San Francisco
The Best Casual Restaurants in San Francisco
Unveil the laid-back charm of the United States' culinary west coast with our expertly crafted guide to casual restaurants in San Francisco.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Navigating the dining scene to find the best casual restaurants in San Francisco can be both exciting and overwhelming. From iconic eateries to newer establishments, the city has a lot to offer. For those based in SF or just visiting the United States, some notable options include Zuni Café, Angler, and Boulettes Larder. These restaurants offer casual food that is both delicious and accessible. To help point you in the right direction, this article gathers recommendations from respected World of Mouth experts such as Joseph Weaver, Omar Mamoon, and Frida Nilsson. Whether you're a local or a traveler looking to experience the culinary landscape of San Francisco, this guide is designed to direct you to some of the top casual dining spots in the city.
Zuni Café
Zuni Café is a bustling bistro serving a daily changing menu. The restaurant focuses on simplicity, flavor, and locally sourced produce, with dishes such as the Caesar salad and wood oven-fired pizza standing out as customer favorites. With a reputation for being a learning place for budding chefs, Zuni Café continues to be a relevant and essential dining spot, offering a varied wine list curated by a long-time wine expert.
Angler
Angler, a Michelin-starred restaurant, specializes in seafood and game dishes, all cooked over an open fire. The menu, inspired by local produce, changes daily to reflect the peak flavors of the season. With a relaxed yet classy ambiance, the restaurant also offers a comprehensive wine list with a focus on wines from Burgundy, Napa, and Sonoma.
Swan Oyster Depot
Swan Oyster Depot is a family-run seafood restaurant known for its fresh oysters, crab, scallops, and raw fish. It's recommended to try their off-menu items like the crab back and crabsanthemum, paired with a slice of sourdough bread topped with crab fat, olive oil, and vinegar. Be sure to check out their Sicilian sashimi and the popular combination salad, but remember, they have unusual operating hours.
Boulettes Larder
Boulettes Larder is a classic restaurant known for its sophisticated food made from perfect ingredients and served in a casual ambiance. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and freshly pressed citrus juice for breakfast to a selection of mezze or fantastic pizza for lunch. The restaurant's interior, featuring large flower arrangements, linen blinds and chair covers, wooden counter and tables, and neatly organized kitchen utensils and pantry items, reflects its commitment to quality and hospitality.
Tartine Manufactory
Tartine Manufactory is a popular spot known for its Californian comfort cuisine, featuring a variety of bread, sweet pastries, and sandwiches. The restaurant is recognized for its simple, yet well-made dishes that focus on quality ingredients and excellent flavors. The ambiance is light and spacious, providing a great energy for a casual dining experience.
State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions is a restaurant that specializes in seasonal Californian cooking, offering vibrant and surprising dishes. Known for its outstanding, inventive, and creative food, it's a favorite among many, with some customers dining there hundreds of times. The restaurant, originally created by Chefs Stuart and Nicole, is now led by the talented Chef Gaby, who continues to elevate the culinary experience.
Brenda's French Soul Food
"Brenda's French Soul Food" offers a fusion of French style and New Orleans soul, serving meals from breakfast to dinner. The restaurant is highly recommended for its baked oysters and fried chicken, alongside side dishes like Mac & Cheese, grits, and cream biscuits. They also offer catering services, with options for individual brown bags or party trays, making it a convenient choice for various occasions.
Rich Table
Rich Table, led by Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, is known for its elevated comfort food. The menu features a variety of dishes, with standouts including porcini donuts, sardine chips, beef dumplings, and a special off-menu dessert by Sarah. The restaurant also offers a selection of pastas, mains, and creative appetizers such as burrata with cauliflower tikka masala walnut crumble.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a neighborhood gem that offers a menu influenced by Alex Hong and Michael Tusk, with a solid core of pasta dishes. It's located in the Pacific Heights district, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for its guests. Whether you're planning a private event or just looking for a pleasant dinner, Sorrel is an excellent choice with its diverse menu and warm ambiance.
Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn, a sibling to the 3-star Atelier Crenn, offers a classic French-style menu with a rustic twist. This restaurant provides a welcome change for those looking for a more laid-back dining experience. With a commitment to quality and accessibility, Bar Crenn ensures a memorable culinary journey for all its guests.
Deli Board
Deli Board is known for its high-stacked sandwiches filled with ingredients like corned beef and pastrami. The menu also includes a variety of salads, fries, and chips, all handcrafted with quality and creativity. Operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm, with the last call for sandwiches at 2:50pm.
Nari
Nari is a restaurant that blends Thai and Californian cuisines, offering an array of inventive cocktails. The menu is diverse and every dish is worth trying, from the deeply flavorful eggplant curry to the intelligent and tasty play on Southeast Asian dessert drinks. The restaurant also provides a private dining experience for those looking for a more intimate setting.
