San Francisco’s dining scene is a reflection of the city itself: innovative, diverse, and deeply connected to the surrounding land and sea. From century-old institutions serving classic cioppino to sleek, modern tasting-menu counters pushing culinary boundaries, the city offers an unparalleled range of experiences.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. The best restaurants here are not just about the food on the plate; they are about the atmosphere, the history, and the unique perspective of the chefs behind them.
You can start your morning with a perfect sourdough loaf in the Mission, enjoy handmade dumplings in the Richmond for lunch, and end the day with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge while savoring fresh Pacific seafood. It is a city where casual eating is an art form and fine dining often feels surprisingly relaxed.
This guide focuses on the establishments that define the culinary identity of the Bay Area. We have prioritized spots that offer consistent quality, a distinct sense of place, and a memorable experience for diners. You will find a mix of high-end splurges, neighborhood staples, and culturally significant landmarks that have stood the test of time.
Navigating the reservation systems and wait times in San Francisco can be a challenge, so planning ahead is essential. Many of the city’s most sought-after tables book up weeks in advance, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis that requires strategic timing. Understanding the logistics of dining here is just as important as knowing what to order.
Below, we have curated a list of the sixteen best restaurants that represent the pinnacle of San Francisco dining right now. These selections highlight the city’s mastery of California cuisine, its deep immigrant roots, and its obsession with high-quality ingredients. Each entry offers something distinct, ensuring there is a perfect meal waiting for every type of traveler and food lover.
Lazy Bear
| Address | 3416 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (415) 874-9921 |
We really enjoyed our time at Lazy Bear. We loved the origin story of the restaurant. Every dish was sourced and prepared with thought and consideration, showcasing the best that CA has to offer by way of ingredients. Some were truly excellent - the onion ring appetizer, the salmon + crispy rice, and the lamb chop come to mind. The service was awesome. Our waiters seemed to truly love what they do and we enjoyed chatting with them and sharing in the experience.
The food itself was mostly excellent, though it felt a bit uneven at times and some dishes were much better than others. Still, I’d highly recommend people try Lazy Bear out. It’s a quality restaurant with a lot going for it.
An impressive pandemic-era parklet execution, but a return visit is required for the true experience.
I visited Lazy Bear in March of 2021 during their outdoor parklet chapter. While the safety protocols meant missing out on the energy of their true communal indoor dining room, the team did a remarkable job transitioning an elevated, high-end experience to a temporary sidewalk setup.
I must note that as someone who doesn't care for duck, this turned out to be a highly challenging menu for my personal palate, as duck heavily anchored the meal. However, looking past my subjective protein preferences, the technical execution and sheer creativity of the presentation were undeniable. Every course I was served showed precise artistry despite the outdoor environment, from the intricate visual openers to the complex, multi-layered main courses. The attention to detail, down to the custom cutlery, was notable.
Service was highly attentive, and the waitstaff did an excellent job managing the outdoor flow under tough restrictions. My only minor critique is that the interactions felt a bit overly scripted—dish descriptions and conversations sounded more rehearsed than organic—though this was entirely understandable given the rigid operational structures restaurants had to follow at the time.
It was great getting to experience Lazy Bear’s impressive resilience during that challenging period, but a return visit to finally evaluate their true indoor dining room experience is still a must.
What a fabulous experience! Loved the booklets- they give out before the dining experience begins so you can take notes, look ahead etc. I opted to let each dish be a surprise (highly recommend). Each course had a story which made the bite even more enjoyable. Everything cooked to perfection and they were able to accommodate my dietary restriction. The atmosphere inside is cozy and warm. Highly recommend. They are very deserving of their 2 Michelin stars!
Cute restaurant! They print the date and what you’re celebrating on the menu booklet, so great to go on birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Crab is in season for Jan so there’s a crab toast course - while it’s innovative with a layer of fat on top, I did not like it as much and feel there’s a lack of flavor.
My favorites were the scallop (very fresh!) and the wagyu (melts in your mouth!). The pumpkin soup looking dish actually has a whole layer of caviar at the bottom, surprise!
Overall really liked it and will definitely visit again.
Overall the dinner was enjoyable. I loved the concept, but the food turned out not as spectacular as the servers sang praise to.
+ Good creativity and range in the menu. High quality ingredients. Highlights were the trout, butter, chicken, and mandarin financier
- Personally I need a bit more balance. Some of the dishes were overly salted to my taste, with the fondue dishes being too salty to finish (and I was salty about this because it smelled incredible and had morels my absolute favorite). The wagyu ribeye was beautifully marbled and quite high in fat content already. So I didn’t understand why they served it with the fat cap, upping the fat content even more and making me feel gross after finishing the dish
+ Beautiful dining room
+/- Friendly service, but lowk deteriorated as they got busier. Also not a fan of how they went on about some of dishes being the best you could ever have (most of those were not)
Foreign Cinema
| Address | 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 648-7600 |
Such a fun dinner date night location. The movie makes for an entertaining backdrop and as much as I thought I wouldn’t care about the movie I found myself looking over a fair bit. The courtyard is cozy and intimate with warm patio lights above. Even with the occasional breeze patio heaters keep things toasty.
Service was alright. Our server definitely seemed busy and like maybe we weren’t a priority but the food and atmosphere made up for the small waits.
For dinner we started with the baked goat cheese and ceviche. Both dishes were tasty in their own regard. The fresh veggies were a nice addition to the already rich goat cheese dish. The ceviche had a nice kick from the habanero in the dish. For our mains we got the persian spiced tuna and the madras curry sesame fried chicken. The fish was super savoury and the complimenting brand and peppers really complimented the dish. The chicken had the perfect fried chicken flake. So many flavours that came through nicely.
To end our meal we shared the sundae. The fruit macedoine was nicely spiced and compliment the richness of the ice cream really nicely.
I liked the atmosphere, the service was sharp and professional. Great volume and ambience, and the wine list is solid. Razor Clam was delicious and Mozzarella Pepper dish was fantastic (especially with focaccia)! Fried Chicken was not my favorite but I know it’s a popular dish. Love the daily changing menu. Highly Recommend!
The steak was great, the rest of the food was pretty okay. The pasta was watery, and the cheese was mid. The atmosphere is pretty great, they play old movies on the wall and the vibes are amazing.
I loved how fresh the food felt! Each ingredient was refreshing to taste. The atmosphere is romantic and makes for wonderful conversations. Everyone was having such a good time which adds to the jolly ambience.
Went to Foreign Cinema in San Francisco for Saturday brunch and had a great experience. Definitely recommend making a reservation—it was almost fully packed when we arrived. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and the overall vibe is really nice and lively.
