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San Francisco

Restaurants we recommend, places we return to and bring our friends. Because San Francisco has always been an amazing city with amazing food. Hope you like the recommendations of Cvander.

55 places on the public wishlist

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Browse every wishlist restaurant across San Francisco neighborhoods.

Places to eat

CookFoodie reviews come first, followed by the rest of the wishlist.

Blue masa tostada with bluefin tuna at Californios

Californios

Californios is a three Michelin star Mexican restaurant in SoMa. My first three-star Mexican meal. If you love Mexican food, or you're Mexican, save up a bit and go.

355 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Liberty Duck at Mister Jiu's

Mr Jiu's

Try the duck. This is a Michelin-starred Chinese American restaurant in Chinatown -the original Chinatown of San Francisco. The video will show you how much care they put into that duck, and they also do amazing hot pot and cocktails.

28 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Egg soufflé at San Ho Won

San Ho Won

Chef Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang's Michelin-starred Korean charcoal barbecue restaurant. The house menu is generous, the banchan and vegetables are as carefully handled as the meat, and the charcoal-grilled beef is the centerpiece. Reservations can be difficult, so book when they are released.

2170 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Asada taco with everything at La Taqueria

La Taqueria

It might be called The Place of the Tacos, but trust me, this place really knows how to make a burrito. Go for the carne asada, make it supreme, ask for extra guac if you want. Their tacos are really good as well.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Sicilian sashimi at Swan Oyster Depot

Swan Oyster Depot

I recently made the line and it was totally worth it. Not only do they have amazing oysters, but always ask for a sample, but also their sashimi plates are great, as well as the clam chowder soup. Really recommend it. Worth the wait. Remember that it's cash only and get a beer.

1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Kitchen steamers at China Live

China Live

China Live made what Eataly is for Italian food but for Chinese food in Chinatown. They have an amazing variety of stuff, great for groups. Try all the different dim sum. The Xiaolongbao is always a great recommendation, and it's a very big space. Not only do they have the restaurant, but there's also a speakeasy that's highly recommended.

644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tea Leaf Salad at Burma Love

Burma Love

The Valencia branch is the best one. Find an excuse to reserve the big round table, and get there early for a drink at the bar. Tea leaf salad is a must. Menlo Park and Mint Plaza get special mention. Sister properties: Kayah by Burma Love at Chase Center, and Teakwood by Burma Love in Hayes Valley.

211 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Pizza at the bar at Tony's Pizza Napoletana

Tony's Pizza

It's a place in San Francisco that has some awards, especially if you want to go for the Margherita or the Mozzarella one. They have seven different ovens for different styles, and they say that some of the pizzas will be sold out. I've never seen any pizza sold out, but just go early. Make the line. It's totally worth it.

1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hanetsuki gyoza at Rintaro

Rintaro

This is the beautiful izakaya that we have in town. It really cares about yakitori. And the chicken skewers are really recommended. But try everything and ask for the specials. You'll have a blast. Their sake selection is also really good. It really feels like Tokyo in the Mission.

82 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Lamb loin, saffron at Mijoté

Mijoté

Modern French bistro with a California soul. The duck confit and the bone marrow with escargot are standouts. Natural wine program is exceptional. Intimate space perfect for special occasions.

2400 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Lemon ricotta pancakes at Plow

Plow

Is definitely the best brunch in town. It's long hour waits on the weekends, but trust me, it's worth it. And they also have some special breakfast if they have the Chinese one, go for it. Thanks to my poblano cooks for this amazing, beautiful place in San Francisco.

1299 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Clam and scallop special ramen at Mensho Tokyo

Mensho Tokyo

This is the best ramen in town -rich, creamy broth, and it's just perfectly cooked. You will have to make a line, and of course, it's in the Tenderloin, so some people get a little bit worried about it, but trust me, totally worth it. And they have also a branch in Tokyo. I think the one in San Francisco was even first, not sure about that, but good to consider it.

672 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Breakfast Sandwich at Noe Cafe

Noe Cafe

Known for perfectly prepared chai lattes and their avocado toast topped with hemp seeds and chili flakes. A neighborhood gem that embodies Noe Valley's village-like charm.

1299 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA 94114
El Chato storefront on the corner of Bryant and 21st

El Chato

El Chato is that Spanish corner that brings vibes of Madrid to the Mission. Natural wine bar with great owners. Go for the tapas, the tortilla española, navajas, jamón and cheese, and ask for chatos. Trust the wine stand. On a sunny day, hang out outside.

