10 Restaurants You Have To Visit In San Francisco Before You Die
Well, this is just a ridiculous list to put together, what with all the James Beard Award winners, Top Chef contestants, and wildly creative and innovative culinary masters that call San Francisco home. And no matter what you’re craving, whether it’s authentic dim sum, comforting pasta, or a gut-bursting burrito, you’ll likely find a place that will satisfy your every need. But these 10 spots — a combination of local favorites, gastronomic hotspots, and city classics — may just be some of the best restaurants in San Francisco.
Elegant yet cozy, this is the spot to take your date, your parents, your friends, or just yourself. It's simple, organic, rustic California comfort food. The brunch is an absolute must.
This acclaimed restaurant in the Ferry Building overlooks the Bay, but you'll most likely be head-deep in raw oysters and the carefully crafted modern Vietnamese dishes. (Tip: Can't get a reservation? Get a taste of their goods at Out the Door).
This Mission hotspot boasts a James Beard award-winning chef (co-owner Craig Stoll), who does Northern Italian staples justice with homemade pastas, Tartine bread, and oh-so tender meats. Their pizzeria locations should also go on your must-do list.
One of the more economical choices on this list, here is where you can get yourself a real-deal Mission burrito, and maybe hear some live music to boot.
A Hayes Valley classic, around since 1979 (it actually started as a Mexican joint!), this elegant spot has settled into its role as a trendsetter in American comfort food. The whole roast chicken with bread salad is the thing to get here.
This is strictly for the devout carnivores out there: Get your meat carved table-side with some Yorkshire pudding and creamed spinach. Beware: You'll be rolling out of this place, which has been stuffing bellies since the 1940s.
You'll need to reserve a table well in advance at this hot Fillmore spot (another James Beard winner) to get a taste of their "adventurous, inventive, delicious, thoughtful contemporary American" cuisine. Yes, all those adjectives are totally accurate.
Now, we’ve surely missed more than a few mouthwatering greats. Let us know what you think are the best restaurants in San Francisco, so we can get ourselves a rezy stat.
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Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor based in San Francisco, California. When she's not tapping at a keyboard, she can be found leading groups on gourmet chocolate walking tours (best job ever) or running the many lovely hills and stairs of the city (to burn off all that chocolate, of course). She also runs a travel blog with her husband at Big & Small Travel (bigandsmalltravel.com).
