The best restaurants San Francisco

For a successful dinner with a changing menu, tinged with French and Italian influences. An address with the appearance of a Mediterranean bistro, much appreciated by the locals. The cable car that passes by at regular intervals adds a romantic note to this neighborhood restaurant. The cheese platter is served with fruit pastes and the desserts are delicious, like the warm black chocolate pudding with hazelnut ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauce. By the way, all these desserts and ice creams are home made. And the wine list is just as good.

Sanraku is one of Nob Hill's top sushi spots. You can eat there while watching the chefs create their wonders at the bar. If they are not too busy, they will even be happy to chat with you and share their knowledge. The decoration is a mix between contemporary Japanese-inspired posters and old-fashioned American furniture. For those who are allergic to raw fish, the udons, special lunch menus, and the donburis (fish or meat on a bed of rice) are excellent and more economical. A very good address

Established in 1908, John's Grill is not only one of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco, it is also the place that Dashiell Hammett chose as a backdrop for his novel The Maltese Falcon. The menu is extensive, you can order an omelette, a (huge and expensive) prime rib, or mussels marinière. But more than to dine, one comes there for a very gangster atmosphere of the 1930s, mythical of the West Coast, and one appreciates to drink there leaning on the bar of the restaurant, while listening to jazz.

Built in 1903, the building was long a pharmacy before becoming a café during the 1964 hippie movement. Magnolia Gastropub is now known for its Irish pub atmosphere with a rather classic interior design. Numerous draught beers made in-house and frankly good; traditional pub cuisine revisited. The fragrant homemade sausages are particularly worth a visit, as are the classic weekend brunches.

Marufuku is a popular ramen restaurant in Japantown, with a very chic, designer Japanese setting, which has even opened other outlets in North Cal (in Oakland and Cupertino in particular). Two star ramen on the menu: the authentic Tonkotsu Hakata ramen, featuring a milky, umami-rich pork broth simmered for hours, with fine artisanal noodles. And Paitan ramen with white chicken chashu, seasoned boiled egg, green onions, kikurage mushrooms and bean sprouts. Excellent izakaya appetizers and quality sake. Delicious and affordable.

Romantrattoria in the colors of La Botte, with a warm atmosphere. Chef Maurizio Bruschi serves a small but tasty selection of recipes taught by his grandmother. Everything here is homemade, from the bread to the fresh pasta, and it's all very well. Special mention goes to the octopus and, in a completely different genre, the tiramisus. There's also a good selection of Italian and Californian wines, mainly from the nearby Sonoma Valley. One of the best Italian restaurants in San Francisco, you can go there with your eyes closed.

When you exit BART's^24th Street station, don't hesitate: head straight to El Farolito taquería for a 100% Mission experience and a killer burrito. El Farolito proudly represents Mission's Latino identity. Don't be fooled by the tiny, suspicious entrance to this joint, you'll be surprised at what can be done in the way of food for so little money. We'll round out the meal with a great burrito, quesadilla, nachos or ceviche. Believe us, you'll love it!

This Italian restaurant with its modern, refined decor is located on Chestnut Street, the shopping street in the Marina district. Very popular with San Franciscans, a second restaurant has opened in Union Square. Very welcoming, the pizzas are hearty and the dishes well-stocked. The kitchen is open, with a pizza oven in front of the restaurant, the bar has a wide selection of spirits and you can ask them for any cocktail, which they will prepare in front of you. It's advisable to get there in advance, as the address is quite coveted.

In this Peruvian and Nikkei (fusion cuisine between Peru and Japan) restaurant, you enter the realm of ceviche in its most luxurious version. An emblematic dish of marinated raw fish, lime, onions and corn. It can be enjoyed in its most classic version, but also in other more creative and succulent forms. The menu also includes incredible tiraditos (a kind of Peruvian sashimi), causa (potato millefeuilles) and anticuchos (meat skewers). These marvels are served in a romantic setting.

This Italian delicatessen had the good idea of offering sandwiches made from the authentic products it is overflowing with. The charcuterie, hanging from the ceiling, catches the eye, while the cheeses rest quietly in the beautiful refrigerated display case. You can choose your bread, add Italian meats, marinated vegetables, and of course some cheeses, straight fromIl Bel Paese. A treat! Not to be missed if you want to feel the American-Italian atmosphere of the neighborhood, so typical of Little Italy.

