Best Lunch in San Francisco

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Clean Plate Club

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San Francisco, the only city and county within the state of California, packs close to 900,000 people within 49 square miles. This roughly seven-by-seven mile area is filled with hundreds of world-class destinations — SFMOMA, the de Young Museum, countless cultural and shopping districts — with equally amazing restaurants in between them to refuel at as you take in the sights.

Whether youre seeking a quick on-the-go bite or an opulent, white tablecloth affair, there is something here for every taste and budget.  These are our San Francisco Best Lunch winners, selected by our editors – look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.

Feature Photo: Souvla

In and Around Downtown:

Embarcadero, FiDi, Union Square, Chinatown

Close-up of a freshly baked pizza on a white plate. The pizza, hailed as the Best Pizza in San Francisco, has a charred, bubbly crust and is topped with a generous layer of tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. The focus is on the edge of the pizza, showcasing its texture.
Photo Courtesy of A16

The Marina favorite Italian restaurant, A16 has just opened a new location in the ferry building, and we could not be more excited. Less is definitely more with these simple-ingredient, yet tasty sandwiches that make the perfect grab and go lunch. And let me tell you, this place does not mess around with their pizza by the slice. 

A top-down view of a wooden table filled with various dishes, making it the best lunch San Francisco offers. Visible foods include clam and fish stew, green salad, meatballs in sauce, fried chicken, sushi rolls, and vegetable stir-fry. Multiple hands use chopsticks and spoons to serve themselves.
Photo Courtesy of Eringgg

138 Mason St, Union Square

415.655.9341

Although the original Bodega Bistro closed in 2017, owner Matthew Ho has evolved his family restaurant into the Bodega SF that we have today, serving up traditional North Vietnamese cuisine in the Tenderloin. Stop by for happy hour to get a bowl of vegan pho with your One Night In Saigon, an innovative mix of Hennesy and Vietnamese coffee. Or stop by for lunch or dinner to get a lemongrass pork chop with nuoc mam, and bun cha with pork belly and meatballs. 

A salad with lots of cheese and dressing.
Photo: Courtesy of Café Sebastian on Instagram

This new spot evokes the comfortable atmosphere and recognizable café menu that others of its kind typically have, but Café Sebastian’s bites are even more curated and elevated for a more refined — but still casual — experience. Indulge in a fresh pastry and a coffee to start the day, or try one of their other savory dishes.

A plate of six raw oysters on the half shell, arranged on a bed of crushed ice. Each oyster is garnished with chopped green onions, red roe, and a small tin cup of green mignonette sauce in the center. Perfectly presented for the best lunch San Francisco has to offer, all set on a wooden table.
Photo Courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co

Located in the historic San Francisco Ferry Building, In the heart of the historical Ferry Building Marketplace, Hog Island Oyster serves up fresh shellfish in front of gorgeous views of the bay. Get a mix of West and East Coast oysters to taste the differences, and follow it up with their clam chowder or delectable ceviche, paired with one of their craft cocktails. The line might be long, but it moves fast, and no matter what time you sit down, you’re going to get seafood that’s fresh off the boat

A vibrant Cambodian restaurant named Lunette, featuring colorful wall art, red pendant lights, and an open kitchen with a chef at work. The dining area has wooden tables and yellow chairs. A blue and white striped awning adds a cheerful touch. It's a must-visit spot if you're wondering where to eat in the Bay Area.
Photo Courtesy of @lunette_cambodia on Instagram
1 Ferry Plz, Ste 33, San Francisco

Despite the wealth of diverse food options available in the city, there is a serious lack of Cambodian eateries. That’s now changed thanks to Lunette, a new addition to the Ferry Building offering noodle dishes, curries and more, opened by Nite Yun of Oakland’s now-closed Nyum Bai.

