San Francisco Food Guide: My Favorite 7 Restaurants and Eateries in 2026

As you might know, I’m a huge foodie. I’ve literally eaten my way around the world, and today, I’m adding San Francisco, California, to that list!

Whenever I visit a new city, I always make sure to try as much of the local food as I possibly can. And I mean everything, from bakeries and street food to more casual eateries but also fine dining. I love mixing things up and trying a bit of everything. Of course, I also make sure to visit some of the most popular spots (yes, even the touristy ones), but I always try to find a few places that I hope the locals would approve of, too.

To give you guys a pretty good idea of what San Francisco has to offer food-wise, I’ve put together this San Francisco Food Guide with seven of my favorite restaurants and eateries I’ve tried around the city. Let’s get into it!

What is the Best Food in San Francisco? My Quick Answer

Before we get things started, I do want to make one thing clear: this is a list of MY favorite food spots I’ve visited during my trips to San Francisco. This isn’t a Michelin guide or a list of fancy, upscale restaurants. I’ve literally included anything I enjoyed, from ice cream shops and bakeries to local eateries but also some really nice date night spots.

My idea here is to give you guys a few great places to check out when visiting San Francisco. And in my opinion, that doesn’t always have to mean the fanciest new restaurant, some hidden gem, or the latest hyped-up omakase or sushi bar. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good fancy dinner, too, but sometimes you just want something delicious without making a whole event out of it.

My Top 7 Eateries and Restaurants in San Francisco

1. Penny Roma // My Favorite Restaurant for a Date Night!

Opening Hours: 5:30pm-10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

My all-time favorite restaurant in San Francisco for a nice dinner or date night has to be Penny Roma. I’ve been here a couple of times now, and honestly, I just love pretty much everything about this place. The atmosphere is chic but still cozy, the staff have been some of the friendliest and most helpful I’ve come across, and the food is just always straight-up delicious. For sure some of the best Italian food I’ve had in California!

On my last visit, we came here for a nice dinner and had such a great evening. We enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine, tried their arancini (which were sooo yummy), and ordered their homemade focaccia, which was also fantastic. Then we went for the cacio e pepe and gnocchi, and I can honestly recommend all of it. They just make really, really good food here!

One little tip, though: I’d highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you’re planning to come on a weekend. This place can get pretty busy!

2. Taqueria El Farolito // Best Burrito in San Francisco

Opening Hours: 10am-2:45am
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

I feel like whenever we’re talking about food in San Francisco, we also have to talk about burritos because they’re kind of a big deal here. Many people will tell you that La Taqueria in the Mission District has the best burritos in San Francisco, and hey, they might be right. But I’m not standing in a one-hour line for a burrito, guys. What I usually do instead is head to Taqueria El Farolito, which is just a couple of minutes down the road and, in my opinion, at least as good!

We actually came here after trying to get into La Taqueria, the burritos here are mind-blowingly good. We tried one with carnitas and another with chile relleno, and both were fantastic.

The restaurant itself is super old-school and authentic, too. So if you’re visiting San Francisco from overseas, I’d definitely recommend stopping by, even just to experience what a proper Mexican burrito spot is like. And one more thing: make sure to get the horchata while you’re here. It’s awesome!

3. ABV

Opening Hours: 4pm-2am
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I do love a good cocktail bar, and my favorite one in San Francisco is probably ABV. It feels like a little neighborhood cocktail bar, even though it’s right in the Mission District. I usually come here after spending the afternoon exploring the neighborhood, checking out its cool little shops and street art.

ABV hands down makes some of theeeee best cocktails in town. They have all the classics, of course, but some of their specials are really good, too. One of my favorites is the Pickle Rickey, a gin and pickle juice cocktail. I absolutely love it, although I should probably mention that it’s definitely not for everyone!

They also serve some fantastic bar food, which is exactly what I want with a cocktail or a beer. I’ve had their burger with fries, which is fantastic if you’re in the mood for a good old-school bar-style burger. But what I actually loved even more was their octopus a la plancha. It comes with fries and chipotle sauce, and the octopus itself is really good.

4. The Buena Vista

Opening Hours: 8am-11pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

I honestly can’t even remember who first recommended The Buena Vista to us, but at some point during our time in San Francisco, someone told us we absolutely had to check it out.This place is pretty much an institution in San Francisco, famous for bringing Irish coffee to the US back in 1952!

What I liked about The Buena Vista is that it’s still very traditional and old-school. Some newer bars can feel a little too polished for my taste, but this one feels like a proper old-school pub.

Of course, we tried their famous Irish coffee, and it was really good but their food is fantastic, too. They serve classic, no-fuss bar food, and I can highly recommend their Reuben sandwich, cheeseburger, and calamari. We enjoyed all of it, so this is definitely a place I’d recommend for lunch or dinner, too!

