There is no shortage of places to dine out in San Francisco, really — the most recent tally puts the number of restaurants in the city at 4,415. This figure has definitely dropped since the pandemic, but regardless, the amount of options are crippling.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s upwards of $300, that exists. Or if you’re looking for amazing dim sum that clocks in below $3, you can find that, as well.
Our methodology was to find a sweet spot, places that could do it all. Somewhere with superb food, first off, but also restaurants that could work for friend outings, dates, work meals, and more. That said, these are our San Francisco Best Dinner winners selected by our editors — look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.
Feature Photo: AL’s Place
In and Around Downtown:
Embarcadero, Fidi, Union Square, Chinatown
Korean
Full Bar | Private Party Room
If you’re after an innovative fine dining experience, this new Union Square opening brings an already celebrated Los Angeles Restaurant to a massive 6,500 square foot space on Ellis Street. ABSteak will offer an elevated combination of Korean flavors and American steakhouse service to the city’s vibrant dining scene from globally acclaimed Korean Chef Akira Back.
124 Ellis St, Union Square, 415.421.9014
Seafood
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Take a seat by the wood burning hearth and gaze upon stunning waterfront views at this Michelin-starred restaurant. With a menu focused on the local bounty of the sea, you can expect to find anything from grilled sea bass with a chili crisp to paper-thin bigeye tuna tartare, but the food changes based on what’s fresh and what’s in season, so you’ll get something different every time. Additionally, there’s an impressive wine cellar with everything from Burgundy to nearby Napa.
132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, 415.872.9442
French
Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
This long-awaited waterfront restaurant at the Embarcadero brings French bistro eats to the Bay Area, but with a bit of creativity. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch is served, so visit at all times of day to sample the selection of meals from each menu. There’s also an expansive drinks menu with housemade cocktails, a vast variety of wine and more.
Pier 3, Ste 102, San Francisco, 415.969.0655
Chinese
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Private Party Room
China Live is a sleek, modern combination restaurant and market that is reminiscent of some of the upscale dining halls found in cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong. The restaurant features a daily changing seasonal menu that infuses Chinese and Western traditions: expect to find extensive dumpling offerings, barbecue from their earthen oven and many, many more refined dishes from across China. Besides the main dining area, the retail store is filled with Asian spices, sauces and condiments curated by Chef Chen and his wife-partner Cindy Wong-Chen, and for those looking just for a drink, there is an opulent cold drinks bar upstairs.
644 Broadway, Chinatown, 415.788.8188
Chinese
Grab ‘n Go | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Chef Ho, a Michelin-starred chef, brings his years of experience working in the world’s most renowned Asian restaurants to Empress by Boon, the latest Chinatown gem. With a prix fix menu at $98 a person, you’ll experience a full range of flavors with dishes like Scallop and Caviar Rolls, Crispy Squid Donuts, Iberico Pork Xiao Long Bao, and more. Pair your dish with either their optional wine pairings or Asian-inspired cocktails. Dedicated to giving back to the community, each night, Chef Ho offers one table to a Bay Area healthcare worker to enjoy a complementary prix fix dinner for two at the restaurant’s bar or tea lounge.
838 Grant Ave, Chinatown, 415.757.0728
American
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar
Few things are more quintessentially San Francisco than a pier view from the Embarcadero, and the quality of the food at this well-placed eatery more than holds its own against the quality of the ambiance. One of their signatures is The Hawaiian, a juicy cut of ribeye steak with pineapple-soy-ginger marinade and a side of fries – perfect for soaking up every last drop of delicious sauce. Do make sure to have a reservation, as Hillstone’s popularity can result in long wait times for those that haven’t called ahead.
1800 Montgomery St, San Francisco, 415.392.9280
Pizza
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room
Joyride Pizza recently opened its flagship location on the Embarcadero at Pier 1 next to the Ferry Building in July. Featuring brews from local breweries like Barebottle Brew Co, loaded pizza pies and expanded late-night hours, this pizza place is a go-to for a pre-ballgame munch. They do not accept reservations.
Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, 415.295.2914
Wine Bar
Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome
Key Klub advertises itself as a place to “Eat, drink, and party” and it’s got the menu and venue to live up to that hype. With various flavor twists to classics like their grilled cheese with pumpkin seed pesto or sourdough french toast with duck liver mousse, every bite is guaranteed to be as unique as it is delicious. Their menu is constantly changing to further entice you to keep coming back. They do not accept reservations.
