Top Restaurants in San Francisco to Try

San Francisco is often called “The City by the Bay.” This city is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and a culinary scene as diverse as its iconic neighborhoods.

From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the quiet elegance of Pacific Heights, it offers a food journey like no other. It does not matter if you are a local or a visitor, the gastronomic experiences here are bound to leave you spellbound.

Let’s dive into the best in San Francisco, each offering something truly special.

1. Restaurants in San Francisco: Benu

Stepping into Benu is like entering a world where culinary artistry takes center stage. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by Chef Corey Lee. It also offers an Asian-influenced tasting menu that has the right flavors for your taste buds.

The dishes are well crafted. Every bite reveals a lovely taste and texture. If you want something peculiar, think of delicate xiao long bao filled with foie gras or a whimsical “shark’s fin” soup, reimagined with Dungeness crab and Jinhua ham.

Relax in the serene and sophisticated ambiance, as you take in each bit. Overall, the restaurant is perfect for a special night out. And while the price tag is on the higher side, Benu’s experience is worth every penny, especially for those who appreciate culinary innovation.

Address: 22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Phone: +1 415-685-4860

2. Zuni Café – An Icon of Casual Elegance

If San Francisco were to have a culinary landmark, Zuni Café would undoubtedly be it. this is why it appears on this list of top restaurants in San Francisco.

Sitting on Market Street, this iconic restaurant has been serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes since 1979. What makes Zuni Café stand out is its unpretentious charm. This is combined with a focus on quality ingredients.

The wood-fired brick oven is the heart of the kitchen. It even turns out the famous roast chicken for two, served with a warm bread salad. That is nothing short of divine.

Also, the airy, sunlit space, with its long bar and large windows depicts an invitation to relax and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug. You can stop in for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Zuni Café is the kind of place where time slows down. As that is happening, every bite feels like a celebration of simple, extraordinary, food.

Address: 1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Phone: +1 415-552-2522

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3. Atelier Crenn – Poetry on a Plate

Atelier Crenn is not just a restaurant, but a love letter to nature and art. Chef Dominique Crenn, the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars, carefully crafts each dish. Her style transcends traditional dining.

This place is located in the Cow Hollow neighborhood. It also gives a tasting menu that reads like a piece of art. The description and presentation are nothing short of expectations.

The dishes are inspired by Crenn’s childhood memories and her deep connection to the natural world. This results in a meal as thoughtful as it is delicious. Each course is a delicate balance of flavors and textures. They are all presented in visually stunning ways.

In addition, the intimate setting, with its minimalist decor, adds to the feeling. You would relax, knowing you’re part of a unique and personal experience. If you’re looking for an intellectually and gastronomically stimulating meal, Atelier Crenn is the place to be.

Address: 3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Phone: +1 415-440-0460

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4. Swan Oyster Depot – A Taste of History

For over a century, Swan Oyster Depot has been a beloved institution in San Francisco. This family-run seafood counter on Polk Street is the epitome of no-frills dining. The focus here is solely on the freshest seafood you can find.

There is often a line out the door, and for good reason. Order a plate of oysters shucked to order, a crab Louis salad, or the signature clam chowder. Each dish testifies to the simplicity and purity of the ocean’s bounty.

Besides, the atmosphere is casual and lively. Friendly banter between the staff and customers adds to the charm. Swan Oyster Depot is one of the most famous restaurants in San Francisco.

Address: 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Phone: +1 415-673-1102

5. Rich Table – Where Comfort Meets Creativity

Rich Table in Hayes Valley is the kind of restaurant that feels like home. Even if it’s your first visit, you will feel relaxed, as you take in the food and atmosphere. The husband-and-wife team, Evan and Sarah Rich creates a space where comfort food meets creative flair.

The menu is seasonal; it changes frequently to showcase the best ingredients California has to offer. Dishes like the porcini doughnuts with raclette and the sardine chips are as playful as they are delicious. They embody the restaurant’s philosophy of combining familiar flavors with unexpected twists.

