Are you looking for the best places to eat in San Francisco?
I love trying new places when I travel. It may be my favorite part of any trip.
I surveyed a lot of my readers, Instagram, and Facebook followers to gather the Best Places to Eat in San Francisco! I have been to a lot of them but not all. The ones I included were repeated numerous times from different people recommending their favorites.
If you are planning a trip in the future and need more ideas for your San Francisco Trip, check out my other post Top Things To Do In San Francisco , Top Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids, and my San Francisco Girls Trip.
Let’s explore all the best places to eat in San Francisco!
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The Best Bakeries in San Francisco
Tartine Bakery
This should be your number one choice when choosing which bakery to eat at in San Francisco. It is worth all the hype and you will not be disappointed. My favorite thing about any bakery is walking along the display case and deciding what I want to try! I love that you can always come back an try something new every time too!
When I went I was able to share a few items with my sister and mom. We ate every last bit and loved doing it! Put this on your list.
There will probably be a line but it is worth the wait! It is one of the best places to eat in San Francisco!
Craftsman and Wolves Bakery

Photo courtesy of LA Times
The “Rebel Within” is a soft boiled egg cooked within a ham and cheese muffin. I have not had the opportunity to try this one but I think I will have to put it one my list! Craftsman and Wolves comes highly recommended from readers of this very blog.
One person said this bakery has a very masculine feel.
B Patisserie Bakery

Image Courtesy of bpatisserie.com
B. Patisserie is another bakery on my list for my next trip to San Francisco. It is located in the mission district. A few readers suggest to try the Chocolate Banana Croissant. I am a huge fan of yummy treats, I’m excited to try it when we go back!
La Boulangerie
This bakery is more a chain bakery in San Francisco but we stopped and got some macaroons. They were really really good! We sampled quite a few and this gets my stamp of approval!
Arsicault Bakery

Photo Courtesy of Thrillist.com
The croissants are suppose to be just as good as a true French bakery in Paris. There are lots of reviews that this may very well ruin croissants for you because it is so good you will never be able to compare it except in France. This is one I haven’t tried yet but you can bet I will be there on my next trip!
Boudin Bakery

Photo Courtesy of By Edward Z. Yang – Wikipedia
I have to include Boudin’s in this list because it is famous! It is not your typical bakery. Sourdough bread creations are what it is most known for. I personally thought it was okay. I wasn’t a fan of the clam chowder. But I do think that if you are in San Francisco you need to go!
Best Breakfast in San Francisco
Mama’s on Washington Square
If you want a hardy breakfast compared to a simple bakery item than Mama’s on Washington Square is a great place.
I did get to try this last time! Be ready to wake up super early to stand in a line! It is over an hour wait before the restaurant even opens!
We had a fun time waiting in line! Mama’s has a variety of homemade breads that can be made into French toast. It is very feeling and comes with very large portions.
It is one of the best places to eat in San Francisco!
Best Mexican Food In San Francisco
I have asked lots of readers, Instagram followers, and Facebook groups what the best places to eat in San Francisco are. The recommendations came flooding in! These are the top ones that have been recommend over and over again. I have not tried all of them but will let you know which ones I have.
La Taqueria

Image courtesy of Timeout San Francisco
This may be the number one recommendation for Mexican food in San Francisco! Located in the Mission area it is a place you must try!
This is not a fancy place and there are many other locations around that serve similar items but this is a local favorite.
Expect to get a foil wrapped burrito for under $10, and be blown away be the taste.
Mission District Food Tour
This is a secret food tour of San Francisco’s Mission District. In this tour you get a highly rated personal tour guide that will lead you to the best foods in the mission district as well as share more about the neighborhood and historical background of the area.
Best American Restaurants in San Francisco
House of Prime Rib Steak House

Image courtesy of House of Prime Rib
Out of all the survey’s I did amongst readers this was recommended over and over again. If you want to try the best steak in the city this is where you will want to go. This is would be a nice sit down dinner especially if you are celebrating something special. I don’t think you can go wrong here if you love steak.
Foreign Cinema

