louis dressing, and other ingredients.
Best Place to Find it: Scomas (1965 Al Scoma Way), Swan Oyster Depot (1517 Polk St) and Betty Lou’s Seafood and Grill (318 Columbus Ave).
Approximate Price: $ 50 - $ 60
6. Chowder in a Bread Bowl
A fusion of an east coast classic with a sourdough twist of the west coast, this delicious clam soup bowl is the perfect meal to enjoy by the water. Nothing says comfort food in San Francisco like a delicious clam soup bowl with a view.
Best Place to Find it: Boudin Bakery (399 10th Avenue), Pier 44 and Fog Harbor Fish Co. (Pier 39 CA 94133).
Approximate Price: $ 10 - $ 20
7. Egg Custard Tarts
Flaky, buttery, and creamy tarts filled with cream, spices, sugar, and an egg broth, they are the perfect little treats after a meal. Make sure you get enough as you will want more of these and they are sold quickly!
Best Place to Find it: Golden Gate Bakery (1029 Grant Ave).
Approximate Price: $ 2 (each) to $ 21 (a dozen)
8. Prime Ribs
Dig into a hearty and delicious prime rib with side dishes like creamy spinach, mashed potatoes, and Yorkshire Pudding. It has been a local favorite for decades but it still hasn’t lost its traditional touch.
Best Place to Find it: The House of Prime Rib has been serving amazing Prime Ribs in an English Tradition since the 1940s. (1906 Van Ness Ave)
Approximate Price: $ 15 - $ 43
9. Salted Caramel Ice-cream
Salty, creamy and toasty, is delicious on its own and goes well paired with any other flavor too. Salted caramel is one of the top flavors in some of the best ice-cream places.
Best Place to Find it: Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St), Mitchell’s (688 San Jose Avenue) and Swensen’s ( 1999 Hyde St).
Approximate Price: $ 5 - $ 18
10. Irish Coffee
Blending coffee and whiskey to create a classy and tasty cocktail is served hot. This has become one of the most loved and popular drink in the area! Fun fact, Irish coffee was made mainstream right here in San Francisco.
Best Place to Find it: Buena Vista Café (2765 Hyde St), Caffe Trieste (601 Vallejo St) and Room 389 (389 Grand Ave)
Approximate Price: $ 10
11. Cruffin
A Cruffin is a hybrid of a croissant and muffin filled with a range of different jams, creams, or curds. It has a perfect texture and is light, making it the perfect snack food in San Francisco!
Best Place to Find it: Mr Holmes Bakehouse (1042 Larkin St), Arsicault Bakery (397 Arguello Blvd).
Approximate Price: $ 5
12. Oysters
Best Place to Find it: Swan Oyster Depot ( 1517 Polk St) and Hog Island Oyster (Ferry Building One, #11).
Approximate Price: $ 1 - $ 5 per oyster
13. Pho
A Pho is a Vietnamese soup dish that consists of broth, rice, noodles, herbs, and meat. It is the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a chilly day.
Best Place to Find it: Kevin’s Noodle House (1833 Irving St), Yummy Yummy (1015 Irving St) and Turtle Tower (645 Larkin St).
Approximate Price: $ 10 - $ 13
14. Sticky Chewy Chocolate Ice-cream
Sticky Chewy Ice-Cream (Source)
This delicious ice-cream is the best and most popular flavor at Swensen’s. It has a sticky and thick peanut butter-like texture which will satisfy all your cravings!
Best Place to Find it: Swensen’s (1999 Hyde St).
Timings: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Approximate Price: $ 3 - $ 18
15. Xiao Long Bao
The Xiao Long Bao is a traditional Chinese dish and is a type of steamed bun with typically minced pork filling although other options are available too.
Best Place to Find it: Bund Shanghai (640 Jackson St), Dim Sum Club (2550 Van Ness Ave) and Daimo (3288 Pierce St).
Approximate Price: $ 6 - $ 15
16. Watermelon Beer
If you visit San Francisco in the summer, try the seasonal watermelon beer at 21st Amendment Brewpub. It is a locally brewed beer and is absolutely delightful!