2301 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Tacos Al Pastor at Mosto

Mosto

Their tacos al pastor are amazing because they have a proper trompo. This is a mezcal bar, so a great selection as well. Lately they do smash burgers as well, and that killed the vibe a bit.

741A Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Pupusa de queso con loroco at Balompié Café

Balompie Cafe

Authentic pupuseria serving handmade pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, chicharrón, or loroco. Watch them made fresh through the window. Their curtido (pickled cabbage) and salsa roja are perfect accompaniments. Cash only, incredibly affordable.

3349 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Xiaolongbao at HK Lounge Bistro

HK Lounge Bistro

One of my top places for dumplings in San Francisco. The xiaolongbao just tastes really good, and the pork buns are tender and flavorful. Go for breakfast on a weekend, but it gets super crowded because the place is very small.

1136 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Guides by cuisine

Lazy Bear
3416 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @lazybearsf for photos and updates
One of my most memorable fine-dining experiences in San Francisco. The cultured butter and bread were exceptional, but what made the meal truly special was the original shared-table dinner-party format, with everyone eating together. Lazy Bear no longer seats guests communally, but the nostalgic, hyper-seasonal tasting menu and that incredible bread and butter still make it a recommendation.
Added: 2026-07-17
Directions
The Mill
736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117Follow @themillsf for photos and updates
Famous for thick-cut toast topped with seasonal ingredients and Four Barrel coffee. The $4 toast became a symbol of SF's artisanal food movement. Their bread from Josey Baker Bread is exceptional, and the almond butter toast with sea salt is iconic.
Added: 2024-06-21
Directions
Octavia
1701 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94109Follow @sf_octavia for photos and updates
This is a cozy place for dinner. Always a great selection and a good description of what New American stands for. The menu changes with the season, but it consistently feels polished, comfortable, and worth the night out.
Added: 2024-06-22
Directions
Four Kings
710 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94108Follow @fourkings__ for photos and updates
Cozy place that reminds me of the feeling of some izakayas, but the variety is amazing. You get Singaporean, Korean, and a lot of Taiwanese and Chinese delicatessen influences all in one dinner. Great food, great ambience, and one of the most fun meals in Chinatown.
Added: 2026-04-03
Directions
Zuni Café
1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102Follow @zunicafe for photos and updates
Their legendary roast chicken for two with bread salad is a San Francisco institution, order it and wait the 45 minutes, it's worth it. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant has been defining California cuisine since 1979. Also try their Caesar salad and oysters.
Added: 2024-01-10
Directions
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @tartinebakery for photos and updates
Home to the city's most famous morning buns and country bread that launched a thousand sourdough obsessions. Their croissants are equally legendary. This bakery transformed American bread culture and remains a pilgrimage site for bakers worldwide.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Yuanbao Jiaozi
2110 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122Follow @yuanbaojiaozi for photos and updates
Handmade dumplings are the star. Try the pork & chive and the fish dumplings. Their hand-pulled noodles in rich broths are equally exceptional. A neighborhood favorite for authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.
Added: 2024-01-10
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LoLo
974 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @lolorestaurantsf for photos and updates
With love from Guadalajara, the barbacoa and the jicama shrimp taco are pure love. Known for creative tacos. Modern, Mexican and playful, and deeply respectful of innovation in this cuisine. Very creative decoration.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Shoji
140 New Montgomery St, Suite 1, San Francisco, CA 94105Follow @shoji_sf for photos and updates
Their signature matcha soft serve and expertly prepared pour-over coffee make this a must-visit. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic creates a zen moment in busy SOMA.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Dumpling Time
1 Division St, San Francisco, CA 94103Follow @dumplingtime_sf for photos and updates
Watch dumpling makers through the glass window. The colorful xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and the King-Dum (massive pork & shrimp dumpling) are Instagram-famous for good reason. Modern take on dim sum classics.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Kingdom of Dumplings
1713 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116Follow @kingdomofdumpling for photos and updates
No-frills spot for authentic Beijing-style dumplings. Their lamb & cumin dumplings and the hand-pulled biang biang noodles are exceptional. Cash only, worth the trek to the Richmond.
Added: 2024-01-10
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4505 Burgers & BBQ
705 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117Follow @4505bbq for photos and updates
