The Most Iconic Food Experiences in San Francisco

What makes a restaurant or a dish iconic? Is it the setting, the ingredients, or the vibe you get from the staff? More likely than not, it’s some combination of all three, coupled with the hard-to-define qualities that make it feel like this restaurant—or dish—could only exist here, in this place, at this time. San Francisco, with its long, storied food culture and equally colorful history, has no shortage of these places. Some have been around for decades, while others are new, fresh, and just as inextricable from the city’s fine dining DNA. All of them call to us again and again, whether it’s for a special occasion, a second dinner, or a comforting snack.

Here is a motley, patchwork list of restaurants, dishes, and foods in San Francisco that we deem essential, drawn from our own experiences and bolstered with recommendations from other trusted food-minded folks. Is this list definitive? Of course not. Is it delicious? You bet. Consider it a heartfelt love letter to just some of the best this city has to offer and a hit list of eateries that we find ourselves returning to over and over again. From Mission burritos to seafood feasts and Italian hot spots, here are the dining experiences you can’t miss in the Golden City:

Western Addition
Tommy’s Joynt has been satisfying hungry San Franciscans with hearty, hand-carved roasted meats since 1947. It’s a straightforward operation; customers line up before ordering their meals at the counter and their drinks from the bar. Choose between a dinner with hand-carved meat, two sides, and bread and butter, or get your meat on a simple sandwich. That’s the easy part. The hard part is choosing which meat. Your options include roast beef, ham, roasted turkey, corned beef, pastrami, and the crowd-pleasing BBQ beef brisket. And don’t skip the drinks; Tommy’s has some of the cheapest drinks in town, including $7 pints of beer and $6.50 martinis. Cheers to that.
How to book: Walk-ins only.

North Beach
You’re waiting in line at Liguria Bakery (circa 1911) for one thing and one thing only: the famous focaccia bread, which, to be fair, is also the only thing they sell. The only decision you’ll have to make when you get to the counter is what you want on top of your bubbly, chewy, and flat-leavened oven-baked bread. Choose from plain, green onion, raisin, garlic, mushroom, jalapeno, rosemary and garlic, mushroom, and the always popular pizza focaccia topped with tomato sauce and green onions. Or get ‘em all. Just be sure to arrive early because even though Liguiria is technically open until noon, when the focaccia is gone, it’s gone.
How to order: Get in line at 7 am.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Your first instinct may be that Boudin is just for tourists, but the bakery is a revered San Francisco stalwart responsible for introducing sourdough 175 years ago during the Gold Rush. At the flagship location, you can watch bakers craft sourdough rolls in the shape of crabs, teddy bears, and alligators (you can also ask them questions through a two-way intercom). But the most important thing to do while at Boudin is order the New England-style clam chowder served in a decidedly SF-style sourdough bread bowl. Your challenge? Make it all disappear, including the bowl.
How to book: Indoor and outdoor seating are first-come, first-served.

North Beach
Sam’s may offer pizza, but don’t even think about being tempted; it’s the burger that’s going to change your life. It’s a classic, topped with American cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a sesame bun, and though it is satisfying at any time of day, it is extra satisfying at midnight after a few drinks right before you call your Uber to head home. And just in case you don’t believe us: Anthony Bourdain called the double cheeseburger at Sam’s “a good motherfucking burger” and one of the top three in the world. The tiny hole-in-the-wall with counter seating is open until 2 am on the weekend, a time at which you won’t be able to find much else, effectively making the burger that much more satisfying.
How to order: Walk-ins only.

Mission
We all deserve a little magic in our lives, and that’s exactly what Merchant Roots provides with its creative and joyful dinners. The menu at the immersive fine dining restaurant is always themed and constantly changing, which means that on one night, you may be catching edible bubbles as they float down from the ceiling, and four months later, you'll be eating a dish from the “Color Theory” menu that immediately evokes the sensation of jumping into a pile of autumn leaves. Merchant Roots is a bit of a splurge, but because of the consistently whimsical experience and the equally impressive food, it’s one worth making a couple times a year.
How to book: Make reservations on Tock. Be sure to plan ahead as reservations go fast.

Marina
Tourists and locals alike clamor for this hot drink that warms the soul on a foggy day. The Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista is a modern marvel of coffee, fresh cream, and Irish whisky. It’s well worth a visit to watch the skilled bartenders seamlessly batch and craft a line of coffees with choreographic precision, made better by the fact that the just-sweet-enough (and just-spiked-enough) drinks are, in fact, delicious.
How to book: The Buena Vista is first-come, first-served. Get a seat at the bar if you can.

