San Francisco Restaurants by Cuisine for Every Craving

San Francisco is a city that eats well. From Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to bustling taquerias and hole-in-the-wall dim sum joints, the culinary landscape here is as diverse and dynamic as its iconic hills. Navigating the sheer volume of choices can be daunting, but understanding San Francisco restaurants by cuisine can transform your dining experience from a lucky guess into a targeted quest for exactly what your taste buds crave.
This guide isn't just a list; it's your expert companion, distilling the city's vibrant food scene into digestible, actionable advice. Whether you're chasing authentic international flavors, hunting for a casual weeknight bite, or planning a splurge, we'll equip you with the insights to dine like a local.

At a Glance: Your SF Dining Playbook

Diversity is Key: San Francisco boasts an incredible range of cuisines, from Vietnamese and Burmese to Filipino, Mexican, and world-class fine dining.
Price Points Vary Widely: Expect everything from budget-friendly $5 bánh mì to elaborate $390 tasting menus.
Reservations are Crucial (Often): For popular spots, especially fine dining, book weeks in advance via Resy or Tock. Walk-ins are possible but often involve a wait.
Neighborhoods Have Personalities: The Mission is a hub for Latin American flavors, Chinatown for Cantonese, and North Beach for Italian, for example.
Keep an Eye on Newcomers: SF's scene is always evolving, with new spots like Four Kings and Dalida quickly making their mark.
Local Guides are Your Friend: Eater and The Infatuation offer excellent curated lists, often updated seasonally, while Michelin highlights the city's top culinary achievements.

Savoring the City: San Francisco's Culinary Landscape

San Francisco's reputation as a global food capital isn't an accident. It's built on a foundation of diverse immigrant communities, proximity to bountiful Northern California farms and fisheries, and a culture that celebrates innovation. Here, culinary traditions from across the globe find new life, often with a unique California twist. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, preparing for your gastronomic adventure means understanding the lay of the land—and the plate.

The Asian Odyssey: From Dumplings to Omkase

San Francisco's Asian food scene is arguably its most dominant and diverse, spanning the entire continent with impressive authenticity and innovation.

Chinese: Traditional & Modern Flavors

Four Kings (Chinatown): A relatively new but already buzzing Cantonese spot (opened 2024), Four Kings brings a refined touch to classics. Chefs Franky Ho and Michael Long serve up must-try dishes like Chinese sausage and bacon clay pot rice, and an unexpected mapo spaghetti. The complimentary roasted peanuts and smashed cucumbers set a welcoming tone. Reservations are tough, so try showing up before opening or close to closing for a walk-in spot.
Good Mong Kok Bakery (Chinatown): For an authentic, bustling dim sum experience, this takeout-only spot is a Chinatown institution. Be prepared for a line, but it moves fast. Their pork shumai, har gow, and BBQ pork buns are consistently excellent and now, conveniently, they accept cards.
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant (Ocean Beach): A venerable spot operating for over 30 years, this Halal-friendly Chinese restaurant specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine. Don't miss the cumin-spiced lamb, hearty thick noodles, or the crispy beef pancakes. Finish with their date-filled, sugar-dusted mochi.
Yuanbao Jiaozi (Sunset): This Sunset District gem focuses almost exclusively on boiled dumplings—75% of their menu is dedicated to them. You get 14 dumplings per serving, with a variety of meat and vegetable fillings. You can even grab frozen dumplings to take home for later.

Japanese: Omakase, Izakaya & Noodles

Ken (Lower Haight): For an intimate and exclusive experience, Ken offers a 7-seat omakase counter with two sessions per night. Chef Ken crafts a stunning 15-dish nigiri menu, complemented by chawanmushi and ikura broth. Securing a seat requires vigilance on Resy, 21 days out at 11 PM, as spots vanish quickly.
Rintaro (Mission): Chef Sylvan Brackett's izakaya is renowned for its elegant small plates and warm atmosphere. Highlights include the tare-glazed tsukune, juicy pork gyoza, and creamy soft tofu with shiitake shoyu. Their freshly grated wasabi and elegantly plated sashimi elevate the experience. It's a fantastic spot for an intimate dinner or a solo meal at the hinoki cedar bar. While not in SOMA, the city offers diverse Japanese options, and exploring areas like the Mission provides great examples, much like you'd find top-tier Japanese cuisine in other bustling neighborhoods, including specialized options like Best Japanese in SOMA.
Noodle In A Haystack (Richmond): This unique, 10-seat pop-up offers an 8-course tasting menu ($270) centered around innovative ramen bowls with custom noodles. Reservations on Tock (every second Sunday at 9 PM for the following month) are highly sought after, with solo spots being slightly easier to snag.
Showa Le Gourmet Tonkatsu (Location not specified in facts, implies specialized): Offering a 12-course katsu tasting menu for $150, this is a truly unique experience. Only one session per night, it features four types of panko, homemade katsu sauces, and drinks from the chef's hometown in Japan. Expect unique touches like warm scented towels and lychee-flavored mouthwash. Reservations on Tock (30 days out at 12 PM) are essential, and solo bookings aren't available.