We ordered the tuna ceviche, French omelette, and seafood sandwich. Everything was fresh and really tasty. The only small downside was the portion size, especially the ceviche, which felt a bit small for the price.
Overall, really enjoyed it and would definitely come back.
Sotto Mare
| Address | 552 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 398-3181 |
The staff were friendly and courteous throughout our visit. We arrived around 4:00 PM, well before the typical dinner rush, but still waited over 30 minutes for a table, which shows how popular the restaurant is.
The food was very good, and both pasta dishes were well prepared.
One small disappointment was the bread service. After we finished our bread, we asked if we could have another basket. Our server said they would bring more, but it never arrived. It may have simply been forgotten during a busy service.
If the weather is nice, I would recommend sitting outdoors. The indoor dining room feels quite crowded, and because of the open kitchen, the smell of cooking lingers in the air. By the end of the meal, our clothes noticeably smelled like kitchen smoke.
Overall, we enjoyed the food and the service. With a little improvement to the seating wait and indoor ventilation, the dining experience would be even better.
If you are in San Francisco, you absolutely have to check this place out—you won't regret it! Sotto Mare is located in a great neighborhood, and the vibe inside is incredibly fun and bustling. Even though the place was packed, the staff was super friendly, attentive, and running around making sure everyone was taken care of.
Here is what we tried:
Richie's Marinated Cold Cracked Dungeness Crab: My oh my, this has to be the best crab I have ever had in my life. Absolutely incredible.
Clams on the Half Shell: Nicely fresh, clean, and a perfect appetizing start to the meal.
The World-Famous Cioppino: This was the absolute star of the night. While I haven't tried every single cioppino in the Bay Area, this has to be the best one around. The flavor is outstanding—subtle, mild, and perfectly balanced. The portion size is huge and was more than enough for me and my lady. It is just loaded to the brim with fresh seafood, including mussels, clams, calamari, scallops, and shrimp.
Pro-Tip: Go early right when they are about to open! They don’t take standard small-group reservations, and this place gets really, really busy fast.
Long waits on a Saturday night, but you get a buzzer so you can walk around.
The last time I was here was 2018, and the food is still excellent. I always order the cioppino and although still good, it seems like the recipe has changed a little bit. The oysters are superb as is the cobb salad.
Wines are well priced and service is great. Sitting outside is preferable to inside.
Such amazing Italian food!! Ordered a half dozen of east + west oysters. I personally prefer east cuz it’s sweater. Absolutely favorite is the seafood risotto, so much seafood and fresh. Same with their signature seafood soup(?) forgot the actual name of the dish. But it’s served with so much fresh seafood. Crab, shell, squid, mussel. Seasoning is absolutely spot on. Not too heavy or creamy. Such delicious food for amazing price! Def a 10/10!! Server was so nice. Just be aware they have added a 4% service fee. I didn’t take it out because I feel they deserve that and to better survive in sf as such an amazing Italian restaurant.
Very good, home style seafood! All our dishes were fresh and favorable. Service was generally good but the tables were small and you had to navigate putting the dishes on the table.
Highly recommended!
Kokkari Estiatorio
| Address | 200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 981-0983 |
Visited once for lunch and once for dinner. I like to come here for special occasions, though lunch prices are reasonable for a nice weekday meal! The food, especially seafood is really good.
I’m a big fan of the fried smelts, though they might be larger during winter/early spring season, as they were noticeably smaller when I came here in July. The octopus was very tender, and dolmades were easy to eat as well. For the main, I enjoyed the fish dish a lot more than the chicken. Chicken Souvlaki was not too substantial and felt a little flat compared to the fish.
For desserts, I’ve tried their frozen yogurt and loukoumades (donuts). Frozen yogurt texture is really interesting, stretchy like ice cream and not icy! The greek donuts were nicely crisp on the outside and soaked in spiced honey sauce.
Service is always friendly and attentive. looking forward to coming back!
Kokkari Estiatorio was an easy choice when family visited from SoCal and wanted a nice dinner spot. We made a reservation about a week in advance, which I’d recommend since this place tends to stay busy. Expectations were high; one person in our group had been here before and spoke very highly of it, and it lived up to it. We were seated near the fireplace/oven, close to the bread station, which added a warm, lively touch to the overall atmosphere.
Our group of six decided to sample a bit of everything, so we ordered several mezze and salads to share, and they were all flavorful and well prepared. For entrées, we tried the salmon (Solomos), roasted chicken (Kotopoulo Souvlaki), and lamb chops; the lamb chops were easily the standout and a big hit at the table. We also shared a couple of desserts, and those were just as good as the rest of the meal. Portions are solid, and the quality is consistent across the board.
Service was excellent. Our server was attentive and handled our group, who can be a bit particular at times, very well, ensuring everyone was taken care of without feeling rushed. The dining space is fairly large and divided into sections, which helps keep the noise level manageable. One quick tip: the restrooms are downstairs and require an elevator ride, so plan ahead. Overall, it’s a great spot for a special meal, and I’d confidently recommend it in the city.
Kokkari Estiatorio: A San Francisco Masterclass
If you are looking for a "treat yourself" meal in the city, **Kokkari Estiatorio** is the gold standard. The vibe is impeccably classy—think rustic Mediterranean elegance with a warm, upscale energy that makes it perfect for a celebration.
The service truly elevated the night; our server, who introduced himself as "the prince," was phenomenal and kept the evening feeling special from start to finish.
**The Standout Mains**
**The Duck (Papia):** This is an absolute mandatory order for duck lovers. It is perfectly rendered, tender, and seasoned to highlight the rich flavor. The potatos were cooked in the duck oil that was dripping while roasting. What!
**The Pork Chop (Hirini Brizola):** This wood-grilled pork chop is legendary for a reason. The highlight is the crispy pork skin—it’s perfectly crackled and adds a salty, savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the juicy meat.
**The Sweet Finish**
We shared a beautiful spread of desserts including the airy
**Loukoumades** (Greek donuts) and the **Baklava** with vanilla-praline ice cream. They even added a "Happy Birthday" touch to the plate, which was a lovely gesture.
**Reservations: Keep in mind that they require a $25 per person hold to secure a reservation, so be sure of your headcount when booking. This is through Open Table
**⚠️ A Quick Note on the Water**
Just a heads-up for large groups to avoid a surprise on the bill: we had a slight **miscommunication regarding the water**. One person at the table asked for carbonated water, while the rest of us specified "not carbonated." This was interpreted as a request for bottled water for the entire table. At **$10 a bottle**, we ended up with an unexpected **$90 charge for water** on the final tab. Definitely be extra clear if you just want standard tap for the table!