All over
San Francisco’s rich history of Japanese culture and heritage, combined with a prime oceanside location, makes it a standout spot for a proper sushi binge. And you’ll find standout options at every price point and every vibe. Sample Michelin-starred delights at neighborhood restaurants like Wako in the Inner Richmond, or Ju-Ni in the Western Addition, or go big with glamorous omakase spreads at The Shota downtown, Omakase in SOMA, or at Robin in Hayes Valley, where you’ll find an exciting selection of local fish alongside classic cuts flown in from Japan. Find more affordable, but still delicious omakase at Chisai Sushi Club in Bernal; sample creative and delicious vegan options at Shizen; or check out local favorites with a spread at Ebisu, an Inner Sunset staple that’s been around for more than three decades; or Eiji, a cozy sushi spot in the Castro that has excellent nigiri alongside their unmissable homemade tofu. Looking for late-night sushi accompanied by beats from a DJ? Ryoko’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar in Union Square may not be known for its exceptional sushi, but the food is fresh and tasty, and the space is always lively and always fun.

Hayes Valley
If you could only have one meal in San Francisco ever, Zuni would be a strong candidate for capturing the city’s food scene at its best. Moreover, in an informal poll of essential San Francisco dishes, nearly everyone who responded, food writers and food lovers alike, cited The Chicken at Zuni. This is, of course, Zuni’s incomparable roast chicken for two, boasting a whole bird cooked to snappy-crisp-skinned, juicy perfection in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven, served atop a currant-studded bread salad plump with drippings and brightened with a bitter-fresh scattering of greens and vinaigrette. The dish marries simplicity with skill, comfort, and familiarity with an almost revelatory combination of flavor and texture. Frankly, it’s magnificent. It also takes an hour to prepare, giving you ample time to sample a selection of West Coast oysters, house-cured anchovies, an actually perfect Caesar Salad, the shoestring fries... we could go on, but if you’re having a hard time deciding, we always go with the Caesar and fries. Everything at Zuni is wonderful; it’s the best of California cuisine with none of the clichés. There is no bad seat in the house, but our favorite thing to do is snag a table in the bar area, tucked in the restaurant’s iconic, triangular corner window.
How to book: Make reservations via OpenTable, or call 415-552-2522.

All over
A category that deserves ample praise, San Francisco’s dumpling scene is strong, but how should you tackle it like a pro? Sample made-to-order dumplings at Yuanbao Jiaozi on Irving Street, followed by the juicy, lamb-filled Westlake dumplings at Old Mandarin Islamic on Vicente. Cruise out to Shanghai Dumpling King for pan-fried pork buns and stop by Bini’s Kitchen for outstanding lamb and turkey momos. Oh, and don’t forget Dumpling Time’s marvelous creations, including a Tom Yum-inspired soup dumpling. Or Z&Y Restaurant’s spicy dumplings. Or Red Tavern’s Pelmeni.

Nob Hill
Waiting in line for a seat at the counter of this pocket-sized seafood shop on Polk Street is basically a rite of passage in San Francisco. It’s also a rare breed of restaurant that is a constant draw for locals and tourists alike, but whatever gets you there, the wait is always worth it. Start with a dozen oysters then move on to the Crab Back, best sopped up with the ever-present wedges of sourdough bread—or consider a Louie Salad if you’re tempted by a classic. The one thing you can’t miss is the Sicilian Sashimi: an assortment of thin-sliced raw salmon, scallops and tuna, drizzled with olive oil and finished with salt and capers. It’s perfect, especially accompanied with a cold Anchor Steam.
How to book: All seating is first-come, first-served.

Mission
The Mission burrito is a legend unto itself, a hand-held meal created to test the biggest of appetites. The form is deceptively simple—flour tortilla, loaded with rice, beans, meat of choice, salsas, guac and sour cream, wrapped tightly and encased in a sheath of foil—but there is art in every step: from the light griddle of the tortilla, rendering it warm and pliant, to the texture and seasoning of the meat, to the flavor of the beans, the tenderness of the rice and the quality of the salsas. Everyone has a favorite spot for a Mission burrito, but standouts include La Taqueria (order it dorado for an extra crisp-up on the griddle post-roll), El Farolito, Taqueria Cancun, and El Metate. And while you can make a meal (or two) out of it, polishing one off after a night at the bars is its own kind of San Francisco initiation. (Get a second one to throw in the fridge when you get home for tomorrow’s hangover.)

Multiple locations
A garlic-heavy, tomato-based seafood stew, Cioppino is the product of San Francisco’s long tradition of Italian fishermen, who would “chip in” whatever leftover fish they had from the day’s haul. Now, it’s a must-try when visiting the city or for anyone looking for soul-satisfying warmth on an ocean-scented foggy day. Try it at Scoma’s, perched on Pier 47; Sotto Mare, a North Beach staple; Anchor Oyster Bar, a cozy neighborhood joint in the Castro; or Tadich Grill, which claims to be the oldest, continuously run restaurant in California, and third oldest in the United States, and has been visited by everyone from Joe Montana to Clark Gable.

