Local cuisine in San Francisco

Read also Adjusting to the local culture in San Francisco

Dining out in San Francisco

The secret of San Francisco's food scene is tied to its rich cultural diversity, local ingredients, and, most importantly, the talent displayed by its chefs.

Below are some of the best restaurants in San Francisco that every expat should know about.

Fiorella

You will never truly enjoy how much San Francisco has to offer you as an expat if you do not partake of the sizzling wood-fired pizza that Fiorella is most famous for. Located at the Rochester Public Market, this restaurant is well known for using local ingredients for its handmade pasta, house gelato, leavened dough, and vegan options.

Osito

Osito is a unique dining experience that started in 2021. They cook all their dishes over an open fire, giving your meal a special flavour. You can choose to dine at 5:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. at a communal table, where you can watch the chefs create over 20 different dishes right before your eyes. It's a cosy place that often leads to friendly conversations with fellow diners.

Sula

Located at the Cavallo Point Lodge near the Golden Gate Bridge, Sula is a beautiful restaurant that recently replaced the well-known Murray Circle. They offer a sophisticated New American menu in a historic yet modern setting. Executive chef Michael Garcia, a Bay Area native, creates dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and fresh Marin ingredients. Some must-tries include the Fort Bragg petrale sole, wagyu fillet, and charred octopus.

Empress by Boon

Empress by Boon, led by Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon from Malaysia, opened in 2021. It's housed in the revamped Empress of China space, blending historic charm with modern elements. The prix fixe menu starts at an affordable $98, and there's also a small bites menu available in the trendy bar area. The focus is on modern Cantonese dishes made with local ingredients, including produce from their organic farm in Gilroy, California.

Tenderheart

Inside the chic LINE Hotel in the Mid-Market neighbourhood, you'll find Tenderheart. It's not your typical hotel restaurant. Executive chef Joe Hou, formerly of Michelin-starred Angler and Per Se, creates a menu that showcases seasonal California ingredients with a Chinese-American twist. Don't miss the burrata dish, which comes with pickled gipsy peppers, salsa macha, and crispy wontons. Their creative cocktails, like the Negroni Coast and the Post Martini, are also worth trying.