5. Tartine Bakery // My Favorite Bakery in San Francisco

Opening Hours: 7:30am-6pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

If there’s one bakery in San Francisco that I looove the most, it’s Tartine Bakery. I know a lot of people absolutely swear by Arsicault Bakery, and don’t get me wrong, it’s great, too, but Tartine is still my personal favorite. I’ve been here quite a few times now and have pretty much worked my way through their whole menu!

They bake all their bread and pastries in-house, and I’ll be honest, everything I’ve tried here has been super delicious. Their croissants are incredible, and so are their little lemon and berry tarts but I also love their melt sandwiches and focaccia, and they make really good coffee here, too.

What I usually do is grab a coffee and some breakfast to go and then walk over to Mission Dolores Park, which is just a short walk away. Find myself a nice spot in the park, and basically have a little picnic overlooking San Francisco!

6. Hog Island Oyster Co.

Opening Hours: 11:30am-8pm
Price: $$$
Menu & Location

I’ve heard some awesome things about Hog Island Oyster Co., which is apparently one of the best places in San Francisco to go for good seafood and, especially, oysters. It’s located right at the Ferry Building, which is a cool spot to check out anyway when you’re visiting San Francisco. They serve all sorts of fresh seafood, and from what I’ve heard, their oysters are supposed to be fantastic.

I haven’t actually been here myself but I still wanted to include it because I have just heard great things.

What makes the location even better is that they have a terrace with awesome views over the water, and also a really cool atmosphere. It’s also super conveniently located near downtown, so if you’re staying in that area, it’s an easy spot to add to your San Francisco food itinerary.

7. Garden Creamery

Opening Hours: Check their website!
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

The best ice cream I had in San Francisco was without a doubt at Garden Creamery. It’s located in the Mission District, which is actually one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, so it’s a great excuse to stop by while you’re exploring the area.

We had to wait around 20 minutes to get our ice cream here, but I’d say it was worth it because it was seriously good! They have all sorts of interesting flavors, and two of my favorites were the Biscoff Cookie and Matcha Oreo. Both were delicious, and I love that they offer something a little different from your usual vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Mission and feel like treating yourself to something sweet!

FAQs About Where to Eat in San Francisco, San Francisco Food Guide

Is San Francisco worth visiting?

Absolutely, 100%! San Francisco is one of my favorite cities to visit in California. There are so many cool tourist attractions to check out, awesome neighborhoods to explore, and, of course, an incredible food scene.

What is the best restaurant for families in San Francisco?

This one is a little tricky because most of the restaurants I’ve visited in San Francisco date night restaurants or bars that I’d recommend for couples or smaller groups. If you’re traveling with kids and just want something easy, I’d probably go with In-N-Out Burger.

Is San Francisco expensive to visit?

Yes and no! San Francisco is a major city in California, so naturally, it can get pretty expensive, especially if you’re staying in fancy hotels and eating at upscale restaurants. But there are plenty of ways to visit on a budget, too. You can find more affordable hotels, grab a delicious burrito or burger without spending a fortune, and still have an amazing time in the city.

What are the best cafes in San Francisco?

There are sooo many great cafes in San Francisco! Two of my personal favorites are Flywheel Coffee Roasters in Haight-Ashbury and The Mill. Both are fantastic coffee shops!

What is there to do in San Francisco?

Oh, where do I even start? San Francisco has so much going on! You have the iconic tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, but also really cool museums like SFMOMA, and then all the different neighborhoods to explore. I personally love just wandering around the Mission District or Haight-Ashbury!

Final Thoughts on The Best Places to Eat in San Francisco

I genuinely loved all the restaurants and eateries I’ve included in this list, and I think you’ll have a great time at any of them. Of course, there are countless other amazing restaurants in San Francisco, and honestly, finding good food here isn’t difficult at all. There’s just so much to choose from!

But hopefully, my list of seven favorite restaurants in San Francisco has given you a little inspiration for where to grab your next coffee, lunch, dinner, or even just a scoop of ice cream while exploring the city. Enjoy!

Check Out My Other San Francisco Guides

Is San Francisco Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How Many Days in San Francisco? My Itinerary Planner

When is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco? My Season Guide

Is San Francisco Safe to Visit? My Honest Review

Is San Francisco Expensive to Visit? My Budget Breakdown

San Francisco Without a Car: How I Get Around in SF

How I Spend 3 Days in San Francisco: My Perfect Itinerary

Mission District San Francisco: My Full Neighborhood Guide

Is Alcatraz Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

Best Things to Do in San Francisco: My Favorite Activities & Sights

Solo Travel San Francisco: My Tips For Solo Trips & Backpackers

Best Cafes in San Francisco: My Top Coffee Shops in SF

San Francisco Food Guide: My Favorite Restaurants & Eateries

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Hotels & Areas