**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Price:** $$$$
**Perfect for:** Birthdays, anniversaries, or showing off the SF food scene to guests.
Kokkari was hands down one of the best dining experiences I had in San Francisco. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant had a warm, upscale atmosphere with incredible service that made the entire evening feel special.
We started with several appetizers, and every single one was outstanding. The Saganaki was perfectly crisp on the outside with a rich, creamy center. The Octapodaki was incredibly tender with just the right amount of char. The Kalamata—grilled olives stuffed with feta and fennel—was unlike anything I’ve had before and packed with amazing flavor. The Marithes Tiganites (crispy smelts) paired with the garlic potato skordalia was a surprise favorite, crispy, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
For our entrées, we ordered the ribeye and the lamb chops, and both were cooked to perfection. The ribeye was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, while the lamb chops were tender, smoky, and some of the best I’ve ever had.
Everything we ordered tasted fresh, authentic, and beautifully prepared. Combined with the attentive service and inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Kokkari is one of San Francisco’s most celebrated restaurants.
If you’re visiting San Francisco or looking for an unforgettable meal, Kokkari is an absolute must. I would return in a heartbeat. Highly recommend
Very nice restaurant. Service was attentive. The metaxa sidecar was nice. The appetizer of smelts(wife's favorite) are not to be missed. Zucinni fritter were very nice especially the tsatziki with it. The lamb riblet's were a disappointment. They were tender, but we're marred by a lot of fattiness that was not edible. The grilled fish was nice and rabbit stew/orzo was nice, although it was pretty heavy on cinimon (I liked, wife thought it was too heavy)
Spruce
| Address | 3640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 931-5100 |
Spruce is Michelin-Star-worthy. Absolutely fantastic in every way. My server Michael T was so kind, knowledgeable, attentive as were the other staff. The Alaska gin/yellow chartreuse/orange bitters cocktail was unique and flavorful, and I received excellent advice on choice of wines (was even allowed two half glasses of two wines with the duck since I couldn't decide after tastings!). I had the agnolotti primavera, duck two ways, and pastel de maiz if I recall correctly; on the dessert. Everything was perfectly cooked, flavorful, seasoned well, delectable. Corn infused sauce with the dessert was incredibly unique, sweet, creamy, and so tasty. Amuse Bouche, Parker rolls, chocolate tray all amazing and server kindly offered me small caviar tastes since I had mentioned interest but was worried I would get too full. Beautiful ambiance. I just had a wonderful meal and time there. Thank you Spruce team!
Looking back at my photos from a weekend brunch here in May of 2021, it stands as a really memorable snapshot of San Francisco's hybrid dining era. This visit was back when Spruce was still holding its Michelin star, and the kitchen's technical execution completely reflected that status. We sat out on the sidewalk parklet space due to the restrictions at the time—and while the temporary outdoor street setup was just okay compared to their famous, moody indoor dining room, I deeply appreciated the fact that they were able to pivot and let us dine safely.
Every single course tasted absolutely great. We started with a pastry basket of house-baked scones and muffins paired with a rich raspberry jam and sea-salted whipped butter, which set a fantastic baseline. Next was a vibrant spring pea velouté soup, which had an incredible texture and a beautiful layering of crisp radishes and croutons. For the main, the Maine Lobster Benedict served over thick, house-made English muffins with an airy hollandaise and soft quail egg yolk was a total knockout. We finished with two desserts: a remarkably precise chocolate opera cake with hazelnut crumble and dark ganache, alongside a light strawberry panna cotta ringed with white chocolate and macerated fruit. Given the sheer quality of the ingredients, the execution of the seafood, and the generous pacing of the menu, it felt like an incredibly good value at the time. A really excellent experience from start to finish.
Spruce embodies the elegance and precision of a true gourmet kitchen, making it a wonderful choice for an intimate and refined dinner.
The wine selection is impressive, and the three course menu is thoughtfully designed, allowing guests to choose their main course and dessert for a balanced dining experience. Everything arrived perfectly timed and at the ideal temperature.
The service was nice, attentive, and very professional. I especially appreciated the thoughtful recommendations and the patience in explaining the menu.
Definitely a place worth returning to.
#refinedexploring YouTube
We had great service and vibe. However, food is not impressive, at least for the three-course dinner that the three of us tried. The appetizers had some salty or fruity flavors, but not something that made us feel excited. Main entrees we chose were dry-aged duck and spare rib that was dry and frankly horrible- not to mention a $25 up charge!
We came here for the Valentine’s Day menu and overall had a lovely experience.
The cheese course was absolutely the highlight for me. It featured three different cheeses, each with an incredibly bold and intense flavor profile. It was powerful, complex, and honestly very impressive. Definitely the most memorable dish of the night.
The filet mignon was excellent — perfectly cooked and very tender. The king salmon and the Maine lobster were both very solid. Fresh, well-balanced, and thoughtfully prepared.
The chicken dish, however, felt a bit ordinary compared to the rest of the menu.
Overall, a well-executed and enjoyable meal with a few standout moments.
Scoma's Restaurant
| Address | 1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (415) 771-4383 |
Came here after a hike for lunch and waited about 30 minutes for an outdoor table. The waterfront setting made the wait worthwhile and added to the relaxing atmosphere.
Once seated, I was craving oysters, and this place delivered. The calamari was fresh and crispy with just the right amount of batter. The vongole pasta was flavorful, but my favorite was the creamy risotto with perfectly cooked scallops. The cioppino was also delicious, and a glass of wine made the meal even better.
Service was attentive throughout, making for an enjoyable dining experience and giving me another reason to return.
I visited this restaurant over the weekend, and it exceeded my expectations in every respect. Making a reservation was definitely the right choice, as the restaurant was very busy.
The service was exceptional—professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming throughout the entire evening. The food was equally impressive: every dish was of outstanding quality and fully justified the prices charged. A detail that particularly stood out was being offered the locally caught salmon, as the fishing boat had only returned to the harbor earlier that same day. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.
The location is simply stunning. Watching the sunset over the harbor while enjoying dinner created a truly memorable atmosphere that perfectly complemented the dining experience.
Having traveled the entire West Coast from Seattle to San Diego, I can honestly say that this was the finest restaurant of my trip. The combination of exceptional food, impeccable service, and a breathtaking setting makes this place stand out even among some very strong competition. Highly recommended.
Pretty good experience overall. The complementary bread was so-so, but the whipped butter made it better. We started with some clam chowder. The portion wasn't that big, but the soup was creamy. We then had their oysters a la Scoma, with spinage and melted cheese. It's very different from a regular oysters platter, but it was pretty tasty, albeit a bit salty. For main courses we had their pasta diplomatica and the fish and chips. The pasta was quite good. The fish was perfect; the fries were alright. We finished the evening with a torta setteveli (chocolate cake), which was decent.
