A breezy all day Dogpatch cafe from the folks behind Piccino that serves up your ideal version of grab-and-go-lunch — not-your-average breakfast pastries, farm-fresh bowls and sandwiches, coffee, beer, and wine, and a particularly refreshing buffalo milk soft serve.
690 Indiana St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
+1-415-619-3240
The place to go for insane yakitori, fresh sashimi, house-made udon, loads of sake, and other mouthwatering izakaya-style bites. A bamboo fence separates a hip crowd from an otherwise unassuming street in the Mission.
82 14th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
+1-415-589-7022
The spacious, sophisticated second act from the culinary rockstars behind Statebird Provisions next door is perfect for a special meal. Seasonal small plates, festive shared platters, a great wine list, and notable martini round out the Michelin-stared offerings.
1525 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
+1-415-673-1294
An absolute gem in the Ferry Building. Chef Amaryll Schwertner works with purveyors near and far (some as close as the farmers market out front) to put together vibrant, ingredient-forward dishes that command a following. Cozy up with regulars (or the occasional A-lister) for brunch at the larder or dinner at Boulibar next door.
1 Ferry Building #48
San Francisco, CA 94111
+1-415-399-1155
Multi-Michelin starred chef Dominique Crenn serves beautifully crafted dishes that make the city crazy at this Hayes Valley spot. If you can't stomach the tasting menu at her ultimate showcase, Atelier Crenn, Petit Crenn is the lower priced, yet still exquisite, option.
609 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
+1-415-864-1744
A beloved neighborhood gem that’s been around since before the Dogpatch got cool. Italian dishes change with the seasons, while an adjoining coffee bar and overall warm atmosphere keep folks coming back on the regular.
3432, 1001 Minnesota St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
+1-415-824-4224
An elegant and impressive Moroccan restaurant in Midtown (tk). The specialties are large-format shared plates and a four-thousand bottle collection of wine. This is the place to impress clients.
140 New Montgomery St. #1
San Francisco, CA 94105
+1-415-660-2500
199 Gough St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
+1-415-355-9085
Chef Gabriela Cámara, of Fathom Favorite Contramar in Mexico City, has brought her toque north. She’s still serving her addictive tostadas, here made with trout instead of tuna, as befits her focus on sustainable seafood. The Hayes Valley eatery is airy and beautiful, with hanging vines, a great bar scene, and a terrific staff.
149 Fell St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
+1-415-660-7701
Pull up a bright red folding chair to the equally colorful polyester-covered tables, add the passing whiff of beef short ribs in a coconut milk and turmeric marinade, and suddenly you're in a back alley in Bangkok waiting for dinner. It's all good vibes and better food by Michelin-starred chef James Syhabout. The cocktails are fantastic, too.
680 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1-415-400-5699
Beignets, BBQ shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles slathered with brown sugar butter and apple cider syrup. It's breakfast that will put you to bed.
2534 Mandela Pkwy.
Oakland, CA 94607
+1-510-839-7685
Just outside the Gourmet Ghetto, hidden inside Hotel Shattuck, is a four-time Bib Gourmand Michelin award-winner. The cheddar buttermilk biscuits, the roasted duck breast, the craft cocktails — your stomach thanks you.
2086 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
+1-510-225-6034
Go for the roast chicken (totally worth the wait and the $58), stay for the burger and the seasonal salads. Fresh oysters and fun cocktails making waiting at the bar a real pleasure.
1658 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
+1-415-552-2522
One of those magical places that tourists love and locals still frequent. Squeeze onto one of the tiny bar stools and be prepared for a memorable seafood lunchtime feast. Everything on the menu is good, but when in doubt, strike up a conversation with the very nice Sancimino brothers and their staff for secret menu items like a smørrebrød or uni.
1517 Polk St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
+1-415-673-1101
There are plenty of spots for Mission burritos and Mexicatessen pit stops, but this one tops the list. The staples are excellent and the servings are generous — don't forget to get your burrito dorado (grilled).
2889 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1-415-285-7117
The dishes are hearty, the wine list is long, the scene is bustling but cozy. No surprises why the Michelin-star Italian spot continues to draw crowds.
1911 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
+1-415-771-7779
Chez Panisse-alum Charlie Hallowell serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas this side of the Bay. Get a pie to share so you can order more of the fantastic antipasti (think persimmon and pomegranate with shaved fennel and walnuts) and still have room for dessert.
5008 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
+1-510-652-4888
Alice Waters, the mother of farm-to-table movement, continues to draw crowds in her cozy yet sophisticated Berkeley spot. The prix-fixe menu changes weekly and is especially fun for adventureous eaters. For a more casual option and an equally impressive á la carte menu, opt for a seat at the cafe upstairs.
1517 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
+1-510-548-5525
Everything you expect from a NorCal favorite; from the walls lined with jars of pickles to the scrumptious dishes heaped with the freshest local ingredients (many of which are meat-, dairy-, and gluten-free).
2200 Oxford St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
+1-510-809-0400
From the culinary geniuses behind the James Beard-award winning Tartine Bakery, their newest venture is an all-day restaurant, serving lunch and dinner in addition to their famously delectable pastries and freshly-baked breads. The space is refreshingly airy and in the middle of one of San Francisco's trendiest neighborhoods, so it's unsurprisingly popular —be sure to make a reservation.
595 Alabama St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1-415-757-0007
Order at the window of this Southern grub-slinging hole-in-the-wall from the kind folks behind sustainable soul food spot Farmerbrown. Take your basket of fried chicken and flakey buscuits to a strip of curb in the sun.
360 Ritch St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
+1-415-777-2777
Midweek, drop in for oysters and something bubbly at the bar. Mid-weekend, book a table outside for brunch and pile it high with lemon curd-layered crepe cake and gravlax on rye, with fruit cup cocktails and four-barrel coffee on the side.
355 11th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
+1-415-355-9400
Make sure blood sugar levels are stable before your name goes on the list, because even when the wait is close to two hours, no snack comes close to being worth spoiling this Szechuan feast. One bite of ma po tofu and you won't even notice the greasy spoon decor.
2234 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1-415-863-2800
A seemingly simple concept gives way to seasonal salads, house-made pastas, and wood-fired pizzas likely to cause cravings at a much later date. A wine list of obscure Italian bottles is where the night gets rewardingly complex.
2401 Harrison St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1-415-826-7000
Carve out a spot at the communal table to comfortably consume heady cocktails and copious amounts of veg-heavy antipasti, rich risotto, and crispy pizzas. No reservations for parties under 6, but call ahead an hour before your preferred dining time, and they'll add your name to the list.
1199 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
+1-415-695-1199