We Asked Travelers Where to Eat in San Francisco—These Places Won by a Landslide

Planning a trip to San Francisco and wondering where you should eat?

With so many incredible restaurants, bakeries, seafood spots, and local favorites, narrowing down your options can feel almost impossible. Everyone seems to have a different recommendation—and honestly, that’s part of what makes San Francisco such an amazing food city.

To help cut through the noise, I asked my readers, Instagram followers, and Facebook community to share the San Francisco restaurants they recommend again and again. While I’ve personally visited many of these spots, what really stood out was how often the same names kept appearing. When dozens of people independently recommend the same restaurant, it’s worth paying attention.

In this guide, you’ll find the restaurants that generated the most buzz—from iconic San Francisco institutions and famous Fisherman’s Wharf eateries to local favorites that visitors still talk about long after their trip ends.

Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, unforgettable sourdough, a great lunch spot, or simply a memorable meal, these are the San Francisco restaurants that made the cut.

Let’s dive into the places everyone told us we had to try.

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Table of Contents  show 

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

There are some amazing restaurants in Little Italy in San Francisco.  In fact, we ate at a pizza place on our last trip and it was really good. 

I really don’t think you can go wrong eating in this area! It is so good! 

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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