The ambience is nice, but the service is exceptional. We spent $157 for two people after tax before tip and we were absolutely stuffed, we definitely could and should have ordered less.
Dining at Scoma’s Restaurant was the best culinary experience I had in San Francisco. The fish was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked, and the sauces were absolutely delicious—every dish was spot on.
What truly made the experience exceptional, however, was David. With over 20 years working at the restaurant, his knowledge, professionalism, and passion were outstanding. He guided us with perfect recommendations and thoughtful advice that elevated the entire meal.
David is a true asset to the restaurant and deserves special recognition. Thanks to him, the experience was not just great—it was unforgettable. 10/10!
Server was excellent he was helpful and friendly. Food and bloody marys were excellent. We went for the lunch special and it was fabulous. Clam chowder, crab Louie and gulf shrimp lumachini was excellent. Bread was also delicious. Other items available on the lunch specials. Recommended reservation. Nice bar here. Great view. Scoma's always one of our favorites to visit. We'll worth a visit. Valet parking available.
State Bird Provisions
| Address | 1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 795-1272 |
This place is a must try from the perspective of the atmosphere, style of service, and uniqueness of cuisine. It was an extremely fun experience to sit right at the bar, learn about the different dishes and watch them be made, and try them ourselves. Due to the dimsum style service, which was quite fun, don't expect to eat in any particular order.
We shared around 11 or 12 dishes across their standard menu as well as their rotating menu.
Though this is labelled as "American" cuisine, each dish seemed like a fusion of another culture, be it east Asian, south Asian, etc. For example the 7th picture was a beat based dish that tasted just like my mom's beat curry. Flavours aren't subtle in most of the dishes -- that's not necessarily a bad thing, it just depends on your taste.
Overall a fun and playful food experience!
High energy place and fun just being in the middle of the hustle and bustle - the chefs were ever moving, churning out dish after dish, the waiters were carrying plates of tapas or wheeling them around eg. Scallop crudo, potato chips with trout dip, pork belly with fish sauce, etc I really wanted to like the food but the ones I tried such as pork belly, sourdough-sourrkraut with pecorino and ricotta, black cod toast, state bird were too either too heavy or salty or hard (deep fried). The only one I liked was the scallop crudo.
Overall, fun for a try but I expected much higher standards from a one star Michelin.
I generally do not ever leave comments but this was definitely one of the worst meals i’ve paid for in SF.
To start off with dim sum style appetizers, hog island oysters with kraut was not good together. The kraut was too crunchy and too much on soft oysters which was overpowering in general. The pate is not very good, i think french butter would have been better with almond fancier. The “best” one was the handrolls and even that i didn’t understand other toppings with scallops. Just overall did not have any harmony with the ingredients.
Regarding the “main” dishes we ordered state bird and the steak. The state bird chicken seemed a little undercooked and not worth $24 for 2 pieces of average fried chicken. Also the steak was tender for sure but was so salty i couldn’t taste the numbing sensation from sichuan peppercorn.
I actually didn’t have high hopes and i genuinely felt robbed. Their drinks and water were very good.
What can I say about State Bird Provisions? We're been coming here for the past 10 years for the consistent, innovative cuisine and excellent service. This place will not disappoint if you are lucky enough to get a reservation.
Our primary server, Megan, was kind enough to review the menu of main courses and the plethora of appetizers served dim sum style on carts pushed around the restaurant, pick and choose to your liking.
For mains, we ordered California state bird, Wolfe Ranch quail which took 3 days to prepare, marinated in buttermilk. The best on the menu since the place first opened. We also had the Stemple Creek butcher's steak in a Sichuan peppercorn au poivre and tingly potato salad as well as local dungeness crab with kimchi yuba noodles and smoked egg bottarga. The steak was medium rare, flavorful and tender. The crab and noodles was underwhelming and should be skipped.
Overall, State Bird Provisions is a consistently excellent with it's inventive cuisine and impeccable service. It's the reason it's so hard to get reservations here. State Bird Provisions is one of my top three places to dine in San Francisco.
Wow! 5 stars cannot even comprehend how wonderful this establishment was. My only complaint was not having a bigger stomach! We arrived for our reservation and was informed our table wasn’t quite ready yet, but we could step to their sister establishment next door for a quick libation while we waited. It was perfect timing for us to enjoy a quick cocktail before dinner. Upon being seated, we were quickly educated on how things would be orchestrated for dinner service. PSA - they are not exaggerating when they say they will bring round à la carte items for you to pick from in addition to the dinner menu. Wow! So many options - it was a tad overwhelming but in the best way. We opted for 4 à la carte items and 3 dinner items. A bit much for 2 people, but we just couldn’t say no. It was all outstanding. Sadly we had no room for dessert and that was one of the parts I was really looking forward to. However, we definitely had no shortage of amazing food. All our service staff was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Thank you for a wonderful time.
Nopa
| Address | 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (415) 864-8643 |
We arrived at our reserved time and were seated promptly. The meal itself was a pleasure. We started with a mushroom soup that was rich and delicious, if a touch too salty. The duck was tender and flavorful, served with crisp fried zucchini and potatoes. Dessert was the highlight: a beautifully made tart paired with ice cream and hot cookies that melted in your mouth.
The service, unfortunately, was uneven. Our waiter was attentive early on, but once the restaurant filled up he seemed to vanish just as we were ready to order dessert. We tried to flag down help, yet three separate servers came and went from the tables around us without so much as a glance our way. It wasn’t until we caught the maître d’ mid-stride that things were finally sorted out. To their credit, the meal wrapped up well after that.
A word on atmosphere: the room runs loud, with an energetic, lively vibe. Worth knowing if you’re hoping for a quiet, conversational dinner.
It was nice to come here to catch up with friends. The food was pretty good, some dishes better than others. The staff is nice. They have a coat/ bag check. The space is airy and inviting. Farm to table restaurant with credits on back of menu
The warm olives were very good. They melted in my mouth and the bread was delicious. The steak was too chewy and spicy for me. The lettuces salad was also very good, crunchy lettuce and I liked the dressing. My favorite dessert was the chocolate malt ice cream, so unique and actually tastes malted! The cookies were good too and I’m glad we got both so can eat them together.
Overall nice place, a little pricey but would come back again for a special occasion
After hearing so much about the burgers at Nopa, I finally got around to trying the out, and I gotta say I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the burgers are solid. But for $30, I would have expected a more flavorful party, or a more interesting sauce... Really anything that would have made the dish more memorable.
The fried chicken was also good but not mind blowingly amazing.
