Places to Eat

15-romolo15 Romolo
*Just* off the beaten path...

A slightly (!) chiller take on the Broadway scene a (steep!) stone's throw away, Romolo mixes full-service cocktails►, pub food and a lively atmosphere for good time in North Beach. (see more)

absintheAbsinthe
Unstarving artistry

Mixing a cherry location, great food and an alluring green glow - Absinthe anchors Hayes Valley with a delightful array of French-style cuisine and a full bar, including absinthe► (surprise!) (see more)

arizmendi-bakeryArizmendi Bakery
Bread line 2.0

This "worker-owned cooperative" feeds the Inner Sunset proletariat some of the tastiest bread, pizza, pies and pastries around. Named after economic revolutionary Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta, a Basque priest who built a network of cooperative enterprises despite Francisco Franco's rise to power in Spain. Arizmendi also has a Mission outpost and three sister cooperatives in the East Bay. (see more)

arlequin-cafeArlequin Café
French for "huge backyard" :)

By San Francisco standards, Arlequin's back patio is massive!  It has great tree cover from both the wind and the sun - and gas lamps just in case.  The cafe is run by the same folks as Absinthe next door - so the food isn't bad either. (see more)

asia-sfAsia SF
Asian fusion :)

Smoking hot trans-gals► augment fruity beverages and passable food for a festive SOMA scene! (see more)

bar-tartineBar Tartine
Another one bakes the cake...

With an openly fragrant kitchen (the "bar") and the freshest smelling bathroom in SF - BT starts with the nose and moves inward. (see more)

bazaar-cafeBazaar Café
Fresh music and eats

By refusing ASCAP music licensing payments, the warm Bazaar Café effectively guarantees its patrons previously unheard sonic experiences►. Quality varies - but with no cover charge and tasty food, it's a good risk :) (see more)

beach-chaletBeach Chalet
Come for the view, stay for the beer

With eye popping views of Ocean Beach and delicious in-house brews, Beach Chalet's food doesn't quite complete the trinity, but sustains the others :) (see more)

belden-placeBelden Place
French Quarter

One tiny block of delicious french restaurants adjoins Downtown, Chinatown and Union Square! (see more)

bi-rite-creameryBi-Rite Creamery
Just say yes!

Catty corner to Dolores Park and as-of-yet untouched by the DEA, this Mission "homemade ice cream" hot-spot often sports a line out the door. There are no reports of un-delicious► ice creams, but it's advisable to sample a few flavors before ordering... just to be safe :) (see more)

bobs-donutsBob's Donuts
Just like Bob used to make...

Dishing up old-fashioned donuts 24/7, Bob's is a favorite of the morning crew, the brunch set, the lunch crowd, evening donut connoisseurs, pre-partiers and hungry late nighters :) (see more)

boogaloosBoogaloos
Breakfast of hipsters

Boogaloos transforms an old school drugstore into a old school breakfast cafe - one of the few in San Francisco! (see more)

buena-vista-cafeBuena Vista Cafe
Caffeine + Alcohol = Sweet Fame!

While Buena Vista's much-touted claim to "America's First Irish Coffee" fails the obvious test for some (who brought the French kiss?), the cafe is uncommonly popular with tourists and locals alike. (see more)

burma-superstarBurma Superstar
Delights of Burma, even for regular folks

Long lines (no reservations) and nose-ravaging aromas torture the hopeful - arrive early to improve your lot. (see more)

cafe-floreCafe Flore
Cabin in the Castro

With an improbable mountainous cabin vibe, Cafe Flore is a long-time Castro chill/hot spot with both (heated) outdoor and indoor seating. (see more)

cavallo-pointCavallo Point
Perfect Spot for a Post-Headlands Drink or Three

Providing stunning city views, spooky military ruins (which you're "not supposed to" explore), fishing, and one of the better frisbee/picnicking fields you'll find - Cavallo Point delights. (see more)

chapeauChapeau!
Jewel of the Richmond

A great high-end dining experience at a reasonable price. Everything about Chapeau exudes warmth - the cuisine, the owners, the workers, the decor. (see more)

christopher-elbowChristopher Elbow
Keeping up with Kansas City!

Laid under glass like edible jewelry, Christopher Elbow's chocolate delights the eye and belly :) (see more)

citrus-clubCitrus Club
Not your average juice club

Substituting juice for more traditional heavy oils, this Asian fusion hotspot in the Haight often sports a line out the door, call for reservations or get some quality time with Amoeba Music down the block. (see more)

cliff-houseCliff House
Stunning views, historic building, government owned restaurant

An enduring city celebrity (since 1858), the Cliff House rewards a closer look despite some wear for the years. Seated near Lands End, the Sutro Baths, and the north end of Ocean Beach - the Cliff House is a historic building with freshly baked meals :) (see more)

coffee-barCoffee Bar
Working from work is so last millenia...