A plate with a neatly arranged wedge of romaine lettuce topped with grated parmesan cheese, a slice of butter with pepper, and surrounded by four croutons. The plate is set on a wooden surface, making for one of the best lunch choices in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of One Market
1 Market St., Financial District
 
415.777.5577

With soaring windows showcase vibrant views of San Francisco’s treasured Ferry Building, Embarcadero, and Bay Bridge, and an open exhibition kitchen offering “Chef’s Table” guests a front-row seat dining experience, One Market Restaurant has set the standard for sophisticated dining in San Francisco since 1993. A wood-fired grill, multiple private dining rooms, outdoor patio, and vibrant bar further enhance the ambiance. 

A vibrant, gourmet dish featuring a base of fried tortilla topped with creamy avocado, green herbs, yellow cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, and a sprinkle of red spices—perfect for enjoying the best lunch in San Francisco—all served on a dark blue ceramic plate.
Photo Waterbar Facebook

This gorgeous red brick building sits right on the waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge. As the name promises, they have a top-notch raw bar, with oysters from all over the world, fresh dungeness crab, and tiger prawn cocktails. Make sure to check their daily featured oyster for the chef’s recommended offering. For lunch, try their steamed black mussels with risotto or go for dinner to sample their wood oven roasted petrale sole with pancetta and fennel marmalade. This is the perfect place for a birthday dinner, fancy date night, or to wine and dine work colleagues. 

In or Around Fisherman’s Wharf:

Ghirardelli Square, Russian Hill, North Beach

A bowl of clam chowder served in a bread bowl is the centerpiece of a table at a waterfront restaurant known for having the best seafood in Fisherman's Wharf. Surrounding it are fried calamari with marinara sauce, fresh oysters with lemon wedges, a bottle of Tabasco sauce, and a tall glass of beer.
Photo: Courtesy of Pier Market

39 Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf

415.915-5600

Pier Market is a tried-and-true dining establishment on Pier 39 — it was founded by the family that started the pier itself — and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Customers flock to this seafood restaurant to experience its signature mesquite-grilled seafood, and award-winning New England clam chowder

A close-up of a dining table in the Bay Area features a bottle of red wine with an artistic label, glasses of white wine, a bowl of pasta topped with basil, and several pizzas garnished with arugula and various toppings. The background reveals a red cushioned booth.
Photo Courtesy of Cafe Zoetrope

A European-style cafe in the heart of North Beach offering authentic Italian cuisine and a wide selection of Italian and California wines. Try their classic Luigino pizza, a margarita pie, or their pizza Sofia, with arugula, prosciutto and shaved parmesan. 

A freshly made sandwich with layers of deli meats, cheese, pickles, lettuce, and tomato is cut in half and displayed on a wooden surface. In the background, a person is preparing food on a counter with various ingredients scattered. It’s the best lunch San Francisco has to offer!
Photo: Courtesy Molinari Deli

While the food scene in the City can be very fickle, Molinari Delicatessen is proof that real quality outlasts hype. The deli, which serves up classic Italian sandwiches with ingredients like sweet coppa, prosciutto di Parma and Sicilian style sausage, was established in 1896, making it one of the oldest delis in the United States. If youre a fan of meatball sandwiches, theirs is a bucket list item. 

On or Around Fillmore St.:

Fillmore, Japantown, Pacific Heights

A black bowl filled with a dish consisting of crispy fried chicken, a sunny-side-up egg garnished with herbs, soba noodles, and vegetables, set on a wooden surface. The yellow yolk of the egg stands out prominently against the other ingredients—truly the best lunch in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of On the Bridge

This Japanese restaurant may seem unassuming with its smaller space, but once you walk in, you’ll find yourself in a cozy restaurant that feels just like home. Their curry rice really taps into that hearty and comfortable ambiance, with various options from tender beef, fresh scallops, or juicy chicken – you can also choose your preferred level of spice to satisfy both those who aren’t big on heat and those who want to burn their mouth off. You can also get all manner of noodles, from calamari and kimchi udon to napolitan spaghetti. 

