Bay Area restaurant wishlist
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.
51 places on the public wishlist
Browse every wishlist restaurant across San Francisco neighborhoods.
CookFoodie reviews come first, followed by the rest of the wishlist.
Chinatown · Chinese
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
Mission · Asian
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
Mission · Mexican
Oh my God, 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, and maybe ask for less beans. You will love it. You go here for the burrito -the carne asada one, amazing.
2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Nob Hill · Seafood
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 94109Chinatown · Chinese
China Live made what Italy 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
Mission · Burmese
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
North Beach · Italian
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 94133Mission · Japanese
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
Mission · French
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 94110Potrero Hill · Brunch
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 94107Tenderloin · Japanese
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
Mission · Spanish Tapas
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
Mission · Mexican
Their tacos al pastor are amazing because they have a proper trompo, and they also have a great mezcal selection. Unfortunately, lately they are also building burgers, and despite the fact that they are trendy, I think that they are losing part of the essence that made me recommend them at the first time.
741A Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110Sunset · Burmese
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.
309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118Chinese-American · Chinatown
Korean · Mission
Mexican · Mission
Seafood · Polk Gulch
Chinese · Chinatown
Burmese · Mission
Italian · North Beach
Japanese · Mission
French · Mission
American Brunch · Potrero Hill
Japanese · Tenderloin
Spanish Tapas · Mission
Mexican · Mission
The busiest neighborhoods on this wishlist.
San Ho Won, La Taqueria, Burma Love
Mr Jiu's, China Live, Four Kings
Yuanbao Jiaozi, Kingdom of Dumplings, Kitchen Istanbul
Plow, Chez Maman, Farley's
Mensho Tokyo, Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
I like the variety of the selection and their focus in different types and budgets, similar to my guide. It also has other places from the Bay Area.
A great list with good variety and helpful maps. I follow Eater all the time for recommendations.
A curated list of the highest-rated restaurants in San Francisco from The Infatuation. Great for finding trendy new spots and classic institutions that are worth the hype. Updated regularly with new openings and fresh takes.
For when you're feeling fancy, explore the Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. Some jewels like San Ho Won are hard to get reservations but worth it and good value for money.
A map of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area. It also has other places from the Bay Area. Updated in June 2025
A good place to find last-minute reservations at respected restaurants. They also have Lolo if you want to do a reservation.
A comprehensive guide from the NY Times featuring the city's most notable dining establishments. Updated in July 2025.
A guide to the best tacos. I agree with most of it, but they missed Mosto!
A guide on where to go if you only have 24 hours in San Francisco. This is part of the team from Bold Italic, good guide.
A list of standout restaurants that locals swear by.
A useful guide to restaurants where solo dining feels natural and genuinely enjoyable.
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)
