While many might feel some pressure or trepidation to dine solo, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to treat yourself out to a delicious meal alone! Several impeccable restaurants in San Francisco are designed to be comfortable, cozy, and relaxed, whether in a group or going by yourself, and these following outshine for their inviting atmospheres, efficiently straightforward service, and generous delectable offerings.
See also: The 49 Best San Francisco Bars You Need To Visit In 2022
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22 Peace Plaza Suite 560 / (415) 658-7370 / Website
For a delightfully warming bowl of ramen after shopping around Japantown, head into the irresistably cute Umai Ramen House. Here their ramen with either pork rib or oxtail are rich and rejuvinating, but you also can't miss out on their Black Garlic Shio Ramen or Curry Udon offerings as well. This is the perfect tucked-away to escape the city bustle and relax in a cozy booth with a fresh ramen that feels like a warm hug.
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919 Divisadero St / (415) 926-8657 / Website
If you happen to be solo sightseeing the iconic Painted Ladies, head on down to nearby Brenda's on Divisidero for a classic taste of New Orleans-style comfort food. With generous staples of gumbo, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens, this location features everything the original Brenda's does, in a less crowded and more intimate atmosphere.
We recommend sitting at the vintage bar or at the outdoor patio for either brunch or dinner with a tall glass of their famous Grandma's Molasses-Black Walnut Iced Coffee, and of course, save room for beignets!
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1671 Haight St / (415) 522-6689 / Website
Exploring the vintage stores or record shops on Haight? Refuel at DragonEats with a hefty Bahn Mi with 5 Spice Chicken, Roasted Duck, Teriyaki Tofu, or more! This is a cute and small storefront with a no-frills ordering style and open windowsill seating that has great views of the famous street outside. Bask by their bright window and take your time savoring your Vietnamese sandwich (and their strong iced coffee!) knowing you will be unbothered or pressured to be rushed out.
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601 Mission Bay Boulevard North / Website
Spark Social in Mission Bay is truly a food adventure to take by yourself, with no one around to judge! Many flock to this jam-packed park and beer garden to sample around all of the best local food trucks, which regularly rotate. You will always see something new here, and definitely come across something that interests your curious palate, whether its Senor Sisig's stuffed burritos, or a bright Miso Salmon Salad from Spro Coffee Lab.
Everything comes out fast and is usually contact-free, ensuring you explore in your own time with plenty of community seating around to maybe even make a new friend!
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1299 18th St / (415) 821-7569 / Website
Our solo brunch option is undoubtedly the highly-acclaimed Plow in Potrero, as they offer plenty of bar seating for individual patrons right up near the chefs for what almost feels like an exclusive show. Their exquisitely courteous and kind servers will also make you feel right at home, with their divine Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and luscious three-egg soft scramble with stinging nettles instantly nourishing you with thoughtfully crafted TLC to start your day right.
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753 Alabama St / (415) 341-0020 / Website
For an intimate and elegant dinner all to yourself, step into Ture Laurel's trendy and sleek bar and lounge. Grab a tucked away booth and sample all of their ingenously creative libations, like this pictured Root of It All, with bright and refreshing Cilantro Rye, Purple Carrot Vodka, and Ginger. For food, their Creamy Chicken Liver Mousse or English Pea Falafel are sophisticated and refined, much like the surroundin interior's captivating art, design, and ambience.
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1801 McAllister St / (415) 296-6680 / Website
Having also made our list for the best Kid and Work-Friendly Cafes, Automat's bright and whimsical design is clearly a winner for providing a judgment-free and productivity-inspiring atmosphere! Whether for a study zone or for a date with a little one, taking your laptop and/or child here will immediately make you feel at ease, especially with their hearty breakfast sandwiches, top-quality coffee, and beloved sweet pastries for any age.
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2225 Irving St / (415) 665-9500 / Website
If you need a casual and relaxing meal in the Sunset District, Marnee Thai is the ideal getaway near Golden Gate Park. This is a community favorite that serves up all the Thai favorites like Pad Thai and curries, with some exclusive offerings like their Banana Curry or Coconut Hotcakes. With also traditional decor adorning the walls, come in and expect fast, straightforward service, and a private dining experience with no hassle to check out or long wait times.
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3906 Judah St / (415) 665-8423 / Website
Our quick and unpretentious vegan favorite is Judahlicious in Outer Sunset, especially with their generous servings and free coffee refills! Whether you're a passerby from the beach or want a casual place to sit down, Judahlicious will take care of you. Order their piled-high Jungle Style Açaí Bowl, their No Shirt No Shoes black bean burrito, or any of their raw salads and freshly-made beverages while with a newspaper or book by the window illumated by the serene fog.
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531 Divisadero St / (415) 400-5458 / Website
Souvla is a favorite in several San Francisco locations, and for multiple delectable reasons. Their many stools, expansive space, and direct ordering style lend the modern fast-fine Greek staple to being a haven for those alone and needing fast, healthy, and high-quality sustenance. Order either a chicken, lamb, or pork salad or sandwich, along with a Greek-style Frozen Yogurt to truly indulge.
Make a self-care point to treat yourself and explore these kind and courteous venues, which you can then expertly recommend next time you're among others who need ideas!
See also: 6 Tucked Away Restaurants That Are Cool And Cozy For The Summer
Photography by: Ismail Hamzah/Unsplash