Arguably the best Greek restaurant in town, Kokkari is the little brother of Palo Alto's Evvia Estiatoro Greek restaurant. Here you can enjoy typical Mediterranean recipes cooked with the finest local ingredients, revisited by chef Erik Cosselmon with a modern twist. A delicious example is the soutzoukakia (lamb meatballs) spiced up with cumin and Greek yoghurt . The dining room is reminiscent of typical Greek taverns, especially the room with its exposed beams and subdued lighting, creating a romantic setting.

This small stand in the Ferry Building, run by a Napa Valley-born family business, offers only empanadas from Buenos Aires. It's hard to resist the traditional recipe for these filled puff pastries from Argentina. We loved the carne made with beef, onions and green olives, as well as the champiñones with mushrooms sautéed with shallots and crème fraîche. Enjoy them sitting on a bench in the sun, hair blowing in the wind, watching the container ships sail by in San Francisco Bay.

Burmese cuisine is delicate, rich in spices of all kinds. You'll find it in rice noodles, ginger salad, curried pork, beef with tofu and samosas. Discover them on Clement Street in Richmond, an increasingly gourmet neighborhood, as well as in the East Bay (in Alameda and Oakland). Don't miss the tea leaf salad, a subtle, gourmet blend of green tea, crunchy peanuts, crispy beans, sesame seeds, garlic and sautéed shrimp.

Whether on weekdays or weekends, there is always a line for breakfast and bruch at Mama's in North Beach. In a very family and jovial atmosphere, you will be able to taste succulent French toasts, omelets, sandwiches, fresh fruit salads or pancakes covered with maple syrup. Cheap and filling. The house, opened in 1951 by Mike Sr. and Mama, has always remained in the hands of the same family. Tradition is good!

A dim sum restaurant a little away from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, City View offers a wide selection of small dishes in a simple and clean setting. The dim sum will be offered to you as it is made in the kitchen on a cart pushed by a waitress. Chinese families gather here for a tasty sharing of steams, pies and ravioli. Don't miss the sesame balls at the end of the meal, all washed down with jasmine tea. A find in the neighborhood where one can be intimidated by the abundance of culinary offerings.

This successful local restaurant has seven locations in California. It serves ocean-fresh fish and seafood. On the menu: fish'n'chips, sandwiches of all kinds, sushi, grilled squid, ceviche (beware, sometimes very spicy!) and other dishes to be enjoyed in a Japanese atmosphere. The establishment in front of the Botanical Gardens boasts a large wooden terrace, not particularly well decorated but pleasant enough to enjoy the sunshine. Perfect for a quick break before continuing your tour.

A warm welcome awaits you at this bistro serving French cuisine reinterpreted according to the chef's whims. You can enjoy coq au vin, beef tartare, mussels marinière or cod. The restaurant has also made roast chicken its specialty. For dessert, we recommend profiteroles and bananas with crème brûlée. Music in keeping with the decor, recalling the spirit of popular Parisian troquets. The cable car that passes incessantly in front of the restaurant will offer you a little more exoticism.

Of course, the place is touristy, but we love its old school side. Bar and wooden wall, white tiles on the floor, you would think you are in an old brasserie. They serve a typical American cuisine, based on omelets, grilled meats and fried fish. Opened in 1849, it is one of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco, and it is proudly written on their front. Beware, it's often full! You'll have to be patient or opt for the tasting at the bar. Let's emphasize the good wine list.

A must-see restaurant, easy to spot in the long line outside the front door. It owes its popularity to its truly exquisite cuisine, and to its low prices. Contrary to what its name suggests, its cuisine is rather typical of Shanghai, but revisited. Nice canteen atmosphere, although a bit noisy. The kitchen is open to the restaurant. This is one of the favorite restaurants of San Franciscans and, after thirty years of existence, the couple of owners Peter and Lily opened a second restaurant which is managed by their daughter Kathy.

