San Francisco is full of attractions, colorful people, and iconic bridges, but one of my favorite things about this city is the San Francisco restaurants! But we couldn’t fit them all in one day. I followed two locals all over the city to find out where I can eat the best food in San Francisco. Our idea was to try one or two of the best menu items of food in the top restaurants as a progressive meal so we wouldn’t get too full (though day two was more of a struggle!). Here are our recommendations from our second day of eating all the best food in San Francisco.
And don’t forget to check out our recommended restaurants from day one!
Mr Holmes Bakehouse (Lower Nob Hill)
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse was started by a 25-year-old with a tumor, and faced with the prospect of death before getting surgery, he decided a bakery was the best way to spend his potentially last days on Earth. And thank goodness he lived – I’m a huge fan of pastries. It was the first time I experienced a “cruffin,” which is a mix of croissant and muffin stuffed with cream, another must eat in SF.
Good Luck Dim Sum (Clement between 8th and 9th Avenue)
You can sit down at this dim sum hotspot, but most take it to go. You’ll get a pink slip that lists all the types of dim sum for you to choose, and then they pack it up for you! If you’re visiting San Francisco on a budget, this is a great deal.
Tartine Bakery (Mission)
Tartine is known for their breads, but they also make incredibly flavorful, rich pastries. And if you’re looking for a hearty, rustic style lunch, they also make sandwiches to order. I indulged in a croissant, pain au chocolat, and a “morning bun” with cinnamon sugar and candied orange zest.
Bi-Rite Ice Cream (Mission)
Another parlor with cravable creations, Bi-Rite Creamery is making small batch ice cream like black sesame, salted caramel, and cream cheese carrot cake. The balsamic strawberry flavor was created as a solution to food waste, so order a scoop and save the planet!
Swan Oyster Depot (Nob Hill)
Another must eat in San Francisco, Swan Oyster Depot has been serving up fresh seafood since 1903. The narrow restaurant only has seating at its counter, so don’t expect to belly up with a party much larger than 4. As a seafood lover, you will be happy with pretty much anything you order. But if the uni (sea urchin) is available, you have to try it!
Boba Guys (Fillmore)
This bubble tea spot is taking this beverage to the next level! Two friends decided to open a boba tea place after their favorite shop closed, so they decided to open one that was bigger, better, and committed to sustainability without compromising great flavor. While they have all kinds of rotating specials, the jasmine milk tea is a solid choice.
BONUS: Sunday Bird (Fillmore)
While you’re waiting for your boba tea, step through the back door for Korean BBQ fried chicken at Sunday Bird!
Barvale (Divisadero at Grove)
If you enjoy creative cocktails, go to Barvale for happy hour! And even if you don’t, they offer a wide selection of wines, beers, and non-alcholic specialties. While you’re sipping away, order some tapas to keep your drink company, like pimentos (fried peppers) or gambas.
4505 Burgers & BBQ (Divisadero between Grove and Fulton)
Just down the street from Barvale is 4505 Burgers and BBQ – a 180-degree turn from Spanish tapas. The restaurant has one of the few wood-fired BBQ pits left in the area, so treat yourself to some high-quality meat cooked right. We had the grass-fed double cheeseburger, which was delicious, but could’ve been even better with bacon.
Tres (South Beach)
At Tres, you’ll learn that tequila is so much more than woo girls on spring break. Treat yourself to a proper margarita, or if you really want to get educated, ask for a tequila flight. They also have great bar snacks, lunch, and dinner options.
Golden Boy Pizza (North Beach)
Unlike a triangular slice you may find anywhere else, Golden Boy serves up hot, cheesy squares of pizza delight. This pizza joint was opened in 1978, and still serves up some of the best pizza in San Francisco. I recommend a slice of the pepperoni, the sausage, and the pesto to get started.
Almanac Tap Room & Beer Company (Closed)
UPDATE: The Alamanac Tap Room closed in January 2019, but you can still find their beers in grocery stores and markets throughout the United States!
Trick Dog (Mission)
Depending on when you visit Trick Dog, their menu will have a completely different inspiration! When I went, the cocktail menu was inspired by The Joy of Cooking, and included 13 cocktails that were collaborative efforts with chefs from around San Francisco. Each menu is designed by a different artist, and copies are sold to benefit various local organizations.
Super Duper Burger (Multiple Locations)
Super Duper Burger makes high quality burgers while reducing their environmental impact by using ingredients sourced throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The mini bacon cheeseburger is a perfect morsel of burger goodness. I’d say this isn’t just some of the best food in San Francisco, but some of the best burgers in the Bay.
Ippudo Ramen (SoMa)
This modern-designed restaurant has dominated the ramen scene since the mid-1990s. Ippudo Ramen is best known for their tonkotsu pork broth ramen, but they also have vegetarian ramen options, pork buns, fried tofu, and rice dishes. Come with an appetite!
Bake (Westfield San Francisco Center)
BAKE Cheese Tart is a growing phenomenon in Japan, and has its first (and only!) United States location in the Westfield San Francisco Center. These cheese tarts look like little custard pies, but the filling is a light mousse made from cream cheese. I recommend the cheese and strawberry tarts for a little extra sweetness.
Start planning your California dream vacation today! Did you miss all the best San Francisco restaurants from day one?
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