8 Incredible Places to Eat in San Francisco
If you’re traveling to Northern California, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible dining scene. Here are 8 of the best places to eat in San Francisco.
Some of the best food in San Francisco is tucked away in corners of the city that you may never cross if you’re not looking for something in particular.
But, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the best restaurants in San Francisco. It just means you’ll need to be privy to their existence.
And, with so many choices, it can be difficult to narrow it all down to just one restaurant. After all, there are dining choices for every type of occasion and every type of individual, finicky or not.
So, where should you eat?
If you’re wondering what the best places to eat in San Francisco are, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing some of the greatest dining scenes in the city. Keep reading to learn more.
8 of the Best Places to Eat in San Francisco
San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in America. Needless to say, it wasn’t easy compiling this list of just eight establishments.
These restaurants; some plain, some trendy, some hidden in plain sight, are all the craze in 2018. So, get ready to give your taste buds the ride of a lifetime while you savor all that these establishments have to offer.
1. Spruce
Spruce is deeply nestled in Presidio Heights, an inner-city suburb of San Francisco. It boasts white tablecloths, excellent customer service, and a wine list that absolutely doesn’t disappoint.
This is a refined neighborhood restaurant for the casual or formal diner.
Many people celebrate the signature menu item, the burger, adding taleggio or foie gras for the ultimate treat.
Spruce won the Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine in 2017. Chef Sullivan believes in the farm to table philosophy and therefore many items on the menu are organic and ethically grown at a private farm outside the city.
2. Basa Seafood Express
If you have a hankering for some seafood and you’re dining on a budget, Basa Seafood Express is the place to be. Try their clam chowder and a salmon burger or fried shrimp and chips for a satisfying seafood treat.
This is also a seafood market where you can buy fresh seafood to make your own special dinner at home. If you’d prefer to have the food cooked for you, you can either dine in or order out. Don’t plan on a large party, however, as there are only a few seats and tables available.
3. Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower has three convenient locations so you can always find them. Check out the Civic Center, Outer Richmond, and SoMa, or order for delivery if you prefer! Make sure to check the days and hours of operation for your preferred location.
This restaurant serves authentic Ha Noi style Vietnamese cuisine with fast and friendly service.
The vibe is homey if you’re dining in and you’ll love the coconut infused water with real coconut meat. Go for the pho, and if you want to try something different, that’s okay, too.
4. The Cliff House
The Cliff House is one of San Francisco’s staple restaurants, if not for the food, for the view and dining experience altogether. When it’s not foggy, you can see the Sutro Bath ruins and rugged coastline for miles. When it is foggy, you’ll feel like you’re suspended in a cloud, high atop the world.
Make a brunch date to enjoy the $5 Irish coffees and an elegant mimosa or come for dinner and take your pick among the many wine varieties to pair with your meal. Whatever you decide, we’re sure you’ll want to come back again and again.
5. Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice has three convenient locations with one more on the way. Their signature menu item is Thai Chicken and Rice, also known as khao mun gai. You’ll enjoy the chicken and rice infused with cucumber and cilantro and topped off with garlic, ginger, chilis, and soybeans, all for under 12 bucks.
6. Roka Akor
Roka Akor has locations in Scottsdale, Arizona, Chicago, Illinois, Houston, Texas, and San Francisco. The focus is on steak, seafood, and sushi with the option of dining in or having it delivered right to your front door.
This restaurant offers a contemporary take on Robata Japanese cuisine and even won the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine in 2015.
You can expect the menu to vary with the seasons, but overall, the food is delectable and the atmosphere is a blend of contemporary and casual. Come for the ambiance, stay for dinner, and don’t forget one of their extraordinary desserts.
7. Tartine Bakery
Tartine Bakery serves and sells warm bread, morning buns, and hot-pressed sandwiches. The bakery was established in 2002 and since has won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
They have two locations in San Francisco and thanks to their new partnership with Blue Bottle, you can find their award-winning pastries throughout the city.
Stop in for a treat, leave with a smile and happy taste buds.
8. Californios
Val M. Cantu, the head chef at Californios recently won America’s Best New Chefs award by Food and Wine magazine, not to mention other awards and accolades the restaurant has received in its short history.
This restaurant offers a sixteen-course tasting menu nightly. All dishes are prepared with the freshest, in-season produce.
Get there early because there are only 24 seats available. And, don’t expect to have the same thing twice if you dine here often as the menu is ever changing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re vacationing or you live here, there is no shortage of places to eat in San Francisco. All you have to do is get out there and find a menu that suits your taste, dive in, and enjoy! But, if the choices are all too overwhelming, this list should get you started in the right direction.
The best way to find San Francisco restaurants that you’ll love is to simply try the cuisine. You can find menus online for many establishments to get a feel for what you think you may like and what to avoid.
If you’re the type that enjoys good food, good beverages, and good company, then don’t forget to check us out. We travel the world to bring you the most exotic choices available.