850 Bush St, San Francisco, 415.494.9425
Peruvian
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
With a beautiful waterfront location and an emphasis on fresh seafood, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana takes a deep dive into Peruvian cebiches, tiraditos and nigiris (Peruvian-style sushi). There are so many tempting choices: classic cebiche made with the fresh catch of the day in leche de tigre with red onion, habanero, corn and sweet potatoes; ahi tuna nigiri; a flavorful mix of prawns, octopus, scallops, the catch of the day and potatoes; and even four different types of empanadas. Can’t decide? Go for the tasting menu, served family style, and don’t forget to order a pisco sour.
Pier 1 1/2 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, 415.397.8880
Hawaiian
Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Hawaiian-born Ravi Kapur named the restaurant Liholiho Yacht Club to honor his uncle’s beach pop-up on Maui that had great local food, music, and fun with Ohana — which means “family” in Hawaiian. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind dishes like fat rice noodles with bacon, cabbage, fermented black bean sauce, and the delectables coconut turmeric fried chicken with fermented cabbage salt. The drinks are all winners, but our money is on the Okinawan Sour.
871 Sutter St, Lower Nob Hill
Chinese
Full Bar | Private Party Room
Tucked away in a Chinatown alley, the restaurant has the vibe of a posh club with traditional Chinese flair, i.e. modern lazy-Susans. But about the food. Light and teeming with flavor, opt for the chilled beef tendon with Stemple Creek Beef Chow Fun garlic chives, scallions, bean sprouts and horseradish. If the hour-long prep time isn’t a turn off, the Liberty Farm roast duck will (lovingly) haunt you in your dreams.
28 Waverly Place, Chinatown, 415.857.9688
Italian
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly
For classic pizza and pasta, you can’t go wrong with Nob Hill Cafe. They might not have the most extensive menu, but every single dish has been perfected and is sure to blow you away. Their classic margarita pizza is far from plain with the numerous customization options available, and gnocchi bolognese is simply to die for. Their low-lit and romantic atmosphere makes it a perfect date spot, and they also make it easy to grab some takeout if you’re in a hurry. They do not accept reservations.
1152 Taylor St, San Francisco, 415.776.6500
French
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Private Party Room
ONE65 is a unique and elevated French experience – literally, as each floor of the building you ascend provides something different. Downstairs you can enjoy their all-day breakfast and pastries, from dainty macarons to opera cake. Make your way up to their casual bistro, serving everything from creamy Maine Lobster bisque to roasted chicken breast complete with fingerling potatoes and white asparagus. Above is a contemporary bar and lounge for classic cocktails, and at the top floor is O’, their fine dining restaurant with an impressive 12 course tasting menu and various wine pairings.
165 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, 415.814.8888
Greek
Happy Hour
The Parthenon serves Greek cuisine with an expansive menu of appetizers, pita sandwiches and more. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their Mediterranean wines, too, for a fully immersive experience.
582 Sutter St, San Francisco, 415.400.4405
Mediterranean
Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
For a taste of classic, old-school San Francisco, look no further than the Post Room. The elegant dining room in the Beacon Grand lies right in the heart of Union Square, its dark wood walls, golden accents, and signature fireplace transporting you back in time while you sip on a martini or an old fashioned. Come for a bottomless mimosa brunch or a farm-to-table dinner with a wine pairing highlighting some of California’s finest vintners. Ensure you make a reservation in advance, as they don’t take walk-ins.
450 Powell St, Union Square, 415.944.4600
In or Around Fisherman’s Wharf:
Ghiradelli Square, Russian Hill, North Beach
Mediterranean
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating
Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen is a “fine-casual” restaurant that serves authentic Turkish cuisine. With a location in Russian Hill and others around the Bay Area, you can get a delicious, homemade style mediterranean meal with fresh ingredients. The fan-favorite is Moussaka, which is a Mediterranean lasagna with eggplant, potato, zucchini, greens and crispy lavash. They do not accept reservations.
2164 Polk St, San Francisco, 415.655.3340
Filipino
Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Located inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel, Abacá serves as a love letter to husband-and-wife co-owners Francis and Dian Ang’s Filipino roots. Francis, named a Rising Star Chef by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2018, divided the menu into four sections that showcase a range of Filipino- and California-influenced flavors: skewered, grilled bites like curried shrimp with beet relish; small plates like a pork lumpia salad; rice and noodle dishes, including fried rice with chicharron, poached egg and pickled onion; and larger plates such as black cod in coconut and pine broth with maitake mushrooms and purple daikon radish. The beverage program includes a tightly focused wine list that pairs perfectly with the food, along with creative cocktails like the lavender-hued Ube-Colada, a blend of Bacardi Cuatro, pineapple and ube-coconut cream.
