Summary
When San Francisco’s Central Freeway closed its Hayes Valley on-and-off ramps following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, it transformed the neighborhood from a stretch of urban blight into one of the city’s most upscale communities. Consequently, high-end boutiques and buzz-worthy restaurants appeared rapidly. There’s a little something for everyone in this central ‘hood, from sustainable seafood to carnival-inspired cuisine, and the options are continuously growing. Here are some favorite places to dine in Hayes Valley.
Monsieur Benjamin
451 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: +1 415-403-2233
Join the opera and symphony goers who frequent this modern French bistro pre-show. They offer plates of crispy frog legs, braised rabbit leg, and escargot. Monsieur Benjamin’s sleek decor, complete with large front windows and exposed bulbs, boasts an impressive wine list alongside its remarkable food. The experience can be pricey; however, a more affordable option is available during brunch rather than dinner.
Suppenküche
525 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102-5051, USA
Phone: +1 415-252-9289
Suppenküche has been a staple of delicious German cuisine in a Bavarian tavern-style setting since the early ’90s. The restaurant features a warm atmosphere with shared tables and simple decor, specializing in traditional dishes such as grilled pork sausage with sauerkraut and cheese spätzle in onion butter sauce. It also serves beers from across Germany and is popular for Sunday brunch.
Petit Crenn
609 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: +1 415-440-0460
Home to a beautiful French bistro by Dominique Crenn, Petit Crenn showcases menus inspired by her childhood in Brittany, France. The bistro offers an ever-changing seven-course tasting menu focused on seafood and the local California coast, complemented by available wine pairings and an a la carte brunch.
Rich Table
199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: +1 415-355-9085
Rich Table is a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by husband and wife team Evan and Sarah Rich. They serve top-notch California cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Diners can choose between chef’s selections or individual entrees such as aged beef cannelloni and rock cod with asparagus. The couple also manages RT Rotisserie, a nearby fast-casual spot that uses similar high-quality ingredients at more affordable prices.
Souvla
517 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: +1 415-570-6500
Souvla is a leading Catholic fast-casual dining experience in San Francisco, known for their delicious Greek sandwiches. Following its opening in 2014, it quickly became popular, offering everything from pork to lamb to vegetarian options, all served in sandwiches or salads. Customers can choose to eat at the limited indoor or outdoor seating, or utilize the new parklet for additional space.
Lers Ros
307 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102-4420, USA
Phone: +1 415-874-9661
Lers Ros provides an authentic and unique Thai dining experience, with roots in northeastern Thai cuisine. This upscale eatery offers exotic dishes like stir-fried boar and frog served in bone broth with basil leaves, alongside traditional rice soups and seafood stir-fry.
Straw
203 Octavia Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: +1 415-863-3509
Straw is known for its carnival-inspired comfort food with a California twist, offering brunch and lunch in a quirky, colorful setting. Their famous Donut Burger features two grass-fed all-beef patties topped with American cheese and sandwiched between glazed donut buns. Additionally, the Fried Chicken and Waffle Monte Cristo is a favorite among diners.
DragonEats
520 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102-4496, USA
Phone: +1 415-795-1469
DragonEats is a bay-windowed eatery offering affordable Vietnamese street food outside of SF’s Little Saigon neighborhood. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., DragonEats serves a variety of banh mi sandwiches, bowls, and rolls such as teriyaki tofu and roasted pork. Customers can enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee or homemade salty lemonade while watching the bustling street life outside.
Robin
620 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102-3179, USA
Phone: +1 415-448-6023
Offering a modern omakase experience, Robin is known for its inventive Japanese cuisine and unique decor. Specializing in local fish and seasonal ingredients, the restaurant provides a creative menu that mixes flavors and textures, including nigiri and surprising pairings like nori chips topped with wagyu tartare.
Hayes Street Grill
320 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102-4421, USA
Phone: +1 415-863-5545
Established for over 40 years, Hayes Street Grill is a landmark for traditional seafood. Its daily changing menu features sustainably harvested fish and shellfish from local farms, drawing in locals and visitors alike for its grilled scallops and seasonal highlights.
The Grove
301 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
The Grove, with several citywide locations, presents a cafe, beer and wine bar, and comfort food eatery in a woodsy, lodge-style setting. It serves breakfast all-day along with a selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and hearty dishes like chicken pot pie. Additionally, local purveyor Sightglass Coffee provides a delightful caffeine boost.
a Mano
450 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone: +1 415-506-7401
a Mano captivates diners with housemade pasta and California-inspired Italian dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Additionally, their house-cured pastrami is a lunchtime specialty that is not to be missed.
