22 Best Restaurants in San Francisco

With a city as big as San Francisco, dining at each and every restaurant is simply unattainable. This comprehensive guide we’ve put together highlights the very best eats this city has to offer, to ensure you don’t waste a precious meal out at a mediocre restaurant. Plus, each one of the restaurants included helps tell the story of San Francisco’s rich history and culture.

Whether you’re a Bay Area local wanting to try something new or visiting the city for the first time, this guide has something for you! Below, you’ll find an all-star lineup of restaurants that showcase the diverse cuisines and neighborhoods within the city of San Francisco. Enjoy!

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22. Hog Island Oyster Company

Looking for great food with an even better view? Head to Hog Island Oyster Company. Hog Island’s San Francisco location is in the historical Ferry Building with a stunning view of the bay. Hog Island is one of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco, notable for their oyster selection. We recommend getting the oyster sampler that comes with six different oysters, ranging in flavor profiles from sweet to briny. Make sure to top the oysters with some lemon juice, and their sauce which is made from white vinegar, rice vinegar, shallots, cilantro, and jalapenos. Hog Island also has fantastic clam chowder that is packed with potatoes, veggies, and loads of fresh manila clams. Hog Island doesn’t take reservations, so get there close to opening if you don’t want a long wait.

21. San Tung

With an abundance of Chinese food options in San Francisco, picking a place can be overwhelming. Skip the madness and go straight to San Tung, one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, to get your Chinese food fix! The menu here is huge, but we’re here to help. First, you’re going to want to get the dry fried chicken wings. With a great variety of flat and drum pieces, these wings are smothered in a sticky glaze that is equal parts sweet and spicy. Then, you’ll want to get the fried potstickers that are built with pan-fried shells stuffed with pork and Napa cabbage. One of San Tung’s most popular dishes is their dry black bean noodles, and after one bite, you’ll understand the popularity. The noodles are soft and thick and absorbed the sweet black bean sauce magically. If you’re still hungry, you’ll also love their honey walnut prawns, which have a great outer crunch even with the addition of the mayo-based sauce. Heads up, San Tung is a city favorite, and wait times can get pretty hefty! We recommend getting there close to opening to secure a spot or reserving a table if you have a party of six or more.

20. Tartine

Known for being one of the most well-known bakeries in San Francisco and beyond, we are here to confirm that Tartine is completely worth the hype it receives. Believe us when we say EVERYTHING is unbelievably delicious here but we have a few honorable mentions. To start is the banana cream tart. Made with a simple crust and a mountain of banana slices that are covered with a bed of fluffy whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this tart is phenomenal. It is definitely large enough to share but we recommend keeping it all for yourself. Next, you’ll have to order a morning bun. This pastry is coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix and has notes of orange zest that will make you wish you had one of these every morning. We also love the almond lemon poppyseed teacake, which has the dense structure of a teacake but still remains light and airy with each bite. The almond and lemon flavor combo harmonizes perfectly to make your taste buds dance.

19. Dynamo Donuts

If you’re looking for the very best donuts in San Francisco, look no further. Here, you will find plenty of creative and delicious flavors like passionfruit milk chocolate, along with perfected classics such as vanilla bean, which gives subtle citrus undertones (it is to die for!). Dynamo is also serving up out-of-the-box flavors like peanut butter banana honey and candied orange blossom which can be found on their rotating menu. We recommend coming hungry and trying a few flavors to get the full Dynamo Donut experience! 

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18. Red Window

Located in the heart of North Beach, Red Window is known for their delicious Spanish tapas-style dining. We recommend coming here with a group of friends or for date night, and sampling as many menu items as you can for the full tapas experience. Enjoy incredible bites such as salmon crostini served with light whipped cheese, caper relish, and a good portioned piece of smoked salmon, or the gambas (Spanish-styled shrimp) and albondigas (meatballs), or the queso fundido. Each dish is packed with vibrant flavor and a great size to share. Red Window does not skimp when it comes to bread! Each menu item comes with its own serving which can be used to scoop up all the delectable sauces. Red Window often has live music, so make sure to check their website to see when the next live set will be if you’re into that sort of thing.

17. Hot Sauce and Panko

Winner Winner chicken wing dinner! Located in Nob Hill on the corner of Hyde and Jackson (along the cable car route) is this hole-in-the-wall gem, Hot Sauce and Panko, which is an absolute must-have when eating your way through the best restaurants in San Francisco. With over 25 flavor options, picking one out can be overwhelming but here are a few of our top picks: garlic bacon parm, Chris’s (honey salty pepper), Thai sweet chili, and “hot” which is their version of Buffalo. Each wing here is fried perfectly, with a nice crunch from the skin and meat that falls off the bones. There’s is no eating area here so take your order to go and enjoy at home or at a nearby park.