It is the benchmark for traditional Italian cuisine in the Nob Hill neighborhood, just steps away from the prestigious Mark Hopkins and Fairmont hotels. For over twenty years, this family-owned restaurant has served fine, classic cuisine in a Tuscan trattoria atmosphere. Locals come here for a coffee to read their newspaper or to enjoy a small pasta dish with a salad, and take advantage of the terrace to soak up the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Good value for money in a neighborhood with high prices.

You wouldn't expect to find such an inexpensive restaurant in this chic neighborhood. But Helmand Palace has made a name for itself with its Afghan specialties. It is, however, only open in the evening. On the menu: various kebabs, vegetarian options based on chickpeas and delicious soups. Located at the foot of Russian Hill, it will transport you to the Afghan mountains with its simmered dishes, tea and exotic baklava. Everything is good, including deygee kabab and seek kabab. Reservations recommended at weekends.

One of San Franciscans' favorite restaurants, Zuni is especially famous for its roast chicken. For dinner, it is wise to make a reservation. Located in a lovely brick building, this restaurant has two levels. The mezzanine overlooks the bar on one side and the open kitchen on the other. The atmosphere is warm, you feel good. The menu changes every day, but you may find the day of the cassoulet with thyme and olive oil, or the grilled tuna with asparagus... Excellent choice of wines and champagnes.

Don't be put off by the bright green frontage, unsightly neon lights and mediocre appearance of this little Chinese boui-boui, where you'll find great seafood and fish at all hours. There are plenty of Middle Kingdom specialties to choose from, starting with the excellent Peking half-duck, as well as Wonton Noodle Soup and dishes spiced with Sichuan pepper, for example. Portions are gargantuan. Late eaters will be delighted to learn that this restaurant stays open until 11pm every day, a rarity in San Francisco.

If you're hungry as a wolf when you get out of bed, go to Kate's and enjoy her farmhouse breakfast, which is ultra complete with eggs, bacon, pancakes and other goodies. Enough to give you courage to walk around San Francisco. The little checkered tables are always full, but here there is no need to wait in line, even on weekends. Those who are tired of pancakes or eggs can choose the fruit orgy, a big bowl of muesli with yogurt and fresh fruit. Not to be missed!

Two dishes have made the reputation of this Vietnamese restaurant run by three generations of women who fled the Vietnamese communists in 1975: the garlic noodles and the roasted crab. That said, the garlic mussels and king tiger prawns are also worth a visit. Be warned: the use of fingers is required to avoid leaving anything on your plate. You can go there with your eyes closed, you will enjoy yourself. The decoration of the restaurant has on the other hand not much of particular, one comes here for the card.

In a former bank, this spacious restaurant, fitted out as a trendy cantine, has the rare characteristic in the neighborhood of staying open late at night. Ask the waiters for advice, they know the origin of all their products, all organic and from the region. The cooking is even done in a wood-fired oven. We recommend the fried chicken with Moroccan spices and chili honey. And in the dessert section, we have a weakness for the Sopaipillas, a vanilla, cinnamon and caramel pastry. A good address for a relaxed dinner.

Nestled on the second floor of Pier 39, this beautiful painted wooden sign is a restaurant that never lets up, noon or night. Tourists and locals alike wait patiently to sit down here. The view through the large bay windows is sublime: you can contemplate the fort of Alcatraz enveloped in a cottony fog in summer. Here, you can devour fish and seafood the local way - with lots of butter! Cod, sole, fresh salmon, crabs... the catch of the day is varied. It also serves San Francisco's specialty, clam chowder.

Brasserie atmosphere for the oldest French restaurant in San Francisco... In Bush Street, on the right going down to Market Street, impossible to miss! A vintage red Tabac sign in the French style marks this establishment which plays on the made in France. It exists since 1974 and it is an institution. The specialities? Cassoulet, black pudding and filet mignon. Unfortunately all this is a bit overrated and rather touristy. But the room is pleasant and the location, just a step away from Union Square, is convenient.

