An A to Z Guide To San Francisco's Food Scene

By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | March 31, 2023 | Food & Drink, People, Lifestyle, Feature, Restaurants, Wine and Spirits, City Life, Eat and Drink, Culture, Neighborhoods, Travel, Clubs and Bars, wine, Drink, Culture Feature, Trends, Women of Influence Latest, List - Restaurants, Apple News,

San Francisco's food scene is, well, huge! To obtain a full understanding of all of the cuisine, eateries, food trends, and neighborhoods that define the city, we're taking you through its ABC's.

A is for Atelier Crenn

The premier Cow Hollow restaurant by visionary Chef Dominique Crenn, the first-and-only female chef to receive three Michelin Stars, is an essential and exclusive culinary experience in the city that presents Chef Crenn's adoration for California in incredibly artistic gastronomical approaches. Read more about its 2023 renovation here.

B is for Banh Mi

No matter where you are in the city, there will almost certainly be a superbly affordable and filling Banh Mi shop that makes for the perfect quick, handheld, and nutritious treat when you're out exploring. See where to get the best ones here.

C is for Clam Chowder

Just as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge is our sourdough bowls of rich clam chowder from Boudin Bakery! Find their famous manufactory on Fisherman's Wharf for a hot and rejuvinating bowl with a seaside view.

D is for Doughnuts

Whether it be flaky croissant donuts, creamy potato doughnuts, or stuffed with inventive fillings, you can find a unique and fresh doughnut shop anywhere, including this photoworthy giant from Bob's Donuts!

E is for Espresso Martinis

Fun, flirty, and fundamentally San Francisco, the Espresso Martini is a signature city drink that is sweet, trendy, and will keep you energized for a night of partying with friends. See where to get the best ones here, including one served on-tap on a cart!

F is for Ferry Building

The Ferry Building is the ultimate foodie destination. As a bazaar of several different local vendors, this bustling marketplace is a heavenly microcosm of all the best tastes of the city. Read more about its history and businesses here.

G is for Ghirardelli

Chocolate lovers unite! Ghirardelli is quintessentially San Francisco, and is an irresistibly indulgent destination for all ages. Read about their recent renovation here.

H is for Haight Ashbury & Lower Haight

Haight Street is a historic passageway that encompasses both the sunny Lower Haight neighborhood and the pivotal Haight Ashbury. Both vibrantly lively communities are home to a plethora of diverse, upscale, and culturally-authentic local eateries.

I is for Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee was famously popularized right here in San Francisco thanks to the must-visit Buena Vista Cafe. Read about how we put the comforting drink on the map here.

J is for Jewish Pastries

There are several chic and cozy bakeries around the city that are devoted to upholding the traditional making of Jewish treats and delicacies, many of which are perfect for ordering and impressing on the holidays.

K is for Karl the Fog

While not a food, we just couldn't leave out Karl the Fog, as he inspires many dishes and coffee shop aesthetics in the city. When it's hazy and cold out there, feel like the main character by stepping into these warm and cozy cafes.

L is for La Cocina

La Cocina is the brilliant kitchen incubator program that serves to propel working-class WOC and immigrant entrepreneurs and businesses owners to success by providing them the proper resources. From this inclusive workshop, restaurants like Besharam, Boug Cali, Peaches Patties, and many more are now highly sought-after eateries!

M is for Mission Style Burrito

The Mission District is an eclectic and historic Latinx community that is also the birthplace of the delicious, yet debated, Mission-Style burrito. Perfect for taking to nearby Dolores Park, read more about its contentious origins here.

N is for North Beach

The Stinking Rose, Golden Boy Pizza, Sotto Mare, Il Casaro, Molinari Delicatessen, and so much more! For all of your authentic Italian cravings, this picturesque and dazzling neighborhood is the ultimate destination.

O is for Oysters

With SF's effortless proximity to the ocean, you can guarantee we serve up the freshest and most luxurious quality of oysters. See where the best spots to indulge in them here.

P is Pancakes

Pancakes, waffles, eggs benedicts, and all brunch staples as a whole. San Francisco loves to gather early for its hip and scrumptious brunch spots, and here are the essential spots to make advance reservations for!

Q is for Queer-Owned and Friendly Spaces

SF is one of, if not, the most trailblazing cities integral to queer history and progress. There are several inclusive spaces to dine in the city that are also queer-owned and operated.

R is for Rooftops

San Francisco is renowned for its breathtakingly scenic rooftop getaways that offer both Instagrammable views and cuisine. See where to elevate your next sultry evening outing here.

S is for Sourdough

Sourdough is the defining bread of San Francisco, with its tanginess evoking the fresh salinity of our bay waters. Aside from Boudin, several other bakeries have also helped to proliferate our superior sourdough status. Find your perfect loaf here.

T is for Tartine

Cakes, bread pudding, brunch, is there anything this acclaimed bakery and manufactory can't do? Visit either its factory site, or its Mission District cafe for a divine taste that many devotedly line up for, just be sure to arrive early!

U is for Union Street

Another popular dining destination in the city is just past the Marina District in Cow Hollow's lengthy Union Street, which is home to Wildseed, Palm House, Flores, and more.

V is for Vesuvio Cafe

Historic, eclectic, and maybe even magical, North Beach's Vesuvio Cafe was the inspiring breeding ground for many leading poets of the city's 60's Beat Movement. Today, many still flock upstairs to feel the same illuminating ambience while looking out from the balcony and enjoying their refreshing and affordable specialty cocktails.

W is for The Waterfront

Thanks to our peninsula setting, many lavish and upscale restaurants are located magnificently right up against our captivating waters. Treat yourself to fresh seafood and view at our best unmissable waterfront restaurants.

X is for Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a traditional Chinese Dim Sum favorite beloved for its pillowy texture and juicy soup-filled interior. With our many authentic Chinese eateries, many of them centered in the must-visit Chinatown, these make for an addictive and comforting meal.

Y is for Yemeni Cuisine

SF is truly a cultural melting pot, allowing you to sample cultural specialties not typically available elsewhere, such as the Yemen-style beverages from Delah Coffee!

Z is for Z&Y

If you like spicy, Z & Y is ready waiting for you. This is a highly popular Michelin-rated landmark in Chinatown that does not hold back on the Sichuan-style heat! We truly saved the best for last.

We hope our fun alphabet guide has been helpful, and has built up your appetite, one letter at a time.

Photography by: Courtesy of Fernanda Carneiro / EyeEm, Getty Images

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