Image Courtesy of Foreign Cinema.com
I had a lot of people tell me this place is amazing! The Foreign Cinema serves a California Mediterranean style of food as you watch independent films. If you are looking for a great atmosphere and amazing food defiantly consider this place. Be sure to book your reservation ahead of time.
Wayfare Tavern

Image courtesy of Yelp.com
Another top restaurant choice in San Francisco is Wayfare Tavern. It is located at the bottom of Knob Hill very close to the financial district. This restaurant serves all American fried chicken in a chic and stylish atmosphere. It ranks in the San Francisco’s best restaurants.
Best Chinese Food in San Francisco
The Slanted Door

Image Courtesy of Yelp.com
This is Vietnamese cooking at its best. I had several people recommend this restaurant. It is located in the Ferry Building with a beautiful overlook of the water. Making a reservation is highly recommended. (temporarily closed as of March 2021)
Chubby Noodle

Image Courtesy of Chubby Noodle
This is a lighter meal. If you are ready for some great food and a variety of dishes to choose from this is the place. Go ahead and check it out!
Mensho Tokyo

Image courtesy of Yelp.com
I thought I needed to mention one more Japanese restaurant. The food looks amazing and if you love this style of food you need to go!
China Town Food Tour
San Francisco’s Chinatown Food Tour is a must! This is a great food tasting tour of this amazing area.
Best Italian Restaurants in San Francisco
The Stinking Rose
Image courtesy of The Stinking Rose
This place is adorable! The atmosphere will lift your spirits! If you love garlic this is your place, they use over 3,000 pounds of garlic in a month! (temporarily closed as of March 2021)
54 Mint
Image Courtesy of Kayak.com
I love finding a great Italian restaurants that reminds me of my time I spent in Italy. This one fits that category. This small restaurant serves up elevated Roman dishes that are to die for!
The Italian Homemade Company

Image Courtesy of Yelp.com
Homemade is the key word here. Highly recommended if you are in the mood for more authentic cuisine!
Little Italy and North Beach Walking Food Tour
The Little Italy and North Beach Walking and Food Tour is a highly recommend adventure. You will get to eat a lot! The best Italian food in San Francisco!
Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco
Swan Oyster Depot
Image courtesy of SF Chronicles
As a city located on the Pacific Ocean, of course seafood should be on the top of any foodie’s mind! I have to confess that I’m not a huge seafood fan (my husband is more of one). But I have heard fantastic reviews about the Swan Oyster Depot and it’s now on my list of places to go.
It’s a fresh sea food bar full of a never ending supply of oysters, crab, and fish. There will be a wait, but most people say it is well worth it.
Scomas Restaurant

Image Courtesy of Scomas at Sausalito
First things first. There is a Scoma’s Restaurant located on Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, and then there’s Scoma’s Sausalito.
I’ve heard good things about all three places, but today, I’m talking about Scoma’s Sausalito. The location of this sea food restaurant is out of this world.
Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, it is not to be forgotten. It is worth the drive to enjoy the atmosphere of the ocean front property.
Or if you’d like, you can take the Blue and Gold Ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 41. It’s about a four minute walk from the terminal.
Seafood entrées will be about $30 to $50. There is outdoor seating available. Looks to be a great place for a romantic evening, but if you have kids, we had trouble finding kid items on the menu. (In that case, you may want to instead try Scoma’s Restaurant instead on Pier 47, which has a $9 children’s menu that has fish, as well as the staples of burgers and chicken tenders.)
Best Indian Food in San Francisco
Burma Superstar

Image courtesy of Burma Superstar
This is the only restaurant I have in the Indian food category because it was recommended over and over again by many readers. If you love Indian food I have been told this will blow you away!
The location in San Francisco 309 Clement Street, which is about four miles from Fisherman’s Wharf. So if you are staying near Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s probably best to drive, or take a Lyft or Uber.
And from what I can tell, there are not many touristy options in the vicinity, so you’ll be going specifically to eat at this location.
The prices here are reasonable, with most plates currently at $15 or under.
Fast Food In San Francisco
When I say fast food I do not mean McDonalds! I’m talking about true to San Francisco area counter service. A place where you can walk in order your food and walk out! These recommendations were repeated many times by multiple people!
Golden Boy Pizza