Close-up of a juicy sandwich with a golden bun topped with black sesame seeds. The filling features thick slices of pastrami, coleslaw, and a creamy dressing, all nestled in the soft bun. The sandwich looks fresh, flavorful, and appetizing—definitely one to try if you're wondering where to eat in the Bay Area.
Photo: Courtesy of Mama's Luncheonette on Instagram
3006 Buchanan St, San Francisco

Less of a restaurant and more of a takeout counter, Mama’s Luncheonette is the spot for those on the go — once the lines die down! If you find yourself late for work, grab one of Mama’s halal breakfast burritos, stuffed with tater tots, scrambled eggs, smoked salsa, cheddar and avocado. On your lunch break? Try the chicken tikka masala wrap or Sonny’s wild mushroom wrap — made for easy transport back to your desk.

A bowl of ramen, filled with broth, noodles, corn, green onions, seaweed, and slices of chicken or pork, topped with a halved soft-boiled egg. The dish is presented on a wooden surface with another dish visible in the background—truly one of the best lunch spots in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Marufuku

Walking through Japan Center, you’re going to be tempted by more ramen shops than you can count, but Marufuku is easily one of the best. Some might be turned off by chain restaurants, but with Marufuku, take a chance – you won’t regret it. For a true comfort dish, get their classic tonkotsu ramen with rich pork broth, or if you’re not a meat-eater, get their vegetable ramen with spinach noodles. You can also order extra broth and noodles on the side if you understandably just can’t get enough.

In or Around the Mission:

Mission District, Noe Valley

A plate of Vietnamese food, including an egg, meat and some veggies with bowls of sauce around.
Photo: Courtesy of Bee's Vietnamese Street Food on Facebook
3232 16th St, San Francisco

415.404.1847

A tribute to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Bee’s Vietnamese Street Food menu has all the classics from broken rice dishes to noodle soups to Vietnamese coffee made traditionally with condensed milk. 

A wooden table set with plates of various dishes: a salad with chickpeas and lemon, a bowl of spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, and greens. In the center is a glass of orange beverage garnished with a cucumber slice and straw—the best lunch San Francisco has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Burma Love Facebook

211 Valencia St, Mission District

415.861.2100

With your first bite of their warm Burmese samosas, you’ll find yourself transported to the streets of Myanmar. Their coconut chicken noodle soup is a new twist on an American classic, with chicken legs slow-cooked in coconut milk, seasoned with turmeric and garlic, and garnished with cilantro and chili. For something more traditionally Burmese, go for their Mohinga, a catfish chowder soup that’s beloved in Southern Burma, with its catfish, fish sauce, and lemongrass broth, topped with eggs and crunchy fried split peas. 

A vibrant spread of assorted Asian dishes, including a whole fish with sauce, a large beef shank in broth with herbs, and a pink cotton candy dessert garnished with a butterfly decoration, awaits at what could be the best lunch in San Francisco. Various colorful side dishes complete the enticing table arrangement.
Photo Courtesy of Farmhouse Thai Facebook

710 Florida St, Mission District

415.814.2920

Within the bright, colorful walls of Farmhouse Thai, you’ll be greeted with all manner of Thai dishes, some familiar and some new twists on old favorites. For something familiar, get their spicy Pad Kee Mow with crunchy bamboo shoots and bell pepper. If you’re in the mood for something that just screams Thai street food, go for their Basil Bomb, an explosion of calamari, prawns, scallops, crispy pork belly, and minced pork, all served up with fried egg. If you’re not too stuffed on pork and seafood, get their Rukna dessert platter to try their ultimate sweet selection. 

A plate with white rolls filled with fresh vegetables, topped with shredded seaweed. The dish is garnished with a yellow sauce and additional shredded seaweed sprinkled around the plate. Partially visible in the background is a bowl of white rice—truly the best lunch San Francisco has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Judy Slater

Sit beneath the ornate paper dragon that snakes across the ceiling as you sample some of the best of the Chinese-American food scene in San Francisco. If you’re looking for a basic plate of orange chicken, you’re not going to find that here, but what you will find are creative dishes like thrice-cooked bacon and rice cakes, sichuan carbonara, and kung pao pastrami. For the adventurous, try the cabbage with pistachio milk – it might sound like an odd combination, but it’s a favorite for a reason. 