Richmond, Embarcadero
“... but what about the amazing shumai and pork buns and potstickers at [insert name of your favorite dim sum joint here]?” Good question, hungry reader. We couldn’t bear killing our darlings in this already fraught list of favorites, so we’re making dim sum its own damn entry. And there’s nothing like a dim sum feast on a Sunday, alongside multigenerational families stretching the brunch hour deep into the afternoon. Some favorites include Hong Kong Lounge and Dragon Beaux for sit-down feasts, Good Luck Dim Sum for takeaway and Yank Sing on the Embarcadero for Peking Duck and Xiao Long Bao, followed by a walk by the water.

Inner Richmond
This sweet spot in Richmond has been a San Francisco staple since opening in 1992 and still draws crowds for its flavorful menu of Burmese cuisine. Everything is delicious, but the textured, flavor-filled tea leaf salad has become San Francisco canon for a reason. The Rainbow Salad, Moh Hinga, and Samusa Soup are hard to pass up, too.
How to book: Walk-ins accepted for dine-in. Order takeout and delivery online.

Outer Sunset
A beachside seafood shack centered around sustainably caught, traceable seafood, Hook is a neighborhood joint beloved by local surfers that has caught the attention and adoration of the city at large, as evidenced by the long lines of bike-toting patrons on weekends. Sampling the fresh-grilled catch of the day in a taco, sandwich, or burrito is always a good call, especially accompanied by freshly fried tortilla chips and guacamole. That said, it’s hard to beat the Poke Burrito—sesame oil-rich albacore layered with black beans, slaw, avocado, radish, and pico de gallo, made even better with ample use of the house-made carrot habanero hot sauce.
How to book: Hook is open for takeout and first-come, first-served outdoor dining. Order takeout online.

North Beach, Bernal Heights, SOMA
“Uh, what exactly is San Francisco-style pizza?” you might be thinking. And the answer is: there is no single San Francisco-style pizza, which makes for a rich, delicious, magnificent landscape of pizza eating for all. From Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach, home to the 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani where you’ll find 12 pizza styles, all worth a try, to PizzaHacker in Bernal Heights, where you’ll find sourdough pizza crust loaded with top-notch seasonal ingredients, to Square Pie Guys, perfectors of crisp-edged, Detroit-style perfection, to Che Fico’s controversially charred iterations. If you’re feeling patient, then wait for a pizza at Pizzetta 221, a tiny restaurant (only four tables) in the Outer Richmond, which many San Franciscans believe to be the best in the city. And, you can’t call yourself a San Franciscan until you’ve lined up late night for a slice of Golden Boy’s “Sanfrancilian-style” pie.

Russian Hill
Say what you will about San Francisco’s commitment to vegetable-forward dishes, seasonally changing menus, and locally sourced whatnot—one of the city's best and most beloved restaurants has a never-changing menu and centers around massive sides of beef. Welcome to the House of Prime Rib, a temple to tradition, where the only choices you have to make are the cut and temperature of meat you’d like, if you want your potatoes mashed, baked, or loaded, whether you’d prefer creamed spinach or corn (the answer is, of course, spinach), and just how dirty you want that Martini. The food is delicious, but it’s the experience that makes HOPR especially outstanding, centered around the zeppelins of prime rib wheeled around the room and lovingly carved by chefs in towering toques.
How to book: Make reservations via OpenTable.

Mission
San Francisco may be famous for our giant burritos, but the taco situation must not be overlooked. And there’s no better way to explore the buzzing, colorful Mission neighborhood, which, despite rapid gentrification and changing demographics, still maintains its soul. Some favorites include the perfect, flavorful pollo asado at the El Gallo Giro taco truck, the lengua at La Oaxaquena, the shrimp-filled Tacos Tropicale at Lolo, carnitas at Nopalito’s new Dolores Park-adjacent window, and dripping birria tacos from Tacos El Patron. Oh, and anything on a fresh, handmade tortilla from La Palma Mexicatessen.

Embarcadero
One of the best ways to get a taste of San Francisco is to spend some time at the Ferry Building, a temple of the best the Bay has to offer. In addition to absolute standout spots like Hog Island Oysters Co., Humphrey Slocombe, Fort Point Beer, and Peaches Patties, visit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for a chance to explore the legendary farmers market, a favorite of the city’s chefs. It’s also a gold mine for delicious food, including Roli Roti, Midnite Bagel, Namu Stonepot, and Primavera, purveyors of the best chilaquiles in the world.
How to book: The Ferry Building Farmers Market is open for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout.

Tenderloin
Saigon Sandwich is a must-visit for banh mi lovers: these are more or less the platonic ideal of Vietnamese sandwiches. From the crackly crusted, light-as-air rolls to the brightly flavored pickles and generous fillings, to the consistently low price tag, a Saigon Sandwich banh mi is basically perfect. The combination, featuring pâté and head cheese is a personal favorite, as is the tofu, but order them all to find out which one you like best. Long live Saigon Sandwich, may they never change.
How to book: Saigon Sandwich is open for in-person takeout.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.