2700 Jones St, San Francisco, 415.486.0788
On or Around Fillmore St.:
Fillmore, Japantown, Pacific Heights
Japanese
The mysterious Sobakatsu restaurant, located in a 600-square foot spot near Japantown, is the only restaurant in San Francisco dedicated to making fresh soba noodles. The owners are dedicated to delivering the freshest, highest quality noodles to their customers, going as far as to source their premium buckwheat flour from a farm in Maine. They do not accept reservations.
1700 Laguna St, San Francisco
Brazilian
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome
The newly opened Boto is a rooftop restaurant showcasing the vibrant and diverse flavors of Brazilian cuisine complemented by an exquisite cocktail menu and a carefully curated wine list. The decor speaks for itself: an indoor dining area and spectacular outdoor rooftop bar evokes a lush Amazon rainforest, with rich greenery and South American flair. Weekends will transform the space into a lively club with music, dancing and crafted cocktails.
1853 Union St, San Francisco, 415.655.9096
Thai
Full Bar | Private Party Room
Hed 11 is bringing the bold, spicy flavors of authentic Thai food to the heart of Japantown. This restaurant offers an 11-course tasting menu, rotating seasonally to keep things fresh.
1800 Sutter St, San Francisco, 415.849.6809
Wine Bar
Outdoor Seating | Brunch
Camino Alto is one of the city’s best kept secrets, serving California cuisine with Mexican influences. Owner Josh Copeland has spent years building relationships with local farmers and purveyors, making it a priority to highlight the quality of each ingredient in simple yet standout seasonal dishes. Camino Alto’s all-natural wine list has a strong European focus and effortlessly complements the restaurant’s cuisine from weekend brunch and lunch to dinner service.
1715 Union St, San Francisco, 415.441.2111
Seafood
Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room
This wine and seafood bar is all about shellfish from small, traditionally-minding producers, avoiding factory farms or overfishing practices. Sample their meyer lemon miso clams and chili lime scallop tartare, or eat your fill of oysters from the raw bar. As the name suggests, they also have anchovies as you’ve never seen them before, like their anchovy toast with smashed peas and mint. For those with a sweet tooth, they also have a pastry kitchen churning out all the carmelized arlettes and anchovy-coconut-cashew crumble that your heart desires.
1740 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, 415.796.2710
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room
Acclaimed Chef Melissa Perello opened her second restaurant, Octavia, to highlight her commitment to sustainability and her passion for the Bay Area’s fresh ingredients. Watch the chefs expertly toss pans and plate dishes in the open kitchen while you relax in the dining room with its 19th century masonry and framework. On one hand you have fresh sweetwater oysters, royal caviar, and spring trout, while on the other you have hearty duck breast with apricot and Flannery Beef picanha. Finish it off with some brown butter friand and no diner will go home hungry or dissatisfied.
1701 Octavia St, San Francisco, 415.408.7507
Californian
Full Bar | Private Party Room
San Francisco’s thespians remember the original Progress Theatre that first opened in 1911, but foodies know of how it was revamped into The Progress restaurant, which threw open its doors in 2014. It quickly began collecting a long list of accolades, including the honor of becoming one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Family-style is encouraged here, so you can try a bite of absolutely everything, whether that’s their local halibut crudo with cherry aguachile, guinea hen schnitzel with a Pleasant Ridge cheese fondue, or even pig head accompanied by apricot & chile fish sauce for the more daring in the party.
1525 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 415.673.1294
Californian
Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room
State Bird Provisions began back in 2011 as a recipe for serving quail and has since then evolved into the Michelin star restaurant it is today. Its ever-changing menu keeps diners coming back to see what seasonal provisions will be on offer, from seared ahi with spicy avocado sauce in June to wagyu carpaccio toast in January. With its reputation as the most affordable Michelin restaurant, you can experience the best of the best without wincing when the bill arrives.