Primavera
Primavera is a popular spot known for its soulful and satisfying dishes, particularly the chilaquiles. This restaurant is a common recommendation for visitors, with a location that offers views of the bay bridge. Notably, Alice Waters, a renowned chef, is often spotted at Primavera admiring and examining the produce.
Dumpling Home
Dumpling Home is a Chinese restaurant specializing in handcrafted dumplings and noodles by the master chef Mrs. Wong, who honed her skills for over 5 years in Shanghai. The restaurant offers a variety of dumplings with unusual fillings like numb and spicy pork, chicken, beef, and shrimp with loofah, each delicately pleated 18 to 22 times. Their service includes online ordering for those who want to enjoy the taste of Dumpling Home at their convenience.
Cotogna
Cotogna is a modern Italian restaurant known for its daily changing menu that features housemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood roasted in a wood-burning oven. The restaurant is particularly famous for its Focaccia di Recco, a thin flatbread stuffed with salty stracchino cheese, which is a must-try for all visitors. The menu is dynamic, reflecting what's growing at local farms, ensuring fresh and seasonal ingredients in every dish.
Gallardo's
Gallardo's is a restaurant known for its homestyle Mexican dishes, including the rice, beans, and chilaquiles. They have been serving big bowls of brothy birria for years, a dish native to Jalisco, Mexico, where the restaurant's founder, Juan Gallardo, is from. With their fresh in-house tortillas, customers can enjoy their birria seca (dry), seared until crispy, and make their own tacos, offering a customizable dining experience.
Plow
Plow is a popular restaurant that offers a diverse menu throughout the week, including a special selection for the little ones. They are known for their crispy potatoes, which have been praised by customers for their superlative taste. Open daily, Plow doesn't accept reservations but welcomes walk-ins, and they offer outdoor seating after 8:15 AM every day, making it a great spot for an early meal.
Nopa
Nopa is a popular gathering spot known for its wood-fired cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu offers a variety of dishes, with recommendations often highlighting their juicy burgers cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill, and a variety of vegetarian options like the vegetable tagine, and the grilled broccoli with breadcrumbs and anchovy vinaigrette. Nopa also provides outdoor dining and is open for dinner service throughout the week.
PizzaHacker / BagelMacher SF
PizzaHacker/BagelMacher SF specializes in crafting delicious pizzas, with the pepperoni, pepperoncini, and provolone pizza being a standout favorite. Known for its quality and taste, the restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the top pizzerias, making it a must-try for pizza lovers. Please note that they are closed on Mondays, but the rest of the week, they're ready to serve up your new favorite pizza.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
San Francisco
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Navigating the dining scene to find the best casual restaurants in San Francisco can be both exciting and overwhelming. From iconic eateries to newer establishments, the city has a lot to offer. For those based in SF or just visiting the United States, some notable options include Zuni Café, Angler, and Boulettes Larder. These restaurants offer casual food that is both delicious and accessible. To help point you in the right direction, this article gathers recommendations from respected World of Mouth experts such as Joseph Weaver, Omar Mamoon, and Frida Nilsson. Whether you're a local or a traveler looking to experience the culinary landscape of San Francisco, this guide is designed to direct you to some of the top casual dining spots in the city.
Zuni Café
Zuni Café is a bustling bistro serving a daily changing menu. The restaurant focuses on simplicity, flavor, and locally sourced produce, with dishes such as the Caesar salad and wood oven-fired pizza standing out as customer favorites. With a reputation for being a learning place for budding chefs, Zuni Café continues to be a relevant and essential dining spot, offering a varied wine list curated by a long-time wine expert.
Angler
Angler, a Michelin-starred restaurant, specializes in seafood and game dishes, all cooked over an open fire. The menu, inspired by local produce, changes daily to reflect the peak flavors of the season. With a relaxed yet classy ambiance, the restaurant also offers a comprehensive wine list with a focus on wines from Burgundy, Napa, and Sonoma.
Swan Oyster Depot
Swan Oyster Depot is a family-run seafood restaurant known for its fresh oysters, crab, scallops, and raw fish. It's recommended to try their off-menu items like the crab back and crabsanthemum, paired with a slice of sourdough bread topped with crab fat, olive oil, and vinegar. Be sure to check out their Sicilian sashimi and the popular combination salad, but remember, they have unusual operating hours.
Boulettes Larder
Boulettes Larder is a classic restaurant known for its sophisticated food made from perfect ingredients and served in a casual ambiance. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and freshly pressed citrus juice for breakfast to a selection of mezze or fantastic pizza for lunch. The restaurant's interior, featuring large flower arrangements, linen blinds and chair covers, wooden counter and tables, and neatly organized kitchen utensils and pantry items, reflects its commitment to quality and hospitality.
Tartine Manufactory
Tartine Manufactory is a popular spot known for its Californian comfort cuisine, featuring a variety of bread, sweet pastries, and sandwiches. The restaurant is recognized for its simple, yet well-made dishes that focus on quality ingredients and excellent flavors. The ambiance is light and spacious, providing a great energy for a casual dining experience.