Similarly, the ambiance is warm and welcoming. The décor is rustic-chic décor, inviting you to settle in and savor every bite. Rich Table is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends or a cozy date night, where the food is as comforting as it is innovative.

Address: 199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Phone: +1 415-355-9085

6. State Bird Provisions – A Culinary Adventure

State Bird Provisions is the kind of place that redefines your dining expectations. Located in the Western Addition, this restaurant is famous for its dim sum-style service. Here, small plates are wheeled around on carts. This makes you easily choose your dishes as they appear.

As one of the top restaurants in San Francisco, this brainchild of Chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski boasts a constantly evolving menu. Everything is inventive and approachable. Signature items like the fried quail (“state bird” of California) and the savory pancakes are must-tries. Yet, the beauty of this place lies in the unexpected – dishes that surprise and delight in equal measure.

The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making every meal here feel like a culinary adventure you will want to embark on again and again. Yes, you won’t be disappointed; the servers make you feel at home.

Address: 1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Phone: +1 415-795-1272

7. Quince – A Refined Dining Experience

For those seeking an evening of refinement and elegance, Quince is the place to be. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Jackson Square celebrates Californian and Italian cuisine.

Each meal is crafted with an attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. The tasting menu is a seasonal journey highlighting the finest ingredients, many sourced from the restaurant’s farm. Each dish is a work of art. The flavors are meticulously balanced and the presentations are beautiful.

In the same manner, the dining room, with its plush decor and soft lighting, exudes sophistication. Thus, it is ideal for a special occasion or a romantic night out. Quince is the epitome of fine dining, where every aspect of your experience is designed to leave a lasting impression.

Address: 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Phone: +1 415-775-8500

8. La Taqueria – A Mission District Gem

In a city known for its diverse food offerings, La Taqueria is a beloved institution in the Mission District. This no-frills taqueria is famous for its legendary burritos and tacos. It has also earned national acclaim and a dedicated following.

The menu is simple. But it focuses on a few items that are done exceptionally well. The carne asada burrito, wrapped in a warm tortilla and packed with flavorful meat, beans, and fresh ingredients, is a must-try. Taste their margaritas and confirm the difference.

La Taqueria’s commitment to quality and consistency is evident in every bite. Besides, the casual, bustling atmosphere adds to its charm. This is where you can grab a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.

It’s easy to see why it’s a local favorite. So, when looking for restaurants in San Francisco with great offerings, consider it.

Address: 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Phone: +1 415-285-7117

9. Gary Danko – Timeless Elegance

Gary Danko is synonymous with classic fine dining in San Francisco. Located near Fisherman’s Wharf, this Michelin-starred restaurant has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene for over two decades.

Chef Gary Danko’s menu is a masterclass in contemporary American cuisine, with French, Mediterranean, and local influences. The service is impeccable, the wine list extensive, and the ambiance elegant and inviting. Regulars belove signature dishes like the roast lobster and the tenderloin of beef. However, the chef’s tasting menu offers the best way to experience the breadth of this iconic restaurant.

Gary Danko is the perfect spot for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience where attention to detail is paramount.

Address: 800 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Phone: +1 415-749-2060

10. Nopa – A Neighborhood Favorite

Nopa, short for North of the Panhandle, is a quintessential San Francisco restaurant that perfectly captures the spirit of its namesake neighborhood. Known for its rustic, wood-fired cuisine, Nopa is where locals gather to enjoy hearty, flavorful dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.

The menu focuses on fresh, organic ingredients, with standouts like the pork chop, roasted chicken, and the famous burger. The open kitchen and communal tables create a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The bar is equally renowned, offering a range of inventive cocktails and an excellent selection of wines and spirits.

Nopa feels like home, where the food is comforting, the service is friendly, and the experience is always memorable.

Address: 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Phone: +1 415-864-8643

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11. Flour + Water – A Pasta Lover’s Dream

For those who want to dine in award-winning restaurants in San Francisco, Flour + Water is a love letter to Italian cuisine. It is nestled in the heart of the Mission District.