Best Place to Find it: 21st Amendment Brewery and Restaurant (563 2nd St).
Timings: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Approximate Price: $ 10 - $ 22
17. Sushi
Enjoy this traditional Japanese dish prepared with a wide range of ingredients with one key ingredient that is Sushi rice. There are also some restaurants which serve fusion dishes and offer unique experiences too!
Best Place to Find it: Hashiri (4 Mint Plaza), ICHI (3369 Mission St) and Kiss Seafood (1700 Laguna St).
Approximate Price: $ 50 to $ 500
18. San Fran Sourdough
This delicious bread is unique due to its tangy flavor profile due to different bacterial species used. The best part is that the bread goes well with almost anything!
Best Place to Find it: Boudin Bakery & Café (160 Jefferson St) , hands down serves the best sourdough bread in the Bay!
Approximate Price: $ 1 - $ 6
19. Smoothies
Fresh Smoothies (Source)
Head over to a juice or smoothie bars for a refreshing break from all the delicious food. You can enjoy healthy and detoxing juices, mocktails and acai bowls.
Best Place to Find it: Project Juice (790 Valencia St), Side Walk Juice (3100 24th St), Urban Remedy (3870 24th St).
Approximate Price: $ 5 to $ 12
20. Artisan Toasts
The idea of a toast may seem plain and boring. But the toasts served here in the Bay are flavorful, crunchy, and scrumptious. They are slathered with different kinds of butter, jams, avocado, cinnamon, and sugar.
Best Place to Find it: Trouble Coffee (4033 Judah St), Home and The Mill (736 Divisadero St).
Approximate Price: $ 4 - $ 8
21. Roasted Chicken with Bread Salad
The Zuni Café is popular specifically for its roasted chicken and bread salad. It is special because of the crispy skin of the meat which is roasted in a brick oven and the well-rested bread.
Best Place to Find it: Zuni Café (1658 Market St).
Timings: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Approximate Price: $ 45
22. Mac and Cheese
San Fran has some of the best eateries and food, so it is obvious that they serve some of the best Mac & Cheese too. The classic American comfort food has numerous variations, with vegan options and fusions which are delicious!
Best Place to Find it: Wayfare Tavern (558 Sacramento St), Pig Pie (550, Gene Friend Way).
Approximate Price: $ 5 - $ 12
23. Swedish Pancakes
These pancakes are lighter and fluffier than regular crepes or pancakes. There is a wide range of toppings and syrups that you can get on your pancakes.
Best Place to Find it: Sweet Maple (2101 Sutter St) and Sears Fine Food (439 Powell St).
Approximate Price: $ 13 - $ 15
Best Restaurants and Eateries in the Bay:
1. Bi-Rite Creamery
Hours: 1 pm to 8 pm
Approximate Price: $ 6 to $ 50
Flavors you must try: Honey Lavender, Salted Caramel and Balsamic Strawberry.
Location: 3692 18th St
2. Tartine Bakery
Since 2002, this bakery has been serving some of the best breakfasts and brunches in San Fran. You can get mouth-watering and tempting pastries, breads and sandwiches.
Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Approximate Price: $ 3 to $ 70
Dishes you must try: Croque Monsieur, Bread and Bread pudding.
Location: 600 Guerrero St
3. Hog Island Oyster Co.
If you love seafood, this restaurant in San Francisco is the best place for you! Serving the best oysters, cocktails, and seasonal menus, it offers a unique experience as you dine overlooking the Bay.
Hours: 11 am to 7 pm on Ferry Building, One, #11
Approximate Price: $ 10 to $ 60
Dishes you must try: Oyster po’boy, Cola-braised pork gems and Pisco-Rhubarb Punch.
Location: Ferry Building, One, #11
4. Anchor Brewing Company
Being one of the 1st American Craft Breweries post-prohibition, they are known for their popular Steam Beer. The Brewery offers walking tours of the historic establishment with a tasting session too.
Hours:
- 12 pm to 9 pm Mondays - Wednesdays
- 12 pm to 10 pm Thursdays – Saturdays
- 12 pm to 8 pm Sundays
Approximate Price: $ 3 to $ 40
Beers you must try: Summer Beer, Steam beer and Christmas Beer.
