30 Best Places to Eat In San Francisco
Are you looking for the places you must eat in San Francisco?
We are total foodies! San Francisco has some amazing options! 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 fun 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 by different people recommending their favorites.
In this post, we are going to give you some of the best restaurants Fisherman's Wharf has to offer, some famous places to eat in San Francisco, the best lunch spots in San Francisco, and ultimately some of the fun places to eat in San Francisco you have to try.
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 you must eat in San Francisco!
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Free San Francisco Eating Guide
Get your FREE PDF of all the best restaurants in San Francisco. This Free download is a little easier to view as you are touring the city. I can email you a copy!
The Best Bakeries in San Francisco
We have been to San Francisco many times finding the best bakeries in San Francisco is a must! We love trying yummy bread and sweet treats.
Top 6 Best Bakeries in San Francisco
- Tartine Bakery
- Craftsman and Wolves Bakery
- B Patisserie Bakery
- La Boulangerie
- Arsicault Bakery
- Boudin Bakery
1. Tartine Bakery
Locations: 3 Locations
Mission District (Original Location) 600 Guerrero St. San Francisco, CA 94110
San Francisco Food Scene
This should be your number-one choice when choosing the best bakeries 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 and 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 bakeries in San Francisco!
Tartine Bakery is one of the places you must eat in San Francisco! They have some of the best pastries San Francisco has to offer.
2. Craftsman and Wolves Bakery
Locations: 2
Mission District 746 Valencia St San Francisco, California 94110
San Francisco Food Scene
“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 on my list! Craftsman and Wolves comes highly recommended by readers of this very blog.
One person said this bakery has a very masculine feel and is one of the best bakeries in San Francisco.
3. B Patisserie Bakery
Location: 1
Lower Pacific Heights 2821 California St. San Francisco 94115
San Francisco Food Scene
B. Patisserie is another one of the best bakeries in San Francisco. It is on my list for my next trip to San Francisco. It is located in the lower Pacific Heights area near Presidio Heights and Pacific Heights.
A few readers suggest trying the Chocolate Banana Croissant. I am a huge fan of yummy treats, I'm excited to try it when we go back!
4. La Boulangerie
Locations: 5
Unless you are super familiar with San Francisco you will have to search for which location is close to you. Most of these are in specific neighborhoods.
San Francisco Food Scene
This bakery is more of one of the chain bakeries 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!
5. Arsicault Bakery
Locations: 2 (Laurel Heights and Theatre District)
Theatre District is closer to tourist areas – 87 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco Food Scene
The croissants are supposed 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! It is one of the best bakeries in San Francisco! However, I want to mention the theater district is very close to some dangerous areas. It borders them. Just be aware.
6. Boudin Bakery
Locations: 7 in San Francisco
Fisherman's Wharf – most famous location – 160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Food Scene
Boudin has locations throughout all of California. I have to include Boudin's in this list because it is one of the most famous places to eat in San Francisco! It is not your typical bakery.
Sourdough bread creations are what it is most known for. We loved the sourdough bread.
There are two separate areas at Fisherman's Wharf. One is a bakery and the other is a restaurant. You can get the famous clam chowder at Boudin. I am not a fan of the clam chowder but my husband really liked it. You can get a bread bowl with soup.
The main Boudin location is fantastic. It is near all the major tourist attractions. It is one of the best restaurants Fisherman's Wharf has to offer. I do think that if you are in San Francisco you need to go!
We did find that the location at Pier 39 was less expensive. So if you are looking for cheap eats in San Francisco then head to the pier and save money!
Best Breakfast in San Francisco
I can honestly say that the best breakfast in San Francisco is Mamas. In fact, it is the only breakfast spot in San Francisco on this list! Besides all the bakeries of course!
7. Mama's on Washington Square
Location: 1
Washington Square (near little Italy) 1701 Stockton St. San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Food Scene
If you want a hardy breakfast compared to a simple bakery item then 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's wait before the restaurant even opens!
We had a fun time waiting in line! Mama's has a variety of homemade bread that can be made into French toast. It is very feeling and comes with very large portions.
More Recommendations
On our most recent trip, we tried Mama's Cristo and all I have to say is WOW! It was amazing! I also ordered the apple pan dore. It was pretty good. The cinnamon chocolate French toast was really good too! It is one of those places you must eat in San Francisco!
It is the best breakfast 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 recommended over and over again. I have not tried all of them but will let you know which ones I have.
Mexican food is my favorite. We have one recommendation for the best Mexican in San Francisco. La Taqueria.
8. La Taqueria
Locations: 1
Mission District – 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
San Francisco Food Scene
This may be the number one recommendation for Mexican food in San Francisco! Located in the Mission District area it is one of the places you must eat in San Francisco!
This is not a fancy place and there are many other locations around that serve similar items but this is a local favorite. They have the best tacos in San Francisco.
Expect to get a foil-wrapped burrito for under $10, and be blown away by the taste.
