San Francisco Eats: Discovering The Best Restaurants in SF

Welcome to an exhilarating adventure through the cultural and culinary tapestry of San Francisco with GoCar Tours! This dynamic city is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting an unparalleled gastronomic scene that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you call this city home or are visiting from afar, embarking on a culinary exploration of San Francisco is an absolute must. In this remarkable guide, we invite you to join us as we unveil the crème de la crème of dining establishments across a multitude of categories. Prepare to immerse yourself in a symphony of extraordinary flavors and uncover the very essence of San Francisco’s culinary landscape. Let’s begin this epicurean journey together, embracing the vibrant and diverse food culture that defines this incredible city!

San Francisco Eats: A Gastronomic Journey

San Francisco is a city that tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant culinary scene. From breakfast to brunch, lunch to dinner, and everything in between, this city offers a gastronomic adventure like no other. Whether you’re a fan of hearty breakfasts, mouthwatering seafood, or delectable vegan fare, San Francisco has something to satisfy every palate. Join us as we explore the best restaurants, brunch spots, pizza joints, rooftop bars, Italian eateries, Dim Sum destinations, seafood havens, and vegan restaurants that define the culinary landscape of the city by the bay.

Best Restaurants in San Francisco:

Zuni Café

exterior twilight shot of the Zuni Cafe in San Francisco

Located in the heart of the city, Zuni Café has been a local favorite since 1979. Their menu features delicious Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, and their iconic roast chicken is a must-try. The warm and inviting atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.

State Bird Provisions

Dining Area of State Bird Provisions in San Francisco

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique and memorable dining experience. State Bird Provisions is known for its inventive and ever-changing menu, featuring small plates inspired by global flavors. The lively atmosphere and dim sum-style service make it a standout choice.

Tartine Bakery

Tartine Bakery in San Francisco Breakfast spread

Tartine Bakery is a beloved local institution known for its exceptional pastries, bread, and sandwiches. Their flaky croissants, fresh bread loaves, and delectable seasonal treats are sure to satisfy any craving. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering morning bun, or avocado toast!

Burma Superstar

Food from Berma Restaurant in San Francisco

Offering a taste of Burmese cuisine, Burma Superstar is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Their menu showcases a variety of flavorful dishes, including their famous tea leaf salad and samusa soup. The vibrant and bustling ambiance adds to the overall dining experience.

Best breakfast in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city that knows how to start the day off right with a mouthwatering breakfast. From cozy neighborhood eateries to vibrant spots inspired by flavors from around the world, the city offers a diverse array of options to satisfy every breakfast craving. Whether you’re in the mood for fluffy beignets and savory shrimp and grits that transport you to the streets of New Orleans or rustic Dutch pancakes made with locally sourced ingredients, San Francisco has the perfect breakfast spot waiting to delight your taste buds. Join us as we uncover the best breakfast destinations that capture the essence of the city’s culinary prowess and set the tone for a delicious day ahead.

Brenda’s French Soul Food

Bennies from Brenda's Soul Food Restaurant in San Francisco

This charming eatery in the Tenderloin neighborhood is known for its delightful New Orleans-inspired breakfast dishes. From fluffy beignets to savory shrimp and grits, Brenda’s French Soul Food serves up a delicious breakfast that will transport you to the streets of the Big Easy.

Outerlands

Dutch Pancake from Outlands Restaurant in San FranciscoNestled in the Outer Sunset, Outerlands is a local favorite for a cozy and rustic breakfast experience. Their menu features hearty dishes like Dutch pancakes and avocado toast, made with locally sourced ingredients. The inviting interior and warm hospitality make it a go-to spot for locals.

Best brunch in San Francisco

Kitchen Story

Located in the Castro neighborhood, Kitchen Story offers a creative and flavorful brunch menu. Known for their famous Millionaire’s Bacon and inventive twists on classic brunch dishes, this vibrant eatery never fails to impress. Don’t forget to try their famous “pork belly” eggs benedict.

Sweet Maple

Brunch spread from Sweet Maple Restaurant in San Francisco

A local brunch hotspot in Pacific Heights,  is famous for its mouthwatering Millionaire’s Bacon and fluffy pancakes. Their menu also features savory options like fried chicken and waffles, making it a popular choice for a satisfying brunch experience.

