Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in San Francisco, California, United States
1. Clam Chowder at Boudin Bakery
Delicious, hearty bowl of San Francisco's famous sourdough bread bowl filled with creamy clam chowder. Try it at the historic Pier 39 location.
- Iconic Location: Overlooking the Bay and famous sea lions
- Original Recipe: Boudin's clam chowder recipe has been a San Francisco classic since 1948
- Sourdough Bread Bowl: Famous sourdough bread bowl made in-house
2. Garlic Fries at Gilman Grill
Crispy fries smothered in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. A must-try side dish at this iconic North Beach diner.
- Authentic North Beach Eatery: Established in the heart of Little Italy since 1953
- Garlic-Infused Delight: Fries drenched in garlic butter, a flavorful twist on classic fries
- Generous Portion: Enough to share (or not!) with friends and family
3. Fish Tacos at La Taqueria
Authentic Mission District fish tacos made with fresh grilled fish, cabbage slaw, and salsa. A popular spot for late-night bites.
- Mission District Staple: A San Francisco institution since 1983
- Authentic Recipe: Uses traditional Mexican cooking techniques and ingredients
- Late-Night Option: Open until midnight, perfect for a post-dinner treat
4. Sourdough Waffles at Mama's on Washington Square
Fluffy waffles made from scratch using San Francisco's famous sourdough bread. A delicious brunch item in North Beach.
- North Beach Brunch Spot: Popular weekend destination for local families and tourists alike
- Sourdough Specialty: Made with sourdough starter that's over 100 years old
- Brunch Favorite: Pair your waffles with house-made jam and whipped cream
5. Burritos at El Farolito
Massive Mission District burritos stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa. A San Francisco tradition.
- Mission District Icon: Multiple locations across the city since 1983
- Customizable Options: Choose from a variety of meat, salsa, and cheese options
- Value for Money: Giant burritos at affordable prices
6. Dim Sum at Yank Sing
Traditional Cantonese-style dim sum served in a modern setting. Offers an extensive menu and impressive tea selection.
- Upscale Dim Sum: Elegant, stylish atmosphere for a special occasion
- Extensive Menu: Over 80 dim sum options to choose from
- Impressive Tea Selection: Tea service is almost as important as the food
7. Breakfast Burrito at Mission District Food Trucks
Find mouthwatering breakfast burritos from food trucks parked in the Mission District. A tasty way to start your day.
- Street Food Experience: Join the local crowds and grab a bite on the go
- Variety of Options: Multiple food trucks offer unique twists on breakfast burritos
- Affordable and Quick: Inexpensive and fast, perfect for a busy traveler's schedule
8. California Roll at Japan Town Sushi Restaurants
Experience the freshest sushi and rolls at one of the many sushi restaurants in Japantown. A must-try for seafood lovers.
- Authentic Japanese Food: Many sushi chefs trained in Japan
- Fresh Ingredients: Sourced daily from the local fish market
- Diverse Selection: Variety of sushi styles and rolls to choose from
9. Pasta at North Beach Italian Restaurants
Indulge in delicious homemade pasta dishes at one of the many family-owned Italian restaurants in North Beach.
- Family-Owned Restaurants: Many restaurants passed down through generations
- Authentic Recipes: Cooked with love and attention to detail
- Extensive Wine List: Paired perfectly with your pasta dish
10. Coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee
Experience the artisanal coffee movement at one of the many Blue Bottle Coffee shops in San Francisco. A must-try for coffee enthusiasts.
- Coffee Movement Pioneer: Pioneered the artisanal coffee movement since 2002
- Sustainably Sourced Beans: Beans sourced directly from farmers and co-ops around the world
- Variety of Roasts: Multiple roast options available to cater to every coffee lover's taste
11. Scones at Tartine Bakery
Enjoy delicious, flaky scones made from scratch at this popular Mission District bakery.
- Mission District Staple: A local favorite since 2002
- Handmade Pastries: Everything is baked fresh daily, in small batches
- Unique Flavors: Creative flavor combinations like lemon poppyseed and fig cardamom
12. Beer at Anchor Brewing Company
Visit the original brewery in San Francisco for a taste of award-winning beers. A must-try for craft beer enthusiasts.
- Historic Brewery: America's first brewery since 1896
- Wide Selection of Beers: A diverse range of ales, lagers, and seasonal brews to choose from
- Brewery Tours: Learn about the history and process behind Anchor Brewing's beers
13. Pizza at Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Experience authentic Neapolitan-style pizza made by a two-time World Pizza Champion at this popular spot in the North Beach neighborhood.
- World Pizza Champion: Two-time world pizza champion, Tony Gemignani
- Authentic Ingredients: Traditional Italian ingredients imported straight from Naples
- Wide Selection of Pizzas: Over a dozen pizzas to choose from, each with its unique toppings
14. Breakfast Bowl at Outerlands
Indulge in a hearty breakfast bowl filled with house-made granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, and honey. A delicious way to start your day at this Outer Sunset café.
- Outer Sunset Café: Popular neighborhood café since 2010
- House-Made Granola: Granola is made in-house daily using local ingredients
- Fresh Fruit Options: Seasonal fruit options ensure a fresh and flavorful bowl
15. Ice Cream at Humphry Slocombe
Savor unique and creative ice cream flavors at this popular Mission District ice cream shop.
- Creative Flavors: Unique, often eccentric flavors like Secret Breakfast (cornflakes and bourbon) and Elvis (peanut butter and banana)
- Craft Ice Cream: Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Small-Batch Production: Ice cream is made in small batches to ensure quality and freshness