I thought my Chicago trip was a foodie dream but San Francisco restaurants were very good at convincing me otherwise. It was a leisure trip for the Re:Make Conference and I was excited to experience as many San Francisco sights and eats as possible. I ate as much as I could! [Edit: I made a return trip to San Francisco a month later and added my favorite eats from that trip also!]
Here are some San Francisco eats I enjoyed and recommend.
Mr. Holmes Bakeshop
While their cute sign may be the most recognizable part of this small bakery, their baked goods shouldn’t be counted out! They’re known for their cromuffin but you need to line up before they open to get one! I arrived an hour later and they were already sold out. I had a chocolate croissant instead and it was very satisfying. Crispy, flakey, and chocolatey.
$
1042 Larkin Street, San Francisco 94109
Website: http://www.mrholmesbakehouse.com/
Quick Summary: Delicious pastries galore! Cromuffin and their infamous neon sign.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
If you love seafood, this is the place to visit! The company, with multiple locations in California, is focused on cultivating high-quality oysters sustainably. After trying three different kind of oysters, it’s clear their selection is one of the finest. My friend Patrick and I also enjoyed Crispy Anchovies, Tuna Crudo and Mussels and Fries. When I go back, I want to try their popular clam chowder. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and the service was top-notch. They have outdoor seating at the Ferry Building location, which was very nice that sunny San Francisco day!
$$
The San Francisco location is at the Ferry Building. They also have locations in Marshall and Napa.
Website: https://hogislandoysters.com
Quick Summary: Great seafood selection. Get the oysters!
Humphry Slocombe
Ice cream! They are known for their interesting flavors. Hibiscus Beet Sorbet, Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, Secret Breakfast, and more. It got hot walking around San Francisco, so I enjoyed a Lemon Sorbet at the Ferry Building location.
$
Three locations in San Francisco: Ferry Building, Mission Bay and Mission District
Website: http://www.humphryslocombe.com/
Quick Summary: ice cream is a great treat after a hot day!
Gott’s Roadside
This restaurant is known for its American classics – burgers, fries, and shakes. For me, it was a quick swirled soft serve ice cream dessert. The perfect ending to a yummy time at the Ferry Building Marketplace!
$
San Francisco location is in the Ferry Building Marketplace
Website: http://gotts.com/
Quick Summary: Vanilla and Chocolate soft serve ice cream
Lers Ros Thai
I was recommended this Thai restaurant by multiple people and I’m so glad I made it! My lovely hosts, Tinna and Ryan, and I enjoyed a selection of four dishes: Yum Woon Sen (spicy silver noodles with ground pork), Moo Prik Khing (Pork stirk-fried with green beans), beef fried rice and mussels.
$$
Three locations in San Francisco
Website: http://lersros.com/
Quick Summary: Tasty, authentic Thai food
Sushirrito
What do you get when you combine sushi and a burrito? Sushirrito! A burrito-sized sushi roll with seaweed, rice and your choice of “fillings.” I really enjoyed the Mayan Dragon with Crispy Chicken Katsu. They also have rolls with raw yellowtail and tuna and cooked salmon, shrimp tempura, beef, pork belly and eggplant.
$
Four locations in San Francisco
Website: http://www.sushirrito.com/
Quick Summary: Burrito-sized sushi rolls; Great spot for a quick lunch
Craftsman & Wolves
This patisserie was on my to-try list but they ended up catering the Re:Make Conference breakfast! I did pass by as I was exploring the Mission District and it’s very cute. The Strawberry muffin with cream cheese filling (yes, inside the muffin) was my favorite!
$
746 Valencia Street (at 18th Street)
Website: http://www.craftsman-wolves.com/
Quick Summary: Delish Pastries; Unique flavors; Also have sandwich, soup and salad items for lunch
Susiecakes
This cute, baby blue bakery has a ton of baked goods options. I went for a vanilla/vanilla mini cupcake and was delighted.
$
Many locations in Northern and Southern California; In SF: on Chestnut in the Marina District
Website https://www.susiecakes.com/
Quick Summary: Cupcakes!
Tartine Bakery
Yes, the wait is worth it! This very popular, award-winning bakery usually has a line but no one really minds. It’s not the prettiest place and doesn’t have a lot of seating, but the wide selection of pastries, breakfast items and sandwiches is the big draw. We enjoyed the raspberry bread pudding, veggie quiche, hibiscus tea and frangipane croissant, but the star was the morning bun. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and coated with cinnamon sugar and candied orange. YUM.
