WOODHOUSE FISH CO.
Read moreThis new California-style seafood restaurant is located in Pacific Heights. Specialties include oysters, crabs and mussels to take away or eat in, crispy sandwiches (bay shrimp and avocado, crabmeat rolls). The fish tacos with choice of black beans and pico de gallo are delicious, as is the San Franciscan Cioppino with mussels, clams, crab, cod, shrimp and scallops.) Everything is very hearty, so don't bite off more than you can chew. The dining room is pleasant and bright, and prices are reasonable.
FOG HARBOR
Read moreNestled on the second floor of Pier 39 and easily recognizable by its beautiful painted wooden sign, this restaurant, which is always busy at lunch and dinner (reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends), obviously specializes in seafood. The menu proposes the classic shellfish and fish of this type of restaurant, which are always a little bit drenched in butter but that's the game here. The view on the old Alcatraz prison, through the large windows, is not to displease the numerous tourists who frequent the place.
RAD RADISH
Read moreThis is Hayes Valley's new vegan restaurant, a must with its corner-block location, large bay windows and 70s revival signage. A few tables on the terrace precede a pleasant interior. The à la carte menu features vegan dishes, from breakfast to dinner. The ingredients are carefully selected and carefully composed. The popular "impossible burger" is served with veggie meat, avocado toast, vitamin-packed salads and a delicious vegetarian masala. To order, go to the self-service tables.
IN-N-OUT BURGER
Read moreIf you have to try one and only one fast-food restaurant during your trip, no hesitation, go to In-N-Out Burger, a Californian chain created in 1948 by Esther Snyder. It's simple, when you enter it, you feel like you're in an American movie from the 50's with the red leather design sofas, the neon signs and the molded plastic outdoor furniture. From the kitchen point of view, its philosophy remains unchanged since the beginning: work with fresh and quality products. It's still a hamburger, but the result is delicious!
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Read moreOn the quayside, a large, cosy dining room with bar and terrace offers views of the Bay Bridge and Waterfront. This restaurant offers a good selection of fish and seafood in a very chic atmosphere. Without breaking the bank, sit at the counter and order a glass of Napa Valley wine and a small plate of shellfish during happy hour. You can also take the time to enjoy a good meal - you won't regret it. It's a great place to stop off before visiting the nearbyExploratorium.
PACIFIC CATCH
Read moreThis successful local restaurant has seven locations in California. It serves ocean-fresh fish and seafood. On the menu: fish'n'chips, sandwiches of all kinds, sushi, grilled squid, ceviche (beware, sometimes very spicy!) and other dishes to be enjoyed in a Japanese atmosphere. The establishment in front of the Botanical Gardens boasts a large wooden terrace, not particularly well decorated but pleasant enough to enjoy the sunshine. Perfect for a quick break before continuing your tour.
BAR CRUDO
Read moreThis minimalist restaurant with its attractive metal counter is all about raw seafood. Delicious plates of scallops, tuna, butterflyfish, etc., all raw, but also oysters to delight your palate. Fish arrivals are local and sustainable. These feasts are accompanied by a (very good) glass of white wine. You can also enjoy the superbly stocked seafood platters, or a few hot dishes like the classic San Francisco chowder soup.
MEL'S DRIVE IN
Read moreIf you're looking for American-style dining , head for Mel's Drive in. This Californian fast-food chain was the setting for the Happy Days series. The decor is retro 60's, with colorful neon lights in front. Each banquette table is equipped with its own jukebox, inviting you to put in a coin. The only thing missing are waitresses on rollerblades! The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, vanilla ice cream and marshmallows. You can also sit at the counter on comfortable retro chrome stools. Open very late. Other locations in Mission and Tenderloin.
SUPER DUPER BURGERS
Read moreIf you only have one fast-food restaurant to try during your stay in San Francisco or the South Bay, don't hesitate: head for one of the 10 Super Duper Burgers locations. Here, the burgers are simply succulent, made from local and mostly organic ingredients. The buns come from a local bakery, the meat from northern pastures and the cheese from a creamery in Tomales Bay. Fresh, quality products, cheerful, trendy decor: one of the most delicious and sustainable fast-food restaurants around!
HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO
Read moreIt's located in the Ferry Building Market, but retains a casual, vintage, seaside feel. This oyster bar and seafood restaurant also exists in other cities around San Francisco Bay; it's a quality local brand. The grilled sardines are delicious, as is the clam soup, and so are the seafood platters. But don't miss the house specialty, oysters, beautifully served with a parsley vinegar, all accompanied by a small white wine, just like at home.
GREENS
Read moreOne of America's very first vegetarian restaurants. In 1979, a young Zen Buddhist decided to create a restaurant dedicated to fresh vegetables. Today, chef and author Annie Somerville is at the helm of Greens, offering refined, subtle cuisine inspired by Italy and India. You'll appreciate the beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the large picture windows. Even non-vegetarians will be delighted by the experience. Reservations are recommended, as this address has been celebrated by the New York Times.
GOTT'S ROADSIDE
Read moreThis benchmark burger restaurant in San Francisco has opened a table in the Ferry Building, on the first floor, allowing it to spread out a very pleasant outdoor terrace. The menu features delicious, affordable burgers, which we recommend you accompany with crunchy sweet potato fries. On the menu: the classic double cheese burger, the impossible burger with a vegetarian steak, the Korean kimchi burger, the california burger with egg, cheese, arugula and brioche bun, the Texas burger with avocado and pico de gallo.
WILDSEED
Read moreThis vegan restaurant right on Union Street in Cow Hollow isn't cheap, but the flavors are well matched and the compositions original. The classic San Francisco veggie "impossible" burger sits alongside the signature burger with spinach and mushroom steak, onions, lettuce, tomato chutney and black bean aioli. Equally recommendable are pizzas, salads, and bowls like the "probiotic" with rice, tamari-marinated mushrooms, yams, chard, black beans, kimchi, hemp seeds and green godless avocado sauce.
FREDERICKS
Read moreOne of the city's most designer addresses. Black and white lines cross and uncross endlessly in this 1920s-style brasserie on the first floor of the Clift Royal Sonesta, named after the hotel's creator Frederick C. Clift. You can eat there at any time, but we recommend breakfast or brunch. Special mention for the cinnamon rolls, the Union Square sandwich, the California omelette and the eggs Benedict. A stylish way to start your day!
CRAB STATION AT FISHERMANS WHARF
Read moreIn this tourist district, this street food restaurant on the pedestrian waterfront is delicious and reasonably priced. The family behind the stoves has mastered California seafood specialties: the famous clam chowder, crab cake, fish & chips, shrip'n'chips, lobster, fried oysters, seafood combos and shrimp popcorn. You'll want to try it all, it's all delicious! The star of the sandwiches is the lobster roll, expensive but delicious.