Famous San Francisco Restaurants

So you want to eat at one of San Francisco’s famous restaurants. Great news! There are a ton of iconic spots all over the city to choose from. Now, we know what you’re thinking: Stretchy Pants, how can you possibly list all of the incredible, classic, unique restaurants this crazy city has to offer? And the short of it is, we can’t—at least not in one blog post. But we can compile a starter list of famous contenders that draw locals and visitors alike each and every day. From high-end restaurants to old-school mainstays to new-wave joints, here’s a little sampler of some of SF’s most famous eateries.

Photo Courtesy of Tadich Grill

Tartine Bakery

• Where: Multiple San Francisco locations
• What to order: Um, bread…duh

If you’ve ever had a taste of fresh-from-the-oven bread then you know what kind of transcendent experience ripping into a perfectly golden loaf can have on your day, or heck, even your life. Well, for all you carb-lovers out there if you haven’t been to any of Tartine’s four locations yet, you’re seriously missing out. Having just opened the latest installment in the Inner Sunset, Tartine has been serving incredible loaves and pastries to the public since 2002 with the goal of bringing old-world baking traditions to California. And while you can order darn near everything from their cafe-style locales, they really are famous for their rustic levain and stunning French pastries. (Trust us, you’re gonna want to order a croissant. So flaky, so buttery, so good.) tartinebakery.com.

Photo Courtesy of John K on Yelp

Tosca Cafe

• Where: 242 Columbus Ave., San Francisco
• What to order: a stiff drink, if that’s your thing

The hallowed halls of this famed North Beach joint is arguably one of the last great dive bars in the city, playing host to a variety of characters over the years including poets, actors, musicians, politicians, and more. Originally owned and operated by Jeannette Etheridge, the space came under new ownership in 2013 when Ken Friedman and chef April Bloomfield, of New York’s The Spotted Pig, took over the bar. After going through a bit of renovation—Friedman and Bloomfield thankfully kept the classic charm of the checkered floors, red banquettes, and vintage murals—Tosca is still a warm gathering place for both locals and visitors. The newest addition to Tosca was its full dinner menu featuring small and large Italian dishes such as fried anchovies, bucatini, and roasted chicken. Ultimately, however, Tosca Cafe’s heart still lies at the bar. Order the Old Pal for a classic bourbon-based tippler with a Tosca twist, or the famous House Cappuccino, which, despite what its name implies, has absolutely no coffee in it. toscacafesf.com.

Photo Courtesy of Emily C on Yelp

Che Fico

• Where: 838 Divisadero St., San Francisco
• What to order: anything you darn well like

Perhaps one of the newer spots on our famous San Francisco restaurants list, Che Fico is still hotter than ever. After its revelatory rise to restaurant stardom (it was one of the hottest restaurant openings of 2018), the modern-Italian eatery on the edge of Nopa is still sizzling in its super-chic space. And though some walk-in spots are set aside every day, its best to snag a reservation at least a month in advance to ensure you’ll be slurping away on some classic, and not so classic, dishes. Choose from any of the handmade pastas, pizzas, and antipasti, or a sampling of the house-made salumi for a dining experience that really does live up to the hype. chefico.com.

Photo Courtesy of The Original Chirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

Boudin Sourdough

• Where: 160 Jefferson St., San Francisco
• What to order: sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder

You’ve most certainly heard of Boudin and maybe even eaten at any of the chain’s retail locations, but there’s nothing like eating a bread bowl full of clam chowder from the flagship store along Fisherman’s Wharf. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you can buy Boudin bread elsewhere. But work with us people because this is a true San Francisco classic. Guests and diners can take a tour of the space, learn how the famous bakery got its start and what makes SF sourdough so darn good before settling down for a meal at Bistro Boudin. boudinbakery.com.

Photo Courtesy of Annie C on Yelp

Alioto’s Restaurant

• Where: 8 Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco
• What to order: Cioppino, among other gilled things

This landmark restaurant along Fisherman’s Wharf has been drawing visitors to its white linen-covered tabletops for more than 90 years. Arguably an SF institution (hence why it’s on our famous San Francisco restaurants list), the eatery—which has been run by four generations of Aliotos—is still whipping up classic Sicilian family recipes. Renowned for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding bay, plus its luxurious seafood dishes, Alioto’s knocks it out of the park when it comes to oceanic classics. You would be remiss not to order the cioppino (Alioto’s is credited with being the first spot to serve it after all), but if you feel like splurging (and we do mean splurge) check out the seafood tower for two. Served chilled, double stacked platters drip in half of a Maine lobster, prawns, oysters, calamari, mussels, shrimp cocktail, and half of a Dungeness crab in an incredible display. You’re welcome. aliotos.com.

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– Lauren Bonney @bonneyeatsworld

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