San Francisco is one of the US's most restaurant-dense cities. From high-end dining to vibrant street food offerings, the city caters to all palates. With its diverse population and distinct neighborhoods, you can taste the world without leaving the city limits. Michelin-starred restaurants, family-run taquerias, dim sum houses, and farmers' market stalls are all part of the city's diverse food scene.
Culinary highlights in San Francisco
Sourdough
San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, made possible by the city's unique coastal yeast. You can sample it at Boudin Bakery, one of the city's oldest institutions, or explore newer favorites like Tartine Bakery in the Mission and Acme Bread Company at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Many local restaurants also bake their own loaves and sourdough offerings, from pizza to doughnuts, are a frequent menu item in the city.
Seafood
Thanks to its coastal location, San Francisco has amazing seafood on offer. A classic touristy experience is clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Fisherman's Wharf, but you'll also find fresh Dungeness crab, Pacific oysters, and other tempting seafood offerings featured across the city's restaurants.
Farmers' markets and fresh produce
Farmer's markets are regularly held in the city, the Ferry Plaza market being the most popular. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, artisan cheeses, and other offerings tempt local chefs and adventurous home cooks.
Neighbourhood flavours in San Francisco
Every neighborhood in San Francisco offers a different culinary experience. Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in North America, famous for its dim sum and traditional Cantonese dishes. The Mission District is well known for its taquerias and Latin American street food, while North Beach has more of an Italian influence. In Japantown, you'll find ramen shops, sushi counters, and mochi stands.
Coffee culture in San Francisco
San Francisco takes its coffee very seriously. Cafés like Blue Bottle, Ritual Coffee Roasters, and Sightglass Coffee are local institutions known for their quality beans. Finding a good cup of coffee in the city is easy; just don't be intimidated by the hip aesthetic of some of these places.
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 well-regarded restaurants in the Bay Area.
Fiorella
Fiorella is a San Francisco neighborhood trattoria with locations in the Richmond, Sunset, and Hayes Valley areas. It is best known for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, house gelato, leavened dough, and vegan options, all made with seasonal California ingredients.
Osito
Launched in 2021, Osito is known for its unique fire-cooking process and communal dining options. 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 multiple dishes right before your eyes. Osito's menu focuses on seasonal local produce, refined fire-cooking, and sustainable sourcing.
Sula
Located in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sula is a beautiful restaurant that offers contemporary California cuisine with Mediterranean influence. Executive chef Michael Garcia, a Bay Area native, creates dishes using 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 focuses 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 neighborhood, 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. The menu is always evolving, featuring seasonal local produce, creative small plates ,and inventive cocktails.
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