16. Marufuku

With locations from California to New York, Marufuku has become a well-known name in the ramen game and is a must-have on your tour of the best restaurants in San Francisco. Marufuku keeps it pretty simple with only a few menu items that focus on Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen. You’re here to order the Hakata Tonkotsu DX—it’s perfection in a bowl. To start, the noodles are fresh and tender. The broth is rich and has an intricate (but not overcomplicated) flavor profile that marries with the noodles deliciously. Top any of your soups with a soft-boiled egg, kikurage mushrooms, corn, nori seaweed, and more. Marufuku clearly doesn’t hold back on the toppings. Our absolute favorite topping here is the chashu pork, which is a piece of simmered pork belly. The pork melts in your mouth with each bite and when combined with the other ingredients in this ramen, it’s unmatched. Wait times can be quite long so we suggest putting your name down and then exploring the cute shopping center that the restaurant is located in.

15. Penny Roma

Penny Roma serves classic Italian dishes with a Californian twist. From the cute pasta paintings on the ground that lead up to the entrance of the restaurant, to the abstract lighting fixtures within a sea of plants, Penny Roma’s decor creates an ambiance perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a fantastic meal. You’ll want to start your meal off with an order of their fresh focaccia bread. It’s simply made and garnished with flaky salt and a drizzle of olive oil. The outer crust is perfectly golden while the inside has a great sponge-like texture. You’ll wish you could order every pasta on the menu, but if it’s your first time, go with the Agnolotti dal Plin, a beef and pork dumpling-like pasta. For this dish, the little pillows of pasta sit in a bowl of sugo d’arrosto which adds a savory broth component and then is sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano. We also love the Caramelle con Stracchino e Noci pasta from their seasonal rotation which has a similar flavor profile to a french onion soup. Shaped like a little candy and topped with aceto balsamico and walnuts, this pasta is life-changing! Be sure to make a reservation before enjoying one of the best restaurants in San Francisco. 

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14. Square Pie Guys

Without question, Square Pie Guys needs to be added to your San Francisco foodie bucket list. Square Pie Guys is known for its Detroit-style pizzas that are not only Instagram-worthy but drool-worthy! Every flavor combo they have here is amazing but our favorite is the 6×8 pepperoni pizza. With 48 pieces of spicy pepperoni cups and a mountain of cheese, this pizza will change your life. They now have two San Francisco locations, including a newly added location in the iconic Ghiradelli Square and another in the SOMA district. 

13. Burma Superstar

Burma Superstar is a foodie hotspot and has a well-deserved spot on our guide to the best restaurants in San Francisco. There is a lot to choose from here and we have no doubt that everything on this menu is delicious, but we recommend starting your meal off with their award-winning Tea Leaf salad. They describe this salad as a party in your mouth, and after trying it, you will too! With crunchy fried garlic chunks and the juiciest tomatoes, each bite will knock your socks off. Next, you’ll want to get an order of their sesame tofu. Tofu, when cooked correctly, is simply amazing and at Burma Superstar they are proving that again and again. Burma Superstar lightly fries their tofu giving it a fluffy yet dense texture. After, it is coated with a sweet and tangy glaze and garnished with sesame seeds. Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to order the real show stopper her—the Nan gyi dok, a coconut chicken curry noodle dish. Everything in this dish, from the tender noodles to the crunchy wonton chips, is just unbelievably divine. It is no surprise that with this amazing food comes popularity, which makes this spot busy from open to close, so prepare for a wait. 

12. Senor Sisig

If you’ve been following along with our other guides, you know we are big fans of Senor Sisig! With their tasty Filipino-fusion cuisine, Senor Sisig is a must-have when eating your way through the best restaurants in San Francisco. We love everything on their menu but the California Burrito never fails to impress. Wrapped in a sturdy tortilla, you’ll find a generous portion of meat (your choice), sour cream, guac, pico de gallo, cheese, and french fries (the best part). The marinated meat and simple flavors all work together to make one of the best burritos you’ll ever have. Make sure to “Silog it” and add an egg to your burrito to enhance all the delicious flavors. Senor Sisig has a great outdoor dining patio at their brick-and-mortar location in the Mission. Keep an eye out for their food truck that frequents its way through the Bay Area. 

