Aside from being a trusted hub for global transportation, the San Francisco International Airport is also a microcosm of all of our area's best local tastes. SFO hosts eateries that all reflect the cultural diversity and culinary ingenuity of the city, and so whether you want a delicious preview once you arrive, or are craving a taste of home before you depart, this flavorful list is quintessentially San Francisco.
See also: Our Ultimate Tourist Route For Optimally Sightseeing All Of San Francisco
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Terminal 1 / Website
First off, to truly channel San Francisco means familiarizing yourself with our rich coffee culture. The best method is with women-owned local favorite Ritual Coffee Roasters, which just opened a new venue in October 2022. No matter how you enjoy your cup of caffeine, their flavorful brews are sure to instantly put you in a delightful mood!
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Terminal 3 / Website
Bun Mee is one of the city's most-revered casual spots for deliciously affordable and absolutely stuffed Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. There are two locations SFO for this authentic and portable favorite, which you definitely should pair with a Vietnamese coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
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Harvey Milk Terminal 1, B13 / Website
San Francisco also loves its chicken sandwiches, especially if they're from Starbird! Perfectly crispy and available as tenders, salads, and in different spiced versions like Korean or Nashville-style, this is SFO's ultimate fast comfort food.
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Terminal 3, Boarding Area F / Website
What would San Francisco be without our own Giants? SFO's Giants Clubhouse is the ultimate fan experience, offering a cozy hangout adorned with baseball memorabilia, a cutting-edge digital sports wall, and of course, ballpark favorites of the Crazy Crab Sandwich, hot dogs, creative cocktails, and irresistibly comforting Gilroy Garlic Fries.
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Terminal 3, Boarding Area F / Website
Bacon Bacon is another essential San Francisco business, highly beloved for their fast and filling servings of breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and more, all, naturally of course, piled high with premium bacon. This is a casual, yet scrumptiously divine morning choice at SFO that will guarantee a bright day ahead.
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International Terminal, Boarding Area G / Website
Who says you can't enjoy traditional dim sum in an airport? Koi Palace is an esteemed Daly City classic that also has a palatial venue in SFO, along with a speedier Express version. Chow down on perfectly steamed shu mai, pork fried rice, stir fry, har gow, sesame balls, and more and feel like you've transported out of the airport for a second.
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Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Boarding Group B / Website
For a taste of luxurious cooking from local superstar Chef Michael Mina of International Smoke and Pabu Izakaya fame, sit and relax at his sumptuous Bourbon Pub. Here you will leisurely dine on comforting classics with refined elegance, such as a sophisticated brioche bun burger with caramelized onions and truffle aioli, or a breakfast sandwich with thick-cut bacon, all while indulging in the full bar.
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International Terminal, Boarding Group G / Website
Celebrate the Bay Area's fresh seafood with sushi right from the airport! Tomokazu is a peaceful escape that upholds a zen atmosphere to serenely enjoy their divine sushi, sashimi, nigiri, ramen, and more. Escape the bustling stress and experience our high appreciation for Japanese culture and premier seafood in this calm oasis.
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Terminal 2, Boarding Group D / Website
San Francisco loves its brunch, and Lark Creek Grill is the fabulous choice to get the authentic leisurely restaurant experience at SFO. Enjoy sustainable seafood, sizzling steak, wine, a diner-style three-layer chocolate cake, and of course, piled-high breakfast platters, like their eggs benedict and scrambles.
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Terminal 2, Boarding Group D / Website
For a taste of Napa and a feel of our cute farmer's market culture, Napa Farms Market is your one-stop-shop for all of the best locally-sourced snacks, treats, handmade gifts, and hot filling food. Definitely order the rotisserie chicken or their pizza, but not before snagging some SF Bay Area exclusives like Napa wine, TCHO chocolates, Cowgirl Creamery cheese, and fresh Acme Bread.
No matter what you're craving at SFO, these local bites will kindly feed you a glimpse of our community while also feeling like a spectacular escape from the airport bustle!
See also: Where To Spot Celebrities In San Francisco
Photography by: George Rose / Contributor/Getty Images