Image courtesy of William Sonoma
Located Near Washington Square, Golden Boy Pizza is about one mile from Fisherman’s Wharf. This is a local favorite.
Golden boy is known for it’s delicious crust and shape of its pizza — it’s slogan is, “Where it’s hip to be
square!” Well, it looks more rectangular, but I get the point.
There are six menu choices. The standards (cheese, pepperoni, sausage), along with one with a seafood spin — clam and garlic! The combo is interesting in that it adds zucchini instead of green peppers. And there’s also a pesto veggie.
If you live by the standard of “eat where the locals eat” this is your one stop, pizza spot!
Roli Roti

Image Courtesy of Roli Roti
Rotisserie chicken at its best. It is located in the Ferry Building in a high tourist spot. This will be a quick stop for some fresh and delicious chicken. The porchetta sandwich is a must try the reviews are outstanding.
Super Duper Burger

Image Courtesy of Yelp
Super Duper Burgers have six location throughout the San Francisco Bay area. If you are in the mood for a good burger stop in and fulfill those cravings with the fast service and delicious food!
Vegan Burg

Image Courtesy of VegNews.com
The meatless bleeding burger is now available in San Francisco. This top vegan burger joint is highly popular. If this is your style of eating than check this place out for the best vegan burger in San Francisco!
The Melt
The Melt is a chain in the San Francisco Bay area. Specializing in grill cheese. I have been to this one and loved it. Try a few different sandwiches and see what you like best!
Best Ice Cream In San Francisco
Ghiradelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is a shopping center and home to the Ghirardelli Ice Cream store. This is my most favorite place to visit when I am in San Francisco. Not for the shopping (there’s not much in the square itself), but for the ice cream!
As a warning, the line to get in may wave outside of the store. Don’t be deterred, as the line moves fairly quickly.
One thing I love is that as you walk in you are given a free piece of candy. We also love looking at the gift shop as we wait in line to enter the ice cream parlor. For some reason it remind me of Sussigkeiten (the candy shop) in the German Pavilion at Epcot. There’s nothing German about Ghirardelli, but it might be the chocolates and the lighting. Or it might be that I just have fond memories of great trips!
Once you get into the ice cream parlor, there is a main floor and an upstairs. This is a sit down establishment; not counter service. I really enjoyed the environment as you can see machinery used to make chocolate, which is set up to be visually appealing, rather than a distraction.
Keep in mind that this is a place for sweets, and not for eats. The menu provides options, but the categories generally fall into ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and chocolate treats.
I recommend the sundaes! But family members with me also enjoyed the shakes. This is one of the best places to eat in San Francisco!
Bi-Rite
Bi-Rite Creamery is a very popular ice cream store among locals. I made sure to make a stop to test this ice cream out! After all, I love ice cream.
We thought it was very good! Bi-Rite changes their flavors daily so you will be able to have a new experience every time you go in. The ice cream is organic.
There are a number of Bi-Rite locations located throughout the city. You may want to try out the market food as well. Bi-Rite takes pride in locally sourcing its products.
Best Places to Eat In San Francisco
Hopefully, this list will help you choose the best place to eat in San Francisco and help you plan a great night out. Remember, there are so many things to do in San Francisco that you are sure to have an amazing time! Happy Eating!
If you have any questions comment below!
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Angela
October 21, 2019 10:55 amoh boy, getting my credit card ready – so many great places to add to my list for SF must eats! Pinned for safe keeping too!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:15 amOh good! It really is so fun to try new places!
jen
October 21, 2019 1:41 pmgotta admit Lisa, this is a dangerous article for me… i literally have a San Fran trip planner sitting on my table next to me….
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:15 amAll things in moderation!
Malia