The service was great though, as was the upscale ambience with its demure hipster vibe.
Nopa didn’t quite live up to expectations. The starters were mostly good and set a promising tone, but the mains were disappointing. The burger lacked flavor and felt rather ordinary, while the pork chop, although one of the better dishes, still didn’t fully convince.
The interior of the restaurant is impressive, but the acoustics are poor, making it very loud inside. Fortunately, we were seated outside, which was just ok in terms of comfort. Service was good, but not exceptional.
Overall, a somewhat disappointing experience that didn’t meet expectations.
A transcendent dinining experience full of unique flavor firsts and service of the highest level. Margo took us for a culinary ride suggesting the pork chop, the best ive ever had. A few more choice suggestions had us finishing with the malted chocolate ice cream. It’s clear why this place has stood the test of time. Fresh local ingredients and a staff that loves what they do. Thanks!
Rich Table
| Address | 199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 355-9085 |
We had a great experience here during our visit to SF. Decided on the chef's tasting menu and it did not dissappoint. It was a wide variety of flavors and textures, so we'd definitely recommend it to try smaller portions of many on and off menu items. The staff were accomodating and were able to move us to a table instead of bar seating. A neighborhood gem that we've wanted to try for a while.
By far the most memorable and delicious dinner we had during our vacation! Our server, Chris, was amazing! We did the chef’s tasting menu and were not disappointed. Everything tasted fresh, intentional, and thoughtfully prepared! Every bite complemented the next perfectly.
We went for dinner on Feb 3 to celebrate a birthday and it was our first time dining here. The food was great and our servers were attentive and friendly throughout the dinner. However, there was no acknowledgement that we were celebrating a birthday. It’s possible this birthday occasion detail may have been missed during check in if the reservation wasn’t viewed carefully. Our servers also did not ask us if we were there to celebrate any special occasion.
We still enjoyed the general dining experience at Rich Table. We particularly liked the Porcini doughnuts & Raclette and the chicken liver mousse with duck fat madeleines. We enjoyed the rice and shine milk wash cocktail. We tried the dry aged ribeye and the tonnarelli sea urchin Cacio e Pepe. Both entrees were very filling and delicious for our party of 2.
Rich Table San Francisco – Michelin-Caliber Innovation in Hayes Valley
If you are looking for the best Californian cuisine in San Francisco, Rich Table is a legendary must-visit restaurant that continues to deliver a high-energy, world-class experience. We visited in July 2021 when they held a Michelin star, and while the guide’s designation may have changed, the technical precision and flavor profiles remain at an elite level.
The menu is a masterclass in modern American gastronomy, featuring local Northern California ingredients with global influences. The highlights of our meal were truly unforgettable:
Sardine Chip: Their iconic signature dish—perfectly crispy with a punchy horseradish creme fraiche.
Dried Porcini Doughnuts: Served with rich raclette cheese, these are arguably the most famous bar snacks in San Francisco.
Aged Beef Dumplings: Incredible depth of flavor enhanced by the signature RT chile crunch.
Linguine with Little Neck Clams: A stunning pasta course featuring Early Girl tomatoes and makrut lime—a bright, technical standout.
Dry Aged Ribeye: Perfectly cooked and elevated by a vibrant green bean chimichurri and crispy fried onions.
We finished with a proper French press coffee and two phenomenal desserts: a decadent Tres Leches cake with roasted strawberries and a delicate White Chocolate Rose Geranium Panna Cotta.
Whether you are looking for a special occasion dinner, the best pasta in Hayes Valley, or a high-end gastronomy experience, Rich Table remains a titan of the SF food scene. Highly recommended!
One of the most extraordinary dining experiences we had in San Francisco. The food was unlike anything we’ve ever tasted – every course brought a new explosion of flavors.
We were delighted with several complimentary amuse-bouches from the kitchen, which added a luxurious touch to an already exceptional experience. The bartenders were friendly, talented, and crafted fantastic cocktails, while the manager was incredibly warm, attentive, and welcoming.
From start to finish, everything felt special. A truly unforgettable experience and an absolute must-visit in San Francisco.
House of Prime Rib
| Address | 1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 885-4605 |
Superb! By far my favorite steak house. They open with a warm sourdough bread and butter, then give you a delicious beet salad with their house dressing before bringing in the main dish, what you came for. The big ass hunk of meat!! They have different choices of cut, size and side dishes, I highly recommend the corn cream and mashed potatoes. I always go for the largest cut of meat, King’s Henry, and even eating a lot I have leftovers to take home. I don’t eat enough to go for the second serving, but it is available on the King’s Henry order if you can. They also have a wide variety of desserts to choose from, but I’ll be honest with you: I have tried half of them and they all left to be desired. Come for the meat, go somewhere else for the dessert.
Important note: MAKE RESERVATIONS! This place is PACKED, and as a walk-in you might have a really hard time getting a table. Impossible with a big party!
An absolute must-visit!
I don’t think I can say anything about House of Prime Rib that hasn’t already been said, but my oh my, this place is just excellent! The food was unbelievably good. We had the City Cut, and that prime rib was just incredible—perfectly cooked and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The mashed potatoes, the rich gravy, and the sourdough bread were all fantastic.
A couple of things to know before you go: it is very busy and high-energy inside, so don’t expect a quiet, intimate dinner. There is a great bustle with the carving stations moving around, and they even spin the salad right at your table, which is a fun experience. Also, you absolutely must make reservations way ahead of time, or you won’t get a table.
It is worth every bit of the hype. Highly, highly recommended!
Another amazing experience at HOPR!
Jonathan, our server, was outstanding! He was welcoming, proactive, professional, and incredibly attentive. As each course arrived, he always seemed one step ahead, anticipating what we might need before we even had to ask.
The food was excellent from start to finish. The prime rib was cooked perfectly, the baked potato was exceptionally well prepared, and the cream corn was fresh, sweet, and delicious.
The only thing that kept this from being an absolute 5-star experience was the table size. With all the food, sides, and drinks, things felt a bit cramped at times.
Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere were fantastic. If you’re planning to dine here, I highly recommend making a reservation well in advance, especially if you have a specific date and time in mind. HOPR continues to be a place worth coming back to
I can see why this place has months long wait lists. My wife and I arrived at opening and managed to secure a table 15 min after sitting down by the bar.
Just so you know the only main course option is prime rib. My wife wasn't too hungry but she ended up ordering the smallest prime rib which is a pretty large portion, she barely ate 1/2 of it.
Is the place worth the hype .. yes!
The prime rib, house salad, drinks and service makes this a standout restaurant.
