San Francisco
12 Classic San Francisco Restaurants
These 12 classic establishments and newer local favorites are the epitome of what San Francisco's restaurant scene is all about.
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.
San Francisco, a city known for its diverse and dynamic food scene, is home to some of the most iconic eateries on the West Coast. This article is your insider's guide to some of the best classic restaurants in San Francisco, highlighting both classic institutions as well as newer spots that have become local favorites. From the rustic elegance of Boulettes Larder to the must-have crabs at Swan Oyster Depot and the satisfying plates of chilaquiles at Primavera, we have something for everyone. All picks in this article are based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts and locals, such as Omar Mamoon and Marcia Gagliardi. So whether you're a local or a visitor, read on and explore some of the best traditional restaurants in San Francisco.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
San Francisco, a city known for its diverse and dynamic food scene, is home to some of the most iconic eateries on the West Coast. This article is your insider's guide to some of the best classic restaurants in San Francisco, highlighting both classic institutions as well as newer spots that have become local favorites. From the rustic elegance of Boulettes Larder to the must-have crabs at Swan Oyster Depot and the satisfying plates of chilaquiles at Primavera, we have something for everyone. All picks in this article are based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts and locals, such as Omar Mamoon and Marcia Gagliardi. So whether you're a local or a visitor, read on and explore some of the best traditional restaurants in San Francisco.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
San Francisco
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
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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