Best Lunch in San Francisco

Nopalito

carnitas from Napalitos Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco

This Mexican eatery serves up delicious and authentic flavors in the heart of the Inner Sunset. Nopalito’s menu features traditional Mexican dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. From their flavorful tacos to their hearty tortas, every bite is a delight.

Yank Sing

Yank Sing Dim Sum Restaurant in San Francisco

If you’re in the mood for Dim Sum during lunchtime, head to Yank Sing in the Financial District. This upscale Dim Sum restaurant offers an extensive selection of delectable dumplings and small plates. The elegant ambiance and attentive service make it a top choice for a memorable lunch experience.

Best Pizza in San Francisco

Golden Boy Pizza

historic image of Golden Boy Pizza Restaurant in San Francisco

Located in North Beach, Golden Boy Pizza is a local institution loved for its Sicilian-style square slices. The combination of fluffy dough, flavorful toppings, and generous portions makes Golden Boy a go-to spot for pizza lovers in the city.

Little Star Pizza

Little Star Pizza Restaurant in San Francisco full spread of food

With multiple locations across the city, Little Star Pizza is known for its deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas. Their cornmeal crust, quality ingredients, and innovative flavor combinations have made them a favorite among locals. Don’t miss their signature “Little Star” pizza topped with spinach, ricotta, feta, mushrooms, onions, and garlic.

Rooftop bars SF

The View Lounge

Interior of The View Lounge roof top bar in SF

Located atop the Marriott Marquis hotel, The View Lounge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. Sip on handcrafted cocktails while enjoying the stunning vistas from this 39th-floor rooftop bar.

Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Interior of Charmaine's Roof Top Bar & Restaurant in San Francisco

Situated atop the Proper Hotel in the Mid-Market neighborhood, Charmaine’s is a chic rooftop bar with a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in craft cocktails, gourmet bites, and city views from their stylish outdoor patio or cozy indoor seating area.

Italian restaurants in San Francisco

Flour + Water

Interior of Flour + Water San Francisco Restaurant

This popular Mission District eatery is known for its handmade pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The menu at Flour + Water showcases the best of Italian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors.

A16

plate from A16 Restaurant in San Francisco

Located in the Marina neighborhood, A16 specializes in Southern Italian cuisine, specifically from the region of Campania. Their menu features a selection of antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and house-made pasta dishes that highlight the bold and vibrant flavors of Southern Italy.

Best Dim Sum in San Francisco

City View Restaurant

Interior of City View Restaurant in San Francisco

Situated in Chinatown, City View Restaurant is a local favorite for Dim Sum. With its bustling atmosphere and extensive menu, featuring classics like siu mai and har gow, City View offers an authentic and satisfying Dim Sum experience.

Hong Kong Lounge

Hong Kong Lounge making Dim Sum in San Francisco

This Richmond District gem is known for its high-quality Dim Sum offerings. From delicate dumplings to flavorful buns, every dish at Hong Kong Lounge is made with care and attention to detail, making it a favorite among Dim Sum enthusiasts.

Best seafood in San Francisco

Swan Oyster Depot

Full spread from Oyster Depot Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco

Located in Nob Hill, Swan Oyster Depot is a beloved seafood institution that has been serving the freshest seafood since 1912. Grab a seat at the counter and indulge in their assortment of oysters, crab, clams, and other seasonal delights.

Woodhouse Fish Co.

Salad from Woodhouse Fish Co Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco

With locations in Castro and Pacific Heights, Woodhouse Fish Co. is a local favorite for seafood lovers. From their famous lobster roll to their hearty clam chowder, their menu showcases a variety of delicious and satisfying seafood dishes.

Vegan restaurants in San Francisco

Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya

Offering an innovative take on vegan sushi, Shizen is a popular spot in the Mission District. Their creative and flavorful rolls, along with a selection of Japanese-inspired small plates, make it a go-to destination for plant-based diners.

Gracias Madre

Located in the Mission District, Gracias Madre serves up plant-based Mexican cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their menu features flavorful dishes made with organic ingredients, and their vegan twist on traditional Mexican flavors is sure to impress.

Don’t forget to book your San Francisco Tour with GoCar – We can help you cruise along all of the different best restaurants in San Francisco with ease. Dive in to your culinary journey, and check these spots off of your list with GoCar Tours.