We had a wonderful, impromptu family dinner here after scoring a lucky, last-minute reservation online just the day before! We snagged a 5:30 PM slot for 4 people, including our 3.5-year-old toddler. It was our first time back in about two years, and it was actually our toddler’s second visit.
I was initially a bit anxious about bringing a toddler since the dining experience at House of Prime Rib can feel quite long, but it turned out to be incredibly kid-friendly! They offer a fantastic all-inclusive kids' option that comes with everything, including milk and ice cream for dessert, which kept our little one very happy.
The food and table service were spectacular as always, but the only negative aspect of our evening was our arrival. The front host was not very friendly and didn't seem to listen to us. He immediately directed me straight to the bar without much explanation, which was quite confusing since we arrived right on time for our dinner reservation.
Aside from that bumpy start, the rest of the meal was fantastic. If you can score an early slot, it is absolutely worth a visit—even with a little one in tow!
The Progress
| Address | 1525 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 673-1294 |
The Progress was full of surprises, with creative dishes and delightful taste. The food was phenomenal, to say the least. Very well presented and tasted great. We ordered Cheese stuffed masa, Toast with artichoke aioli, Garlicky pole beans & idiazabal cheese, Crispy hodo tofu with mango & green curry, and Yuba stir fry. Everything was delicious, but my absolute favorite were Yuba stir fry and Crispy hodo tofu with mango & green curry!! It's a flavor bomb with so much depth. Great vibe, good food! Highly recommend.
Came in as a walk-in on a Wednesday and had 3 dishes: caviar potato cloud, brown butter seaweed noodles, bbq liberty farms half duck.
Service was perfect, no complaints at all. Restaurant is a bit on the louder side which made the atmosphere quite comfortable. For the dishes rating:
caviar potato cloud: unique and worth trying. The cloud is truly potato flavored and the crunch they add in plus the caviar makes this a very interesting dish. They tried to convince us to get 2 bc it’s portioned for 1 person, I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s very light and not going to fill any human being up, even a toddler. Just share one for the experience.
brown butter seaweed noodles: we loved this dish. The noodles were perfectly al dente and the sauce was divine. We are also mushroom lovers so it was a great option for us. Portion isn’t massive like some folks are saying, but it was a good amount.
bbq liberty farms half duck: hard for this dish not to be the star of the show. It’s perfectly cooked, they give you slightly rare slices around the whole plate, but a perfect cooked wing and leg as well. Portion is massive, definitely for 2 people, could even be for 3 if you’re small. The glaze is delicious and the rice in the middle plus the pickled items on the side were top tier. No complaints whatsoever with this dish
Great meal overall, will definitely return!
From the friendly staff to the Michelin-Star menu, my party of 4 loved our meal at The Progress. The One Man Punch cocktail was deceptively smooth and delicious. Standout dishes include the Brown Butter Cherries & Labneh, Halibut Crudo, King Salmon, and the superb Floating Island dessert. Even if Open Table only shows bar seating, I recommend reserving a table in advance—you might get upgraded (:
When we first got to The Progress I definitely had an expectation in my mind that it was going to be a typical upscale new American dinner. Now - while it for sure falls into that category overall, the meal we had was fantastic from start to finish with surprisingly interesting dishes and strong service. The decor/atmosphere was also inviting and fun, and really complimented the full experience. 5/5 - would come back!
Wonderful dining experience, showed up at 5:15pm for the thankfully short walk-in line, and was seated promptly at 5:30 upon opening! The food was delicious, I highly recommend the half duck with rice and the pig head charcuterie with fennel and nectarines and you do get the full menu at the bar! Left stuffed and happy, will be back!
The Morris
| Address | 2501 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (415) 612-8480 |
The Morris completely exceeded my expectations! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was attentive without ever feeling rushed. Every dish we ordered was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor - you can really tell there’s care and creativity behind the menu. We took our time enjoying the meal. The whole experience just felt special from start to finish.
We’re already talking about when we can go back for more. If you’re looking for a great night out with excellent food and service, The Morris is absolutely worth booking a table for. Highly recommend!
Really nice place with some great food. The charteruie board was great, the duck was fantastic and the drinks were great.
Unfortunately another guest got really drunk and started puking outside. I don't blame that on the restaurant or the staff, but just unlucky I guess.
Just had their special buffet brunch today. Excellent food, very fresh and delicious. Great surprise for a pre-mother’s day lunch. Spacious seating, quiet and friendly. Would definitely come at night for their night menu.
We were fairly disappointed by the food we had today. The duck hearts and broccoli/squid openers were far too salty. The duck was good, but the steak we ordered medium well was close to medium rare.
The restaurant is also fairly loud.
The service was fast and very friendly.
Adding a mandatory 6% health fee to the prices sucks, that should be included in the menu prices, not hidden.
Overall it is not worth it, and we will visit other restaurants in the future.
I think they got bored here. We had the duck, crab porridge, salad, and chocolate pudding. The flavors were there but nothing gave me a wow. Duck was dry, the chicken at Zuni was much better. After eating at Ernest and side A nearby and being blown away I was disappointed to see The Morriss is nowhere near the same level. I’d rec going elsewhere. Surprised to see the 4.7 on google. 6% added fee on bill.
Fog Harbor Fish House
| Address | 39 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 421-2442 |
From the moment we arrived, every aspect of our dining experience was exceptional. We had made a reservation and were seated promptly at a table with a beautiful view, which set the tone for a wonderful evening.The bread was warm, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. Every recommendation Haleigh C. made from the wine to our entrées was thoughtfully selected and exceeded our expectations.What truly elevated the experience was the impeccable service. Haleigh C. was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming, making us feel well cared for throughout the evening. Her professionalism and warmth turned an already outstanding meal into a memorable experience. We look forward to returning and highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience.
Red Lobster 2.0 but honestly it was not that bad. Made a reservation, came a little early but that didn't stop them from seating me exactly on reserved time. I ordered the calamari as the app, it was good some was chewy as others were soft. I wish it had a little salsa as a dipping option instead of Ranch. I ordered the mix seafood grill, the food quality looked and tasted clean but i wish it had more seasoning to it. The flavor was a little bland but it did give me a red lobster vibe. Service was good but he did take my appetizer without asking if i was finished. I didn't fight it but it is what it is. I ate most but had leftovers that i could of used as to-go. The dessert I had the fudge cake, and that tasted really bitter. I ordered a side of vanilla ice cream and that didnt save the cake from disaster. Overall i would give this place a 6/10.
I really wanted to love this place at a 5 star level. The plates were beautiful! We eat with our eyes!
My wife and i both had a couple of mid mixed drinks. (They were short poured on the alcohol, weak.)
