Where to Eat in San Francisco: Top Restaurants and Cafes

Where to eat in San Francisco? Anywhere, really. But if you want to eat well, affordably, and satisfyingly, read our review.

How to Choose a Place

Gastronomy in San Francisco revolves around seafood, which makes sense given the proximity to the ocean. But the city isn’t just about seafood: here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect restaurant or cafe.

• Business Lunches and Happy Hours
  In San Francisco’s Financial District, you can have a cheap and hearty meal if you go during business lunches. Due to the high number of office centers around, there are plenty of dining options. During lunch breaks, you can dine at a bargain even in an upscale French restaurant.
• Snacks in Chinatown
  In Chinatown, despite its name, you’ll find not only Chinese cuisine but also many other ethnic eateries: Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and even Middle Eastern. The flavors are quite vibrant and unusual, but don’t expect full meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, these places are perfect for snacks: you can try something new, satisfy your hunger, and pay very little. These eateries usually cater to locals, so the quality of the food is generally quite good.
• Good Seafood Is Not Just on the Coast
  There’s a stereotype that coastal restaurants always have the freshest seafood. In reality, the only advantage you get on the coast is inspiring views, ambiance, and a potentially higher bill. The freshness of the seafood is generally consistent everywhere. Just avoid going to extremely cheap eateries for oysters and shrimp.

Where to Eat

San Francisco is not only a city with breathtaking views and rich history but also a culinary capital offering a variety of gastronomic experiences. Here, everyone can find a restaurant to their liking: from upscale establishments with Michelin stars to cozy cafes with local cuisine. In this guide, we will tell you about the best restaurants in San Francisco where you can enjoy delicious food and a unique atmosphere.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

• The French Laundry
  This legendary restaurant has become synonymous with culinary artistry. Chef Thomas Keller offers his guests a unique gastronomic journey with exquisite dishes and unparalleled service. The restaurant prides itself on its three Michelin stars and is a must-visit for all food lovers.
• Saison
  Chef Joshua Skenes creates signature dishes using local products, offering guests a unique tasting experience. The restaurant has two Michelin stars and stands out for its open kitchen and elegant interior.

Places with Unique Atmosphere

• Foreign Cinema
  This is not just a restaurant but a cultural space where you can enjoy not only delicious food but also films under the open sky. They serve California cuisine with a focus on fresh and seasonal products. The ambiance and unique format make it an ideal place for a romantic dinner or meeting with friends.
• House of Prime Rib
  A classic restaurant specializing in one dish – prime rib. It exudes an old English atmosphere, and the dishes are prepared using traditional recipes. Guests are offered large portions of juicy meat served with sides and sauces. This place is perfect for those who love hearty and delicious meals.

Street Food and Gastronomic Markets

• Off the Grid
  A gastronomic festival held in different areas of San Francisco. The best food trucks in the city gather here, offering a variety of dishes from around the world. Off the Grid is a great opportunity to try new flavors, enjoy live music, and spend time with friends and family.
• Ferry Building Marketplace
  A market where you can find fresh products, craft goods, and ready-made dishes from local producers. There are numerous cafes and restaurants offering a variety of dishes: from pastries and coffee to sushi and burgers. The market is located in a historic building on the bay, and visiting it will be an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Restaurants with a View

• EPIC Steak
  A restaurant offering guests a magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. They serve exquisite dishes made from meat and seafood, grilled to perfection. The stylish interior and cozy atmosphere make EPIC Steak an ideal place for a romantic dinner or business meeting.
• Waterbar
  Specializing in seafood and located on the Embarcadero waterfront. Here you can enjoy not only delicious dishes but also a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The menu features fresh oysters, crabs, fish, and other seafood, prepared using signature recipes.

Top 5 Restaurants by American Butler

We have selected a few places that will definitely not disappoint.

1. 01.Eight Am
   A good day starts with a good breakfast. And a good American breakfast is at Eight Am. Here you can also get lunch, brunch, or just a snack: the portions are large, the prices are moderate, and the pier nearby lifts your spirits immediately. By the way, about the portions. They are truly American in the best tradition — you don’t need to order many dishes. The menu includes scrambled eggs, various salads, toasts, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruits, bagels, and many other pleasant morning treats with coffee and tea.
2. 02.Anchor Oyster Bar & Seafood Market
   An excellent example of a seafood restaurant located inland on the California Peninsula. Fresh seafood is delivered here daily, and the local chefs create wonders with it. The place is quite popular, and the space is small, so during peak lunch and dinner times, you might have to wait in a small queue at the entrance. But it’s definitely worth it. To ensure you get a table for dinner, you can book in advance — there’s a special board at the entrance where you can write your name, time, date, and number of people. At the appointed time, a special set with the dish of the day will be prepared for you and your friends.
3. 03.Pacific Cafe
   Don’t let the word “cafe” fool you — it’s quite a restaurant. Here you’ll find seafood mixed with classic American cuisine. Pacific Cafe has been around for over 40 years, earning a reputation as a great place for quick lunches and leisurely gatherings. The bad news — you can’t book a table, and the locals love this place. This means you’ll have to wait in line. The good news — while waiting, you’ll be served wine on the house.
4. 04.Kokkari Estiatorio
   A luxury Mediterranean restaurant in every way. An example – those who come from the Mediterranean region dine here, acknowledging this place as the best. Meat and fish are cooked on an open fire and spits, making everything taste very authentic. The cuisine is mainly Greek, but there are elements from other countries. The prices are not very friendly, but if you want to spend around $250 on an excellent dinner for two, it’s better to spend it here.
5. 05.Liholiho Yacht Club
   A light Asian-Hawaiian fusion with a more moderate bill of $90-95 for two. Beautiful, interesting, and delicious — you can both savor the aesthetics and eat your fill. The cuisine has a distinct ethnic flavor, so it’s best to come here if you’re in the mood for experimentation rather than a calm dinner. Queues haven’t gone anywhere — that’s the fate of all popular (and thus good) restaurants.