What Are the Best Restaurants in San Francisco? A Local’s Guide

Last updated: February 2026

TL;DR: San Francisco is a world-class food city with over 4,400 restaurants. My top 5 picks: 25 House of Prime Rib (classic steakhouse experience with incredible value), 9 Nari (modern Thai with bold flavors), 26 Zuni Cafe (SF institution with iconic roast chicken), 5 Z&Y (authentic Sichuan that will blow your mind), and 1 Cotogna (rustic Italian where I had my wedding reception lunch). But honestly, SF’s dining scene is so diverse that your “best” restaurant depends on what you’re craving—from $4 banh mi in the Tenderloin to Michelin-starred tasting menus in SOMA.

San Francisco is a food lover’s paradise, with a culinary scene as diverse and dynamic as its neighborhoods. As someone who moved here eight years ago and has enthusiastically eaten my way through the city (occupational hazard of loving food), I’ve developed some strong opinions about where to eat. Here’s my guide to the best restaurants in San Francisco right now, organized by cuisine so you can find exactly what you’re craving.

Before we dive in: SF has restaurants for every budget and craving. I’ve included price ranges ($ = under $15, $$ = $15-40, $$$ = $40-100, $$$$ = $100+) and my must-order dishes. This isn’t exhaustive—there are literally thousands of great spots—but these are the places I personally love and return to again and again.

Best Italian Restaurants in San Francisco

Italian food in SF is legitimately excellent. We have everything from red sauce joints to regional Italian spots showcasing Sardinian or Sicilian specialties.

Cotogna (Downtown/Jackson Square, $$-$$$)
A rustic Italian restaurant known for its house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas. This is the more casual sister restaurant of Quince (the Michelin-starred spot next door). Cotogna holds a special place in my heart—we had our wedding reception lunch here, and the agnolotti and roasted chicken never disappoint. The space is warm and bustling, and somehow they make you feel fancy without being stuffy.

What to order: Any of the handmade pastas (they change seasonally), wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats

2 La Cicca (Near Noe Valley, $$-$$$)
A charming Italian restaurant offering a menu of traditional Sardinian dishes and an extensive wine list. They changed ownership a year or two ago, but the food is still delicious. Sardinian cuisine isn’t something you find everywhere, so this spot feels special. The malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and seafood dishes are standouts.

What to order: Malloreddus, octopus, porceddu (roasted suckling pig if available)

3 The Italian Company (Near Noe Valley, $$)
A cozy, casual spot for homemade Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and more. This is your neighborhood spot—nothing fancy, just solid Italian-American comfort food done well.

What to order: Pasta specials, pizza, meatballs

4 Sotto Mare (North Beach, $$-$$$)
A classic Italian seafood restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Yes, it’s touristy—North Beach is touristy—but the cioppino is legitimately great and the portions are massive. Betty Lou’s is their sister restaurant and it’s a little easier to get a reservation if Sotto Mare is fully booked.

What to order: Cioppino, crab (when in season), pasta with seafood

Best Chinese Restaurants and Dim Sum in San Francisco

SF has one of the best Chinatowns in North America, and the Chinese food here rivals anything you’ll find outside of China. From Cantonese dim sum to fiery Sichuan to regional specialties, the range is incredible.

Z&Y (Chinatown, $$)
A popular destination for authentic Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and seriously spicy dishes. This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city. The La Zi Ji (chicken with explosive chili peppers) and Water Boiled Fish are standouts, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Come prepared for heat and bring friends so you can order more dishes.

What to order: La Zi Ji, Water Boiled Fish, Dan Dan Noodles, Chongqing Chicken

6 R&G Lounge (Chinatown, $$)
This Chinatown institution is famous for its classic Cantonese dishes and bustling atmosphere. It’s been around forever and still consistently delivers. I love their salt and pepper crab and always order it when I’m there. It’s the kind of place where you see multi-generational families celebrating together, which tells you everything you need to know.

What to order: Salt and pepper crab, salt and pepper shrimp, roasted duck

7 City View Restaurant (Chinatown, $-$$)
A go-to spot for dim sum lovers, offering a wide selection of traditional dishes in a bustling atmosphere. The carts roll by, you point at what looks good, and you eat until you’re stuffed. It’s dim sum done right—chaotic, delicious, and affordable.

What to order: Har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, BBQ pork buns, rice noodle rolls

8 Terra Cotta Warrior (SoMa, $$)
A Chinese restaurant offering a menu of authentic dishes from the Shaanxi province. I love their lamb bread soup (yangrou paomo)—it’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug on a foggy day. This is not Americanized Chinese food; it’s the real deal.