October 21, 2019 3:20 pmOMG, YUM!! I love how you broke this up into easily searchable categories. I am always looking for delicious bakeries and B Patisserie Bakery looks INCREDIBLE!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:14 amIt has great reviews and was highly recommended!
Lee Anne
October 21, 2019 5:06 pmSign me up for all of this!!!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:14 amI know right!
Michelle
October 21, 2019 5:28 pmThose desserts are calling my name. YUM!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:13 amThey are calling my name too!
Jen
October 21, 2019 9:25 pmOh my goodness your pictures have my mouth watering! Those pastries look amazing! Thanks for this valuable information on what to eat!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:13 amNo problem!
Jennifer Morrison
October 21, 2019 9:30 pmI have not been to San Francisco in a while, but have only eaten at one of these places. I will have to make a trip back soon as this looks delicious!!!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:13 amI love eating at great places on vacation!
Matt Epley
October 21, 2019 9:44 pmYou ever read something with such amazing pics that you gotta hit the kitchen right after?
But then you know you shouldn’t because you know you won’t find anything as appetizing as the pics you just saw?
Well that’s me right now. LOL! Such great pics…
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:12 amThanks! Hopefully it taste as good as it looks!
Erika
October 21, 2019 10:13 pmYum! Can’t wait to try some of these outs!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:12 amI want to try some more out too!
Tiffany
October 22, 2019 1:00 amWell, now I’m hungry…
And, I want to visit San Francisco again!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:11 amI know me too!
Suzan
October 22, 2019 4:38 amWhat an awesome list and definitely one I will refer back to should I make the trek to the west coast 🙂
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:11 amThanks!
Ellen Mika Zelasko
October 22, 2019 6:59 amPlanning a trip to San Francisco in the spring. Pinning for later for my trip planning, your photos are great!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:11 amThanks! I hope it helps with food choices!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 8:37 amWe LOVE the Slanted Door! And the scenery is amazing. We loved the cotton candy dessert…so creative!
Lisa
October 22, 2019 9:11 amThat is awesome! I will have to try it next time I am in town!
Katherine Wolfe
October 22, 2019 10:50 amWe were just in SF this summer and hit up some of those spots! Yummy!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:34 pmOh cool any other ones not on the list?
Lisa
October 22, 2019 1:11 pmWe are planning a trip out west and this makes me want to put San Francisco on the list! Thank you for sharing!!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:34 pmSan Francisco is a great place to visit!
Karen
October 22, 2019 4:14 pmIf I ever get back to San Francisco I will have to try The Melt. That looks really good.
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:34 pmI loved it! It was so delicious!
Rachel
October 22, 2019 4:17 pmThis list will come in handy when we plan a visit there!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:33 pmoh good that is awesome!
Jane
October 22, 2019 5:42 pmWhat a comprehesive list LIsa! Two things I would pick; I love pastries, cakes and any types of desserts so I’m definitely going to visit those bakery shops and I love seafood so I’m definitely visiting the Scomas resto. The location is perfect as well!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:33 pmOh good!
Maria G
October 23, 2019 12:57 amI always plan my trips around food. I wish I’d had more time to eat out when I was in SF last. Next time, I’ll be saving this list!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:33 pmI spent one of my trips there just eating a great places!
Christina Furnival
October 23, 2019 10:26 pmCan’t wait to check all these out next time we are up that way!!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:32 pmI know!
Cindy
October 23, 2019 11:28 pmThat’s an impressive list of places to eat! I saw the one vegan burger cafe on your list. Are there other vegan/plant based options in San Francisco?
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:32 pmI am not sure but that one got a super high rating and recommendations from lots of people!
Heather
October 24, 2019 6:20 amYum! All of these places look amazing. Great post. The photos have me drooling. LOL.
