If you’re looking for the best restaurants in San Francisco, you’re in luck. The city is home to a diverse and delicious culinary scene, with something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, authentic ethnic cuisine, or innovative fine dining, you’ll find it here. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite spots to eat in San Francisco, based on our personal experience and online reviews. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in San Francisco:
Dalida: This elegant yet cozy restaurant in the Presidio serves Eastern Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist. The husband-and-wife chef duo behind Dalida have worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country, and their passion and skill show in every bite. Try the braised lamb with couscous, the pita bread with house-made dips, or the squid ink pasta with shrimp and clams. Don’t miss the tasting menu, which lets you sample a variety of dishes for a reasonable price.
Copra: If you’re looking for a Michelin-starred experience, look no further than Copra, the new venture from chef Srijith Gopinathan, who left Campton Place after 15 years of earning two stars. Copra is a celebration of Indian cuisine, with dishes that showcase the diversity and complexity of regional flavors. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes like tandoori chicken with saffron rice, lamb curry with coconut and fenugreek, or scallops with mango and curry leaf. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list and cocktail program to complement the food.
Zuni Cafe: A classic that never goes out of style, Zuni Cafe is a San Francisco institution that has been serving delicious food since 1979. The restaurant is famous for its wood-fired oven, which produces crispy pizzas, succulent roasts, and of course, the legendary roast chicken with bread salad. The menu also features seasonal salads, soups, pastas, and desserts, all made with fresh and local ingredients. Zuni Cafe is a great place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner, or to stop by for a drink and a snack at the bar.
Aphotic: For seafood lovers, Aphotic is a must-try. This sustainable seafood-focused restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2023, thanks to its creative and flavorful dishes that highlight the best of the ocean. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh and available, but you can expect dishes like oysters with caviar and champagne foam, crab bisque with truffle oil, or halibut with artichokes and lemon butter sauce. Aphotic also has a beautiful dining room with views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tadich Grill: If you’re looking for a taste of history, head to Tadich Grill, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in California. Established in 1849, this restaurant has been serving classic American fare for over 170 years. The specialty here is seafood, especially the cioppino, a hearty stew of fish and shellfish in a tomato-based broth. Other favorites include the clam chowder, the grilled swordfish, and the crab cakes. Tadich Grill is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so be prepared to wait for a table.
These are just some of the best restaurants in San Francisco that we recommend you try. Of course, there are many more to explore and discover in this amazing city. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a fine dining experience, you’ll find it here. Bon appetit!