Exploring the Culinary Scene in San Francisco's Neighborhoods
San Francisco is known for its diverse culinary offerings, with some of the best restaurants in the world. Here's a look at the types of restaurants you can find in some of San Francisco's neighborhoods:
Mission
The Mission district is home to some of the best Mexican food in San Francisco, as well as trendy cafes and bars. Popular restaurants include Tartine Bakery, known for its freshly baked pastries, and Koi Palace, which serves up some of the best dim sum in the city.
South of Market
SOMA has a mix of upscale restaurants and casual eateries, with a focus on fusion cuisine. Don't miss out on The Slanted Door, a modern Vietnamese restaurant overlooking the bay, and Waterbar, where you can feast on fresh seafood while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
Berkeley
Located across the bay from San Francisco, Berkeley has a laid-back vibe with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Check out Mitchell's Ice Cream, which has been serving up homemade ice cream for over 60 years, or grab a slice at Tony's Pizza Napoletana.
Downtown/Civic Center
This area is home to some of the city's most iconic restaurants, including the historic Boudin Bakery Cafe, known for its sourdough bread, and AsiaSF, a lively spot that combines dinner and entertainment.
Nob Hill
Nob Hill is one of San Francisco's most upscale neighborhoods, with plenty of fine dining options. Don't miss out on Grand Hyatt San Francisco's Epic Steak, where you can enjoy a steak while taking in stunning views of the city.
Financial District
The Financial District is bustling during the day, with plenty of lunch spots for the busy professional. Grab a burger at In-N-Out Burger or head to Wayfare Tavern for classic American fare.
Other noteworthy restaurants include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Fort McKinley, Bar & Banquet, Fog Harbor Fish House, Franciscan Crab, Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, Pier 23 Cafe & Bar, Moonstar, Crab House at 39, and Wipeout Bar & Grill.
Whether you're looking for an Instagram-worthy meal or simply craving some comfort food, San Francisco has something for everyone.
What people say
San Francisco is a city well-known for its diverse culinary scene. From the trendy cafes in the Mission District to the high-end restaurants in Nob Hill, there's something for every foodie in San Francisco.
As a publisher of a review website, we understand the importance of online reviews and comments when it comes to choosing where to dine. We've compiled a list of some of the types of restaurants you can find in the various neighborhoods of San Francisco, based on what reviewers are saying.
The Mission District is known for its thriving food scene, with a mix of international cuisines and hip cafes. Reviewers rave about the taquerias in the neighborhood, with El Farolito and La Taqueria being among the most popular. For brunch, Tartine Bakery & Cafe is a must-visit spot for their artisan bread and pastries.
In the Financial District, reviewers recommend Del Popolo for their wood-fired pizza and Kokkari Estiatorio for their Greek-inspired cuisine. For a more upscale dining experience, Benu has received high praise for their modern Asian cuisine.
Nob Hill is home to some of San Francisco's most iconic restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Gary Danko. Reviewers also recommend The Big 4 Restaurant at The Scarlet Huntington Hotel for their classic American fare and historic ambiance.
If you're looking for seafood, reviewers suggest checking out Fisherman's Wharf. While it may be touristy, many locals still recommend Alioto's Restaurant or Scoma's Restaurant for fresh seafood dishes.
In North Beach, Italian cuisine reigns supreme. Reviewers recommend Tony's Pizza Napoletana for their award-winning pizzas and Golden Boy Pizza for their unique square slices.
Overall, online reviews and comments can be extremely helpful when deciding where to dine in San Francisco. With such a diverse range of restaurants and cuisines available throughout the different neighborhoods, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
Full neighborhood list
AlbanyBayview
Berkeley
Bernal Heights
Brisbane
Castro/Upper Market
Chinatown
Colma
Corte Madera
Daly City
Downtown/Civic Center
Emeryville
Excelsior
Financial District
Glen Park
Golden Gate Park
Haight Ashbury
Inner Richmond
Inner Sunset
Kensington
Lakeshore
Marina
Mill Valley
Mission
Muir Beach
Nob Hill
Noe Valley
North Beach
Outer Mission
Outer Richmond
Outer Sunset
Pacific Heights
Pacifica
Parkside
Potrero Hill
Presidio
Presidio Heights
Richmond
Russian Hill
San Bruno
Sausalito
South of Market
South San Francisco
Tiburon
Treasure Island/YBI
Visitacion Valley
West of Twin Peaks
Western Addition