11. Good Luck Dim Sum

For the best take-out dim sum in the city, we can’t recommend Good Luck Dim Sum enough. The art of dim sum is ordering an array of food to fully embrace your experience. Choose between pork siu mai, shrimp dumplings, chive dumplings (our fave!), bbq pork buns, and more. From the sweetness of the baos (buns) to the plump fillings inside the chive dumplings, we can’t stress enough how delicious each item is. We also love the egg custards and fried sesame balls that are filled with red bean paste as a sweet treat to finish off your meal. Good Luck Dim Sum is a great value—you can eat until your heart is content for under $25! Good Luck Dim Sum is take-out and cash only, so make sure to come prepared when visiting one of the best restaurants in San Francisco.

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10. Causwells

Almost nothing beats a good burger and fries combo, and at Causwells they are delivering just that! Located on the bustling Chestnut Street in the Marina District, Causwells is one of the best restaurants in San Francisco. For a classic burger, we recommend getting the Americana. Served on a warm, fluffy, sesame seed bun, you’ll find a perfectly seasoned patty that is topped with grilled onions, pickles, and American cheese. Burgers here come standard with a mixed green salad but we recommend swapping it out for their tasty french fries. And, for our sauce-loving readers, we give Causwells bonus points for their zesty ranch. Causwells takes reservations, which we recommend making if you’ll be dining during the busy dinner hours or on the weekend.

9. Tacos El Patron

Tacos are a major food group in the Californian diet, and San Francisco is offering some of the very best options out there. Our go-to spot is Tacos El Patron located in the Mission District. If you’ve visited this neighborhood, you know there is no shortage of taquerias, but we are here to tell you Tacos El Patron is where it’s at. Their menu offers an unmatched assortment of proteins that will cater to anyone, but the main attraction at Tacos El Patron is their quesa birria tacos. These tacos are stuffed full of tender meat, fresh onions, and melty cheese that will have you falling in love at the first bite. Full disclosure, eating these tacos may get messy. Embrace these tacos in all their messy glory and go try these birria tacos from one of the best restaurants in San Francisco.

8. Swensen’s

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream (especially when it’s from Swensen’s)! Swensen’s is an iconic ice cream shop that has been around since 1948. Located on the corner of Hyde and Union in Russian Hill, it’s hard to miss with their neon sign out front. With over 25+ signature ice creams and sorbets, the flavor combos are endless. They’re all wonderful, but you’ll never regret ordering their famous hot fudge sundae! Try their chocolate chip cookie dough, rocky road, and caramel marble for a classic treat, or go a little more unique with their fresh banana and sticky peanut butter or the Bordeaux cherry with sticky chewy chocolate. There’s no designated eating area at Swensen’s but we recommend hanging outside the shop and people-watching as you enjoy your sweet eat from one of the best restaurants in San Francisco.

7. Chez Maman

Don’t have time to travel to France? Take a visit to Chez Maman instead! At Chez Maman, their quaint cafe vibe will transport you to a Parisian oasis. If you’re coming for dinner we suggest getting their steak and frites. You’ll get a beautiful 9-ounce New York prime steak that features a bold, grilled flavor and is enhanced with Chez Maman’s delicious green peppercorn sauce. Plus their truffle fries and garlic aioli are a match made in heaven. For side dishes, you must get an order of their mac and cheese and french onion soup. The mac and cheese on its own is enough to give Chez Maman a spot on our guide to the best restaurants in San Francisco. With a thick and creamy gruyere blend and a beautifully cheesy top, this mac and cheese is what dreams are made of. Bon Appetit! 

6. Cha-ya

Located on Valencia street in the vibrant Mission District, Cha-ya is a family-owned vegan Japanese restaurant. Whether you’re a meat or vegan eater, Cha-ya is breaking stereotypes and showing the community the simple joys of eating plant-based. When it comes to Cha-ya’s menu, everything is delicious. They have a way of making every dish have such complex flavors while sticking to their simple roots. When dining at Cha-ya, we love starting with an order of inari, which is a seasoned tofu pocket stuffed with sushi rice, and a sunomono salad—a cucumber salad with wakame, silver noodles, radishes, and golden raisins. Both are very light appetizers that are a great way to start your meal off. For main dishes, the Cha-ya roll is one of their fan favorites (and one of ours!)— making it an essential order. This is a deep-fried roll filled with avocado, yam, asparagus, and carrots. However, the real show stopper here is the soy-ginger glaze that is drizzled on top of the roll adding a rich sweet flavor. We also love their soba salad which is packed with an amazing variety of veggies like; broccolini, bell peppers, and more traditional Japanese vegetables like Hijiki, which has a similar taste to mushrooms. The soba salad is served cold, and is a refreshing dish to add to your Cha-ya meal! Honorable mention goes to their curry udon which is the absolute best on a foggy day in the city. Cha-ya is only open a few days during the week and has both lunch and dinner service on the weekends. Make sure to save Cha-ya as an absolute must-try while eating through the best restaurants in San Francisco! 