Korean BBQ: Grilling Greatness

San Ho Won (Richmond): This stylish Korean BBQ spot is known for its exquisite galbi—glossy, perfectly charred, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Don't miss the crispy scallion pancakes and the light, fluffy egg soufflé. The dark, minimalist ambiance makes it ideal for a special group dinner, birthday, or date night. Reservations are coveted on Tock (29 days out at 10 AM), but some walk-in spots are available at 5 PM (line forms at 4:30 PM) or around 9 PM.

Thai: Spice, Aroma & Complexity

Hed 11 (Japantown): Located in the Kimpton Hotel Enso, Hed 11 offers an 11-dish tasting menu for $111, showcasing the inventive Thai cuisine of Chefs Naruephon "Billie" Wannajaro and Piriya "Saint" Boonprasan. Michelin-recognized, their ant salad cracker and escargot with "Thai pesto" are surprising delights.
Kin Khao (Union Square): Chef-owner Pim Techamuanvivit brings bold, authentic Thai flavors to Union Square. Must-tries include the mushroom pâté on rice crackers, oily pork cracklings, and the spicy Yaowaraj noodles with tofu. Their green rabbit curry with meatballs is also a standout.
Nari (Japantown): A luxurious Thai experience with a multi-level, plant-filled space, Nari offers a $125 tasting menu focusing on bold and spicy flavors. The charred mushroom salad with Thai bird chilis and the umami-rich sticky-sweet pork jowl and squid are unforgettable.
The Thonglor (Union Square): A casual, walk-in-only spot in Union Square, The Thonglor excels at perfecting classic Thai dishes. Expect excellent, spicy and saucy pad gra pow, rich curries, and what many consider the best pad thai in the city. Be prepared for a potential line in its narrow hallway.

Vietnamese: Pho, Bánh Mì & Crab

Bodega SF (Union Square): This spot offers modern Northern Vietnamese cuisine, often via a $90 per person family-style tasting menu. Indulge in bánh khọt with caviar, shaking beef with truffle butter, or oysters with makrut lime and condensed milk. Don't forget to check out The Felix bar downstairs.
Le Soleil (Clement Street): A Clement Street staple since 1993, Le Soleil serves up affordable and delicious Vietnamese food. Their squid ink fried rice and flambéed quail are particularly noted. It's a new addition to Eater's Fall 2025 list.
Saigon Sandwich (Tenderloin): For the quintessential San Francisco bánh mì experience, head to this cash-only, takeout-only spot in Little Saigon. At around $5 a sandwich, you'll find perfectly marinated grilled chicken and pork, crispy baguettes, and a generous amount of pickled vegetables and cilantro. Expect a crowd, but the line moves fast.
Thanh Long (Sunset): An SF seafood institution since 1971, Thanh Long is famous for its roasted Dungeness crab, bathed in butter and spices, and their legendary garlic noodles (rumored to have been invented here in the 70s). It’s an ideal spot for special occasions and enjoying these iconic dishes.
Turtle Tower (Financial District): Known for its pho bowls, including excellent pho ga, and pandan mochi waffles, Turtle Tower offers a hearty lunch or late-night meal, staying open until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. They also boast an 18 Kings cocktail menu. It's another new addition to Eater's Fall 2025 list.

Burmese: A Taste of Myanmar

Mandalay (Richmond): Opened in 1984 as the city's first Burmese restaurant, Mandalay is a true gem, earning a James Beard America’s Classics Award in 2024. Their homestyle entrees, velvety curries, and juicy mango chicken are legendary. The nutty tea leaf salad (available with or without lettuce/cabbage) and samusa soup are essential tastes, alongside their fragrant noodle dishes.

Filipino: Culinary Heritage Explored

Abacá (Fisherman’s Wharf): Located in the Kimpton Alton Hotel, Abacá brings sophisticated Filipino cuisine to the waterfront. Gather a large group to share their sisig fried rice, adobo-layered yuba sate, and American wagyu beef pares. Don't leave without trying a slice of their bibingka rice cake.