What to order: Lamb bread soup, liang pi (cold skin noodles), roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)

Best Asian Fusion and Other Asian Restaurants

SF’s Asian food scene extends way beyond Chinese. From Thai to Vietnamese to Burmese to Japanese, you can eat your way across Asia without leaving the city.

Nari (Mission Bay, $$$)
Chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s modern Thai restaurant offers a creative twist on traditional dishes, showcasing bold flavors and beautiful presentations. This is one of my favorite newer restaurants. Everything I’ve tried has been exceptional—inventive but still deeply rooted in Thai flavors. It’s pricier than your neighborhood Thai spot, but worth it for a special occasion.

What to order: Khao soi, any of the curries, whole fried fish

10 Bodega (Union Square area, $$-$$$)
This Vietnamese spot features a 2nd generation refresh of old classics. Set in a sleek space not far from Union Square, the food is elevated Vietnamese with a modern aesthetic. They also have a hip and vibey bar downstairs called Felix that I really like with great cocktails.

What to order: Pho, Vietnamese crepes, shaking beef

11 Burma Superstar (Multiple locations, $$)
A popular OG spot for Burmese cuisine, known for its flavorful dishes and unique flavors. The tea leaf salad is iconic (and polarizing—you either love it or you don’t), and the pumpkin curry is one of my all-time favorite dishes in SF. The samusa soup is also a must-order. There’s always a wait, but it moves fairly quickly.

What to order: Tea leaf salad, pumpkin curry, samusa soup

12 Izakaya Rintaro (Mission, $$-$$$)
A Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serving up delicious small plates and a wide selection of sake. The space is intimate and beautiful, with a focus on wood-fired dishes. It feels like you’ve been transported to Japan.

What to order: Yakitori, grilled fish, seasonal vegetable dishes

13 Four Kings (Mission, $$)
Mandopop tunes, Taiwanese-inspired dishes, and a fun, energetic vibe. This place started getting buzz immediately and for good reason—the food is delicious and the atmosphere is exactly what you want for a group dinner. Get the tomato pork chop. Trust me.

What to order: Tomato pork chop, three cup chicken, Taiwanese fried chicken

14 Marugame Udon (Multiple locations, $-$$)
A Japanese udon noodle restaurant offering freshly made noodles and delicious broth. There’s usually a line but it moves fast. You can get a la carte tempura toppings to customize your bowl. It’s quick, affordable, and satisfying.

What to order: Nikutama udon, tempura add-ons, onigiri

15 Daeho Kalbijim (Japantown and Sunset District/H-Mart, $$-$$$)
A Korean BBQ restaurant offering delicious grilled meats and traditional Korean dishes. Their galbijim with torched mozzarella is a must-order—it’s rich, indulgent, and meant to be shared with a large group. It’s pricey but worth it for the experience. They have two locations in SF: one in Japantown and the other is in the H-Mart food court.

What to order: Galbijim with torched mozzarella, banchan (side dishes)

Best Mexican and Latin American Restaurants

SF has a strong Mexican food scene, particularly in the Mission District, where you’ll find everything from taquerias to upscale Cal-Mex.

16 La Taqueria (Mission, $-$$)
A Mission District institution known for its delicious and authentic Mexican tacos. This is the spot that locals defend fiercely in “best burrito” debates. Pro tip: get the burrito dorado style, which means that it’s toasted golden brown on the outside. Game-changer.

What to order: Carne asada burrito dorado, tacos

17 Nopa (Western Addition, $$-$$$)
A popular spot for modern California-Mexican cuisine, known for its wood-fired dishes and fresh seasonal ingredients. Nopa has been a staple for years and still consistently impresses. Their guacamole and carnitas are my favorites, and the late-night menu is perfect after a show or a night out.

What to order: Guacamole, wood-fired carnitas, seasonal vegetable sides

Best Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Restaurants

18 Beit Rima (Cole Valley and Castro, $-$$)
This Arabic spot is casual but delicious and great for sharing. They have two locations in Cole Valley and Castro. Everything is flavorful and fresh, and the chicken shish kawook is my go-to order. The hummus is also excellent—creamy and topped with spiced meat or mushrooms.

What to order: Chicken shish kawook, hummus, falafel

Reem’s California (Mission and Ferry Building, $-$$)
A Palestinian bakery offering delicious flatbreads, pastries, and mezze dishes. They have a spot in the Mission as well as in the Ferry Building. The mana’eesh (flatbreads) are baked fresh and topped with za’atar or cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.

