Food & drink ยท Hub guide
Best restaurants in San Francisco
Where and what to eat in San Francisco, from Mission burritos and dim sum to sourdough, Dungeness crab and the long-running restaurants locals still line up for.
San Francisco food at a glance
- Must try A Mission burrito, dim sum, sourdough, cioppino
- Crab season Dungeness crab, usually from late fall into spring
- Food hall The Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero
- Farmers market Ferry Plaza, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Book ahead Popular dinner spots on Friday and Saturday
- Tipping 18 to 20 percent is normal at sit-down restaurants
In this guide
San Francisco is a great food city, and much of the best eating happens in neighborhood places: taquerias in the Mission, dim sum halls in Chinatown and the Richmond, Italian cafes in North Beach and old seafood counters near Nob Hill.
Restaurants open and close often, and hours change. Check a restaurant’s website or reservation page before you go. For the after-dinner plan, see the San Francisco nightlife guide.
What to eat in San Francisco
Mission burritos
The Mission-style burrito, big, foil-wrapped and stuffed with rice and beans, is the city’s signature cheap meal. Taquerias along Mission Street and 24th Street are the place to try one. Many locals have strong opinions about which one is best, so it is worth trying more than one.
Dim sum
Dim sum is a weekend tradition in San Francisco. You will find it in Chinatown and in the Richmond District along Clement Street and Geary Boulevard, from busy banquet halls with carts to takeout counters selling dumplings by the box.
Sourdough and bakeries
San Francisco sourdough has a tangy flavor and a long history going back to the Gold Rush. Boudin at Fisherman’s Wharf is the famous name, but neighborhood bakeries all over the city make excellent bread and pastries.
Seafood and cioppino
Cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew, is credited to the Italian fishing families of North Beach. Dungeness crab is the other local favorite, usually in season from late fall into spring. The wharf is the classic spot, but some of the best seafood is served at counters and restaurants away from the crowds.
Where to eat by neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Known for |
|---|---|
| Mission | Burritos, taquerias, bakeries, Valencia Street restaurants |
| North Beach | Italian restaurants, cafes, focaccia |
| Chinatown | Dim sum, bakeries, Cantonese restaurants |
| Richmond | Dim sum, Burmese, Russian and Chinese food on Clement Street |
| Japantown | Ramen, sushi, Japanese sweets |
| Ferry Building | Oysters, cheese, coffee, bakeries and the farmers market |
| Hayes Valley | Wine bars, modern California restaurants |
The Ferry Building
The Ferry Building Marketplace is the easiest way to sample the local food scene in one place. Inside are oyster bars, bakeries, cheese shops and coffee. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market sets up outside, with Saturday the biggest day.
Food experiences worth planning around
- Saturday at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, from 8am to 2pm.
- A dim sum brunch in the Richmond on a weekend morning.
- A North Beach evening of pasta and an espresso at an old cafe afterward.
- A burrito and a picnic in Dolores Park on a sunny afternoon.
Practical tips
- Some San Francisco restaurants add a service charge or surcharge to the bill, and it must be listed on the menu. Ask if you are not sure whether it replaces the tip.
- Book ahead for well-known dinner spots, especially on weekends. Many release tables a few weeks ahead.
- Lunch and early dinners are easier to get, and some top places keep bar seats for walk-ins.
Avoid the chain restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf. A short walk into North Beach gets you better food for less.
Frequently asked questions
What food is San Francisco known for?
Mission burritos, sourdough bread, cioppino, Dungeness crab, dim sum and Irish coffee.
Where is the best area to eat in San Francisco?
The Mission, North Beach, Chinatown and the Richmond District are the best areas for variety and value.
Do I need reservations in San Francisco?
For popular dinner spots on weekends, yes. Casual places like taquerias and dim sum counters don’t take them.
When is Dungeness crab season?
The commercial season usually opens in late fall and runs into spring, but opening dates vary from year to year.
More guides
- San Francisco nightlife
- Date ideas in San Francisco
- San Francisco neighborhood guide
- Fisherman’s Wharf guide
- Hidden gems in San Francisco
- San Francisco tourist traps
Photo credits
Featured image: BaduFerreira / Wikimedia Commons, CC0; What to eat in San Francisco: afterdog / Wikimedia Commons, CC0; The Ferry Building: JaGa / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.