Taiwanese: Homestyle with a Twist

Piglet & Co (Opened 2023): Chefs Chris Yang and Marcelle Gonzales Yang serve up bold, affordable Taiwanese homestyle cooking. Their honey walnut shrimp, pork toast, and mala barbecue pork ribs are crowd-pleasers. The tofu pudding, especially the strawberry rhubarb version, is a delightful finish. They're adding an alcohol menu in Spring 2025, making it a great spot for a casual yet adventurous dinner.

Cambodian: Crispy, Chewy, Spicy

Lunette (Ferry Building): Chef Nite Yun brings vibrant Cambodian flavors to the Ferry Building. Her menu emphasizes crispy, chewy, and spicy elements, with the Khmer Fried Chicken Wings being a popular choice. It's perfect for a casual weekday outdoor lunch.

Guam: Unique Island Flavors

Prubechu (Mission): Since 2014, Chefs Shawn Naputi and Shawn Camacho have run the city's only Guam restaurant. Prubechu is known for its tender BBQ pork ribs, egg noodles with coconut braised beef (tinaktak), and plump chicken wings with a tangy lemon-vinegar fina’denne’ sauce. They sometimes host whole roasted pig parties and serve sake highballs, creating a true "island party" vibe with an outdoor patio, perfect for birthdays or casual dinners.

Italian & French: European Elegance

The European culinary influence in San Francisco is strong, particularly from Italy and France, offering everything from classic comfort to Michelin-starred refinement.

Italian: Pasta Perfection & Pizza Icons

Delfina Restaurant (Mission): Reopened in October 2022, Delfina remains a Cal-Italian staple in the Mission. Their spaghetti pomodoro is iconic, and the daily changing menu highlights fresh ingredients from Stoll Farms. You can even grab their frozen pizzas to take home.
Flour + Water (Mission): Founded in 2009, Flour + Water is celebrated for its inventive pasta dishes featuring unique ingredient combinations. Reservations on Resy are a must, released 28 days in advance at midnight. If you can't snag one, try walking in and waiting at their adjacent Flour + Water Pasta Shop. For more classic Italian fare, especially pizza, don't forget the legendary pizzerias found in North Beach. While Delfina and Flour + Water offer modern takes, you can explore the Best Italian Restaurants North Beach for a different, equally compelling experience.

French: Market-Inspired & Classic Bistros

Mijoté (Mission): This Mission spot offers a daily changing 4-course French tasting menu for $84, emphasizing fresh, inventive, farmer's market-inspired dishes. Counter seating allows diners to watch the kitchen action up close.
Verjus (Jackson Square): A charming French wine bar, Verjus excels in its simple yet elegant offerings. Their fluffy Boursin omelets, charred sausage with manchego, and pain perdu for dessert are standout. Reservations are recommended at least a week in advance for prime dinner times, but walk-ins can try at 4 PM when the kitchen opens. They also offer a short tasting menu for Saturday lunch.

Russian: Hearty & Homestyle

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe: This Russian bakery and cafe offers comforting, affordable fare. Their piroshki, available with beef or cabbage fillings for just $5, are a must-try.

Latin American: Mexican Marvels

San Francisco's vibrant Latin American communities, particularly in the Mission District, have gifted the city with an unparalleled Mexican food scene, alongside other delightful brunch and dinner options.

Mexican: Taqueria Legends & Fine Dining

Californios (SoMa): A two-Michelin-starred establishment, Californios offers an elevated Mexican fine-dining experience. Their 16-course tasting menu, priced at $390, features house-made masa, chicharrones with truffle shavings, and unique dishes like roasted plantains with caviar and dulce de leche. It's an unforgettable choice for a special occasion.
El Mil Amores (Mission): A popular Mission brunch spot, El Mil Amores is known for its affordable and delicious offerings. Their tres leches pancakes, bottomless coffee, and breakfast burritos are perfect for a weekend start. Expect a potential hour-long wait on weekends, but their breakfast-lunch service runs until 3 PM.
Taqueria Cancun (Mission): Opened in 1991, Taqueria Cancun has three Mission District locations and is famous for its two-pound super burritos packed with Hass avocado and diced onions. Their chorizo scrambled eggs and breakfast burritos are also popular, making it a go-to spot for late-night burrito cravings.
Taqueria El Farolito (Mission): A true Mission institution, El Farolito is celebrated for its perfectly seasoned meats. The char-grilled carne asada and crispy al pastor are legendary, as are their super burritos (often described as newborn-baby sized) and quesadilla suizas overflowing with cheese. The lines often snake down the sidewalk, a testament to its enduring popularity. For those truly wanting to dive deep into the area's culinary heart, exploring more Authentic Mission District Mexican options is a must.

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean: From Mezze to Seafood

SF's Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences bring vibrant, aromatic, and often shareable dishes to the table.