What to order: Mana’eesh, lamb arayes, Arabic salad

Best Pizza in San Francisco

SF takes its pizza seriously. From New York-style to Detroit-style to Neapolitan, we’ve got it all.

Za’s Pizza (Noe Valley, $$)
A neighborhood pizzeria serving up delicious pies with creative toppings and a friendly vibe. Some people think that the pizza place in the Pixar film Inside Out was based off of Za’s Pizza (the visual similarities are striking). The pizza is New York-style and always reliable.

What to order: Any of their specialty pizzas, classic cheese slice

21 Cellarmaker House of Pizza (SoMa, $$)
A must-visit for beer and Detroit-style pizza lovers, offering a rotating selection of craft beers and delicious pizzas. Detroit-style pizza is thick, square, and has cheese that caramelizes on the edges—it’s incredible. They’ve recently expanded their menu to include crudos and other more fancy bar bites, so it’s not just pizza anymore (though the pizza is still the star).

What to order: Detroit-style pizza, rotating beer selection, crudos

22 Arizmendi Bakery (Multiple locations, $-$$)
A worker-owned bakery and pizza spot that is an offshoot of Cheeseboard Pizza in Berkeley. They have one pizza flavor a day—you don’t choose, you just trust—and it’s always vegetarian and always good. Plus, you’re supporting a co-op, which feels good.

What to order: Pizza of the day, morning buns, pastries

Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco

We’re on the coast, so the seafood is fresh and plentiful.

23 Anchovy Bar (Castro, $$$)
Sister restaurant to State Bird Provisions, Anchovy Bar is a seafood lover’s dream, offering a variety of delicious dishes featuring fresh, sustainable seafood. They now have a new seafood tower, which is always a good sign. The space is cozy and the menu changes regularly based on what’s available.

What to order: Oysters, seafood tower, any daily special

24 Thanh Long (Outer Sunset, $$-$$$)
A San Francisco classic and beloved spot for dungeness crab and garlic noodles off in the Outer Sunset. This place has been around since 1971 and still draws crowds. Their sister restaurant is Crustacean. The garlic noodles are legendary—rich, buttery, and absolutely addictive.

What to order: Roasted crab with garlic noodles (in season), garlic noodles

Best Splurge-Worthy / Special Occasion Restaurants

These are the spots for birthdays, anniversaries, or when someone else is paying.

House of Prime Rib (Nob Hill, $$$)
A classic steakhouse experience similar to Lawry’s in LA, House of Prime Rib (HOPR) is known for its prime rib cooked to perfection and old-school charm. It’s great for taking out-of-town guests or family and actually has pretty reasonable pricing for what you get. There’s a secret menu and you can request a second slice on some thinner cuts if you’re still hungry. Reservations on OpenTable book up months in advance but sometimes open up closer to the date.

What to order: The prime rib (obviously), creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding

Zuni Cafe (Hayes Valley, $$$)
Zuni Cafe is an SF classic that’s been around since 1979. The roast chicken with bread salad is not cheap but it is super delicious and is made to order (so plan for a wait). Their cocktails are phenomenal and the almond biscotti is chef’s kiss. I do enjoy their burger (only available for lunch) as well. This is the kind of spot that feels effortlessly cool and has earned its place in SF dining history.

What to order: Roast chicken for two with bread salad, Zuni burger at lunch, cocktails

Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in San Francisco

You can eat incredibly well in SF without spending a fortune.

27 Saigon Sandwich (Tenderloin, $)
Saigon Sandwich requires braving the Tenderloin for one of the cheapest meals in town, but their banh mi is absolutely worth it. We’re talking $4-6 for a massive, delicious sandwich. The bread is perfectly crispy, the fillings are flavorful, and it’s an SF institution. Just be aware of your surroundings in this neighborhood (see my guide on SF safety for more context).

What to order: BBQ pork banh mi, pate banh mi

28 Roli Roti (Various locations – food truck, $-$$)
This food truck is a must-visit for rotisserie chicken lovers, offering juicy and flavorful porchetta sandwiches and delicious potatoes covered in drippings. They park at various spots around the city and at farmers markets. The chicken is roasted on a spit right there, and those potatoes… I dream about those potatoes.

What to order: Porchetta sandwich, roasted potatoes

Sandy’s (Haight-Ashbury, $-$$)
This started as a pop-up but quickly became so popular that they opened their own spot in the Haight. It’s a simple menu but their muffulettas are massive and super tasty. The New Orleans-style sandwiches are packed with meat, cheese, and olive salad.

What to order: Muffuletta, Italian sandwich

Best Fast-Casual Restaurants in San Francisco

Sometimes you want something quick, healthy-ish, and delicious.