A vibrant assortment of dishes on a table, featuring a variety of Asian-inspired foods. A red plate in the center holds grilled meat, rice, and dipping sauce, surrounded by plates of fried appetizers, dumplings, seaweed salad, and more. Napkin and utensils on the side—truly the best lunch in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Prubechu

Chef Shawn Naputi and business partner Shawn Camacho opened up Prubechu with the goal of sharing a taste of their childhood in Guam, bringing Chamorro food culture to San Francisco. Try dishes that you might not have heard of before, like their popular Appan Mendioka (braised cassava in coconut milk) or hearty Tinaktak (handmade egg noodles with beef). For dessert, they offer a twist on the familiar with their roasted banana donuts served with whipped cream or caramelized coconut candy ice cream cones. 

An overhead view of a table filled with an assortment of dishes, including various pizzas, bowls of hummus, salad, marinated olives, and spreads. Vibrant, colorful plates complement the diverse Mediterranean meal considered the best lunch in San Francisco, along with drinks in clear glasses.
Photo Courtesy of Reem's

This brightly-colored Arabic bakery is offering up a taste of the Arab world that’ll leave you feeling warm and happy. From their Batata Harra with hand-cut kennebec garlic fries to their Pali Cali flatbread with sumac-braised chicken, each dish offers up heart and comfort. Don’t miss out on ordering an assortment of a dozen desserts, including their knafeh, baklawa, and their popular halawa chocolate chip cookies which are crispy and nutty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. 

A sandwich with white bread, green and gold kiwis and whipped cream.
Photo: Courtesy of Tadaima on Instagram

City days can be draining, so what better lunch to refuel with than a sandwich? Or better yet, a Japanese sandwich. Tadaima is the perfect spot for this, with every kind of sandwich from savory chicken curry, shrimp or egg to a dessert sandwich with strawberries and cream; not to mention, the atmosphere evokes that of a quaint cafe.

Near Golden Gate Park:

Cole Valley, Haight, Richmond, Sunset

A soup with some meat, potatoes and chopped herbs.
Photo: Courtesy of Cherylynn N on Yelp

Located on the far outskirts of the sunset in the underrated strip off Taraval, Galinette offers a unique experience serving French bistro food not far from the ocean. There are some wonderfully casual options like pain au chocolate or a jambon buerre sandwich, or you can go a little more upscale with a classic hanger steak frite.

A sandwich cut in half is presented on a white plate with a black rim, making it the best lunch in San Francisco. Each half is wrapped in white parchment paper, exposing the fillings which include shredded meat, cucumber slices, and greens. A folded napkin is placed between the sandwich halves.
Photo Courtesy of Rachel Way

4055 Irving St, Outer Sunset

While Palm City might be most well known for its wines, their hoagies are simply to die for. From their chewy and crispy bread to their fresh toppings, you can’t go wrong with any sandwich on their menu. A favorite amongst regulars is the Italian American, with peppery arugula, salty parm, and fresh, lemony dressing. Or go for the Au Poivre, with generous slices of roasted beef, peppercorn aioli, and thinly sliced apple. They might be a bit on the pricey side, but each sandwich is easily big enough for two and the quality is undeniable. 

In or Near Civic Center:

Hayes Valley, Castro

A table is adorned with a variety of colorful dishes, with a central black pan of rice topped with seafood and lemon wedges. Surrounding it are plates of green peppers, olives, croquettes, and a salad, creating the best dinner San Francisco has to offer—a vibrant and appetizing spread.
Photo Courtesy of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

Your next destination for after-work tapas, Canela is a Spanish bistro and wine bar in the Castro. Their happy hour prices are magnificos ($7 small plates anyone?) and their full menu is bubbling over with espumantes, sangria and a glorious selection of bites like patatas bravas, Spanish cheeses and jamón served many ways over. 