Beit Rima (Duboce Triangle, Castro & Hayes Valley): This Palestinian and Jordanian eatery is known for its incredible mezze platter, perfect for sharing. Other highlights include the whole fried branzino, garlic-heavy shish tawook chicken, and the braised Gazan lamb with maftool. It’s an excellent choice for a casual group dinner or a lively date.
Dalida (Presidio - Tunnel Tops Park): Offering a sophisticated Mediterranean dining experience with spectacular views, Dalida is a standout. Their tandoor lamb, sea urchin tahdig with smoked trout roe, and unique tavuk gogsu brulee (a Turkish milk pudding with chicken) make for a memorable, upscale dinner.

American & Californian: Modern Takes & Timeless Classics

The "American" or "Californian" categories in San Francisco are broad, encompassing everything from innovative New American cuisine to classic comfort food and celebrated steakhouses.

Modern American & Californian

Outerlands (Outer Sunset): With an atmosphere like dining inside an inverted ship, Outerlands offers upscale American/Californian fare. Their pork chops, pasta, and cocktails are perfect for dinner, while the English pea-topped avocado toast is a brunch favorite. It’s an ideal spot for a sunny weekend brunch.
The Progress (New American): Known for its robust and playful New American dishes, The Progress is a great spot for special occasions without feeling stuffy. Their half Liberty Farms barbecue duck and half roasted rabbit with shishito peppers, artichokes, and bacon are highly recommended. Try to order a hot dog before they sell out!

Fine Dining: Michelin Stars & Unforgettable Experiences

San Francisco is a beacon for fine dining, boasting numerous Michelin-starred establishments that offer exquisite tasting menus and unparalleled service.

Californios (SoMa): (Mentioned under Mexican) 2 Michelin Stars.
Kiln (Opened 2023): Awarded 2 Michelin Stars in 2025, Kiln offers a minimalist tasting menu characterized by technically intricate, multi-day preparations. The cornette bite—a fusion of smoked beet puree, emulsified bone marrow, and huckleberries—is a prime example of their innovative approach.
Lazy Bear: A 2-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its unique "dinner party" atmosphere and "quiet luxury" service. Expect a relaxed fine-dining experience, complete with playful touches like the "surprise dad chop" after the lamb chops.
Quince: A venerable 3-Michelin-starred institution, renovated in November 2023. Chef Michael Tusk crafts seasonal menus utilizing ingredients from partner farms. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it perfect for elegant dinners, celebrations, and Michelin Guide enthusiasts.
Sons & Daughters: Since 2022, Chef Harrison Cheney has helmed this 2-Michelin-starred restaurant (2024), also earning the Michelin Young Chef Award in 2023. Their ever-changing seasonal tasting menu leans into New Nordic cuisine, culminating in a distinctive post-dinner coffee service featuring Andytown Coffee prepared via siphon.
3rd Cousin (Bernal Heights): A strong contender for Michelin recognition, 3rd Cousin offers fine dining in Bernal Heights. It's a new addition to Eater's Fall 2025 list, indicating its rising profile.
Prelude: This fine-dining establishment, led by Chef Celtin Hendrickson-Jones, draws inspiration from Southern cuisine. Offering both tasting menus and à la carte options, Prelude delights with dishes like smoked catfish dumplings, boneless wings stuffed with dirty rice, and grits with bacon crumbles. The unique rendition of ambrosia salad is also highly recommended.

Prime Rib & Steakhouses: Classic Indulgence

House of Prime Rib (Nob Hill): A San Francisco classic for over 70 years, House of Prime Rib offers one thing: roast prime rib. Diners choose their preferred doneness, cut thickness, and potato. Each meal includes a tableside-prepared salad, creamed spinach, and Yorkshire pudding. Reservations are highly recommended, though a few bar seats for walk-ins might be available.
Niku Steakhouse (Design District): This upscale steakhouse in the Design District specializes in fatty A5 wagyu and perfectly charred New York strips and lean tomahawks. They also have an adjacent butcher shop for those who want to take the experience home.

Casual Bites: Pizza, Subs & Sweets

Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest. San Francisco excels at quick, delicious, and often iconic casual eats.

