Here's everything you need to know about the Marina district in San Francisco.
WHERE TO EAT
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Opened in 2004, this bustling Italian eatery serves up Neapolitan slices, housemade pasta and more alongside an award-winning wine list. Expect seasonal menus rich with decadent dishes like braised meatballs, creamy burrata, pizzas made according to Vera Pizza Naploletana requirements and fresh seafood. Pro tip: Grab a slice or two at San Francisco magazine’s much-anticipated Best of the Bay event Thursday, Aug. 25. 2355 Chestnut St.
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Celebrate all things green at this veggie-focused resto. Seasonal menus rotate each month and showcase local farmers and organic produce from its farm, Green Gulch. Nosh on savory small plates like the blistered green beans and potato curry puffs before diving into sumptuous squash cakes, basil pappardelle or yellow curry. Wash it all down with a pick from the extensive cocktail and wine list, Rare Tea Co. selections, St. Frank coffee drinks or, our fave, a housemade celery or ginger soda. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd., Building A
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Boasting “Italian fare with California flair,” the menu at this lauded hot spot is rife with local, mostly seasonal ingredients and menus that can change daily. Pasta lovers will appreciate the truffle ravioli, black pepper bucatini and beef shank agnolotti; while carnivores can opt for chicken Milanese or the pork shank with celery root puree and mashed potatoes. Desserts are crafted in-house daily and include DIY smores, cannoli, gelato and tiramisu. 3521 Pierce St.
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This Bavarian-style beer hall promises German-inspired bites and brews alongside stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Pair one of the many German beers and beer cocktails with pretzels and haus mustard; a bratwurst with sauerkraut and potato puree; a doner kebab made with pita and grilled chicken thigh; or a satisfying chicken schnitzel sandwich. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd., Building A
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Just steps from the Bay sits Atelier Crenn, an artful French resto offerings mouthwatering multicourse experiences. Boasting three Michelin stars, the 14-course pescatarian tasting menu is presented in the form of a poem by chef-owner Dominique Crenn. Head down the street to Bar Crenn for a reservation-only 6-course tasting menu that is crafted spontaneously. 3127 Fillmore St.
WHERE TO GET PRE-DINNER DRINKS
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This intimate restaurant boasts seasonal eats crafted from locally sourced ingredients and flavors from Napa Valley alongside small-batch wines by the bottle and glass. Whether dining next to the roaring fireplace on the private patio or the pooch-friendly Chestnut St. deck, the bites are to die for (tuna tartare, New York strip) and the wines are destined to delight. 2379 Chestnut St.
Part wine bar, part retail shop—California Wine Merchant has it all. The lively bar pours 25-30 wines by the glass, specializing in small California producers (there are a few international selects as well). The wine list changes regularly to ensure guests will always find something new and exciting. 2113 Chestnut St.
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Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world at Roaming Goat. Featuring unique sips from Armenia and Georgia, the extensive wine list promises something for everyone. Pair each pick with elevated bar fare such as marinated mixed olives, grilled halloumi with truffled honey and assorted pickled vegetables. 1830 Union St.
Horseshoe Tavern
In the mood for a no-nonsense watering hole? Head to Horseshoe Tavern for cold brews, cool tunes blasting from the jukebox and infinite rounds of pool. Known to regulars as “The Shoe,” TVs throughout the space ensure no guest misses the big game. Long story short? This classic San Francisco institution is a must. 2024 Chestnut St.
WHERE TO SHOP
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High-end styles and sustainability come together at Taylor Stitch, a brand that aims to create pieces to last a lifetime. Shoppers will find ample looks perfect for the fall season among the shop’s vast selection of earth-toned shirts, cool denim and fashion-forward outerwear and footwear. The brand strives to use recycled and regenerative fibers whenever possible, so clients can look great and feel good about the ensemble too. Multiple locations
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The name Sui Generis comes from a Latin expression that means “one of a kind,” and aptly, many of the pieces sold at this luxury consignment store are exactly that. Inventory changes every day, and that’s one of the characteristics that makes this boutique so special. From Giorgio Armani collared shirt jackets to Burberry pea coats, closets across the Bay Area will only benefit from a trip to Sui Generis. 2231 Market St.
WHAT TO DO
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San Francisco has a new must-see—this time, in the form of a highly anticipated national park space opening July 17. Presidio Tunnel Tops, built on top of the Presidio Parkway Tunnels, is 14 acres of new parkland in the heart of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area boasting scenic overlooks, walking trails, picnic areas, gardens, meadows and breathtaking Golden Gate views not found anywhere else. Starting at Presidio Plaza, recreation areas include a cliff walk and overlook, a picnic area, multiple meadows, the Presidio steps and the Outpost, a 2-acre outdoor play area that fosters an early love for nature. 210 Lincoln Blvd.
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
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The Fort Mason Center is a hub for artistic programming, hosting over 1.2 million visitors annually with theater and dance performances and art installations as well as educational and cultural classes. Upcoming events not to miss? 2 Marina Blvd., Building C, Ste. 260
Photography by: JAMES CORNER FIELD OPERATIONS