Founded by champion pitmaster Ryan Farr. The 'Best Damn Cheeseburger' lives up to its name, and the brisket is properly smoked for 18 hours. Their picnic-style outdoor seating captures SF's casual dining spirit.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
572 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102Follow @cantoosf for photos and updates
Venezuelan and Chinese fusion with a lovely history coming from Venezuela and Panama to the Tenderloin. Will always honor their 9 dollar rice and chicken dish. A unique blend of Latin American and Asian flavors that tells the story of migration and cultural fusion in San Francisco.
Added: 2025-07-20
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Burma Superstar
309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118Follow @burmasuperstarsf for photos and updates
The tea leaf salad is legendary, fermented tea leaves with nuts and seeds create umami magic. Rainbow salad and coconut rice are also must-orders. Expect a wait; this place introduced Burmese cuisine to many Americans.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Piccino
1001 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107Follow @piccinosf for photos and updates
Wood-fired pizzas with creative California toppings and excellent natural wines. Weekend brunch is exceptional. Their backyard garden patio is one of SF's best outdoor dining spots.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Shizen
370 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103Follow @shizensf for photos and updates
Vegan sushi that converts carnivores. The spicy tuna (made from tomatoes) and the candied walnut & quinoa roll are revelations. Proof that plant-based dining can be both sustainable and indulgent.
Added: 2024-01-10
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House of Prime Rib
1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109Follow @thehouseofprimerib for photos and updates
Old-school SF since 1949. Prime rib carved tableside from silver carts, Yorkshire pudding, and creamed spinach. The martinis are perfect. A time capsule of classic American dining.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Z & Y
655 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133Follow @zandyrestaurant for photos and updates
Explosive Sichuan flavors, the tea-smoked duck and mapo tofu will test your spice tolerance. Their 'Explosive Chili Chicken' is buried in chilies. One of the best regional Chinese restaurants in America.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Kitchen Istanbul
349 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118Follow @kitchenistanbulsf for photos and updates
Family-run Turkish spot. The lamb kebabs and the meze platter with house-made hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara are exceptional. Their Turkish breakfast on weekends is an overlooked gem.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Flour + Water
2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @flourandwatersf for photos and updates
House-made pasta is the star. The agnolotti and the tajarin are life-changing. Neapolitan-style pizzas from the wood-fired oven are equally impressive. Reservations essential at this pasta temple.
Added: 2024-01-10
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State Bird Provisions
1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115Follow @statebirdprovisions for photos and updates
Dim sum-style service meets California cuisine. The state bird (quail) with provisions is iconic, as are the garlic bread with burrata and the pork belly salad. James Beard Award winner that changed how Americans think about small plates.
Added: 2024-01-10
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Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @biritecreamery for photos and updates
San Francisco's most beloved ice cream shop. The salted caramel is legendary, and seasonal flavors like honey lavender showcase local ingredients. Expect long lines on sunny days - it's a Mission District ritual. Their soft serve with olive oil and sea salt is a must-try.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Four Barrel Coffee
375 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103Follow @fourbarrelcoffee for photos and updates
Valencia Street's coffee temple with a massive roasting facility visible from the cafe. Single-origin pour-overs and expertly pulled espresso. The industrial-chic space with high ceilings and communal seating embodies Mission District coffee culture.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
3150 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @wisesons for photos and updates
Modern Jewish deli serving pastrami on rye that rivals NYC's best, plus bagels, lox, and babka. Their challah French toast at brunch is exceptional. A taste of the Lower East Side in the Mission, with multiple locations across the city.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Ju-ni
1335 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94102Follow @juni_sf for photos and updates
Intimate 12-seat omakase sushi bar from former Saison chef Geoffrey Lee. The $300+ tasting menu features pristine fish flown in from Tsukiji Market. Watching the chef's knife work up close is part of the experience. Reservations essential.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Marufuku Ramen
1581 Webster St #235, San Francisco, CA 94115Follow @marufukuramenofficial for photos and updates
Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with rich pork bone broth simmered for 20+ hours. Choose your noodle firmness and richness level. The black garlic oil adds incredible depth. One of SF's best ramen shops, expect a wait.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Hog Island Oyster Co.