1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 415.795.1272
In or Around the Mission:
Mission District, Noe Valley
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Private Party Room
It’s said that we’re a mosaic of everyone we’ve loved, and truthfully, also of everywhere we’ve ever worked. For Chef Brandon Rice, the mosaic is about as vast and esteemed as it gets. After stints overseas at Noma — that’s widely accepted as one of the world’s best restaurants — and stateside at Coi (RIP) and Michelin-starred Rich Table, Rice struck out to helm his own restaurant, Ernest. Living up to his credo of thinking globally but cooking locally, Rice elevates humble ingredients like corn, featuring the surprising versatile vegetable in the form of mustard-hued reduction and individually-fried tempura kernels. Guests will encounter thoughtfulness and innovation throughout the entire dining experience, making the restaurant’s presence of countless “best-of” lists easily understood.
1890 Bryant Street, Suite 100, The Mission, 415.829.2961
Chinese
Grab ‘n Go
From the owners of the recently-closed, legendary Chinatown staple Hing Lung, known for its roasted Cantonese duck, comes Go Duck Yourself. Eric and Simon Cheung’s new restaurant still serves up the classic dry-aged duck and pork cuts already popular at Hing Lung with some new menu additions like dim sum, chow mein and oyster fritters. They do not accept reservations.
439 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, 415.963.1222
Asian Fusion
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar
One step inside colorful Good Good Culture Club, helmed in the kitchen by Liholiho Yacht Club chef Ravi Kapur and a diverse and talented team, and you know you’re in for a treat. The scent of aromatic and inventive dishes that take a cue from all over Asia fills the room, like catfish, manilla clams, kohlrabi, blue lake beans and cilantro bathed in house-made green curry, or ribeye “yakitori” smothered in five-spice glaze with pickled red onion, bean sprouts and Thai basil. There are plenty of choices here that are gluten-free, veg, vegan and dairy-free, too though, like the crispy rice salad with delicata squash, red curry vinaigrette, sunflower seeds and dill. Order one of the beautifully executed tropical cocktails infused with ingredients like yuzu liqueur, guava and sour plum to accompany your meal, and save room for the tres leches cake made with coconut milk and embellished with kabocha mousse, citrus marmalade, five-spice honeycomb and pepitas. The lush rooftop garden is an added perk.
3560 18th Street, San Francisco
Mediterranean
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Take a seat in this industrial chic restaurant and enjoy the foreign films screened against the covered patio wall, providing a one of a kind ambiance. The indoor dining room is beautiful as well, with funky hanging lights and a warm color palette, making you right at home as you nibble on fresh oysters on the half shell. Don’t miss out on their saffron risotto galettes with spiced baby carrots or the pork chop brined with lavender, and make sure to check their menu to see what film will be accompanying your meal that evening.
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, 415.648.7600
Japanese
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly
When you step into Rintaro, you’ll find yourself transported to a Tokyo izakaya, right down to the cozy atmosphere and Japanese-inspired architecture. For those in the mood for something cool and raw, order the sashimi plate for two to sample mouthwateringly fresh fish. If you’re craving something filling, go for the hand rolled udon in various broths or even as a carbonara. And for something truly classic, order some of their many charcoal grilled skewers — negima, chicken thigh and onion, is an izakaya staple for a reason.
82 14th St, San Francisco, 415.589.7022
Korean
Private Party Room
You can’t have a good barbeque without good fuel, and SAN HO WON’s lychee wood charcoal grills elevate any cut of meat to perfection. Beyond their fan-loved barbeque, they also have green onion pancakes with blood sausage, seasonal vegetable bibimbap, and grilled mackerel filets. But of course, you simply must get the house galbi or glazed pork ribs or any of the other marinated and masterfully prepared meat options. End your meal with a slice of dalgona cheesecake or soft serve ice cream.
2170 Bryant St, San Francisco, 415.868.4479
American
Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Full Bar
True Laurel’s chic black exterior opens up into bright white walls and funky blue accents, giving the restaurant a contemporary feel and casual vibe. Come by for brunch to taste their grilled cheese omelette sandwich that practically oozes molten hot cheesy goodness, or head there for dinner if you’re dying to try their popular crispy hen of the woods mushrooms. They’re also known as one of the city’s best cocktail bars, so even if you’re not in the mood for a sit down dinner, don’t rule this place out for a fun night.
753 Alabama St, San Francisco, 415.341.0020
Near Golden Gate Park:
Cole Valley, Haight, Richmond, Sunset
Peruvian
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Following the success of the Michelin-starred La Costanera in Half Moon Bay, Chef Carlos Altamirano, who owns a number of Latino restaurants across the Bay Area, has just opened Altamirano, a modern Peruvian restaurant, the eighth in his long list of eateries. With a spacious modern interior and some innovative dishes, this is going to be a popular new foodie destination for sure.