Location: 1705 Mariposa St
5. Caffe Trieste
An internationally known coffee house and retail store, this place has been serving its customers for over 50 years now. If you love coffee, you must try their delicious coffee blends with cookies, muffins, and pastries.
Hours:
- 10 am to 3 pm Mondays - Wednesdays
- 10 am to 5:30 pm Thursdays - Saturday
Sunday Closed
Approximate Price: $ 11 - $ 15 per 12 oz. Unit
Dishes you must try: Espresso con panna, the cakes and any coffee.
Location: 601 Vallejo St
6. La Taqueria
Drop by for some authentic and tasty Mexican food. They serve some of the best tacos and are popularly known for their burritos! They also serve beers and other beverages.
Hours: 11 am to 8:45 pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Approximate Price: $ 2 - $ 13
Dishes you must try: The Mission-style burrito and the tacos.
Location: 2889 Mission St
7. Delfina
Before you go to Bi-Rite, come to Delfina to enjoy some rustic California-Italian delights. You can enjoy delicious meals here or even head to their sister spot, Pizzeria Delfina that serves amazing pizzas! If you choose to dine here, prepare to try some of the best food in San Francisco.
Hours:
- 5:30 pm to 9 pm Mondays – Thursdays
- 5:30 pm to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays
- 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays
Approximate Price: $ 6 - $ 40
Dishes you must try: Grilled Calamari Salad, steak frites and roasted chicken
Location: 3621 18th St
8. Lazy Bear
Savor a unique communal dining experience at this fine-dining establishment situated in the Bay. You need to buy a ticket in advance and then wait for an email with instructions. The menu changes every month. They serve some of the best dishes prepared by talented cooks!
Hours: 5:30 pm to 11 pm Wednesdays to Sundays
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Approximate Price: $ 165 - $ 195 per person
Location: 3416 19th St
9. Andytown Coffee Roasters
Hours: 8 am to 3 pm
Approximate Price: $ 3 - $ 15
Stuff you must try: Corn Muffins, crumbly pastries and currant scones
Location: 3655 Lawton St
10. Gus’s Community Market
Featuring locally sourced produce and products, this market has been serving customers for almost 40 years and serves delicious and tempting sandwiches with the best ingredients. You can try out any of their sandwiches and even have them customized to your taste!
Hours: 7 am to 10 pm
Approximate Price: $ 6 - $ 10
Location: 2111 Harrison St
11. Curry Up Now
Founded and operated by a couple, this food truck serves delicious Indian street food with a twist. They also serve flavor-packed fusion dishes like poutine and burritos with chicken tikka masala and chana (chickpea) masala. Visit Curry Up Now to find some of the best Indian Food in San Francisco.
Hours: 11:30 am to 9 pm on Bay Area
Approximate Price: $ 5 - $ 12
Dishes you must try: Samosa Burrito, Vegan Burrito and Sexy Fries
Location: 659 Valencia St
12. Fresca
Fresca is a well-known Peruvian restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Do try their ceviche or ask for their specials of the day. They have vegetarian options too.
Hours: 11 am to 9 pm
Approximate Price: $ 6 - $ 90
Dishes you must try: Ceviche Sampler, Mango cheesecake and Empanadas
Location: 3945 24th St
13. Boudin Bakery
Famous for their San-Francisco sourdough, the bakery also serves delectable sourdough pizzas, sandwiches, soup bowls and salads. They have three different locations in the Bay area.
Hours: 11 am to 8 pm
Approximate Price: $ 7 - $ 10
Dishes you must try: Clam Chowder, Dungeness Crab Louis and Argentinian Empanadas.
Location: 399 10th Ave
14. Blue Bottle Cafe
Popular for their amazing coffees, this place also serves a range of sandwiches and cookies. They offer coffee subscriptions and have vegan and vegetarian options too.
Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm
Approximate Price: $ 13 for 2 people
Stuff you must try out: Gibraltar, poached eggs, pastries and any coffee.