Golden Boy Pizza (North Beach): This North Beach pizzeria is a local favorite for its thick, focaccia-style slices. Parking can be challenging, so public transport is recommended.
Outta Sight Pizza (Tenderloin & Chinatown): Offering New York-style pizza with a thin, chewy-yet-crispy crust, Outta Sight Pizza is a standout. Their smoky pepperoni cups and thin-sliced nectarine slices are popular. A simple cheese slice is just $4.15. They also serve meatball subs and Italian Combos, and the Ruby Pie (vodka sauce, marinara, pesto, mozzarella) is a must-try. The vibe is decidedly skater-friendly.
Ocean Subs (Excelsior): Heralded by some as the best subs in SF, Ocean Subs offers four menu options. They're known for their flat-baked Dutch crunch bread, crisp shredded lettuce, thinly sliced meats, and herbed vinaigrette.
Breadbelly (Clement Street & Pier 70): A charming bakery and cafe, Breadbelly is perfect for a morning coffee and pastry. Their soba-studded cookies, green kaya buns, and the unique 50/50 drink (black tea, condensed milk, black coffee) are popular choices.
Gumbo Social (Bayview): Opened mid-2023 by Chef Dontaye Ball, Gumbo Social offers four types of gumbo and five kinds of po’boys (with vegan options). Add-ins like blue crab, hotlinks, or smoked turkey tails elevate the experience, as do sides like tots and corn hoecakes. The smoked turkey gumbo is a top recommendation.
Minnie Bell's Soul Movement (Fillmore): This spot is a go-to for Southern-style fried chicken, seasoned with rosemary and served with house hot honey. Their rich and creamy mac and cheese is the perfect accompaniment.
Sandy’s: Sandy's is known for its non-traditional muffulettas. Don't leave without trying their brown butter chocolate chip cookie.

Bars with Bites: Cocktails & Cuisine

San Francisco's bar scene isn't just about drinks; many establishments offer elevated food menus that rival standalone restaurants.

Trick Dog (Mission): A Mission cocktail bar that's been shaking things up for 11 years, Trick Dog features a menu that rotates every six months. It gets crowded in the evenings, so arriving early is a good strategy for securing a seat.
True Laurel (Mission): Listed among North America's 50 Best Bars in 2024, True Laurel offers sophisticated bar food alongside its cocktails. Their dry-aged beef patty melt on suet-layered pan de miele bread is legendary. Also try the candied peanuts with lemon zest and their carajillos (cold brew, Licor 43, scotch, a pinch of salt). It's a bustling spot for brunch or dinner, ideal for a first date or a solo meal at the bar.

Navigating San Francisco's Restaurant Scene: Tips for Success

Armed with a deeper understanding of San Francisco restaurants by cuisine, here are some final tips to ensure your dining experiences are nothing short of spectacular.

Understanding the Price Tiers

Eater's handy pricing guide provides a useful framework:

$: Entrees typically under $15 (think casual cafes, taquerias, bakeries).
$$: Entrees under $30 (most casual to mid-range restaurants).
$$$: Entrees under $40 (upscale casual, some tasting menus at lower price points).
$$$$: Entrees more expensive or a dedicated tasting menu experience (fine dining).
Remember, these are general guidelines, and costs can add up with drinks, appetizers, and desserts.

Securing Your Spot: Reservations & Walk-ins

For many of San Francisco's most sought-after restaurants, especially those in the fine dining category or with limited seating, reservations are not just recommended, they're essential.

Be Proactive: Use platforms like Resy and Tock. Many popular spots release reservations precisely 21, 28, or 29 days in advance at a specific time (often midnight or 10 AM/11 AM). Set reminders!
Flexibility Helps: If you're a solo diner or a pair, sometimes bar seating or less popular times (early evening or late night) are easier to secure.
Walk-in Wisdom: Some places, like Taqueria El Farolito or Good Mong Kok, are walk-in/take-out only. Others, like San Ho Won, offer a limited number of walk-in tables, but you'll need to arrive well before opening to queue.

Dining Experiences Beyond the Meal

Consider what kind of experience you're seeking:

Group Dinners: Abacá, Beit Rima, and San Ho Won are excellent for sharing and a lively atmosphere.
Date Night: Mijoté, Rintaro, and True Laurel offer intimate settings, while Dalida provides stunning views.
Special Occasions: For celebratory meals, the Michelin-starred establishments like Quince, Californios, and Kiln are unparalleled.
Casual & Quick: Saigon Sandwich, Golden Boy Pizza, and Taqueria Cancun are perfect for a delicious, no-fuss meal.

The Ever-Evolving Scene

San Francisco's culinary world is constantly in motion. New restaurants emerge, existing ones innovate, and local favorites like Anchor Oyster Bar and Turtle Tower gain renewed attention on prominent lists. Keep an eye on local food news sources to stay current with the latest openings and trends.
Ultimately, dining in San Francisco is an adventure. With this guide, you're not just finding a place to eat; you're discovering a piece of the city's soul, one delicious bite at a time. So go forth, explore, and let your cravings lead the way!