9. Mission District Food Tour
We have already mentioned a lot of fun places to eat in San Francisco. You might have noticed that there are a lot located in the Mission District. This area is a foodie's dream. If you love trying new foods a tour is a great idea!
San Francisco Food Scene – Mission District 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 the historical background of the area.
This is a great way to try a lot of fun places to eat in San Francisco!
Best American Restaurants in San Francisco
So there are some famous restaurants in San Francisco that serve up some classic American food. So if you are asking what to eat in San Francisco and want to try something familiar give one of these places a try.
Fun Places to Eat in San Francisco
- In and Out Burger
- House of Prime Rib Steak House
- Foreign Cinema
- Wayfare Tavern
10. In and Out Burger
Location: Fisherman's Wharf Area
333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Food Scene
My family likes all-American food and if you are at Fisherman's Wharf you can easily grab an In-and-Out Burger.
This is a chain started in California. We have one in Utah so it doesn't sound as exciting to me. However, if you have never tried in and out go for it!
11. House of Prime Rib Steak House
Location: 1
1906 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California
San Francisco Food Scene
Out of all the surveys I did amongst readers this was recommended over and over again. If you want to try the best steak and prime rib 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.
12. Foreign Cinema
Locations: 1
Mission District – 2534 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94110
San Francisco Food Scene
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. It is one of those fun places in San Francisco to eat.
13. Wayfare Tavern
Locations: 1
China Town – 558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111
San Francisco Food Scene
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 as one of the best brunch restaurants in San Francisco.
The fried chicken sandwich is a must-have!
Best Chinese Food in San Francisco
San Francisco's Chinatown is full of delicious flavors and options! The following are highly recommended by readers like you!
Places to Eat in Chinatown in San Francisco
- Chong Qing Xiao Mian
- Chubby Noodle
- Mensho Tokyo
14. Chong Qing Xiao Mian
Locations: 1
Chinatown – 915 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Food Scene
This is Chinese cooking at its best. I had several people recommend this restaurant. It is located in Chinatown. They specialize in Sichuan food.
15. Chubby Noodle
Locations: Many
North Beach – 570 Green Street off, Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Food Scene
Chubby Noodle is not located in Chinatown but falls into the Asian category so we will include it here.
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!
16. Mensho Tokyo
Location: 1
Near Union Square – 672 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco Food Scene
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!
17. 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
18. The Stinking Rose
Location:1
Little Italy – 430 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Food Scene
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!
19. 54 Mint
Image Courtesy of Kayak.com
Location:1
Mission District – 16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103
San Francisco Food Scene
I love finding a great Italian restaurant that reminds me of the time I spent in Italy. This one fits that category. This small restaurant serves up elevated Roman dishes that are to die for!
This is restaurant is not in Little Italy. It is in the Mission District.
20. The Italian Homemade Company
Locations: 3
Locations are in Union, Cow Hollow, and by the Painted Ladies
San Francisco Food Scene
Homemade is the keyword here. Highly recommended if you are in the mood for more authentic cuisine!
21. Little Italy and North Beach Walking Food Tour
The Little Italy and North Beach Walking and Food Tour is a highly recommended adventure. You will get to eat a lot! The best Italian food in San Francisco!
Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco
You really can't go to San Francisco and not have Seafood. You will find the best seafood in San Francisco. We have two options to try plus you can also get the soup at Boudin's if you want a 3rd option.
22. Swan Oyster Depot
Image courtesy of SF Chronicles
Location: 1
Nob Hill Area – 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
San Francisco Food Scene
As a city located on the Pacific Ocean, of course, seafood should be at 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 seafood 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. This is a local favorite!
23. Scoma's Restaurant
Locations: 3
Pier 47 and Sausalito, Fisherman's Wharf
First things first. There is a Scoma’s Restaurant located on Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, and then there’s Scoma’s Sausalito.
San Francisco Food Scene
I’ve heard good things about all three places, but today, I’m talking about Scoma’s Sausalito. It is the location to try out. The seafood restaurant is out of this world. It is also one of the best restaurants in San Francisco with a view.
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 oceanfront 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 $70. 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
I am sure there is a lot of good Indian food in San Francisco but we are only going to mention one.
24. Burma Superstar
Locations: 3
Original Location – 309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
San Francisco Food Scene
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 is 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 $25 or under.
Fast Food In San Francisco
When I say fast food I do not mean McDonald's! 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!
25. Golden Boy Pizza
Location: 2
Located near Washington Square, Golden Boy Pizza is about one mile from Fisherman’s Wharf. This is a local favorite. There is also a location in North Beach.
San Francisco Food Scene
Golden boy is known for its delicious crust and shape of its pizza — its 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! This is one of the places you must eat in San Francisco!
26. Roli Roti
Location: Food Truck
The location depends on the day. Check out the schedule.
San Francisco Food Scene
Rotisserie chicken at its best. It is often located at 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.
