San Francisco

Fisherman’s Warf

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf. Known for its scenic waterfront and historic piers, this area is a haven for seafood lovers. Be sure to try the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery. For fresh, local Dungeness crab, visit the crab stands along the pier or enjoy a meal at Alioto’s or Fog Harbor Fish House. For a sweet treat, don’t forget the creamy fudge from Ghirardelli Square.

a burrito cut in half
A super burrito at our favorite spot in the Mission.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and offers a culinary journey like no other. Wander through its bustling streets and you’ll find everything from dim sum to Cantonese roast meats. Good Mong Kok Bakery is perfect for grab-and-go dim sum, while Z & Y Restaurant is famous for its spicy Sichuan dishes. Looking for an authentic experience? Head to R&G Lounge for their signature salt and pepper crab.

Mission District

The Mission District is a vibrant mix of Latino culture and trendy food spots. Known for its Mexican taquerias, this is the place to go for a great burrito. La Taqueria and El Farolito have long been local favorites. Beyond Mexican cuisine, the area also boasts hip, modern eateries like Tartine Bakery, where the freshly baked pastries are worth the wait, and Dandelion Chocolate, a small-batch chocolate factory offering unique confections.

colorful Victorian houses
The Painted Ladies, across from Alamo square in the Hayes Valley/Lower Haight area.

North Beach

San Francisco’s North Beach, also known as “Little Italy,” is a charming neighborhood brimming with Italian cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. Start your day with an espresso and a pastry from Caffè Greco or Liguria Bakery, known for its delicious focaccia. For a classic Italian meal, dine at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, a favorite for its award-winning pizzas, or visit Sotto Mare for authentic Italian seafood dishes.

Haight-Ashbury

Known for its historic role in the 1960s counterculture movement, Haight-Ashbury offers a unique mix of eclectic eats. VeganBurg serves up plant-based burgers that even carnivores rave about, while The Alembic is perfect for craft cocktails and a creative menu. For a nostalgic sweet treat, stop by Ben & Jerry’s on Haight Street for ice cream.

SoMa (South of Market)

If you’re looking for upscale dining and innovative cuisine, SoMa is the place to be. This area is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants, like Mourad, which serves modern Moroccan-inspired dishes in a sleek setting, and Benu, a three-Michelin-starred spot that blends Asian flavors with fine dining flair. For casual bites, Little Skillet serves up Southern comfort food with favorites like fried chicken and waffles.

gyoza with chopsticks
Gyoza at a Chinese restaurant in the Richmond.

The Marina

The Marina District offers beautiful waterfront views along with a buzzing food scene. Chestnut Street is the heart of this neighborhood, packed with trendy cafes and restaurants. Stop by A16 for wood-fired pizzas and Southern Italian fare, or grab a healthy smoothie from Pressed Juicery. If you’re in the mood for seafood, The Tipsy Pig offers a gastropub experience with dishes like fish and chips and craft beers.

The Richmond

San Francisco’s Richmond District is an under-the-radar food haven offering an international range of flavors. Clement Street is lined with Asian restaurants, from Thai and Vietnamese to Korean and Chinese. Stop by Burma Superstar for Burmese tea leaf salad and flavorful curries. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Kabuto Sushi offers some of the freshest fish in the city, while Lokma offers a taste of Turkey with its Mediterranean brunch options.