San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide - 2025 VPG

Top talent, diverse influences and a rich, natural bounty intersect in San Francisco to create one of the most delicious melting pots in the world. Here’s where to get a taste of the city’s dynamic food culture — from mainstays and local favorites to newcomers pushing boundaries.

 LOCAL & SEASONAL 

The modern notion of farm-to-table eating originated in the Bay Area. Surrounded by Northern California’s robust supply of fresh produce and food purveyors, chefs have plenty to work with in the kitchen.

THE CLASSIC
With a menu that changes nightly and features ingredients from its partner farm, Quince boasts three MICHELIN stars and a Green Star for its sustainability efforts. 

LOCAL FAVORITE
Neighborhood spot Nopa specializes in organic, wood-fired cuisine using a long list of locally sourced ingredients. 

UP-AND-COMING 
STEM Kitchen + Garden pulls from its on-site garden to create a flavorful menu of Californian-Mediterranean fare.

 AWARD-WINNING CHEFS 

Thanks to some of the most esteemed restaurants and chefs on the planet, mind-blowing meals are a daily occurrence in San Francisco.

THE CLASSIC 
Corey Lee’s Benu was the city’s first restaurant to earn three MICHELIN stars; San Ho Won, Lee’s Korean-barbecue follow-up, has earned one star. 

LOCAL FAVORITE 
Spouses Evan and Sarah Rich serve up shareable dishes and top-notch hospitality at Rich Table, which has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations since opening in 2012. 

UP-AND-COMING 
Within a year of debuting her Malaysian restaurant, Azalina’s, chef Azalina Eusope earned a 2024 James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: California.

 UNIQUE & INVENTIVE 

Innovation, experimentation and excellence among culinary professionals have contributed to the city’s reputation for bucket-list dining.

THE CLASSIC
Artistry is on the plate through modern French cuisine at Atelier Crenn, while sister establishment Bar Crenn is known for its avant-garde cocktail program.

LOCAL FAVORITE 
Once a pop-up experience, Lazy Bear has evolved into a permanent restaurant with a convivial atmosphere and an extensive tasting menu.

UP-AND-COMING 
Putting a modern spin on classic Cantonese fare, the chefs at Four Kings also infuse nostalgia into the space with vintage posters and a Cantopop playlist.

 FRESH SEAFOOD 

Feasting on Dungeness crab, cioppino and clam chowder is a San Francisco tradition. Here’s where to find the freshest seafood beyond Fisherman’s Wharf.

THE CLASSIC 
With a history dating back more than a century, Tadich Grill is considered the oldest restaurant in California. Its menu overflows with oysters Rockefeller, fried sand dabs and more. 

LOCAL FAVORITE 
Take in views of the Bay Bridge while dining on a selection of sustainably harvested seafood at Waterfront Restaurant, including king salmon and parmesan-crusted Alaskan halibut. 

UP-AND-COMING 
Order po’boys, tacos and baskets filled with fresh catch of the day at Hook Fish Co., a counter-service eatery with a fish market focused on responsible sourcing.

 DIM SUM 

San Francisco’s Chinese immigrants introduced dim sum to America. More than 100 years later, this is still the best place to eat bite-sized dumplings, small plates and pastries that are often served on carts.

THE CLASSIC 
Hang Ah Tea Room, the oldest dim sum restaurant in the U.S., is tucked into an alleyway in Chinatown where it serves creamy egg custard buns, chili wontons and other delicious morsels. 

LOCAL FAVORITE 
Select from more than 100 rotating dishes at Yank Sing’s two bustling locations, known for their speedy service, wheeled carts and traditional offerings. 

UP-AND-COMING 
Check out Dumpling Home and its newer counterpart, Dumpling Story, to slurp piping-hot variations of soup dumplings.

FAVORITE FOODIE ’HOODS

Spend a day eating your way around these corners of the city known for their exceptional dining.

Mission District: Don’t miss the iconic burritos and Mexican food in this neighborhood, which boasts one of the city’s buzziest culinary scenes. 

North Beach: Feast on classic Italian fare and sip martinis, said to be invented here.

Richmond: Discover local favorites from dozens of food cultures, including Thai, Burmese, Korean and Cantonese. 

Japantown: Noodle shops are plentiful, alongside newer hot spots recognized in the MICHELIN Guide.

Ferry Building: This landmark and marketplace has a little bit of everything and hosts a farmers market three times a week. 

Mission Bay: Hit up the food trucks at Spark Social SF before a Golden State Warriors basketball game or concert at the Chase Center.