San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary hub, previously boasting the highest restaurant density in the United States. The pandemic disrupted the local dining landscape, alongside the escalating cost of living in the Bay Area, leading to the closure of many beloved establishments. However, the food scene in SF remains resilient and optimistic, with new restaurants opening regularly.
Among the enduring classics, such as seasonal Dungeness crab and flaky morning buns, the local landscape has embraced innovative dining experiences, including Singaporean cuisine pop-ups and the rise of third-culture cooking that infuses chefs’ diverse backgrounds into their dishes. Explore residential neighborhoods to uncover some of the best bites in the city.
Breakfast
The Excelsior neighborhood features Super Star, a Chinese-Filipino restaurant known for its substantial and budget-friendly silogs, which include protein, garlic rice, egg, and tomato. The hong kong pork chop, available here, stands out as a unique offering. It is advisable to call ahead, as it’s takeout only, and plan to enjoy your meal nearby.
For a heartier breakfast, head two minutes south on Mission Street to Café Guatemalteco, where egg dishes come with fresh farmers cheese, black beans, and fried plantains. Another classic option includes the cinnamon-flecked, flaky morning buns from various Tartine or Ariscault locations. Alternatively, visit Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica for an exceptional pastry and outstanding sourdough options. For a unique experience, take the ferry to Treasure Island for brunch at Aracely Café, previously the island’s only restaurant.
Coffee
The Yemeni coffee scene in San Francisco is thriving, offering aromatic blends enriched with cardamom and ginger, available at Delah Coffee and Sana’a Cafe in SoMa, as well as Haraz Coffee House in Cathedral Hill. There’s no shortage of pastries filled with pistachio or honey to accompany your brew. Jina Bakes in Japantown features an intriguing coffee selection, including a toffee latte topped with homemade honeycomb, perfectly paired with their line-worthy pastries.
Excelsior Coffee, unapologetically embracing social justice principles, serves ube-infused drinks and pastries in a welcoming atmosphere.
Brunch
For a vibrant brunch experience, visit Cafe Bakery & Restaurant in the Sunset or indulge in fluffy lemon-ricotta pancakes at Plow. The Glen Park Cafe also impresses with its cereal pancakes topped with whipped cream and playful cereal sprinkles.
Lunch
Dim sum is a beloved Cantonese tradition in San Francisco, with exceptional spots found across the city. Explore second and third Chinatowns for casual takeout or dine-in experiences. Try Hang Ah Tea Room, America’s oldest dim sum parlor, for delightful dishes and nostalgic decor. Alternatively, Good Luck Dim Sum offers expertly crafted har gow and barbecued chicken skewers in a casual setting.
Dinner
Dungeness crab lovers can rejoice, as the crab season typically runs through late June, with these delicacies available year-round. Iconic restaurants like Thanh Long and PPQ Dungeness Island serve Vietnamese-style crab, while other dining establishments showcase high-end Vietnamese cuisine. Places like Bodega and Lily present elevated dining experiences, whereas Bac Lieu remains more affordable.
Bar
Dive bars are a treasure trove for experiencing San Francisco’s unique character. Check out Rite Spot for local entertainment and hearty snacks or visit the historic Saloon in North Beach for live blues music. For cocktail enthusiasts, True Laurel offers innovative drinks, and Moongate Lounge provides a seasonal menu of esoteric selections alongside a variety of small plates.
San Francisco’s culinary landscape is continually evolving, offering food lovers an array of options to savor and explore throughout the city.