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:31 pmMe too! I love great food!
Pam
October 24, 2019 7:34 amWow! What a list. This is everything I need for my next trip to San Francisco – thanks for putting it together.
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:31 pmNo problem!
Vessy Smith
October 24, 2019 7:51 amOh, dear! This is the greatest list EVER! I only know The Stinking Rose, since I am a garlic fanatic…:) I am definitely saving this post! Excellent work! 🙂
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:30 pmThanks! I haven’t tried the Stinking rose! It is on my list!
Lori Nielsen
October 24, 2019 8:35 amI have only tried a couple of places on this list. Next time I go I will have to choose some more of them to try! I love seafood, so Scomas will certainly be on my list.
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:30 pmI love that so many people gave these great recommendations!
Courtney
October 24, 2019 10:28 amExcellent post! Makes me hungry. You have showcased many fabulous options when visiting San Francisco!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:29 pmThanks!
Missy
October 24, 2019 10:35 amI enjoy Foodie guides. When I am visiting a new place there are so many choices and learning from those who have experienced amazing foods.
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:29 pmMe too!
Lori
October 24, 2019 10:38 amWhat a great list! I am going to save it for my next trip. Thanks!
Lisa
October 24, 2019 7:29 pmNo problem, I love great recommendations!
Leeanne
October 24, 2019 8:17 pmWell, I’m officially hungry now after looking at all this food. There are several restaurants I would love to try on this list. Especially an Italian restaurant that used 3,000 pounds of garlic in a month!!!
Lisa
October 26, 2019 3:53 pmCrazy right!
Sheila Thomas
October 25, 2019 7:52 amWell I sit here drinking my coffee and am very hungry and now.. I must cook myself breakfast. Wow.. I am a bread girl (I know, bad bad) and that bread looks so cute, and yummy.
Lisa
October 26, 2019 3:53 pmI know I am too and I have been trying to eat low carb all year. It is so hard!
alison netzer
October 25, 2019 8:10 amFood is top priority when we travel so I know we would love San Francisco based on these places. The pastries look amazing. Our daughter would go crazy over the macaroon pictured in the post. Great round up.
Lisa
October 26, 2019 3:52 pmThanks! They were some of the best I have tired and I did just get back from Paris.
kmf
October 25, 2019 10:21 amAll of this looks so good. Going to book a foodie tour to SF to experience all of this…and a mac and cheese sandwich? Brilliant!
Lisa
October 26, 2019 3:51 pmI thought of you when I posted that!
Tara
October 25, 2019 11:59 amAHHH! I love the foodie list for San Fran! Makes me want to go back right now!
I’ve eaten at the Slanted Door and I have to agree, one of the best spots for Chinese in the SF Bay Area!
Lisa
October 26, 2019 3:51 pmI had lots of people tell me this! I want to try!
Amanda
October 26, 2019 3:29 pmOh my goodness, all of this looks so good! Thanks for sharing such a great list of the best places to eat in San Francisco. We are hoping to visit next spring!
Lisa
October 26, 2019 3:50 pmOh fun! Yes you will have to try some of these places!
Pauline
October 29, 2019 5:45 amThis looks like so much fun. San Fransisco looks like a great place to play.
Lisa
October 29, 2019 2:30 pmIt is a great place, so much to do!
Jay Hall
October 29, 2019 3:14 pmSo damn hungry and all I can find in my cupboards is ketchup. Thanks a lot! lmao.
Lisa
October 29, 2019 9:00 pmHa Ha, I know right!
Alexis Farmer
March 1, 2021 4:48 pmI don’t know where I’d want to start with all these delicious places. Time to go to San Francisco!
Lisa
March 2, 2021 10:02 amSan Francisco is a foodies dream!
Cathy
March 2, 2021 4:49 pmI can’t wait to visit there! I’m going to save this to use as a guide. Thanks!
Lisa
March 2, 2021 9:04 pmYes, so many great places to try!
Marianne
March 2, 2021 8:03 pmHmmm… so many great places to Eat in San Francisco yet all I focused on were the macarons! LOL. They are definitely a weakness of mine!
Lisa
March 2, 2021 9:05 pmYes, I love those too!
Julie Gazdecki
March 3, 2021 10:36 amFinding the best places to eat when traveling is a quest for my hubby. San Francisco needs to be on my list to visit.
Lisa
March 3, 2021 11:02 pmYou would love it!
KENDRA
March 4, 2021 10:42 amSan Francisco is a foodie dream destination! My mouth is watering now. I really want to go to that House of Prime Rib Steak House!