San Francisco dining recs

[jorkzy]

I’m headed to SF at the end of July. Any must-hit restaurants or experiences? I’ve never been, love all kinds of food, probably have one fancier night then a couple more low key ones.
All suggestions appreciated!

[jaygee]

Do you know what area of town you will be in? That kind of influences where I would recommend.

[jaygee]

Definitely try to visit the Ferry Building - it has tons of restaurants and shops with local goods. And depending on the day you go there is a really nice farmers market with food vendors. All the restaurants are good but I like to take people to Hog Island Oyster Co as it is good and has a nice view of the bay. If you are craving a burger and fries (or milkshake) Gott’s is very very good.

Liholiho Yacht Club is great. It’s a nicer meal but not stuffy. It’s Hawaiian inspired and I did a tasting menu there and loved everything. If you go there, go to Propagation bar for a drink before or after. It’s so pretty and unique and, bonus, it’s women owned.

Greens is an SF institution. It’s pricey but it’s a fancy all vegetarian menu. It’s very unique and right on the bay by the Golden Gate Bridge.

For a very casual option, spark social is a food truck park with a nice bar in the middle. It’s best middle of the day especially if the sun is out. Across the street is a mini golf place with the landmarks of the city. But you need advanced reservations for that part.

I can give you recs for a walking food tours in the Mission (Latin district) or Chinatown. That’s a really fun way to see a neighborhood and eat a lot.

Also if you like jazz music at all I just discovered The Dawn Club and I’m obsessed. It is only drinks (they have great Mocktails) but the inside is so beautiful and the music I’ve seen is A+.

[CurlieWhirlie]

If you are looking for a unique SF "experience" you should check out the Tonga room. www.fairmont-san-francisco.com/dine/tonga-room-hurricane-bar/

[sweetpea]

Ferry Building is a must - Senor Sisig, Gotts, Blue Bottle. If you go on Saturday get chilaquiles from Primera

Cioppino from Sotto Mare and cookies from Victoria's Bakery

[Yogurt]

I enjoyed Pho 2000

[jorkzy]

Jul 9, 2024 21:00:56 GMT -6 jaygee said:

Do you know what area of town you will be in? That kind of influences where I would recommend.

I actually don’t know yet. Was thinking Fisherman’s wharf area but open to suggestions!

[jaygee]

Jul 10, 2024 20:10:52 GMT -6 jorkzy said:

Jul 9, 2024 21:00:56 GMT -6 jaygee said:

Do you know what area of town you will be in? That kind of influences where I would recommend.

I actually don’t know yet. Was thinking Fisherman’s wharf area but open to suggestions!

Fisherman’s wharf is good. Touristy but not so over the top that I’d discourage it. It’s a pretty safe area and a good location to get lots of places as well.

You can rent bikes there and ride across the golden gate. Keep going to Sausalito and you can have a meal or drink with a good view of the city. Then you can take the ferry back with your bike.

The other hotel I recommend a lot is the Hyatt Recency Embarcadero . It’s a good location and the rooms are large for the city.

I would just avoid anything in the union square / downtown area because unfortunately most of the retail is gone since the pandemic. It will improve but it’s pretty dead right now and just not the best representation of the city. 😢

[DGM]

Not food related but if you want to go out on the water at Fisherman's Wharf and don't need the dining experience, the water taxis are only $10. We visited last week, and my kids wanted to go on a boat so MH took them on the water taxi from Pier 15 to Pier 39. (I don't do small boats so I just walked over to meet them). My 6 year old was so excited after as he told me about seeing Alcatraz and the GG Bridge. They only did the one ride but I guess the water taxi will also take you to other parts of the Bay and back. No matter what, Fisherman's Wharf is a fun visit in spite of the crowds. Hope you enjoy it!

[CurlieWhirlie]

If you stay near Fisherman's Wharf you are also within easy walking distance of Ghirardelli Square, Hyde St. Pier where there are some very cool historical ships, and Fort Mason where the above-mentioned Greens restaurant is. There's also a farmer's market at Fort Mason and they used to have pretty regular food truck gatherings as well.

[potatocakes]

Breakfast/brunch at Zazie is one of my favorites in the city!

[soiree]

We loved the peking duck (and all the Chinese food) Begoni Bistro.