Then we ordered calamari. Which was pretty good flavor wise, but the majority on the plate was fried onions and jalapeños. They were served with tarter sauce and cocktail sauce. Weird.
The clam chowder, was canned. Definitely not home made.
Then my wife ordered the surf and turf. $74.00. The lobster tail was a little under cooked. The filet was decent.
I ordered assorted seafood plate. Salmon, cod and grilled shrimp. The cod was small and thin, 2 oz id guess, and was so overcooked I couldn't eat it. The salmon and the shrimp was good.
Each plate came with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. Both of these sides were perfectly done! Delicious!
Service was great. I never had to wait long for a drink refill.
All in all, I doubt you could do better on the pier.
The service was excellent. Our waitress and the rest of the wait staff made sure we had everything we needed.
The drinks were good and the food was excellent. The kids enjoyed their food and the desserts were an excellent way to end our vacation.
Make a reservation and you’ll be seated right away. Those that didn’t have reservations looking like they were waiting for a while.
Good views of the pier and Alcatraz island.
Service was amazing. Food was very delicious starting with the calamari.
Has some clam chowder that was great.
Crab cakes were good the bed of sauce that they were on had a clove/nutmeg/pumpkin flavor taste. Unfortunately I m not a huge fan of those spices but the cakes were really good.
The risotto was really good and filling.
Wayfare Tavern
| Address | 201 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94111 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 772-9060 |
Was grateful to get a reservation on Valentines Day! My niece called them and they were able to seat a group of us (7) within an hour. Excellent service, and the food was great. Some highlights - the popovers of course, the clam chowder, and my fried chicken was very good. The ambience was both romantic but capable of seating multiple people. Enjoy!
Excellent food it was perfect. The portions are shareable and I really really enjoyed the mashed potato Buratta. All the portions are so big.
Service Swiss, excellent, attentive, time dwell, very friendly, everybody helped each other during service time. Definitely the highlight of this establishment is the service.
Location is great. It’s near the water near the office as well as near the hotel no issues walking there. it’s spacious a bit busy during the time when we went, otherwise we were seated fast and we were perfect in our table.
This was a pretty good place. Reminded me of an old haunted hotel vibes without the dust and cobwebs. I loved it! The food was nice. I didnt love the elote-esque deviled eggs appetizer. It had a weird texture with the corn kernels but the flavor was fine. We also got the steak and frites which was cooked beautifully but the cut of meat was a little tough. It tasted really nice though. Overall we would definitely come back and try new things.
I came across Wayfare Tavern while exploring the area on Google Maps, and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try.
The restaurant leans into elevated American comfort food, and I was honestly really impressed. I wasn’t sure how refined and flavorful comfort food could get, but the quality of the ingredients truly stood out. Every dish felt thoughtfully put together, and when paired, the flavors complemented each other so well that they elevated the entire experience.
We also had a few drinks, and the quality there was just as strong — well-balanced, well-crafted, and definitely worth it.
What really made the visit memorable though was the service. It was outstanding. I haven’t experienced that level of attentiveness and hospitality in a long time, so major credit to the entire team.
We were seated fairly quickly when we arrived, but by the time we left, there was a huge lineup outside, which says a lot about how popular this spot is. They also had their patio open, which added to the overall ambiance, beautiful space, great aesthetic, and a really enjoyable vibe.
Prices are mid to high-end depending on what you order, but in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it for the quality, service, and overall experience. Highly recommend if you’re in San Francisco and looking for something a bit elevated but still comforting.
We ordered the prime beef tartare, California fried chicken, Brussels sprouts, and an Omar Spritz.
The highlight was actually the complementary popover. I’ve never had bread that was so perfectly crispy on the outside while still warm, buttery, and flaky on the inside. The serving was enormous, but it was so good that I still found myself wishing there was more.
As for the mains, the beef tartare was a classic. The ingredients weren't necessarily innovative, but the quality of the beef was clearly top tier. It was honestly one of the most solid beef tartare I've had in a while.The California fried chicken was tasty, though the batter was a little heavy and oily for my preference. I probably would not order the chicken again.
Overall, it was a solid experience. I would honestly come back just to eat that bread again.
Equal Parts SF
| Address | 478 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 875-9600 |
I really liked this place. The cocktails were very good and I highly recommend them. The atmosphere was great, very lively with a young crowd, good background music, and a beautiful interior.
However, the food was not the best. For the price it was okay, since the prices are quite low for a place like this, but the food quality also felt a bit low. Because of that, it doesn’t fully feel like a strong restaurant.
I would definitely return for the vibe and the cocktails. I would just suggest that the owners consider changing the menu and maybe increasing the prices a bit, because the place itself is very pretty and always packed.
It’s a really nice idea for a date night. Service also was good. I think having a reservation is better than just show up.
We visited Equal Parts and had a really nice experience sitting at the bar with excellent, friendly service throughout. We tried the Restaurant Week $60 menu and enjoyed the overall experience, with a few dishes that were interesting but varied a bit for our taste. The little gem salad was fresh though a little heavy on dressing, the maitake mushroom tempura had a tender mushroom inside but a tougher batter, trout which was our favorite dish, and the green cioppino and fried chicken both leaned a bit salty for us, though everyone has different palates. The passion fruit panna cotta was delicious, just on the smaller side.
For cocktails, the Carpe Diem was a bit too spicy for me and the Coco and Marco was more earthy than expected, but the bartender kindly made me a gimlet which I really enjoyed. Overall, we really loved the space, decor, and warm service and would happily come back.
Went to Equal Parts SF for my birthday and it was honestly a 10/10. We ordered the fried chicken, braised pork shank, little gem salad, and fries, everything was really good.
The fried chicken was super crispy with great sauces, and the pork shank was super tender and flavorful. The salad was fresh and balanced everything out, and the fries were simple but really good.
We also got cocktails (What Da Fig and Peachy Blinders) and both were really good and well balanced. Drinks were refreshing and matched the food perfectly.
The vibe was upscale and chill. Service was great, they even gave me a birthday card, customized happy birthday menus, and also surprised me with free truffles which was such a nice touch. That level of detail really stood out.
Definitely coming back
I took my husband here yesterday for his birthday with my sister and cousin. We enjoyed the food so much. My favorites were the mushroom tempura and cioppino. We also got the fries, grilled octopus, fried chicken, oysters, and the braised pork shank. Everything was great, flavorful and tasted very fresh. 10/10.