A wooden table filled with various Asian dishes, including steamed dumplings, soup, salads, fried appetizers, stuffed buns, and assorted vegetables. Plates and bowls of colorful food are artistically arranged, creating an appetizing display—the best lunch San Francisco has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Dumpling Home Facebook

298 Gough St, Civic Center

415.503.1666

If you have a craving for some Xiao Long Bao, you can’t go wrong with Dumpling Home. Go with some friends or family and order all the dumplings that catch your eye to ensure you can have a little taste of everything. Their chicken bao with a crispy exterior and juicy interior is simply to die for, and you can’t miss out on their spicy pork bao buns with dough so soft and pillowy that you could take a nap on it. While there is often a long wait, once you sit down the service is fast and attentive. 

A colorful salad featuring green lettuce, zucchini ribbons, yellow squash blossoms, scattered sunflower seeds, and light dressing—perfect for the best lunch in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Fable

This open-air patio restaurant lets you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Castro while dining on seasonal Californian cuisine. Their classic sandwiches are never a bad idea, whether that’s their vegetarian-friendly smoked eggplant with almond mozzarella or their cubano with chipotle aioli and kennebec chips. It’s an excellent place to go with a group of friends to share a pitcher of sangria, a plate of homemade focaccia bread with herb dipping oil, and the latest gossip. 

A wooden table features a bowl of green soup with corn and chunks of meat, a bowl of tortilla chips, and an oval plate with sliced jalapeños, cilantro, shredded cabbage, red onion, and a halved lime. Small sprigs with red berries frame the scene—truly the best lunch San Francisco has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Nopalito

Chef Gonzalo Guzman opened Nopalito in February 2009 with the best of two worlds at the heart of it — Guzmans traditional, from-scratch Mexican cooking and the Bay Areas fresh, local ingredients. Snack on the signature spicy garbanzo beans and dont skimp on the cocktails — the tequila and mezcal drinks are out of this world. 

A vibrant dining table features a Mediterranean meal in what could easily be the best lunch San Francisco offers. It includes a large salad with various vegetables, a gyro wrap, a bowl of seasoned shrimp, French fries, and several glasses of drinks. Hands reach in to partake in the feast, adding a sense of sociable dining.
Photo Courtesy of Alanna Hale

Souvla,” which means skewer” in Greek, is a small San Francisco-based chain of fast-casual restaurants offering a menu of pita wraps, salads, simple sides and a local favorite, their Greek frozen yogurts topped with everything from olive oil and sea salt flakes to baklava crumbles and honey syrup. Affordable and portable, the former First Lady — no, not that one — had Souvla on her flight from San Francisco back to D.C and wrote the staff a kind note. 

A large sandwich, arguably the best lunch in San Francisco, sits on deli paper printed with red cows, on a wooden table. The sandwich has shredded meat and fresh greens on a crusty roll, with a toothpick holding it together. A small blue bowl of white dipping sauce is placed nearby.
Photo Courtesy of RT Rotisserie

101 Oak Street, Hayes Valley

302 Broderick Street, Western Addition

415.829.7086

After stints at some of the most renowned restaurants in San Francisco, including Coi, Quince and Michael Mina, Evan Rich and his wife Sarah opened Rich Table in 2012. With signature items like porcini doughnuts and sardine chips, Rich Table became an immediate hit. In 2017 the duo ventured into counter service and opened the first RT Rotisserie. Its pretty simple here — as the name implies, the menu features rotisserie chicken, and elevated-yet-approachable sides like whole-roasted cauliflower and umami fries. The value for the quality here is unbeatable. 

