The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco’s Finest Restaurants
I have put up a list of San Francisco’s Finest Restaurants to eat at that will satisfy every appetite or occasion. This thorough guide illustrates the varied gastronomic scene of the city, spanning numerous cuisines, locations, and price ranges, from hidden gems to recognized restaurants. Each restaurant has its own narrative that captures the spirit of San Francisco via its delectable cuisine and inviting atmosphere. These restaurants are must-stops for anyone visiting for the first time or a seasoned resident.
I frequently update this list to reflect the dynamic character of the city’s thriving dining scene, which is continuously changing in San Francisco. I make an effort to include eateries that were previously underappreciated, those that have recently improved their cuisine, and newly qualifying places (open for at least six months). By doing this, the list is kept current, inclusive, and illustrative of the dining scene in San Francisco.
San Francisco’s Finest Restaurants
Boulevard
Boulevard recently received an outstanding remodel by renowned designer Ken Fulk. Indulge in an opulent dining experience there. After the pandemic, the restaurant has made a comeback, serving a multi-course prix fixe menu created by owner and chef Nancy Oakes and Dana Younkin.
The food emphasizes seasonal and local ingredients and embodies Californian culture. The Berkshire pork chop, which is roasted to a perfect obsidian char over a live fire, should not be missed. Sit down at a peacock blue booth with romantic spotlighting, and let the attentive staff make it an evening to remember.
Phone number: (415) 543-6084 Address: 1 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Friends Only
Reserve a seat at Friends Only, a cozy omakase counter with only 10 chairs, for a special dining experience. The evening will reward you with delightfully sumptuous small plates and sushi in a surprisingly laid-back and energetic setting, albeit it may necessitate ahead planning.
Black truffle-topped chawanmushi and a nigiri with a rainbow of uni are two of Chef Ray Lee’s culinary inventions. There is a little more inexpensive choice at Chef Lee’s other restaurant, Akikos, which offers lunch starting at 0 and supper starting at 0, despite the exorbitant price tag, which starts at 0.
Address: 1501 California Street, San Francisco, California 94109
Sons & Daughters
Sons & Daughters is a great dining establishment close to Union Square where you may sample the juiciness of New Nordic cuisine. Executive chef Harrison Cheney combines the fresh seasonal ingredients of Northern California with the flavors he learned while working at the two Michelin-starred Gastrologik in Stockholm.
The end result is a refined-tasting meal that is intimate and full of pleasant surprises. For more than ten years, Sons & Daughters has been making waves in the culinary world by providing a welcoming and unforgettable dining experience.
Phone: (415) 994-7933 Address: 708 Bush Street, Between Mason & Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Octavia
After taking a break, Octavia is back with exquisite seasonal dishes developed by executive chef Nico Pena and Melissa Perello. Enjoy dishes that highlight the wealth of Northern California, such as fresh mozzarella with Jimmy Nardellos or Brentwood corn lasagna with sweet corn and vibrant chiles, while indulging in fresh pasta and memorable sweets. The enjoyable eating experience is enhanced by the vivacious and sophisticated setting, which is highlighted by structural arrangements by the renowned Petaler florist.
Phone: (415) 408-7507 Address: 1701 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA 94109
B Patisserie
B Patisserie rules the San Francisco pastry scene under the direction of pastry aces Belinda Leong and Michel Suas. The California Street bakery sells a variety of delicious pastries, but its legendary kouign amann is unbelievably buttery and flaky. Even though the traditional form is difficult to resist, Leong and Suas’ artistic talent and inventiveness are on display in their fruit and black sesame versions.
Phone: (415) 440-1700 Address: 2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup
Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup is a popular Korean restaurant in San Francisco’s Japantown that specializes in beef dishes. This restaurant highlights the variety of beef with dishes like kalbitang (beef rib soup), beef bibimbap, seolleongtang (ox bone soup), and boiling beef brisket. The kalbijjim, a slow-braised spicy-sweet beef short rib stew that has brought Daeho its well-deserved acclaim, is the star of the show, though.
Phone: (415) 563-1388 Address: 1620 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Kin Khao
Kin Khao, the sibling establishment to Nari in Japantown, offers strong, bright Thai cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant provides a taste of Thai cuisine without compromising flavor. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit and chef de cuisine James Slagle serve delicacies like roasted local squid, which is tangy and smoky and garnished with peanuts and cilantro, as well as mushroom har mok and a steaming jar of spicy curry mousse. Even while the setting may be more relaxed, the addictively strong flavors make up for any decor issues. Kin Khao, a restaurant open for lunch and dinner, is close to Union Square.
Phone: (415) 362-7456 Address: 55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Scoma’s Restaurant
Scoma’s has been serving delicious seafood for almost 60 years and is situated on the well-known Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy a range of foods, such as oysters, clam chowder, Dungeness crab cocktail, cioppino, and more. The restaurant’s wood-paneled dining area, which is decorated with memorabilia from nearby sports teams, has a pleasant atmosphere. Scoma’s offers a memorable eating experience whether you prefer to eat inside or outside to the relaxing sound of lapping waves.
Phone number: (415) 771-4383 Address: 1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133
Abacá
On the first floor of a Fisherman’s Wharf hotel, Abacá serves up modern Filipino cuisine. With sunflower-yellow banquettes and woven baskets from the Southeast Asian archipelago, this lively eatery has bright surroun