1 Ferry Building #11, San Francisco, CA 94111Follow @hogislandoysterco for photos and updates
Ferry Building institution serving oysters from their Tomales Bay farms. The grilled cheese with three artisan cheeses pairs perfectly with oysters. Views of the Bay Bridge while slurping Sweetwaters and Kumamotos. Happy hour is the best deal.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Oma San Francisco Station
1737 Post St, Suite 337, San Francisco, CA 94115Follow @oma_sfstation for photos and updates
Located in the heart of Japantown, Oma is designed to resemble an izakaya. It is the best omakase in Japantown.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Doma Sushi
433 Precita Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Doma remains open, but this recommendation moved with the restaurant from its former Cortland Avenue address to 433 Precita Avenue. The welcoming neighborhood setting, omakase, nigiri, salmon skin salad, and ankimo remain the reasons to go.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Universal Bakery
3458 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @universalbakeryinc for photos and updates
Great breakfasts from Guatemala and pan dulce.
Added: 2024-06-21
Directions
Reem's California Mission
2901 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110Follow @reemscalifornia for photos and updates
Arab street food meets California ingredients. Their mana'eesh (flatbreads) are baked to order in a custom oven. The za'atar with cheese and the lamb flatbread are exceptional. Owner Reem Assil creates food that tells stories of Arab heritage.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Beit Rima
138 Carl St, San Francisco, CA 94117Follow @beitrima for photos and updates
Modern Middle Eastern with a focus on Palestinian and Jordanian dishes. The chicken musakhan (sumac-spiced chicken with caramelized onions on flatbread) is incredible. Their hummus with lamb is a meal in itself. Cozy neighborhood spot with excellent hospitality.
Added: 2024-06-21
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Arsicault Bakery
397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118Follow @arsicaultbakery for photos and updates
Home of SF's best croissant - buttery, flaky perfection that regularly wins 'Best Croissant' awards. Their almond croissant and kouign-amann are equally exceptional. Arrive early, they sell out fast.
Added: 2024-06-22
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Starbelly
3583 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114Follow @starbellysf for photos and updates
California comfort food with a great back patio. Their fried chicken sandwich and pizzas are neighborhood favorites. Excellent brunch spot with bottomless mimosas. Dog-friendly patio.
Added: 2024-06-22
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Chez Maman
1401 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107Follow @chezmamansf for photos and updates
Authentic French bistro with a neighborhood feel. Their moules frites and croque monsieur transport you to Paris. Great French wine selection and charming back patio.
Added: 2024-06-22
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Farley's
1315 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107Follow @farleyscoffee for photos and updates
Potrero Hill's community living room since 1989. Great coffee, fresh pastries, and a mix of locals working on laptops and families grabbing breakfast. Their outdoor seating on 18th Street is perfect for people watching. A true neighborhood institution.
Added: 2024-06-22
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Trad Bone Broth
3903 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114Follow @tradbonebroth for photos and updates
Takeout-only bone broth cafe on 24th Street: broths on tap (beef, chicken, a Korean-style Seoul Broth, and a vegetarian option) plus made-to-order savory and sweet broth drinks. Open Tue-Sun 9am-7pm, closed Mondays.
Added: 2026-10-13
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Dolores Deluxe
3500 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Dolores Deluxe is the best solution to go to Mission Dolores Park. They do amazing sandwiches. The chef running this convenience store really pays attention to ingredients and creates great sandwiches. The selection of the store is also very good in drinks, so you can definitely assemble a perfect picnic here before heading to the park.
Added: 2026-10-13
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Neighborhoods with the most places

The busiest neighborhoods on this wishlist.

🌯 Mission

19

San Ho Won, La Taqueria, Burma Love

🏖 Inner Richmond

5

Yuanbao Jiaozi, Kingdom of Dumplings, Burma Superstar

🥡 Chinatown

4

Mr Jiu's, China Live, Four Kings

⛰ Potrero Hill

3

Plow, Chez Maman, Farley's

🏟️ SoMa

2

Californios, HK Lounge Bistro

Other San Francisco Restaurant Guides to browse

📋 Disclaimer

These restaurant recommendations are provided "as is" and are freely available for anyone to use. They represent personal opinions and experiences as of the time they were added to this list.

No warranties or guarantees are made regarding the accuracy, quality, availability, or current status of these establishments. Restaurant hours, menus, prices, and quality may change without notice. Some restaurants may have closed or relocated since being added to this list.

Please enjoy (or not) these restaurants under your own discretion and good judgment. Your dining experience may vary, and that's part of the adventure of exploring San Francisco's food scene! 🍽️

- Christian Van Der Henst (Cvander)