27. Super-Duper Burger
Locations: 7
San Francisco Food Scene
Super-Duper Burgers have six locations 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!
28. Vegan Burg
Location:1
Address: 1466 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117
San Francisco Food Scene
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 then check this place out for the best vegan burger in San Francisco!
29. The Melt
Locations: 3
The Melt has three locations in San Francisco.
San Francisco Food Scene
The Melt is a chain in the San Francisco Bay area. Specializing in grilled 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
30. Ghirardelli Square
Location: 1 (sort of)
There are three stores within Ghirardelli Square where you can get Ghirardelli Ice Cream.
San Francisco Food Scene
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, 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. If the first store is crowded walk down to the second or third and see if the line is shorter.
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 reminds 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 the main floor and an upstairs. This is a sit-down establishment; not a 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!
31. Bi-Rite
Location: 3
San Francisco Food Scene
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 its 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. There are so many places you must eat in San Francisco, I bet you are excited to try them all!
My recommendations for what to eat in San Francisco include picking a few of these options and booking a food tour in the Mission District or Little Italy. You will get to try out a lot of different options.
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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Also, join my Planningaway Travel Community on Facebook. This is a place where I post travel deals, and you can ask any questions about your San Francisco trip or any other upcoming trips!
oh boy, getting my credit card ready – so many great places to add to my list for SF must eats! Pinned for safe keeping too!
Oh good! It really is so fun to try new places!
gotta admit Lisa, this is a dangerous article for me… i literally have a San Fran trip planner sitting on my table next to me….
All things in moderation!
OMG, 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!
It has great reviews and was highly recommended!
Sign me up for all of this!!!
I know right!
Those desserts are calling my name. YUM!
They are calling my name too!
Oh my goodness your pictures have my mouth watering! Those pastries look amazing! Thanks for this valuable information on what to eat!
No problem!
I 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!!!
I love eating at great places on vacation!
You 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…
Thanks! Hopefully it taste as good as it looks!
Yum! Can’t wait to try some of these outs!
I want to try some more out too!
Well, now I’m hungry…
And, I want to visit San Francisco again!
I know me too!
What an awesome list and definitely one I will refer back to should I make the trek to the west coast 🙂
Thanks!
Planning a trip to San Francisco in the spring. Pinning for later for my trip planning, your photos are great!
Thanks! I hope it helps with food choices!
We LOVE the Slanted Door! And the scenery is amazing. We loved the cotton candy dessert…so creative!
That is awesome! I will have to try it next time I am in town!
We were just in SF this summer and hit up some of those spots! Yummy!
Oh cool any other ones not on the list?
We are planning a trip out west and this makes me want to put San Francisco on the list! Thank you for sharing!!
San Francisco is a great place to visit!
If I ever get back to San Francisco I will have to try The Melt. That looks really good.
I loved it! It was so delicious!
This list will come in handy when we plan a visit there!
oh good that is awesome!
What 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!
Oh good!
I 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!
I spent one of my trips there just eating a great places!
Can’t wait to check all these out next time we are up that way!!
I know!
That’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?
I am not sure but that one got a super high rating and recommendations from lots of people!
Yum! All of these places look amazing. Great post. The photos have me drooling. LOL.
Me too! I love great food!
Wow! What a list. This is everything I need for my next trip to San Francisco – thanks for putting it together.
No problem!
Oh, 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! 🙂
Thanks! I haven’t tried the Stinking rose! It is on my list!
I 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.
I love that so many people gave these great recommendations!
Excellent post! Makes me hungry. You have showcased many fabulous options when visiting San Francisco!
Thanks!
I enjoy Foodie guides. When I am visiting a new place there are so many choices and learning from those who have experienced amazing foods.
Me too!
What a great list! I am going to save it for my next trip. Thanks!
No problem, I love great recommendations!
Well, 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!!!
Crazy right!
Well 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.
I know I am too and I have been trying to eat low carb all year. It is so hard!
Food 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.
Thanks! They were some of the best I have tired and I did just get back from Paris.
All 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!
I thought of you when I posted that!
AHHH! 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!
I had lots of people tell me this! I want to try!
Oh 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!
Oh fun! Yes you will have to try some of these places!
This looks like so much fun. San Fransisco looks like a great place to play.
It is a great place, so much to do!
So damn hungry and all I can find in my cupboards is ketchup. Thanks a lot! lmao.
Ha Ha, I know right!
I don’t know where I’d want to start with all these delicious places. Time to go to San Francisco!
San Francisco is a foodies dream!
I can’t wait to visit there! I’m going to save this to use as a guide. Thanks!
Yes, so many great places to try!
Hmmm… 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!
Yes, I love those too!
Finding the best places to eat when traveling is a quest for my hubby. San Francisco needs to be on my list to visit.
You would love it!
San Francisco is a foodie dream destination! My mouth is watering now. I really want to go to that House of Prime Rib Steak House!
That sounds amazing huh!