Best Places to Eat in San Francisco

San Francisco is an ideal destination for all types of travelers, from adventurers who want to hike along the Golden Coast to those looking for art, culture and endless architectural beauty. Best of all, it's also home to a number of culinary delights and the restaurant scene in San Francisco has never been better.

To help you on your next vacation, this list goes over the best restaurants in San Francisco for any occasion. Whether you want something light and quick during the day or wish to experience an unforgettable dining event, this list will have you covered.

First, here are some iconic San Francisco restaurants you shouldn't miss on your trip to Northern California.

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Located in North Beach, the charming Italian district of San Francisco, The Stinking Rose has a AAA Diamond Approved Designation and has become a well-known staple of the city due to its funky aesthetic and even funkier flavorings.

As its name implies, The Stinking Rose features dishes full of garlic, from garlic soups and spreads to garlic steaks, salmon and an eclectic array of your favorite dishes with a garlic twist.

While you can certainly request that your meal comes without any garlic, be advised that this place does smell excessively like garlic at all hours, so if you’re not a fan of this unique herbal scent, it’s best to stay away.

Reservations are highly recommended.

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The AAA Three Diamond Designated restaurant House of Prime Rib has been a local favorite in San Francisco since 1949 due to its generous and delectable portions of premium prime rib and charming atmosphere.

The décor is classically American, with spacious booths and a cozy wooden aesthetic, you can enjoy some of the city’s finest meats sliced right at your table. While the prime rib is their most noted entrée, you can also go for a number of other cuts of meat plus heaping sides like mac and cheese and fresh salads.

Despite being fairly casual and unassuming, the prices are rather high here and reservations are highly recommended.

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The AAA Diamond Approved Franciscan Crab Restaurant is located right near Pier 39, which is an essential tourist destination featuring tons of gift shops plus roaring sea lions that always bark for visitors.

While some restaurants in this area may be tourist traps, this one proudly stands out and is recommended to both locals and visitors alike. The seafood is fresh and caught daily and you can enjoy anything from crab to clam chowder, fish and chips, plus non-seafood options like burgers and pastas.

Plus, you’ll enjoy a view of the Bay as you dine at any hour and the full bar features a great mix of local wines and beers plus handmade cocktails.

These are some of the top San Francisco restaurants that will please even the most discerning foodies. The restaurants in this category generally require a reservation and are far pricier than anything else on this list.

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Located in the trendy SoMa district, Benu holds a AAA Five Diamond Designation and has been delighting visitors since 2010 when it first made an impact on the local food scene.

This restaurant provides an entire sensory experience, from the artful presentation to the subtle and unique flavors from the constantly evolving tasting menu. Enjoy cutting-edge takes on classic Asian dishes, along with other exciting international influences for a truly unforgettable event.

However, at around $500 per person, this micro-cuisine experience can be a costly choice.

Reservations are required.

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As a AAA Five Diamond-designated restaurant, Saison features a planned tasting menu consisting of the freshest seasonal ingredients and creates unique American dishes that combine classical tastes with stunning new forms.

The tasting menu changes every day, making each meal a truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, you can watch the master chefs cook right in the open kitchen before enjoying your meal under the restaurant’s beautiful and comfortable lighting.

The wine pairings are also highly noted and help to complete the meal even further.

Reservations are required.

Here are some good places to eat San Francisco regardless of your budget. Despite the lower cost, these places are still highly memorable and are a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

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Enjoy some of San Francisco’s best pizza at this quick and casual location in the colorful Haight district.

Grab a slice of classic pepperoni to go, or savor unique offerings like spinach and feta plus other exciting combinations. The pizza here is made fresh throughout the day and you can also order entire pies to go. For a quick and affordable meal, the Slice House has you covered.

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This tiny and unassuming deli has some of the best and most affordable sandwiches in San Francisco, making Bite the perfect place to grab food to-go during your vacation.

With fresh and varied meats, cheeses and breads, you can please everyone in your group regardless of their preferences. Bite also serves fresh salads plus rotisserie chicken, sausages and more. Great for a picnic or a quick bite on the go.

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This no-frills diner features a great American breakfast that’s served all day and at great old-school prices.

Enjoy classics like pancakes and waffles with sides like eggs and bacon. With fresh coffee and a casual ambiance, The Village is a great place to quickly start your day with a hearty and affordable meal.

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No list of San Francisco cuisine is complete without mentioning the city’s amazing Mexican food options. For a late-night meal, you can’t go wrong with Taquería El Farolito.

Open until nearly 3 a.m. on weekends, this taco stop is where you go when you need to fill up on hearty, spicy and authentic tacos, burritos and other Mexican classics. Locals rave about how filling and tasty each meal is and while this isn’t a sit-down restaurant like others on the list, it’s worth stopping by at least once during your vacation to enjoy some true local Mexican food, even if it’s best ordered to-go.

No reservations needed.

While San Francisco may not stay open as late as cities like New York, it does have some great late-night opportunities. These are some of the best restaurants in San Francisco to enjoy at night and help make your evening unforgettable.

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Located at the top of the towering Mark Hopkins Hotel, which itself is situated high on Nob Hill, the Top of the Mark is a gorgeous restaurant with sweeping 360-degree views of the city that show it in all its glory at any hour.

Here, you can enjoy small dishes and tapas along with world-class cocktails and wines late into the night. Along with live music, you’ll feel transported back to the golden age of big bands and jazz as you unwind in this romantic and luxurious setting.

Reservations recommended.

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Located in the Fairmont Hotel, the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar is a San Francisco institution that features large umbrella-clad cocktails, tasty Polynesian offerings, plus eccentric decorations to make your night unforgettable.

Enjoy late-night drinks under Polynesian-inspired huts, complete with tiki torches plus fake rain and lightning that splashes down into the central pond. While it may seem cheesy and it certainly is, the general atmosphere here is always vibrant and pleasantly decadent.

Reservations recommended.

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