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5. Plow

In our opinion, starting your day with brunch increases your odds of having a great day by 100%! We take brunch quite seriously, and at Plow, in Potrero Hill they share this sentiment. Now, it is no secret to San Francisco that Plow is delicious, as wait times can be up to 2+ hours long. We recommend going right at the opening or having a friend to chat with during your wait. Once you’ve endured the wait, you’ll want to start your meal off with an order of fresh biscuits. Made in-house daily, these biscuits are phenomenal. With a nice crispy shell and a fluffy core, you won’t want to share. Make sure to spread a generous portion of their honey butter on top to get the full biscuit experience. For the main dish, if you’re like us, it can be hard to decide with so many options. Luckily, Plow has an entree called The Plow that gives you a little bit of everything: a pile of potatoes, two eggs (get them sunny side up to dip your potatoes in the yolk!), house-made pork sausage patties that are packing some serious flavor, and our favorite the lemon ricotta pancakes. Everything here is SO good, but the pancakes take this meal to a whole ‘nother level. Plow is easily one of the best restaurants in San Francisco.

4. Mamanoko

It’s not surprise we are big sushi fans here at Female Foodie, and we are excited to share one of the best restaurants in San Francisco with all our fellow sushi lovers. Mamanoko is an upscale sushi restaurant that is very deserving of the hype it receives. Start your meal off with their pork gyoza. It comes with three incredible dipping sauces (a dumpling sauce, spicy chili oil, and hot mustard) that each elevate the savory flavors of the gingery pork gyoza. For rolls, we love their signature rolls like the Mordori and Wiki Wiki. The Mordori is crafted with king salmon, albacore tuna, scallion, jalapenos, kaiware, and avocado, and is garnished with tempura flames, togarashi, and a delicious ponzu sauce. With so many flavor components, you’d think the roll would be overwhelming, but it melds together magically. The Wiki Wiki roll has a very smooth texture from the cut of spicy ahi tuna, paired with the bold flavors of the garlic oil and fish. In short, this roll is a must-order. No dinner is complete without a little dessert, so make sure you try their famous cookie dough ice cream roll!

3. Souvla

Since 2014, Souvla has become a San Francisco staple with its modern “fast-fine” Greek cuisine. We love everything from their vibrant modern atmosphere to the delicious food at Souvla, so it comes as no surprise they are featured in our guide to the best restaurants in San Francisco. Souvla is bringing a whole new life to the salad game, and we are 100% here for it. When ordering, there are different proteins to choose from for your salad, but our go-to is chicken. It’s prepared rotisserie style which brings a deep, juicy flavor. Salads here are topped with pickled red onions, navel oranges (which adds a great acidic component), pea shoots, fennel, and mizithra cheese. All of this is tossed in their “granch dressing” which is SO good. We love to make our salad “Greek style” which means they put their perfectly seasoned french fries on top. If we had to eat anything for lunch every day for the rest of our lives, Souvla’s chicken salad would be a top contender! 

2. Cafe Okawari

One of our favorite foods for any time of the day is the always-reliable, always-tasty sandwich. From Italian delis to fried chicken sandos, there’s something for everyone. However, our favorite sandwich is from Cafe Okawari located a few blocks from Oracle Park. You’re here to order the chicken katsu sandwich. Served between two fluffy pieces of milk bread, you’ll find panko fried chicken that has a perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside. You must get a side of their Japanese curry to dip your sandwich in. The bold flavors of the curry will elevate your sandwich to the next level. Cafe Okawari is only open on the weekdays but make sure to plan time during the week to visit one of the best restaurants in San Francisco.  

1. Hook Fish Co

When it comes to seafood, Hook Fish Co is unparalleled. Located in the Sunset District, Hook Fish Co is known for their fresh fish selection that rotates daily. We love them for their poke tacos (check out our taco guide here) but the real star of the show here is their fish and chips. Their fish and chips are made with rockfish but can be upgraded to their other fish selections. The rockfish is a very light fish that boasts a meaty yet mild flavor. The batter has a beautifully thick shell that adds just the right amount of crunch with each bite. Just when you think it can’t get better, they sprinkle the fish with flaky sea salt and serve it with housemade tarter sauce that is out of this world. Hook Fish Co has a great outdoor dining area to enjoy your delicious meal! Run, don’t walk, to enjoy the very best restaurant in San Francisco!