30 Souvla (Multiple locations, $-$$)
Greek-inspired fast-casual with amazing rotisserie meats, salads, and frozen Greek yogurt. The lamb and chicken are perfectly seasoned, and the Greek fries with feta are dangerously good.

What to order: Lamb sandwich or salad, Greek fries, frozen yogurt

31 Rooster and Rice (Multiple locations, $-$$)
Thai-style rotisserie chicken with rice and flavorful sauces. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s consistently good.

What to order: Half chicken with rice and greens, papaya salad

32 Sushirrito (Multiple locations, $-$$)
Exactly what it sounds like: sushi in burrito form. Is it authentic? No. Is it delicious? Yes. Perfect for a quick lunch.

What to order: The Sumo Crunch, any of their specialty rolls

33 MIXT (Multiple locations, $-$$)
Customizable salads with high-quality ingredients. This is where I go when I want something healthy and fresh. The seasonal salads are always good.

What to order: Build your own salad, seasonal specials

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants

34 Wildseed (Cow Hollow/Marina and Palo Alto, $$)
A plant-based restaurant offering a creative menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes in a stylish setting. Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan—I’m not!—it is surprisingly tasty. The pizza is legitimately great, and the desserts don’t taste “healthy.” They recently opened a new outpost in Palo Alto. Rad Radish is a newer sister restaurant of theirs.

What to order: Pizza, pasta, seasonal vegetable dishes

Restaurants I Haven’t Been to Recently (But Have Heard Great Things)

State Bird Provisions – Still on my list to revisit. Dim sum-style American food.

Lazy Bear – Communal dining with a tasting menu. Heard amazing things.

San Tung – Famous for their dry fried chicken wings. The line is always insane.

Restaurants I Want to Try

• Bansang
• Sam Ho Won
• Piglet and Co.
• Pasta Supply Co.
• Prik Hom
• Katsuo and Kombu

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More SF Food Guides

Since I’ve clearly spent way too much time thinking about food in SF, I’ve written entire guides to other eating and drinking categories:

• Best Coffee Shops in San Francisco (I’m a coffee snob)
• Best Bakeries in SF (bread and pastries deserve their own guide)
• Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco
• Hidden Gem Wine Bars
• Best Breweries in SF
• Best Tiki Bars in SF (yes, really)
• Best Date Night Ideas (includes romantic restaurants)

If you’re planning a trip, check out my 3-day SF itinerary, which includes restaurant recommendations organized by neighborhood.

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FAQ: San Francisco Restaurants

How expensive are restaurants in San Francisco?

SF has one of the most expensive dining scenes in the country. Expect to pay $15-25 per person at casual spots, $40-80 per person at mid-range restaurants, and $100+ per person at upscale establishments. That said, there are still affordable options like taquerias, dim sum spots, and food trucks where you can eat well for under $15.

Do I need reservations at San Francisco restaurants?

For popular spots, absolutely. Restaurants like House of Prime Rib, Zuni Cafe, Nari, and State Bird Provisions book up weeks or even months in advance. Use OpenTable or Resy to book ahead. Walk-ins are possible at more casual spots and during off-peak hours.

What neighborhoods have the best restaurants in SF?

The Mission has incredible Mexican food and diverse international cuisine. North Beach is SF’s Little Italy. Chinatown has some of the best Chinese food in the country. Hayes Valley, the Castro, and Noe Valley have clusters of great restaurants within walking distance of each other. The Outer Sunset has hidden gems that locals love. Check out my guide to SF neighborhoods for more.

What food is San Francisco famous for?

SF is known for several signature dishes: sourdough bread (Boudin Bakery), cioppino (Italian seafood stew), Dungeness crab, Mission-style burritos, dim sum, and Irish coffee (invented at the Buena Vista Cafe). The city’s food scene is also famous for farm-to-table California cuisine and incredible diversity of international food.

Are there good restaurants outside of touristy areas?

Absolutely! Some of my favorite spots are in neighborhoods like the Outer Sunset, Excelsior, the Richmond, and Dogpatch—areas that tourists rarely visit. These neighborhoods often have more authentic, affordable restaurants without the crowds. Don’t just stick to Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square.

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The Bottom Line

San Francisco’s restaurant scene is one of the main reasons I fell in love with this city. With over 4,400 restaurants spanning every cuisine imaginable, you could eat out every day for years and still discover new favorites. This list barely scratches the surface, but these are the spots that I personally love and return to again and again.

Whether you’re craving $4 banh mi or a $100 tasting menu, SF has you covered. Just do yourself a favor and come hungry.

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Now go eat. And if you want more SF food content, you know where to find me.