From tasty eats to stunning staycations, here's everything you need to know about Nob Hill in San Francisco.
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Sancerre native Mikael Audry forgoes haute French touches in favor of more rustic fare. This focus brings sharp takes on beef Wellington and other classics, among them a coq au vin. With a rotisserie flickering in the kitchen and streetcars rumbling by, the place abounds with old-world charm. 1521 Hyde St.
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The brick-and-mortar outpost of Jon Darsky’s popular pizza truck centers on a wood-burning oven that turns out extravagantly charred Neapolitan-style pies with puffy crusts and topped with ingredients such as anchovies and ricotta salata. Though the pizzas are the main draw, don’t skip the vegetable-forward appetizers, which are seasonal and fabulous. 855 Bush St.
Half R+D kitchen and half sushi speakeasy, Friends Only is a 10-seat omakase bar in Nob Hill from chef Ray Lee. The ever-changing tasting menu spotlights high-quality, seasonal ingredients. 1501 California St.
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There is a time for a 20-course tasting menu or for finicking salads assembled with tweezers. Other times you want a big hunk of meat cooked the right way and carved tableside at a restaurant that has barely changed a smidge since it opened in 1949. 1906 Van Ness Ave.
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Outfitted with bright yellow tiles and an enormous photo of a beatific lady, this restaurant from chef Ravi Kapur and the Nopa team is a puddle of sunshine on Sutter Street. The Hawaiian-accented food includes tuna poke—the bracingly fresh fish strewn over a crisp nori cracker. 3560 18th St.
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Refined luxury comes with a side of traditional countryside charm at this 30-year-plus fine dining experience. Two Michelin stars and a few generations later, the contemporary Italian hot spot is still a must for romantics and food lovers alike. 1722 Sacramento St.
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Authentic Tuscan cuisine is on tap at the family-owned Nob Hill Cafe, located just minutes from the iconic Cable Car Museum. Nosh on fresh pasta and pizza at the no-fuss eatery. Pro tip: The outdoor patio is perfect for people watching. 1152 Taylor St.
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Pasta is the star at Sorella, a casual Italian spot by the team behind Acquerello. Standout dishes include squid ink linguini with lobster, potato gnocchi with duck bolognese and short rib agnolotti. Fancy an aperitif? Head to the bar for craft cocktails and cicchetti (Venetian bar snacks) like cacio e pepe potato chips, oysters, anchovy toast and more. 1760 Polk St.
An SF institution, Swan Oyster Depot is an 18-seat seafood counter serving up fresh fish in a no-frills environment. The Sicilian sashimi featuring raw fish sprinkled with olive oil, lemon, capers and onion is a stunner, while other fan faves include crab back, oysters on the half shell and overflowing seafood salads. This hot spot is cash only, so come prepared. 1517 Polk St.
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Delight in biweekly seasonal prix fixe menus at French-inspired Bouche. Taking inspiration from personal family recipes and tweaking them with California produce, executive chef Jeremy Blaringhem churns out tempting delicacies like perfectly prepared Grimaud’s Farm duck breast, sumptuous carrot soup and fresh porcini tagliatelle. Don’t forget the caviar service! 603 Bush St.
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Boasting 606 distinctly furnished rooms and 62 elegant suites, the notable Fairmont San Francisco features unrivaled panoramic city views and a dignified ambiance. At this time, the hotel offers fitness equipment on the roof garden, along with grab-and-go services from the Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar. 950 Mason St.
Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
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Sitting atop Nob Hill, the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco hotel is rife with historical elegance and opulent amenities. Expect grand architecture, sumptuous top floor suites with sweeping city views and knowledgeable concierges that craft top-tier itineraries. 999 California St.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
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It’s hard to go wrong with the Ritz. Steps away from bustling Union Square, the premier hotel houses 336 luxury suites and guest rooms alongside a chic cocktail lounge and the Bay Area’s only Krigler perfume shop. 600 Stockton St.
