San Francisco
San Francisco
A city that welcomes you as you are. With a relatively consistent, mild climate year round, you can pack the same clothes no matter what time of the year you visit. But pack layers, with the fog and microclimates, one moment you could be sweating in the sun and the next you’re shivering in the shade. I recommend visiting August-October, this is the warmest time of year and not as foggy! Enjoy
FOOD
Breakfast/ Bakeries/Brunch
From freshly baked croissant breakfast sandwiches to bagels, scrambles, lattes, and more…Ashley’s does everything right. Come hungry, and leave more than satisfied. Also a great spot to grab and go!
Devil’s Teeth breakfast sandwiches are just as good as they look on their Instagram. I’m a sucker for avocado so I love the Special Breakfast Sandwich but the regular is equally delicious. I have dreams about their homemade buttermilk biscuits…
I don’t have a big sweet tooth but Susie Cakes funfetti cake is just incredible! Need to get a cake for your friend’s birthday? This is the spot.
There are a lot of things I love about Le Marais. The interior, the French employees, the croissants and quaint atmosphere. This is a great spot to do work or grab coffee with a friend.
One of my favorite spots for freshly-baked bread and pastries. Don’t miss their egg-white breakfast sandwich, it’s one of my favorite breakfast sandwiches in the city.
A family owned and operated breakfast spot in North Beach. You can really taste the love in every dish. From their extra fluffy omelettes, to their daily freshly baked breads and jam, if you’re a breakfast lover, you will be in heaven here.
The cutest little café in Cow Hollow. From cozy soups to French toast bread pudding…the brunch menu has it all. Also, a great spot to do work.
Bonus: right on the corner of Union and Steiner so great shops all around!
Lunch and Dinner
Aside from the incredible northern Italian cuisine, the atmosphere at Sociale is so awesome. The back patio is adorable and will make you never want to leave. And, with a constantly changing seasonal menu, you know every dish is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend this spot!
So by now you know I love Chinese food. This place blew me away. The interior is cool, the waiters are the friendliest, and the food is just perfect. I recommend ordering family style to try as many dishes as possible.
I’m a sucker for good dim sum, and lucky for me San Francisco has incredible spots all around the city, especially on Clement St. Chili House is one of my favorite spots for dim sum and Chinese food in general.
Looking for the best sushi in the city? You’ve found the place. I recommend ordering a few starters, like the poke tacos, pork gyoza, and the umami sliders before sushi. Make sure to save room for the cookie dough roll, you will be going oh so grateful. Mamanoko is on the pricer end, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly place, check out Wago Sushi, right down the street.
One of my favorite activities in San Francisco is picking up a Hook Fish burrito and enjoying it while watching the sunset on Ocean Beach. I dream of the rock fish (daily fish) burrito, and don’t miss the chips and guac, great stuff. The Mill Valley location is a great spot for day drinking in the beer garden, but expect quite a wait if you aren’t there early.
With a highly coveted Michelin star, you already know this place is going to be great. From their service, wine selection, to carefully curated dishes, if you’re looking for a nice date night spot, or a meal to splurge on, this is the place.
If you can get a table, go. Some of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had are from Flour + Water. Their menu is frequently updated with the freshest ingredients and dishes. I can’t recommend this place enough.
Troya is one of my favorite Mediterranean spots in the city. I highly recommend their kebabs and Turkish Trio. This is a great spot for vegetarians. They also have a great selection of Mediterranean wines.
Delarosa is such a staple. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, everytime. My go-to order: Burrata Margherita, Caesar Salad, and Pappardelle. Your tastebuds will thank you.
I think Dragon Well is one of the most underrated Chinese restaurants in SF. I mean it’s popular but I think it deserves way more attention than it gets. I crave their potstickers at least once a week...if not more. I recommend the pork or vegetable potstickers, chicken lettuce cups, wok-tossed prawns, Hong Kong Noodles or Beef Chow Fun. My mouth is watering just thinking about these dishes.
From the fresh focaccia, to the extremely friendly Italian waiters, to the authentic dishes, Roma Antica may be one of my most recommended restaurants in SF. Some of my favorite dishes: Carbonara, Eggplant Parmesan, and the Prosciutto pizza.
Vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters adore this place. One of the best, if not the best, plant-based restaurant I have ever been to. Their salads, bowls, and burgers are just perfect. I recommend ordering fries for the table, their homemade sauces like curry ketchup and chipotle aioli are incredible.
A hidden gem in the Financial District. Who doesn’t love tapas? Bask serves up some of the best Spanish and French tapas. This is a great spot for birthday parties or any type of celebration, I highly highly recommend.
Go. Just go. The prices are worth it, I promise it. A16’s pizza has some of the best crust on Pizza I’ve ever had. All of their pasta dishes are equally delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
One of the best spicy margaritas in the city, behind Bonita which didn’t make the list but deserves an honorable mention. Everything at Flores is so well done. From their chunky guacamole, tacos small enough to have multiple, to their burritos and cocktails, you will not be disappointed.
Everything about this place is GREAT. The music, the décor, the service, and food. Picture this: Tom Petty playing in the background, you’re tossing back oysters, sipping on a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc, looking around at the palm tree wallpaper and suddenly you forget where in the world you are and what decade you are in. Perfect. I recommend the lobster roll, oysters, and brussels sprouts.
If you happen to be at the ferry building for lunch or dinner, I highly recommend this place. Try to sit by the windows so you have a beautiful view of the bridge.
Quick Bites
t is absolutely worth making the trek to the Richmond District for a Gordo’s burrito
You can’t visit SF without trying a dutch crunch sandwich. This corner store makes the best. I recommend adding pickled jalapenos to whatever sandwich you order
Bars + Wine Bars
I recommend these spots for date night, grabbing drinks with friends, or if you’re just looking for a place to start the night
EXPLORE
Shops
A mix of boutiques, home stores, and art galleries. I love Chestnut St. in the Marina, Union St. in Cow Hollow, and Sacramento St. in Laurel Heights for boutique and home goods shopping, and Haight St. for thrifting.
Markets
Self Care
Things to Do
I recommend renting a car while visiting SF. It will give you more freedom to explore different neighborhoods in SF and the rest of the Bay. But, don’t leave anything in the car. Car break ins happen regularly here and they target tourists and rental cars!
Alta Plaza, Lafayette, Land’s End, The Presidio, Washington Square, Golden Gate Park, and Fort Mason