We enjoyed the dinner. I would only add that our server was not the friendliest (the guy with pink hair). It started when he asked for our order. He appeared pissed and impatient while I was ordering, as if I was taking too long and he had other tables to serve. He did check on us from time to time (I didn't see him smile once). When we were done eating, he checked in and asked if we needed boxes to go. There was barely any food left to box up. My sister, my cousin, and I said no, and that we were good. I don't know if he didn't see us shaking our heads or didn't hear us say "no," but he raised his voice rudely and asked, "Do you need a box to go?" Everyone at our table felt that was unnecessary. We were never rude, we said "thank you" every time he and the bussers came to our table, but I guess he wasn't having a good day. Thank God it was toward the end of our dinner and didn't ruin the night. We just laughed about it because we were still recovering from how good the food was.
All in all, it was a great night out for my husband's birthday. Would I go back? Absolutely! The food is too good to skip this hot spot. As for the service, I hope this was just a one-off.
I’ve been here for just drinks but we watched the Spain Argentina World Cup final and had a good time, As always the ambiance is great, almost feels like a vacation. And the drinks are very good, both cocktails and their wine list.
The food menu is good for a brunch vibe but the one area it lacked was the service. They were very accommodating and while they weren’t packed, there a good amount of people. Still the server we had was rushing us and being a little rude throughout.
It’s for sure worth stopping by.
Seven Hills
| Address | 1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 775-1550 |
I absolutely love this place! The food was such a delight: the strawberry pate, the meatballs, and the prawn squid ink pasta all masterfully executed. I highly recommend asking for extra shaved Parmesan to take the savoriness to the next level!
I can’t believe I haven’t written a review for Seven Hills yet. It’s been one of my favorite restaurants for years, and it truly holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I have the chance, I bring friends and family here, it’s just that kind of place.
The food is consistently outstanding, the service is warm and attentive, and the atmosphere feels intimate and special. With cable cars passing just outside, there’s a uniquely San Francisco charm that makes every visit feel like an experience.
Some of my go-to dishes include the Tomato Braised Polpette, Maccheroncelli, Garlic & Parmesan Focaccia, and the market fish. And if the truffle pasta is on special, it’s an absolute must. No hesitation.
There’s something to be said about a restaurant that delivers consistently great food, wine, service, and ambiance - and Seven Hills does exactly that. The team goes out of their way to make you feel welcomed and taken care of. Kim T and William, in particular, have always treated me with genuine kindness and thoughtfulness. It’s truly a pleasure every time I dine with them.
I could go on and on, but simply put I love this place.
Seven Hills was outstanding. Easily the best pasta I’ve had in a while anywhere, and definitely the best pasta I had in San Francisco. The truffle pasta and the squid ink pasta were both unreal, just so well done, full of flavour, and impossible to stop eating.
The staff were also really attentive and lovely, which made the whole experience even better. Everything we had was amazing. A must if you love proper Italian food.
If you are looking for the perfect environment for a milestone celebration in San Francisco, Seven Hills is the absolute gold standard. We recently celebrated my mother’s 70th birthday here, and Proprietor Alexis and his entire team delivered a masterclass in hospitality.
From the moment we sat down, the attention to detail was flawless—they even printed custom 'Happy 70th Birthday Luz!' menus for our table. The kitchen easily accommodated varying dietary restrictions with grace, and the food was spectacular. You absolutely must order the table-side shaved truffle tortelloni and the crudo.
We brought in a custom cake from an outside bakery, and the staff handled the delivery, storage, and presentation seamlessly. Beyond the incredible farm-to-table Italian menu, the acoustic environment is perfect—you can actually have an intimate, joyful conversation without screaming over background noise. An unforgettable, 5-star experience from start to finish!
This restaurant deserves five stars–and then some. Between the dim, intimate, lighting, attentive service, and truly fabulous food, there was nothing more we could have asked for. The complimentary bread arrived warm and pillowy soft. The autumn breeze mocktail was a beautiful study in balance, with ginger delicately offset by pomegranate. The agnolotti was playful and smart; when I punctured the cheerfully green pillows of pasta, the chicken filling revealed itself – creamy, inviting, and every bit as delicious as it looked. The market fish was earthy and impeccably cooked, fresh and silky with a gorgeous char. Its tender texture was perfectly balanced by the comforting starchiness of the rice. The squid ink lobster pasta was bold, unexpected, and deeply satisfying. The affogato seemed to evaporate on the tongue, leaving behind nothing but pure flavor. Our server, Kim Thi , was animated and graceful, adding warmth and ease to an already exceptional evening. This is a place that deserves to be lavishly praised!
Tips for Dining in San Francisco
Securing a table at a top San Francisco restaurant often requires more than just showing up hungry. The city has a unique dining culture shaped by high demand, limited seating, and a strong preference for reservations.
By planning ahead and understanding local customs, you can significantly improve your experience and avoid common pitfalls that frustrate unprepared visitors.
1). Book Early and Use Notifications
Many of the city’s best restaurants release reservations 30 days in advance at a specific time. Set an alarm and be ready to book immediately. If you miss the initial window, join the waitlist on platforms like Resy or OpenTable, as cancellations are common.
2). Embrace the Bar Seating
For popular spots that are fully booked, walking in and asking for a seat at the bar is often the fastest way to eat. Many high-end restaurants reserve their bars for walk-ins and offer the full menu there, giving you the same food without the reservation stress.
3). Understand the Tipping and Service Model
San Francisco has moved toward a more equitable service model in many restaurants. Check your bill carefully, as some establishments include a mandatory service charge of 20% or more. You are not required to tip extra on top of this unless you feel the service was exceptional.
4). Dress for the Microclimates
Even if a restaurant has a heated patio, San Francisco evenings can turn cold and foggy quickly. Bring a warm layer, especially if you plan to dine outdoors in neighborhoods like the Mission or the Marina. A chilly meal can ruin an otherwise perfect dining experience.
5). Respect the Turnover
Many popular restaurants enforce strict time limits on tables, usually around 90 minutes to two hours. This is not meant to rush you but to accommodate the high demand. If you want a leisurely, multi-hour meal, choose a restaurant known for a relaxed pacing or book the latest seating of the night.
6). Explore Beyond the Tourist Zones
While Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square have their charms, the best food is often found in the neighborhoods. Take a bus or rideshare to the Richmond, Sunset, or Bernal Heights to find incredible meals at lower prices and with fewer crowds.
San Francisco remains one of the most exciting food cities in the United States because it refuses to stand still. Chefs here are constantly evolving, drawing on global influences while championing the incredible produce, seafood, and wine produced in Northern California.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a perfect bowl of noodles, the city rewards those who are willing to explore. The key to enjoying the San Francisco dining scene is to approach it with curiosity and a little bit of planning.
Use this guide as a starting point, but do not be afraid to wander into a neighborhood spot that catches your eye. In a city with this much culinary talent, the next unforgettable meal is often just around the corner.