A modern split-level space with great natural light, a great menu (caffeine/food/alcohol), and long hours make for a lively during-the-day spot on the Potrero Hill side of the Mission. (see more)

colibri-mexican-bistroColibrí Mexican Bistro
Back to the future, Mexican edition

A new but classically oriented Central Mexican Restaurant in Union Square (across from the ACT), Colibrí boasts amazing guacamole, over 300 types of tequila, jalapeño margaritas►, and they're open for lunch (!) (see more)

dynamo-donutDynamo Donut
Deep-frying 2.0

Offering a collection of gourmet donuts around the signature (and daily) "Maple Glazed Bacon Apple" - DD takes donuts to new horizons.  Ordering is handled out front, with good seating inside and a patio through the back (with bike parking). (see more)

ebisuEbisu
Popular fish

Open for lunch and dinner, Ebisu is regarded by many as the best sushi restaurant in San Francisco. (see more)

el-farolitoEl Farolito
Tasty after-hours burritos

This "little lighthouse" in the Mission cranks out some big juicy burritos... until 4am on the weekends! (see more)

el-rioEl Rio
Mission houseparty

This Outer Mission domestic space turned jack-of-all-fun venue hosts live bands, djs, comedy shows, salsa dancing, margaritas, drag queens, backyard patio, pool table, barbecue, oysters, etc - best check the schedule, cash only! (see more)

farallon-restaurantFarallon Restaurant
Feast your eyes and belly

An eye popping seascape augmented with San Francisco's finest seafood, Farallon deserves its considerable regard! (see more)

farleysFarley's
Making the sun rise

A centroid of social activity in Potrero Hill, Farley's serves great coffee in a friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating! (see more)

ferry-buildingFerry Building
Historic outsides, brand new interior

Matching historical resilience (eg, surviving both the 1906 Earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake's destruction of the adjoining Embarcadero freeway) and persistent visibility along the Market Street corridor up to Twin Peaks - the Ferry Building enjoys iconic status in the city, and has exploded onto the food scene since its latest renovation in 2003. (see more)

fishermans-wharfFisherman's Wharf
San Francisco's Archetype of Itself

San Francisco's biggest tourist destination is visually stunning, entertaining, and offers a starting point for a variety of activities: bay tours/ferries (including Alcatraz), Cable Cars, Ghirardelli's chocolate, a variety of seafood, and one of the nation's best Maritime Museums (including the USS Pampanito submarine). (see more)

goat-hill-pizzaGoat Hill Pizza
Dim sum pizza

In the heart of Potrero Hill, Goat Hill hosts all-you-can-eat dim sum style pizza orgies on Monday night. Loud inside, often with a line out the door (no reservations), makes for a festive Monday night! (see more)

golden-boy-pizzaGolden Boy Pizza

Powering Coit Tower hikers, North Beach partiers, and others - Golden Boy delights with thick squares of pizza! (see more)

good-luck-dim-sumGood Luck Dim Sum
You need the luck for the line...

Another Clement Street gem, Good Luck offers delicious Dim Sum at very reasonable prices... the line can be a bit of an issue, especially on the weekends. (see more)

hot-cookieHot Cookie
C is for Cookie, that's good enough for me

In addition to serving up delicious (and hot!) cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes (including male genitalia), HC immortalizes past cookie-binges-in-the-Castro with photos on the wall!  (see more)

humphry-slocombeHumphry Slocombe
Come quickly?

What do milk, sugar, cream, cornflakes and bourbon make? (see more)

in-n-out-burgerIn-n-Out Burger
A taste of Southern California

While relatively new in San Francisco, In-n-Out has a long history► (by California standards) in Southern California and its simple menu, low prices, no advertising and purportedly healthy ingredients combine to generate fiercely loyal cult-members... err, customers :) (see more)

justin-herman-plazaJustin Herman Plaza

A popular lunch spot at the nexus of Downtown and the Embarcadero corridor, JHP also hosts Critical Mass, an Arts and Crafts Market, and an ice skating rink (during the winter holidays) among other activities. (see more)

kasa-indianKasa Indian
Mi kasa

The preferred Castro lunch location of Sutro worker bees Tobin and Kevin, Kasa regularly hosts a lively night scene as well! (see more)

kennedys-irish-pub-and-indian-curry-houseKennedy's Irish Pub & Indian Curry House

At the north end of North Beach (close to Fisherman's Wharf), Kennedy's vibes dive - but the selection of draft is strong and the kitchen is open until 1am :) (see more)

kezar-pubKezar Pub
Irish bar + baseball

On the edge of the Golden Gate Park and the Haight-Ashbury district, Kezar carves its own niche among sports fans and players in local sports leagues... it is reliably crowded► during Giants and 49ers games, but can get busy at any time. (see more)

king-of-thai-noodle-houseKing of Thai Noodle House
Sometimes the king is really the king...

