One of the distinguishing marks about San Francisco is the cuisine but there are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming! So, I’m here to highlight some of my favorite restaurants in the city that are must tries! Small caveat about the post – I’ll be listing the Michelin 2 and 3 restaurants on a separate post.

It’s important to note that if you are opting for many of these suggestions you’ll want to make sure to book a table well in advance. Majority of these restaurants are booked 30 calendar days prior to the date. Here’s the list of the must try restaurants in San Francisco in no particular order:

     Rich Table:

Best known for it’s inventive California cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Rich table is a staple to the city and is a go-to for elevated dining with a creative twist. You can read the full review here.

    San Ho Won:

A collaboration between chef Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang, San Ho Won re-imagines Korean charcoal BBQ through a fine-dining lens. Expect deeply rooted Korean flavors, elegant plating, and a modern twist on tradition.

 

    Ernest:

Ernest is playful and bold, blending global influences into a constantly changing menu. From caviar-topped waffles to beef tartar sushi rice, each dish reflects chef Brandon Rice’s inventive and personal approach to food.

 

    Cotogna:

Cotogna is a beloved Jackson Square staple serving rustic Italian fare with flair. Whether it’s wood-fired pizza or handmade pasta, the ingredients shine in this lively and welcoming spot.

    Sorrel:

Sorrel offers a refined take on California cuisine with strong Italian influences, all presented through a seasonal tasting menu. With a Michelin star and a focus on local ingredients, the experience balances elegance and creativity. Expect beautifully plated dishes, house-made pastas, and a warm, intimate setting in the heart of Pacific Heights.

    Verjus:

A Parisian-style wine bar and épicerie, Verjus serves natural and french focused wines alongside vibrant small plates . Perfect for a casual evening that still feels a little chic.

     Angler:

Angler delivers a refined take on live-fire cooking, with a menu centered around pristine seafood, game, and seasonal vegetables. The waterfront setting and open hearth kitchen create a warm yet upscale dining experience.

    Izakaya Rintaro:

Izakaya Rintaro feels like a slice of Tokyo in San Francisco. House made udon and a seasonal menu of grilled skewers, sashimi, and small plates, it’s an immersive and soulful experience.

     Kitchen Istanbul:

A hidden gem in inner richmond , Kitchen Istanbul serves Mediterranean and Turkish dishes that are both refined and comforting. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and the hospitality warm.

     AltoVino:

Nestled in Nob Hill, AltoVino is a charming neighborhood Italian restaurant with a focus on Northern Italian wines and comforting, house-made pastas. It’s intimate, unfussy, and full of heart.

     7 Adams:

7 Adams offers a thoughtful seasonal tasting menu in a minimalist space, where the focus is entirely on the food. The husband-and-wife team behind it crafts dishes that are precise, elegant, and quietly ambitious.

 

    Good Good Culture Club:

Colorful, casual, and joyfully rebellious, Good Good Culture Club dishes out Asian American cuisine with punchy flavors and community-driven energy. It’s fun, fresh, and unapologetically bold.

     Kokkari:

Kokkari  Estiatorio blends rustic Greek charm with refined Northern California sensibilities. Located in the Financial District, this beloved taverna is known for its warm hospitality, roaring fireplace, and wood-beamed ceilings that create an inviting, old-world atmosphere.

     Nari:

At Nari, chef Pim Techamuanvivit brings contemporary elegance to Thai cuisine. Located in the Hotel Kabuki, this beautifully designed space pairs bold, layered flavors with a refined touch.

     The Boulevard:

A cornerstone of San Francisco’s dining scene since 1993, Boulevard offers a refined take on California cuisine with European influences. Located in the historic Audiffred Building on the Embarcadero, the restaurant’s Belle Époque-inspired interior—featuring mosaic floors, colorful glass, and polished bronze—creates an elegant and inviting atmosphere.

    Copra:

Copra celebrates the coastal cuisines of Southern India and Sri Lanka through richly spiced, thoughtfully plated dishes. The energy is lively, the cocktails are creative, and the experience is full of personality.

    State Bird Provisions:

State Bird Provisions offers a unique dining experience with its dim sum-style service of inventive Californian small plates.  The ever-changing menu and casual yet refined atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.

    The Progress:

Located in a repurposed historic theater, The Progress offers a The menu is distinctly Californian with a south asian twist. experience with a focus on seasonal, shareable dishes.

    Foreign Cinema:

Foreign Cinema has been a unique destination that combines Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the magic of outdoor film screenings. Situated in the Mission District, the restaurant features a stylish indoor dining room with a fireplace and a heated, covered outdoor courtyard where classic films are projected at dusk .