Guests enjoy the best handmade pasta, crafted with care in this intimate, rustic-chic restaurant. The menu is a seasonal affair. This is why it focuses on the freshest ingredients and traditional Italian techniques with a modern twist. Standout dishes include the rich and velvety pappardelle with braised meat ragu and the playful, yet refined, stuffed pasta.

The pizza here also deserves a shoutout, with its perfectly blistered crust and inventive toppings. Flour + Water strikes the perfect balance between comforting and sophisticated. Hence, it is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian food done right.

Address: 2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Phone: +1 415-826-7000

12. Angler – A Feast for the Senses

Angler is located along the Embarcadero. As one of the top restaurants in San Francisco, it offers a dining experience that’s as much about the ambiance as it is about the food.

This seafood-centric restaurant by Chef Joshua Skenes is designed to evoke a sense of adventure. It has an open kitchen that features live-fire cooking and a raw bar brimming with fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.

But that is not all; the menu is both simple and luxurious. Look out for dishes like whole roasted fish, buttery sea urchin on toast, and their famous smoked trout roe served with potato chips.

The décor, with its dark wood and moody lighting, creates a cozy and upscale atmosphere. It is perfect for a leisurely meal with friends or a romantic date. Angler is a place where the quality of the ingredients shines, and the experience is truly immersive.

Address: 132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Phone: +1 415-872-9442

13. Nari – A Modern Thai Delight

Nari is where you go when you want to experience Thai cuisine in a way that’s both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. Located in the Japantown area, this restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Pim Techamuanvivit. The owner brings her love of bold flavors and vibrant ingredients to every dish.

Also, the menu is designed for sharing. It focuses on fresh herbs, spices, and the kind of complex, layered flavors that make Thai food so beloved. Relax for mouthwatering dishes like the turmeric fried chicken and the aromatic curries. Although they are crowd-pleasers of Nari, it’s the inventive use of local ingredients that truly sets it apart.

Moreover, the space is modern and chic. It gives off a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to linger over a meal and a cocktail or two. As one of the finest restaurants in San Francisco, this fantastic spot offers a fresh, exciting, and satisfying take on Thai dining.

Address: 1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Phone: +1 415-868-6274

14. Cotogna – Italian Comfort with a Twist

Cotogna is the more casual sibling to the upscale Quince. As one of the most exciting restaurants in San Francisco, it is a haven for those seeking Italian comfort food in a relaxed setting.

Located in the Jackson Square neighborhood, its menu is a celebration of wood-fired cooking. You will get to enjoy the best of pizzas, pasta, and hearty mains. The vibe here is cozy and welcoming. There is an open kitchen that adds to the warm, communal atmosphere.

Dishes like the ricotta gnocchi with sage butter and the perfectly charred pizzas are simple yet elevated. They showcase the quality of the ingredients. A glass of Italian wine makes a perfect meal for lovers, families, or friends.

The service is attentive without being overbearing. Thus, it becomes an ideal spot for a laid-back lunch or dinner where the food is consistently excellent and the ambiance is effortlessly cool.

Address: 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Phone: +1 415-775-8508

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15. Saison – An Intimate Fine Dining Experience

Saison is where you go when in the mood to indulge in one of San Francisco’s most exclusive dining experiences. Tucked away in a quiet corner of SoMa, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a tasting menu, which changes daily. This reflects the best of what’s available from local farms and the sea.

Besides, the setting is intimate. Its open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary magic unfold. The chef is known for his meticulous approach to cooking, focusing on live-fire grilling and a deep respect for ingredients.

The dishes are minimalist yet bursting with flavor, from the rich, umami-laden broths to the perfectly seared meats and delicate seafood. Saison is a splurge, no doubt. However, for those who appreciate fine dining at its most refined, it is an experience worth every penny.

Address: 178 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Phone: +1 415-828-7990

Conclusion

San Francisco’s culinary landscape testifies to its rich cultural heritage and the creativity of its chefs. If you plan to indulge in a fine dining experience or enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh seafood, these restaurants in San Francisco offer a taste of the city’s diverse and dynamic food scene. So, pull up a chair, and get ready to eat your way through the best that San Francisco has to offer!