A person in a white apron carving a roasted chicken on a wooden cutting board. To the left, a white plate with roasted potatoes and greens is placed on the same wooden surface. The background is slightly blurred but shows a rustic indoor setting, perfect for the best lunch in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Zuni Cafe

First opened in 1979, Zuni has gone on to win various awards and the hearts of the bustling Market Street. Their menu changes frequently, but it’s always filled with seasonal produce and sustainably farmed meat and fish. Try their chicken for two roasted in a wood-fired oven, with scallions, dried currants, and skin so crispy it’ll sound like creme brulee when you tap it. You might also get to sample their morel mushrooms served on mashed fava bean crostone or a plate of pan-seared ling cod cheeks with shishito peppers. 

Near AT&T Park and Chase Center:

Dogpatch, SoMa

A person with tattooed hands holds a colorful bowl of rice topped with a savory mix, including beans, chopped vegetables, green onions, and pickled red onions. The bowl has a red and white patterned exterior. For those wondering where to eat in the Bay Area, this vibrant dish promises delight.
Photo Courtesy of @melissademata on Facebook

Mestiza explores the fusion of different cultural flavor profiles, presenting Filipino dishes in a plant-forward menu. This restaurant’s diet-friendly offerings don’t take away from the diverse flavors and delicious options for everyone at the table. Tofu sisig, veggie lumpia and classic pork adobo await. 

A plate of fish and chips garnished with lemon wedges and a side of coleslaw, tartar sauce, and ketchup. The dish is served on a rustic wooden table next to a beverage with a salted rim and lime garnish—truly the best lunch in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of Mission Rock Resort

This two-story waterfront destination in Mission Bay boasts bay views from every seat, both indoors and outside on its spacious decks. Seafood specialties include raw bar offerings; salads including an ahi tuna bowl; sandwiches like a Dungeness crab and bay shrimp roll; and local petrale sole served with mashed potatoes, vegetables and a lemon-caper beurre blanc. Draft beer, wine and a list full of tropical cocktail concoctions round out the beverage selection. 

A sandwich filled with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy salad mix sits on a white plate next to a side of fries. The sandwich is held together with toothpicks, each with a different colored flag. A drink is partially visible in the background near a waterfront, making it the best lunch in San Francisco.
Photo Courtesy of The Ramp

This classic American restaurant was originally a public boat ramp and bait shop back in the 50s, and has now become a favorite destination for good food and live music. A famous weekend brunch spot (from 10am to 3pm) serves up mouthwatering eggs benedict and bloody mary’s. You can also choose to come for a weeknight lunch or dinner to get the San Francisco classic of clam chowder in a bread bowl or tacos al pastor with tomatillo salsa. They’ve got draft beers and craft cocktails alongside Arnold Palmers for those that prefer something non-alcoholic. 

In or Near Presidio:

Cow Hollow, Marina, Presidio Heights

A table is set with a variety of dishes, including a loaf of bread, a plate of roasted carrots, slices of stuffed bread, a bowl of leafy greens, mashed potatoes, rolls, and a pitcher of sauce. The background features greenery and a window—truly the best lunch San Francisco has to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Greens Facebook

As the name might imply, Greens is a vegetarian mainstay of San Francisco. On a cold and foggy day, opt for their fresh pappardelle pasta with zucchini sauce and green olive tapenade. When the sun is shining, get their caprese sandwich with nutty basil pesto on ciabatta bread. They also offer warm cornbread and housemade whole grain seed rolls to slather with cultured butter or honey butter. For those that love Mexican food but are tired of shredded meat tacos, try Greens’ summer squash quesadilla with avocado-tomatillo salsa and oaxaca cheese. 

A close-up of a cheeseburger on a white plate from one of the Best Burgers San Francisco spots, featuring a grilled beef patty topped with melted cheese, pickles, red onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. The burger is encased in a lightly toasted bun with a blurred background.
Photo Courtesy of Spruce

A Michelin star restaurant in a quiet corner of the city near the Presidio, Spruce has been an insider favorite since its opening in 2007. The restaurant boasts numerous awards for its wine selection and food offerings, but the burger is perhaps the most lauded of all. Served on an English muffin bun, the patty is a blend of short rib, sirloin and brisket. The $22 price tag seems intimidating, but is well-warranted. 

Who’s writing these?

Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.

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