A very nice, trendy place in Cow Hollow, with a pleasant glass roof overlooking refreshing plants, banquettes with pretty, comfortable cushions. The à la carte menu offers excellent breakfasts and brunches at weekends, as well as a range of healthy dishes and more substantial specialties at lunchtime (salads, sandwiches, vitamin-packed bowls). Cocktails are also among the most popular after-dinner specialties. As a café, restaurant and bar, the Palm House offers a great atmosphere at any time of day.

A magnificent gastronomic stopover in Vietnam at this two-storey restaurant with outdoor patio. Dine on the first floor, in the large, tropical dining room, then head upstairs for a cocktail at the bar, where you can listen to guest jazz players on certain evenings. On the menu, a fine selection of dishes blending Vietnamese and French inspirations. Specialties include swordfish stew with green bananas and rack of lamb with curry. A real delight. On the other hand, the bill is rather salty.

Call siam in the heart of Russian Hill. Owner and Chef Toi Sawatdee offers a map where curry is king, and a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.

The meeting place for French people and Francophiles. You can have a black coffee at the counter while reading Le Monde, L'Équipe or Paris Match at the Café de la Presse. You'll find the atmosphere of a 1920s French brasserie flanked by a Parisian-style terrace, with a corolla canopy and a small tobacconist's carrot. A perfect spot to eat real tasty dishes, salads or sandwiches from 11 am onwards, or to enjoy a caloric breakfast of all kinds, without forgetting gourmet dinners in the evening.

Elegant decor for this high-flying Japanese restaurant, which takes you straight to the Japanese archipelago with two swipes of its chopsticks. You first pass through a small, relaxing courtyard, then take your seat in the wood-panelled interior room, where each table is separated by panels that allow a certain intimacy. The à la carte menu features exceptional dishes in the purest Japanese tradition, combining simplicity and freshness. Skewers and sashimi are particularly good. One of the best Japanese addresses in town.

This is Hayes Valley's new vegan restaurant, a must with its corner-block location, large bay windows and 70s revival signage. A few tables on the terrace precede a pleasant interior. The à la carte menu features vegan dishes, from breakfast to dinner. The ingredients are carefully selected and carefully composed. The popular "impossible burger" is served with veggie meat, avocado toast, vitamin-packed salads and a delicious vegetarian masala. To order, go to the self-service tables.

One of America's very first vegetarian restaurants. In 1979, a young Zen Buddhist decided to create a restaurant dedicated to fresh vegetables. Today, chef and author Annie Somerville is at the helm of Greens, offering refined, subtle cuisine inspired by Italy and India. You'll appreciate the beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the large picture windows. Even non-vegetarians will be delighted by the experience. Reservations are recommended, as this address has been celebrated by the New York Times.

Flour + Water is an excellent restaurant with minimal but warm decor, offering an Italian-inspired menu with a distinct Northern California influence. Since opening in 2009, chefs Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow have made a name for themselves, opening several locations in San Francisco, including a pizzeria in North Beach. On the menu: revisited specialties such as grilled cod, duck ravioli, rum baba... All washed down with Italian wines, of course. You're in for a treat!

In a city where everything is overpriced, this restaurant stands there. It is very simple, looks a bit like any other neighborhood restaurant. And its small terrace, although ordinary, is very pleasant. But we eat well there. Moreover, the tables are full and we see a lot of Asians there, which is of course a very good sign. The cuisine is Cantonese, with excellent duck and delicious grilled pork. But the specialty is the salted pork dumpling. And the Dim Sum are very good too. In fact, the menu is very rich and we liked everything!

If you have to try one and only one fast-food restaurant during your trip, no hesitation, go to In-N-Out Burger, a Californian chain created in 1948 by Esther Snyder. It's simple, when you enter it, you feel like you're in an American movie from the 50's with the red leather design sofas, the neon signs and the molded plastic outdoor furniture. From the kitchen point of view, its philosophy remains unchanged since the beginning: work with fresh and quality products. It's still a hamburger, but the result is delicious!

If you're looking for American-style dining , head for Mel's Drive in. This Californian fast-food chain was the setting for the Happy Days series. The decor is retro 60's, with colorful neon lights in front. Each banquette table is equipped with its own jukebox, inviting you to put in a coin. The only thing missing are waitresses on rollerblades! The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, vanilla ice cream and marshmallows. You can also sit at the counter on comfortable retro chrome stools. Open very late. Other locations in Mission and Tenderloin.