In a city of excellent Thai food, the King of Thai excels at both delicious and cheap.  The original location is on Clement street (Richmond district), and the next location... is also on Clement street, about 4 blocks away - it's that good! (see more)

la-boulange-bakeryLa Boulange Bakery
Paris of the West

There's just something about serving delicious French-style pastries, egg dishes, sandwiches and salads at reasonable prices that people seem to like :) (see more)

little-star-pizzaLittle Star Pizza
Like it thick??

Deep-dish, Chicago-style, whatever-you-call-it, Little Star serves the best lasagna-style pizza in SF :) (see more)

luna-parkLuna Park
Moon or bust

Desserts and drinks - especially scotch - put the sparkle on a solid menu.  Walking in can work, but reservations are advisable for this Mission destination.  It's hard to go wrong ordering and the staff are extremely helpful. (see more)

magnolia-pub-and-breweryMagnolia Pub & Brewery
Come for the beer, stay for the beer...

On the short-list of SF brewers and one of the better places to get a drink in Haight-Ashbury, Magnolia also offers lunch (brunch on weekends!) and dinner in a booths + bar layout, with outdoor seating. (see more)

metreonMetreon
All your Metreon are belong to us

Like a mall, without many stores - the Metreon does have a 15 screen movie theater (including the largest IMAX screen in the world), a video arcade, a food court and a smattering of other stores and attractions. (see more)

mission-beach-cafeMission Beach Café
Good morning!

A bright corner location (in a bright neighborhood) with boldy flavorful food, Blue Bottle coffee, delicious (and large) mimosas, gourmet pastries►... and a massive line! Reservations? (see more)

mission-pieMission Pie
Sweet, savory, or one of each (!)

An urban offshoot of Pie Ranch in Pescadero, Mission Pie's commitment to sustainability, local produce and community involvement roots in SF's social entrepreneurship camp. (see more)

monks-kettleMonk's Kettle
Monks gone thirsty!

Offering a hearty selection of delectable brews and a kitchen that's open until 1am (limited menu after 11:30) - the Kettle is a low risk stop for anyone vibing pub in the Mission. (see more)

nopalitoNopalito
Nopa, Nopales, Nopalito

Nominally, a play on NOPA, "North of Panhandle", and Nopales, a prickly pear cactus/vegetable - Nopalito's "sustainable organic mexican kitchen" hits on flavor too :) (see more)

north-beachNorth Beach
No beach - but a great party!

The aroma of Italy still wafts through this old quartiere... now infused with teams of hard partying "youngsters" :) (see more)

outerlandsOuterlands
Civilizing the Wild West

Combining artisan local food including baked-onsite bread, Sightglass coffee and specialty cocktails (+ beer and wine) with a cabin-by-the-sea vibe, Outerlands is one of the Outer Sunset's biggest draws. (see more)

pancho-villa-taqueriaPancho Villa Taqueria
If Pancho could see us now...

Assembly-line burrito construction, harsh lighting, formica tabletops and an overall cafeteria vibe only heighten the lively atmosphere of Mission denizens tanking up for a hard days night! (see more)

paulines-pizzaPauline's Pizza
From the ground up... the way pizza was meant to be :)

Fresh dough, grow-it-in-themselves vegetables, thin crusts (!?)... and a can't-miss wine list put Pauline's in it's own category. (see more)

piccinoPiccino
Pizza + Eggs = Delicious!

A deluxe Dogpatch restaurant with adjoining coffee bar (Sightglass Coffee + delicious pastries) Piccino serves some of the best thin crust pizza around - and like it's beefy low end step cousin In-n-Out Burger - the secret menu is the way to go with the secret being..... eggs on pizza!? :) (see more)

pier-23Pier 23
Party on the Pier

The frumpy shack on the eponymous Pier 23 hosts diner food and drinks on the bay when the Fog relents and an active schedule of live music at night. (see more)

pizzeria-delfinaPizzeria Delfina

Bookend-ed by Bi-Rite Creamery and Tartine Bakery in one of the Mission's (and SF's) tastiest blocks, Pizzeria Delfina is a thin-crust pizza-lover's hearthrob... with outdoor seating in a great people-watching spot and first rate wine/brew options :) (see more)

puerto-alegrePuerto Alegre
Introducing little Margaret...

