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San Francisco food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to San Francisco.
Photo by Mauro Lima on Unsplash
What to eat in San Francisco
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Sourdough Bread Bowl Chowder
$15–$25
A San Francisco classic, this creamy clam chowder served in a hollowed-out, crusty sourdough bread bowl is a hearty and iconic meal. The tangy sourdough perfectly complements the rich, savory chowder.
Where to try: The Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf
Mission Burrito
$10–$18
This oversized, foil-wrapped burrito, originating from the Mission District, is known for its generous fillings of rice, beans, meat, salsa, and often guacamole and sour cream. It's a substantial and flavorful meal.
Where to try: The Mission District
Cioppino
$25–$45
A rich seafood stew originating from Italian-American fishermen in San Francisco, cioppino features a tomato-based broth brimming with Dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, and fish. It's a taste of the city's maritime heritage.
Where to try: North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf
Garlic Noodles
$12–$20
Invented in San Francisco, these intensely flavorful noodles are tossed in a rich sauce of butter, garlic, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese. They are a decadent and addictive side dish.
Where to try: Chinatown restaurants
Dungeness Crab
$20–$40
Freshly caught Dungeness crab is a seasonal delicacy in San Francisco, often served steamed, roasted, or in dishes like cioppino. Its sweet, delicate meat is unparalleled.
Where to try: Seafood stalls and restaurants along the coast and at Fisherman's Wharf
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Mission District
Vibrant and eclectic, known for its Latin American influence, street art, and bustling taquerias.
BurritosTacosCasual DiningLate Night Eats
North Beach
Historic Italian neighborhood with a bohemian past, offering classic Italian-American fare and lively cafes.
Italian FoodSeafoodCoffee ShopsHistoric Atmosphere
Chinatown
The oldest Chinatown in North America, a sensory overload of bustling markets, traditional eateries, and dim sum houses.
Dim SumChinese CuisineTea HousesShopping
Hayes Valley
Chic and trendy, with a sophisticated mix of boutiques, upscale restaurants, and innovative culinary spots.
Fine DiningDessertsBoutique ShoppingPre-theater Dining
Dietary notes
San Francisco is generally very accommodating to dietary restrictions, with abundant vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available across most cuisines, especially in neighborhoods like the Mission and Hayes Valley. However, traditional dishes like cioppino and Dungeness crab are inherently seafood-focused.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, typically 18-20% for good service.
- •While many establishments accept cards, carrying some cash can be useful for smaller vendors or food trucks.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
- •Dress code is generally casual, but some upscale restaurants may have a smart-casual policy.
Plan the rest of your San Francisco trip
Food guides elsewhere