With surfboards as table guides and decorations, and a Volkswagen combi as a wall counter, we love this colorful, cheerful American fast-food restaurant with its relaxed, fun & cool "aloha" spirit. It almost makes you want to hum the Beach Boys! On the menu: plenty of choice, including gargantuan flame-grilled burgers, sweet potato fries, sandwiches, tacos, burritos, salads... all at affordable prices. Located at Pier 39 in a touristy pedestrian zone, the restaurant is very pleasant: you can even sit out on the terrace.

In Chinatown, this family-run Vietnamese restaurant is very authentic. It's frequented by many Asians throughout the day, which is a good sign and convenient when you've skipped lunch. Indeed, the dishes are delicious, especially the Pho soups (the most popular in the house, a beef noodle soup ), bo buns, spring rolls and imperial egg rolls, hearty and crispy. We recommend one of the very original special dishes.

The local meeting place for a cheap lunch in a young and relaxed atmosphere. The free wifi can sometimes make this little neighborhood restaurant look like a Starbucks, where young students and creative people line up at tables in front of their computer screens. On the menu: salads, bagels, burgers and superb French-style crepes. Something to enjoy at low prices. And it's also the ideal place to make trouble between two emails to a young digital nomad or a student in gender studies, but shhh...

An institution of the Fisherman's Wharf district with its Italian colors. You can eat on the terrace near the wharf under the umbrellas or in a large room. It is crowded, but the service is efficient and attentive. The menu features fish from the nearby bays. The speciality of the house: the Cioppino which marries with talent tomatoes, fennel seeds, clams, fish, shrimps, crab... But the pizzas are delicious too. This family business has been in existence for over 20 years and has built a solid reputation.

If you're wandering around the Haight's bars, you're going to have to stop at some point and swallow something to soak up all that beer. That's where Escape from New York comes in, an institution that dates back to 1986. At the time, the Full Moon Saloon, a nearby concert hall, had a window overlooking Escape that allowed patrons to order pizza directly! The Full Moon has closed, but Escape still has a great collection of concert posters.

More expensive than its neighbors, the Great Eastern Restaurant is nonetheless worth a visit for its kitschy, gilded setting and its wonderful dim sum prepared at lunchtime. This Cantonese restaurant used to have a reputation as one of the best Chinese restaurants in San Francisco. Unfortunately, it has lost some of its former quality. Don't expect fancy service; the waiters are pretty gruff. But don't take offense - it's part of the charm! For the record, President Obama once dined here.

In the face of such a wide and varied menu, one solution: Let yourself be worn by your desires and you will certainly not be disappointed. A map full of surprises from Thailand, in a refined but warm decor. Very good value for money in the neighborhood. Emporter dishes also available.

This little Burmese jewel in the middle of Richmond will make you discover an exotic cuisine with an abundance of flavors, especially since it is proposed in a classic version, meaning not Americanized. You should try the tea leaf salad(Lap Pat Dok), refreshing and with surprising textures, or let yourself be tempted by the mandalay special noodles or the mandalay chicken, specialties of the chef. This is an excellent opportunity to discover Burmese cuisine, which is much less well known than its Chinese, Thai or Indian counterparts.

On the quayside, a large, cosy dining room with bar and terrace offers views of the Bay Bridge and Waterfront. This restaurant offers a good selection of fish and seafood in a very chic atmosphere. Without breaking the bank, sit at the counter and order a glass of Napa Valley wine and a small plate of shellfish during happy hour. You can also take the time to enjoy a good meal - you won't regret it. It's a great place to stop off before visiting the nearbyExploratorium.

In the heart of the Chinatown district, this typical restaurant is very popular with the locals. Located in the basement of the building, the room is filled with large round tables where San Franciscans come to dine with their families. On the menu, more than 240 dishes (!); so much to say that the choice is large and that one finds there all the great classics of the Chinese cooking. The soups are particularly good, as well as the Mongolian beef, a delight! Authentic and surprisingly economical, certainly one of the cheapest restaurants in town.