Location: 66 Mint St
15. Ramen Underground
If you’re craving some Ramen or want to try some, Ramen Underground is the best place. They have affordable options with a wide range of toppings and serve draught beer and sake too.
Hours: 11 am to 9:30 pm
Approximate Price: $ 11 - $ 30
Dishes you must try: Tonkotsu, Sake and Spicy Shoyu.
Location: 356 Keanry St
16. The Ice-cream Bar
The milkshakes are truly the stars of this place. The ambiance has a 1950s vibe, which is very appealing. They also serve scrumptious sandwiches, pecan pies, and cookies!
Hours: 3 pm to 8 pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Approximate Price: $ 10 - $ 30
Stuff you must try: Chocolate Sorbet, Grilled Cheese on Brioche and watermelon sorbet.
Location: 815 Cole St
17. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
All the ingredients used in their pizzas are specially imported from Napoli, the Pizza Capital of the World. If you’re craving some authentic mouth-watering Italian dishes, rush over to this place!
Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm
Approximate Price: $ 10 - $ 50
Dishes you must try: Burratina Di Margherita, Margherita Neapolitan Pie and Eddie Muenster.
Location: 1570 Stockton St
18. The Dosa Brothers
This food cart serves vegetarian South Indian dishes. It is one of the few such places in the Bay and serves some of the best dosas. They have three stuffing options and also have vegetable stew.
Hours: 10 am to 2:30 pm
Approximate Price: $ 10
Dishes you must try: Paneer Dosa, Masala Dosa and Mango Lassi.
Location: 2 Montgomery St
19. State Bird Provisions
A dim-sum-style fine-dining experience awaits you here. They serve amazing meals accompanied by a choice of beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks. They serve unique and creative dishes prepared with the best ingredients!
Hours:
- 5 pm to 8 pm Mondays to Fridays
- 11:30 am to 3 pm
- 5 pm to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Approximate Price: $ 7 - $ 30
Dishes you must try: Fried Quail, Silken Tofu ‘Caprese’, Garlic Bread with Burrata
Location: 1529 Fillmore St
20. Stonemill Matcha
The hand-whisked matcha truly elevates the flavors of their matcha drinks, pies, and sandwiches. The matcha is specially imported from Kyoto in Japan. Not only is Macha delicious, but it has numerous health benefits too!
Hours: 10 am to 3 pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Approximate Price: $ 2 - $ 22
Stuff you must try: Matcha Cream Pie, Iced Matcha and Chicken Okayu
Location: 561 Valencia St
21. Restaurant Gary Danko
The award-winning restaurant serves classic French cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and produce. You can create your own 3,4 or 5 – course meals. Experience an excellent fine-dining experience here at the Gary Danko!
Hours: 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Approximate Price: $ 97 - $ 150
Dishes you must try: Juniper Crusted Bison, Roast Maine Lobster and Lemon Pepper Duck Breast.
Location: 800 North Point St
22. Zazie
Zazie is a popular brunch joint here in the Bay. It has been serving amazing and mouth-watering food for almost 30 years. You must try their French onion soup and Moroccon lamb Tangine.
Hours: 8 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Approximate Price: $ 3 - $ 40
Dishes you must try: Pancakes, Stuffed Chicken Breast and Mussels Mariniere
Location: 941 Cole St
23. City View
City View is one of the best Dimsum-style restaurants. They specialize in Oriental-style dim sums and have numerous flavorful variants to choose from. Try out their scrumptious dumplings!
Hours: 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Approximate Price: $ 5 - $ 18
Dishes you must try: Pecking Duck, baked pork buns and chicken lettuce wraps.
Location: 662 Commercial St
24. Nopa
Ensuring a great dining experience, this restaurant changes its menu every week and serves amazing dishes prepared with locally sourced fresh ingredients. They specialize in organic wood-fired cuisine.
Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Approximate Price: $ 5 - $ 60
Dishes you must try: Roasted King Salmon, lemon-dressed arugula and sweet tomato confit
Location: 560 Divisader St
San FranciscoNot only is it a beautiful city with stunning views, but the local culture and food are equally mesmerizing. Whether you want to try some new cuisines & dishes or an innovative twist to your favorite classics, the Bay has the best of everything!