State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions is a restaurant that specializes in seasonal Californian cooking, offering vibrant and surprising dishes. Known for its outstanding, inventive, and creative food, it's a favorite among many, with some customers dining there hundreds of times. The restaurant, originally created by Chefs Stuart and Nicole, is now led by the talented Chef Gaby, who continues to elevate the culinary experience.
Brenda's French Soul Food
"Brenda's French Soul Food" offers a fusion of French style and New Orleans soul, serving meals from breakfast to dinner. The restaurant is highly recommended for its baked oysters and fried chicken, alongside side dishes like Mac & Cheese, grits, and cream biscuits. They also offer catering services, with options for individual brown bags or party trays, making it a convenient choice for various occasions.
Rich Table
Rich Table, led by Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, is known for its elevated comfort food. The menu features a variety of dishes, with standouts including porcini donuts, sardine chips, beef dumplings, and a special off-menu dessert by Sarah. The restaurant also offers a selection of pastas, mains, and creative appetizers such as burrata with cauliflower tikka masala walnut crumble.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a neighborhood gem that offers a menu influenced by Alex Hong and Michael Tusk, with a solid core of pasta dishes. It's located in the Pacific Heights district, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for its guests. Whether you're planning a private event or just looking for a pleasant dinner, Sorrel is an excellent choice with its diverse menu and warm ambiance.
Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn, a sibling to the 3-star Atelier Crenn, offers a classic French-style menu with a rustic twist. This restaurant provides a welcome change for those looking for a more laid-back dining experience. With a commitment to quality and accessibility, Bar Crenn ensures a memorable culinary journey for all its guests.
Deli Board
Deli Board is known for its high-stacked sandwiches filled with ingredients like corned beef and pastrami. The menu also includes a variety of salads, fries, and chips, all handcrafted with quality and creativity. Operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm, with the last call for sandwiches at 2:50pm.
Nari
Nari is a restaurant that blends Thai and Californian cuisines, offering an array of inventive cocktails. The menu is diverse and every dish is worth trying, from the deeply flavorful eggplant curry to the intelligent and tasty play on Southeast Asian dessert drinks. The restaurant also provides a private dining experience for those looking for a more intimate setting.
Primavera
Primavera is a popular spot known for its soulful and satisfying dishes, particularly the chilaquiles. This restaurant is a common recommendation for visitors, with a location that offers views of the bay bridge. Notably, Alice Waters, a renowned chef, is often spotted at Primavera admiring and examining the produce.
Dumpling Home
Dumpling Home is a Chinese restaurant specializing in handcrafted dumplings and noodles by the master chef Mrs. Wong, who honed her skills for over 5 years in Shanghai. The restaurant offers a variety of dumplings with unusual fillings like numb and spicy pork, chicken, beef, and shrimp with loofah, each delicately pleated 18 to 22 times. Their service includes online ordering for those who want to enjoy the taste of Dumpling Home at their convenience.
Cotogna
Cotogna is a modern Italian restaurant known for its daily changing menu that features housemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood roasted in a wood-burning oven. The restaurant is particularly famous for its Focaccia di Recco, a thin flatbread stuffed with salty stracchino cheese, which is a must-try for all visitors. The menu is dynamic, reflecting what's growing at local farms, ensuring fresh and seasonal ingredients in every dish.
Gallardo's
Gallardo's is a restaurant known for its homestyle Mexican dishes, including the rice, beans, and chilaquiles. They have been serving big bowls of brothy birria for years, a dish native to Jalisco, Mexico, where the restaurant's founder, Juan Gallardo, is from. With their fresh in-house tortillas, customers can enjoy their birria seca (dry), seared until crispy, and make their own tacos, offering a customizable dining experience.
Plow
Plow is a popular restaurant that offers a diverse menu throughout the week, including a special selection for the little ones. They are known for their crispy potatoes, which have been praised by customers for their superlative taste. Open daily, Plow doesn't accept reservations but welcomes walk-ins, and they offer outdoor seating after 8:15 AM every day, making it a great spot for an early meal.
Nopa
Nopa is a popular gathering spot known for its wood-fired cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu offers a variety of dishes, with recommendations often highlighting their juicy burgers cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill, and a variety of vegetarian options like the vegetable tagine, and the grilled broccoli with breadcrumbs and anchovy vinaigrette. Nopa also provides outdoor dining and is open for dinner service throughout the week.
PizzaHacker / BagelMacher SF
PizzaHacker/BagelMacher SF specializes in crafting delicious pizzas, with the pepperoni, pepperoncini, and provolone pizza being a standout favorite. Known for its quality and taste, the restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the top pizzerias, making it a must-try for pizza lovers. Please note that they are closed on Mondays, but the rest of the week, they're ready to serve up your new favorite pizza.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
San Francisco
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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