NOOK
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For a cozy spot to grab a drink and watch the cable cars pass by, NOOK sure hits the spot. Established in 2005, the neighborhood hang serves up coffee, wine, beer and bites in laid-back, homey environs. 1500 Hyde St.
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Indoor and outdoor labyrinths at Grace Cathedral provide the perfect walking meditation to calm the mind, reflect and enjoy peace. The cathedral also hosts monthly candlelit walks with live music and weekly yoga. 1100 California St.
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This one-stop shop on Polk Street has it all. From silk-screened onesies to quirky framed prints and knickknacks, finding your next favorite treasure is practically guaranteed. 1808 Polk St.
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Browse a whimsically curated selection of gifts at Terrasol, from candles and jewelry to Latin American folk art, holiday items and more. 1526 California St.
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Kayo Books is known for offering rare and out-of-print titles, particularly vintage pulp fiction and nonfiction, cartoons, comics and magazines. The store has been around since 1996; nowadays business hours vary, and an appointment is your best bet. 814 Post St.
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Shop chic styles at ReLove, a resale boutique showcasing a stunning selection of both new and used luxury clothing. Expect a hand-selected assortment of vintage, designer and independent labels—think Dries Van Noten, Ferragamo, Prada, Comme Des Garcons and more. 1815 Polk St.
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Since 1941, Argonaut Book Shop has specialized in the history of California and the American West. Peruse rare photos, maps, reference volumes and early prints spanning from the 15th to 19th centuries. 786 Sutter St.
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This swanky sky lounge sits on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, serving up signature cocktails alongside panoramic views of the city. Military members are known to frequent for the Squadron Shot, a storied tradition dating back to WWII. 999 California St.
Edgy yet sophisticated, this French wine bar boasts over 60 by-the-glass varietals as well as tantalizing tapas, cheese plates and charcuterie boards. The vibey lounge is effortlessly accented with illuminated wine bottle art and the perfect spot to snap a pic for the ’gram. 1754 Polk St.
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This 1930s-style cocktail bar is a true blast from the past, immersing guests in the era of post-prohibition. Sip vintage craft cocktails (Aviation, anyone?) amid tunes from a private collection of rare 78rpm recordings. Don’t miss vintage DJ nights on a hand-cranked Victrola! 895 Bush St.
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From the team behind Harper & Rye, Peacekeeper is an Oaxacan-inspired neighborhood hot spot serving up craft cocktails, beer and wine. The bi-level bar features a retractable glass ceiling and a seriously cozy fireplace. The chips and housemade salsa are the only food on the menu, but pair perfectly with the spirit-forward sips. 925 Bush St.
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Fairmont Hotel’s Tonga Room is an infamous immersive tiki lounge experience complete with a lagoon and periodic tropical storms. Guests nosh on Polynesian-fusion faves (coconut curry seafood, fried veggie spring rolls and housemade spam) and masterfully mixed cocktails served in a fresh pineapple. 950 Mason St.
The Masonic
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Since 1958, The Masonic has hosted musical acts, comedy shows and various other exciting live events. Designed by Bay Area architect Albert Roller, the building has hosted the likes of John Mulaney, The Roots, Sarah Silverman and Iggy Pop. 1111 California St.
San Francisco Music Hall of Fame Gallery
The San Francisco Music Hall of Fame Gallery opened May 2021 to honor approximately 90 of the most iconic Bay Area artists and bands. The gallery includes oversize shots from Getty Images, original written tributes by prominent national writers and features photographers such as Robert Altman of Rolling Stone. 1353 Bush St.
One of San Francisco’s overlooked gems, the museum is located in a historic cable car barn and powerhouse. The antique cable cars from the 1870s are quite fetching, but the real treat is getting to delve down into the underground workings of the engines and wheels that have been running the city’s famous cable cars for nearly 150 years. 1201 Mason St.
Photography by: ALINA K/UNSPLASH