1775 Fulton St, San Francisco, 415.947.7007
Middle Eastern
Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
After a three-year closure, Chef Mourad Lahlou reopened Aziza at the end of 2019 to the delight of foodies everywhere. With a stunning new look and refreshed menu that paid homage to what made the Michelin-star restaurant a stand out, the culinary team concocted a fresh take on Morroccan spices and flavors. Not to be missed: the kefta meatballs with grape, cucumber, za’atar and black sesame, and the braised lamb shank with farro verde, grilled green onion, prunes and herb salad.
5800 Geary Boulevard, Outer Richmond, 415.682.4196
Middle Eastern
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome
Few things warm the soul quite like Arabic comfort foods, and Beit Rima’s halloumi, hummus, and hand-kneaded bread are guaranteed to put a smile on your face by the end of your filling meal. The Mezze Sampler is a favorite with its mix of fire-roasted pepper muhammara, baba ganoush garnished with mint, and lebna with za’atar yogurt. Grab your plate at the counter and grab a seat at one of the many indoor tables or the outdoor dining area. While there’s sometimes a wait, the service is speedy and the atmosphere is more casual, so the line always moves quickly. They do not accept reservations.
138 Church St, & 86 Carl St, San Francisco, 415.703.0270 / 415.566.1274
Italian
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Private Party Room
With a menu that celebrates California cooking and Mediterranean flavors, Pearl 6101 changes things up regularly, often introducing new dishes to keep diners coming back. Starters may include the chicory caesar with crispy prosciutto, or a roasted Cauliflower with black tahini hummus, while pastas and mains on offer have included handkerchief pasta with white bolognese and seared scallops served with butter bean and spinach ragout. Finish off your meal with deserts like the irresistible sticky date cake accompanied with vanilla bean ice cream, compressed pears and toffee sauce. Drinks to match hail from many local producers.
6101 California St, San Francisco, 415.592.9777
In or Near Civic Center:
Hayes Valley, Castro
Spanish
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Brunch
With a curated tapas menu, Canela is the perfect place to take a group of friends for a leisurely evening. Try everything on the menu from their lollipop lamb chops to their stuffed piquillo peppers, and make sure to enjoy what their extensive wine menu has to offer. Grab a glass of champagne or rosé for a celebratory meal. For those under 21, they also have a selection of fancy, non-alcoholic bubblies.
2272 Market St, San Francisco, 415.552.3000
American
Outdoor Seating
The moment you take your first bite at Frances, it’ll become obvious why the restaurant has won so many accolades, including a prized Michelin star. Start your meal with a fresh slice of their housemade sourdough slathered in cultured butter or dipped in Sicilian olive oil, before moving on to Campanelle tossed in zucchini pesto or black cod drizzled with beurre blanc. The most popular option is the chef’s tasting course, with the option to add a wine pairing selected by their own sommelier.
3870 17th St, San Francisco, 415.621.3870
Italian
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar
Hidden away behind an unassuming exterior, once you see the charming dining room or walk out into the gorgeous backyard patio filled with heat lamps and hanging lights, you’ll find yourself right at home in Poesia. Order a bowl of their Agnolotti al Plin or Tagliatelle al Ragu to enjoy their speciality; fresh pasta made in-house. Although you’ll be greeted by a menu of traditional Italian dishes, most things on the menu can be made gluten-free and there are more than a few vegetarian options.
4072 18th St, San Francisco, 415.252.9325
Japanese
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly
As much as we ramen lovers adore a hearty tonkotsu broth, sometimes you’re in the mood for something different. Nojo’s Chicken Paitan broth is a departure from the traditional, providing a rich, salty broth, perfect for the restaurant’s thicker noodles and pairing well with their spicier menu options. Their signature bowl of ramen comes with a whole chicken leg on top to provide a true showstopper. While ramen is typically fast food, Nojo isn’t, so expect a proper sitdown meal with a slightly higher price point that the quality more than justifies. They do not accept reservations.
231 Franklin St, San Francisco, 415.896.4587
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar
Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich bring over three decades of combined experience in the San Francisco and New York culinary scenes to the eponymously named Rich Table. Fan favorites include their dried porcini doughnuts, bluefin tuna toro toast, and szechuan pork schnitzel with mala aioli. And if you understandably need more, worry not, for you can take home their umami powder, RT chili crunch, or even a whole loaf of bread. They also have a reputation for welcoming staff and service that runs like clockwork.