$
600 Guerrero Street or 550 Divisadero Street
Website: http://www.tartinebakery.com/
Quick Summary: Expect a wait but it’s worth it if you love pastries; Get the morning bun.
Bi-Rite Creamery
Bi-Rite’s ice cream is creamy and packed with flavor. I had to go with my favorite flavor, salted caramel, which happens to be their most popular flavor. They have lots of flavors, including seasonal flavors. In addition to regular cones, you can get sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes, and baked goods. If their products don’t win you over, they are also very focused and proactive on community!
$
3692 18th St, San Francisco
Website: http://biritecreamery.com/
Quick Summary: Great ice cream! If there’s a long line at the Bi-Rite Creamery and you don’t want to wait, you could go next door to their grocery store and buy a pint instead.
Thistle
I got to try this tasty delivery service at the Re:Make Conference. They provided superfood salads and cold-pressed juices that were top-notch! If you live in the Bay Area, you can use the special offer code “FEARLESS” to try Thistle.
$$
They are a Bay-Area delivery company so no physical location.
Website: https://www.thistle.co
Quick Summary: Amazing healthy food!
Kara’s Cupcakes
I enjoyed a lovely mini carrot cake cupcake at this bakery. It was a lovely sweet treat after walking around the Marina District.
$
Many locations in Northern California; 3249 Scott Street in the Marina District
Website: http://karascupcakes.com/
Quick Summary: Cupcakes!
farm:table
We found this spot for breakfast through Yelp one morning. We’re glad we arrived early because they had a steady line in the morning. I really enjoyed my matcha chai latte and spinach and cheese quiche. I had a few bites of boyfriend’s crispy ham and egg croissant too. Great find!
$
754 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Website: http://farmtablesf.com/
Quick Summary: Cute, small café for breakfast.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Recommended by a friend and the home of a world pizza champion, this corner spot in Little Italy was good for a quick bite, though their service was slightly lacking. We split their Little Italy salad and Wood-Fired Margherita pizza. All good!
$$
1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/
Quick Summary: Variety of pizza choices
R&G Lounge
Craving crab, we found this spot on Yelp and remembered it was recommended by a friend. It’s a bustling Chinese restaurant with a large menu. On a Monday night, we were able to get a table easily but I’ve heard there are long lines on the weekends. Fried salt and pepper crab is their signature dish and it was meaty and flavorful. We also enjoyed the Prawns with Honey and Walnuts and Mixed Vegetables.
$$
631 Kearney Street, San Francisco
Website: http://www.rnglounge.com/
Quick Summary: Popular Chinese restaurant with the food to back up their popularity
Jane
We walked past Jane one morning one the way to pick up our rental car and turned back around to get some breakfast. This cute coffee shop has a good chia pudding parfait.
$
2123 Fillmore St. and 925 Larkin St
Website: http://itsjane.com/
Quick Summary: Cute coffee shop and bakery
Brenda’s French Soul Food
The early bird gets the worm, especially on a Tuesday morning. Known for their brunch, this popular spot provided a tasty Creole spread for our breakfast. A beignet flight included four beignets with different flavors: plain, chocolate, apple cinnamon and crawfish. The potato hash is seasoned appropriately with spices of the homeland. To top it off, the shrimp and grits are everything you want in the dish: cheesy, greasy, and filling. Try their sweet watermelon ice tea if that’s your thing; I really enjoyed it.
$$
652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Website: http://frenchsoulfood.com/
Quick Summary: Great spot for New Orleans-style soul food
Comstock Saloon
After dinner, we were looking for a bar to end the night and crossed paths with this intriguing spot. The vibe is very cool, like a speakeasy, and we enjoyed the live jazz music. Their classic cocktails are strong and their fried shishito peppers were a great snack.
$
155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: http://www.comstocksaloon.com/
Quick Summary: Chill, snazzy bar with classic cocktails
I got many recommended restaurants from friends and “best of” lists and didn’t get to visit all of them. Here are some highly rated restaurants I hope to enjoy on my next trip!
- La Taqueria: http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-taqueria-san-francisco-2
- Sift Dessert Bar: http://siftdessertbar.com/
- Golden Gate Bakery: http://goldengatebakery.com/
- Roli Roti: http://www.roliroti.com/
- Burma Superstar: http://www.burmasuperstar.com/
- Pachino Pizzeria: http://www.sfpachino.com/
- Flour + Water: http://www.flourandwater.com/
For the latest San Francisco restaurant information, check out these local online resources.
What San Francisco restaurants and eats would you recommend?
Check out my recommendations for things to do in San Francisco and my San Francisco Travel Guide.
You might also like
