Introduction
San Francisco is a culinary paradise, offering an eclectic mix of delicious eats from around the world. With so many options, it can be hard to narrow down the must-eats in the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this article will help you discover the best dishes in San Francisco for any craving.
Must Eats in San Francisco
To create a list of the top 10 must-eats in San Francisco, we’ve researched the most acclaimed restaurants and asked locals for their favorite dishes. Here are the must-tries that made the cut:
- Dim Sum at Yank Sing: Yank Sing has been a San Francisco institution since 1958, and its dim sum is legendary. They offer an extensive selection of classic and modern dim sum dishes, including har gow, siu mai, and xiao long bao.
- Cioppino at Sotto Mare: Sotto Mare is a North Beach staple known for its seafood dishes, like its signature cioppino. The dish features a tomato-based broth filled with fresh fish, crab, mussels, clams, and calamari.
- Tacos at El Farolito: El Farolito is a Mission District favorite for its mouthwatering tacos. Try the carne asada or pollo asado tacos, which are served with rice, beans, and freshly made salsa.
- Burritos at La Taqueria: La Taqueria is a beloved spot for burritos. Their signature burrito is stuffed with carnitas, pinto beans, guacamole, cheese, and salsa. It’s sure to satisfy any craving.
- Fried Chicken at Mama’s: Mama’s on Washington Square is known for its Southern-style comfort food, especially its fried chicken. The chicken is perfectly crispy and served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Cheesecake at Swensen’s: For a sweet treat, visit Swensen’s on Union Street. They serve some of the best cheesecake in the city, made with cream cheese, graham cracker crust, and topped with fresh fruit.
- Pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana: Tony Gemignani is an 11-time World Pizza Champion, and his restaurant Tony’s Pizza Napoletana serves up some of the best pies in the city. Try the classic Margherita pizza, or go for one of their more adventurous creations.
- Ice Cream at Bi-Rite Creamery: Bi-Rite Creamery is a San Francisco favorite for its homemade ice cream. The salted caramel flavor is a must-try, but they also offer seasonal flavors like pumpkin and eggnog.
- Ramen at Marufuku Ramen: Marufuku Ramen is a Japantown hotspot known for its Hakata-style ramen. Their signature ramen is made with a rich tonkotsu pork broth and topped with chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
- Cocktails at Smuggler’s Cove: Smuggler’s Cove is a tiki bar with over 700 rums and creative cocktails. Try the signature rum punch or opt for one of their inventive concoctions.
Guide to San Francisco’s Diverse Food Scene
To get a better understanding of San Francisco’s food scene, we interviewed chefs from various restaurants and compiled a list of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city. We also put together some tips on where to find the best eats and reviewed each one.
- Mission Chinese Food: This Asian-fusion restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Try the kung pao pastrami or the thrice cooked bacon—both are must-tries.
- Zuni Cafe: Zuni Cafe is a classic San Francisco restaurant known for its wood-fired cuisine. The menu includes favorites like roast chicken and grilled steak, plus a raw bar with oysters and clams.
- State Bird Provisions: State Bird Provisions is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up innovative small plates. Start with the namesake dish, the state bird, then work your way through the menu of inventive dishes.
- Tartine Bakery: Tartine Bakery is a neighborhood favorite for its pastries and breads. Stop by for a morning pastry and coffee, or pick up a loaf of the famous country loaf.
- Nopa: Nopa is a bustling neighborhood spot serving up California-inspired cuisine. Try the crispy Brussels sprouts or the house-made pastas for a delicious meal.
- The Slanted Door: The Slanted Door is a Vietnamese restaurant with stunning views of the Bay Bridge. Try their signature pho or opt for one of their inventive dishes like the five-spice quail.
- Greens Restaurant: Greens Restaurant is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant located in the iconic Fort Mason Center. The menu features a variety of seasonal dishes, all made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Anchor & Hope: Anchor & Hope is a seafood-focused restaurant located in the heart of SOMA. Try the grilled octopus or the crab toast for a delicious meal.
- Bar Agricole: Bar Agricole is a stylish bar serving up craft cocktails and small plates. Try the signature Old Fashioned or opt for one of their inventive concoctions.
- Humphry Slocombe: Humphry Slocombe is a beloved ice cream shop known for its unique flavors. Try the Secret Breakfast, made with bourbon and cornflake cookies, or the Foie Gras flavor for an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
From dim sum to tacos to craft cocktails, San Francisco offers an incredible array of dishes for every palate. Use this guide to explore the city’s diverse food scene and find the best eats in the city. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a memorable meal, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your craving in San Francisco.
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