199 Gough St, San Francisco, 415.355.9085
American
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
This casual Californian restaurant is the perfect stop for those looking to indulge in some comfort meals made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Try their Starbelly bacon pizza with a side of crispy brussel sprouts, or their vegan mushroom pot pie for the non meat-eaters.
3583 16th St, San Francisco, 415.252.7500
American
Full Bar | Private Party Room
For a unique twist on your dining experience, Xebec fuses Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines. Give their Hamachi Sashimi a try, paired with green olive tapenade for the ode to the Mediterranean. Have your meal with one of their creative cocktails, or stick to the classics, but perfected.
131 Gough St, San Francisco, 415.266.7798
Near AT&T Park and Chase Center:
Dogpatch, SOMA
Italian
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Private Party Room
Che Fico has been an established restaurant for a while now, and they’ve recently opened Che Fico Pizzeria near the Chase Center in response to community adoration for their pizza. This new joint’s menu still also has their beloved salads and sandwiches, but the pies are certainly the star of this show.
1 Warriors Way Suite 300, San Francisco, 415.655.9675
Japanese-Peruvian
Happy Hour | Full Bar
Kaiyo Restaurant or Kaiyo Peruvian Nikkei, Nikkei referring to the Japanese diaspora, explores the fusion of flavors between Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. Located in the Hyatt Hotel, Kaiyo Restaurant serves a variety of fresh-ingredient dishes, from grilled Waygu to cold ceviche.
701 3rd St, Floor 1 San Francisco, 415.800.8141
Indian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Besharam is tucked away inside the Minnesota Street Project, a bright and contemporary art space, providing the perfect backdrop for its bright Indian cuisine influenced by chef Heena Patel’s childhood in Gujarat. Familiar favorites like the hearty mango chutney sit next to the lesser-known Sambhar with lemongrass and coconut or the Gatte besan pasta with a chili honey drizzle. Not sure what to get? Give their tasting menu a try and sample the best of the best.
1275 Minnesota St, San Francisco, 415.580.7662
In or Near Presidio:
Cow Hollow, Marina, Presidio Heights
Greek
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome
With its home base in the Marina District, Milos Meze shares authentic Greek cuisine, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients for a richly inviting meal and experience. Find classic spreads like tzatziki or melitzanosalata (eggplant based) to start off your evening.
3348 Steiner St, San Francisco, 415.655.9967
Indian
Full Bar | Private Party Room
Newly on the Michelin guide, Tiya incorporates an inventive California touch to traditional Indian cuisine. With an incredible tasting menu and superb wine pairings, this place is definitely worth a try for your next date night.
3213 Scott St, San Francisco, 415.400.8500
Chinese
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Private Party Room
Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon of Empress by Boon and team have opened their newest venture, Blue Whale, in the heart of Cow Hollow, bringing the best of Asian cuisines made with seasonal ingredients to a lush garden setting. Don’t miss the delightfully tangy and crispy pumpkin puffs, the melt-in-your-mouth grilled wagyu beef and the Iberico Ham Shanghai Xiao Long Bao — a delectable twist on a classic dim sum.
2033 Union St, Cow Hollow, 415.5926009
Italian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar
A hit that hasn’t waned since it opened in the neighborhood in 2010, crowds flock to Delarosa — there’s always at least a 20-minute wait — for the Roman-style pizza, easily shareable small plates like the burrata bruschetta and consistently great wines. It’s proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge makes it a popular spot with tourists, but you’re bound to see plenty of locals and their designer pups at the tables outside.
2175 Chestnut St, The Marina, 415.673.7100
Italian
Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Brunch | Full Bar
From the iconic 87-year-old San Francisco institution, Original Joe’s, comes the new(ish) Little Original Joe’s, located in the Marina District. Unlike its sister counterpart in West Portal, which is operated like a takeout counter, the new Chestnut Street location is a full sitdown restaurant. Though the restaurant opened in late May, the restaurant’s popularity hasn’t slowed down — if the walk-in lines outside its door are any indication. The restaurant now offers limited six-people reservations, so grab some pals and secure your table!
2301 Chestnut St, San Francisco, 415.712.1895
1 thought on “Best Dinner in San Francisco”
Those prawns at Blue Whale…. yes please!