12 Must-Try Iconic Restaurants in San Francisco: A Food Lover's Guide
San Francisco is a premier U.S. destination, celebrated not just for the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, but for its world-class, diverse culinary scene. From authentic Mexican burritos and tacos to Neapolitan pizza, decadent brunches, and innovative fine dining, the city offers endless options. We've curated 12 of the best restaurants in San Francisco, drawing from awards, expert reviews, and enduring popularity.
Dive into these top picks, from street food gems to Michelin-recognized spots.
1. Best Burritos: La Taqueria
In the Mission District's Latino food haven, La Taqueria stands out, recently crowned America's Best Burrito. Skip the rice for pinto beans, choice meats, salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce wrapped in flour tortillas. Long lines and rave reviews confirm its status.
Tip: Order it dorado—seared crispy on the plancha.
Address: 2889 Mission Street
Honorary mention: El Castillito (136 Church Street, Castro)—famous for melted cheese inside the tortilla.
2. Best Tacos: Taqueria Cancun
With three locations (Mission, SoMa, Bernal Heights), Taqueria Cancun excels in tacos al pastor and carnitas, piled high with meat, fresh avocado, salsa, and sour cream. Their Al Pastor Super Burrito is equally legendary.
Address: 3211 Mission Street (between Valencia and Fair); 1003 Market Street (between Golden Gate and Taylor); 2288 Mission Street (between 18th and 19th).
Honorable mentions: Carne Asada Super Taco Dorado at La Taqueria; carne asada and al pastor at Taqueria Vallarta (3039 24th St).
3. Best Pizza: Delfina’s
For 17+ years, Delfina’s (Mission and Pacific Heights) has delivered authentic Neapolitan-style pizza: thin, chewy, crisp perfection. Founders Annie and Craig Stoll brought Bay Area excellence.
Tip: Try the signature spaghetti or fresh burrata if pizza isn't your pick.
Address: 3621 18th Street (Mission); 2406 California Street (Pacific Heights).
4. Best Burgers: 4505 Burgers & BBQ
Using quarter-pound grass-fed beef from a Northern California farm, their Gruyère-topped cheeseburger on a sesame-scallion bun earned national acclaim as one of America's best and California's top.
Tip: Don't miss BBQ brisket, pulled pork, or the Frankaroni (fried mac-and-cheese frankfurter patty).
Address: 705 Divisadero Street (at Grove).
Honorary mentions: Super Duper Burgers (six locations); Gott’s Roadside (Ferry Building); Nopa's grass-fed burger (see #6).
5. Best Ice Cream: Bi-Rite Creamery
Bi-Rite's ultra-creamy scoops (higher cream ratio) justify summer lines. Flavors like Salted Caramel, Crème Brûlée, and inventive sundaes (e.g., Afternoon Snack with roasted banana ice cream) shine.
Address: 3692 18th Street (Mission); 550 Divisadero Street.
6. Best Decadent Brunch: Nopa
Among SF's top 20 restaurants, Nopa wows with wood-grilled fare. Brunch stars: Custard French Toast, Butter Basted Eggs with Tasso Ham, or Green Chorizo—pair with cocktails.
Honorary mention: Zuni Café (see #8).
Address: 560 Divisadero Street.
8. Best Breakfast Sandwich: Devil’s Teeth Baking Company
This Outer Sunset bakery draws crowds for biscuit-topped sandwiches like bacon-egg-cheese ($5.50) or loaded extravagance ($6.75). No seating—grab and go.
Tip: Sundays offer $1 beignets.
Address: 3876 Noriega Street (near Ocean Beach).
9. Best for Something Different: State Bird Provisions
Michelin-starred innovator reimagines dim sum with California-Japanese bites like smoked trout dip or curry cauliflower, served cart-style. Reservations essential; walk-ins at chef’s counter.
Address: 1529 Fillmore Street.
10. Best Oysters: Leo’s Oyster Bar
Retro '70s vibe in FiDi: oysters, clams, lobster rolls, plus oysters carbonara and Liquid Lunch martinis. Perfect near hotels.
Tip: Check both bars.
Address: 568 Sacramento Street (between Montgomery and Sansome).
11. Best Fine Dining: Aster (Permanently Closed in 2019)
Former Michelin-starred gem in Mission offered inventive tasting menus ($65+). A standout before closure.
Address: 1001 Guerrero Street.
12. Best New Restaurant: In Situ (Permanently Closed in 2021)
Inside SFMOMA, chef Corey Lee curated global chef dishes. Praised by NYT before 2021 closure.
Address: 151 Third Street.
Also Check Out:
- Eater’s 38 Essential Restaurants in San Francisco, 2020 Edition
- Where To Grab Food For Under $15 In San Francisco by The Infatuation
