Must-Try Dishes in San Francisco

Being surrounded by the ocean on three sides, San Francisco boasts a bounty of seafood, ranging from sweet Dungeness crab to fresh oysters from Tomales Bay. Moreover, the city’s culinary landscape is enhanced by its famous sourdough bread and international influences, particularly from Asia and the Pacific Rim, harmoniously combined with ultra-fresh produce sourced from Northern California’s farms.

Local chefs are perpetually innovating, blending regional ingredients with their cultural backgrounds and global experiences. From street food to fine dining, here is a selection of must-try dishes in San Francisco.

1. Savor the Tea Leaf Salad at Mandalay

San Francisco is well-regarded for its diverse Asian cuisine, yet the food from lesser-known Southeast Asian countries, particularly Burmese dishes, is gaining traction. Mandalay, the oldest continuously operating Burmese restaurant in the U.S., highlights crunchy, nutty tea leaf salad and creamy coconut chicken noodles.

Tip: Open for dinner only on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For Friday to Sunday, it is open for both lunch and dinner.

The K.T.T.P noodle soup at Lunette is the ultimate comfort food.

2. Slurp the K.T.T.P. Noodle Soup at Lunette

Cambodian and Laotian cuisine is also making waves in San Francisco. Lunette, newly opened in the Ferry Building by Nite Yun, offers a tightly curated menu featuring the K.T.T.P. noodle soup, which combines flavors of pork, fresh herbs, and homemade chili sauce.

Note: Orders can be placed at the counter, with options for takeout available if seating is full.

Maillards’ delicious smash burger and special sauce will keep you coming back for more.

3. Enjoy a Classic Smash Burger with Modern Touches at Maillards

Recently, San Francisco has seen a rise in exceptional smash burger stands. Maillards is a hotspot for crispy, thin patties on perfectly baked buns, served with a delightful secret sauce. Don’t forget to try the duck fat fries that are simply irresistible!

Helpful Info: Visit on Sundays at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile for this burger delight.

4. Imbibe the Levitation Cocktail at Dark Bar

Dark Bar, located in the LINE SF Hotel, exemplifies the rise of Asian American and Pacific Islander influences in beverages. Its Levitation cocktail features Southeast Asian rum and a blend of innovative pan-Asian ingredients. The menu of small bites curated by Chef Joe Hou complements the drinks to perfection.

Note: Walk-ins are welcome.

Altamirano serves a delicious combination of Californian and Peruvian cuisines.

5. Cut into the Pimentel Lamb Shank at Altamirano

Veteran chef Carlos Altamirano brings a merge of California and Peruvian flavors through his delightful menu. The Pimentel Lamb Shank is a standout dish, featuring a slow-cooked lamb shank paired with vibrant yellow choclo corn puree and roasted vegetables.

Recommendation: Full dinner service, brunch and lunch available from Friday to Sunday.

Chef Dontaye Ball is ready to cook the gumbo of your life at Gumbo Social.

6. Scoop Up the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo at Gumbo Social

Chef Dontaye Ball aims to elevate gumbo as America’s national dish. His signature chicken and sausage gumbo served at both markets and a Bayview location offers a rich, comforting experience with traditional spices and flavors.

Tip: Visit for lunch and dinner from Wednesday through Saturday.

The shrimp talk toast at Toast’N Egg is the breakfast of champions.

7. Start the Day Right with the Shrimp Talk Toast at Toast’N Egg

Toast’N Egg has introduced a novel concept in San Francisco with its Korean street toast. The Shrimp Talk egg sandwich is a delightful blend of crispy shrimp, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables, perfectly wrapped in milk bread.

Order Tip: Consider pre-ordering online to avoid wait times during busy weekends.

8. Bite into the Flaky Miso Bacon Egg Cup at Tiny Croissanterie

Located in Bayview Makers Kitchen, Tiny Croissanterie serves up an enticing Miso Bacon Egg Cup where creamy miso béchamel meets crispy bacon and a perfectly poached egg in flaky croissant dough.

Advice: Walk-ins are welcome, but ordering in advance ensures availability of this delectable treat.

The Earthly Eats bowl is an unexpected earthly delight inside IKEA.

9. Dig into The Earthly Eats Bowl at Kayma

At the new IKEA food hall in downtown San Francisco, Kayma offers a delightful plant-based meal—the Earthly Eats Bowl—featuring mushrooms, artichokes, and a selection of vibrant cold salads over a bed of spiced couscous.

To Enjoy: Place your order at the counter after browsing through the unique offerings.

10. Get a Proper Cheese Pull from the Pepperoni Slice at Outta Sight Pizza

Outta Sight Pizza, located near the Asian Art Museum, combines affordability and gourmet style. Celebrity chef Eric Ehler serves flavorful New York-style slices, including a pepperoni slice with crispy edges and a rich cheese pull that pizza lovers crave.

How To Order: Visit the shop in person or utilize phone and online ordering options for pick-up.

Bite carefully into the SJB dumplings to avoid an explosion of delicious broth.

11. Devour Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings at Dumpling Home

Dumpling Home has quickly risen to prominence in the San Francisco dining scene, known specifically for its pan-fried pork soup dumplings, or SJBs. With a thin dough that encases hot broth, these dumplings offer an explosion of flavors with every bite.

Pro Tip: Arrive early, as no reservations are accepted and a line often forms before opening.

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