Margaritas and a lively Alegre atmosphere put the sparkle on large tasty Mexican dishes a stone's throw from the busiest corner in the Mission (16th and Valencia) and next to Blondie's.  There are (many) cheaper Mexican options around - eg, Pancho Villa, Taqueria Cancun, El Farolito, El Metate and the Tamale Lady - but many fewer restaurants, Tommy's (similarly old-school), Nopalito and Colibrí (both modern) are notable exceptions. (see more)

r-and-g-loungeR & G Lounge
Digging to China

Delicious Chinese food (especially seafood) in a lively warm subterranean dining room with large family style seating keeps folks coming back for more. (see more)

rainbow-groceryRainbow Grocery
What Marx intended

Packing delicious organic vegetables (with samples), bulk► grains, local products (eg, TCHO chocolate), exotic supplements and piles of customers into a not-quite-supersized building often makes for a cozy and exciting grocery experience. (see more)

reds-java-houseRed's Java House
Simple building, simple pleasures

In the shadow of modernity and the Bay Bridge, Red's Java House serves cheap burgers on the bay and enjoys an avid following among Downtown refugees. (see more)

revolution-cafeRevolution Cafe
Viva la Mocha

Tasty food, liquor license, art, sunlit patio - check! (see more)

san-francisco-centreSan Francisco Centre
Shoppers delight

San Francisco's primary upscale shopping location. Stonestown Galleria is the only other mall within the city, and it's much smaller. (see more)

smitten-ice-creamSmitten Ice Cream
Prepare for smiting!

The robotic "Kelvin" pushes gourmet ice cream to new heights by spinning fresh local ingredients (eg, TCHO chocolate) at sub-zero (liquid nitrogen) temperatures! (see more)

sourceSource
Vegetarians Delight

Mashing locally sourced ingredients, an easy-to-love menu -  eg, truffle oil on pizza (!) - and a Burning Man aesthetic (tent-patio in front!)... recently-opened Source breaks new ground on the SF dining scene in a food-wise sparse section of SOMA. (see more)

sparkys-dinerSparky's Diner
24/7

A pretty good worst case option, Sparky's provides alcohol-absorbing diner food at all hours!  Seated between the Mission and the Castro - the after hours scene varies and is often crowded. (see more)

swensens-ice-creamSwensen's Ice Cream
Parlor up cowboy

The first Swensen's Ice Cream parlour opened in 1948 and is still rocking Russian Hill. (see more)

taqueria-cancunTaqueria Cancun
Mission hotspot

Climbers, drinkers, clubbers and other belly-minded junkies pack themselves into this little Mission joint for an authentic taste of... Cancun? (see more)

tartine-bakeryTartine Bakery
Preferred by 9 out of 10 Mission hipsters

Critically renowned (and tasty!) pastries with a line out the door frequently make for gastrological dissonance at this Mission hot spot. Good things await those who wait. (see more)

the-rampThe Ramp
Come for the view, stay for the view...

Sitting on SF's last truly industrial waterfront in the Dogpatch, The Ramp serves diner food beside an expanse of bay, sailboats, massive ship repairs... and beer :) (see more)

tommys-mexican-restaurantTommy's Mexican Restaurant
Old school Mexican

Self-billed as the "World's Best Tequila Bar" (Colibrí may disagree), Tommy's has been cranking out margaritas and meals since birth in 1965 by a Yucatecan couple (Tommy and Elmy) - it is still family run. (see more)

top-of-the-markTop of the Mark
Staying on top...

Providing 19th-floor eyegasmic views in every direction (when Fog cooperates), the Top of the Mark has been delighting guests since 1939.  The drinks are expensive... but, considerably cheaper than a room at the Mark Hopkins hotel :) (see more)

tourist-clubTourist Club
Beer drinkers unite

Nestled in the woods with views of Mt Tamalpais, delicious brews, and nose-waking barbecues, the Tourist Club (also known as the "German Tourist Club") provides delightfully transporting afternoons! (see more)

toy-boat-dessert-cafeToy Boat Dessert Café
Tired of adulthood?

Serving local "Double Rainbow" ice cream and a variety of other desserts (plus beverages, bagels and sandwiches) in a playful ice cream parlor atmosphere, Toy Boat delights! (see more)

tu-lanTu Lan
Tenderloin's greatest hits

A large delicious menu and similar portions propels this dive-joint from the heart of the Tenderloin into the hearts of the hungry. (see more)

zeitgeistZeitgeist
A zeitgeist of bikes, beers and burgers

The biggest (and warmest!) of SF watering holes, Zeitgeist hosts a great sun-powered party► in the Mission and a prime spot to catch the Tamale Lady and her husky delights. (see more)