Best Italian Restaurants in San Francisco
From authentic Tuscan cuisine to exotic menu items, these Northern California dining destinations attract travelers from around the world. Below are the ten best Italian restaurants in San Francisco:
1. Acquerello
415-567-5432
1722 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109
2. Quince
415-775-8500
1701 Octavia St
San Francisco, CA 94109
3. Albona Ristorante Istriano
415-441-1040
545 Francisco Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
4. 54 Mint Vineria Ristorante
415-543-5100
16 Mint Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94103
5. Venticello Ristorante
415-922-2545
1257 Taylor Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
6. Ristorante Bacco
415-282-4969
737 Diamond St
San Francisco, CA 94114
7. Da Flora-A Venetian Ostaria
415-981-4664
701 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
8. Allegro Romano
415-928-4002
1701 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
9. Poesia
415-252-9325
4072 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94114
10. Capannina
415-409-8001
1809 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Best Restaurants in San Francisco
This is my favorite part of beautiful San Francisco. This city may be renowned for many things, but it excels beyond all others in its fine dining restaurants. Whether you are looking for french cuisine or lavish steakhouses with the best cuts of beef in the world, SF has what you are looking for. Below are the ten best dining experiences in San Francisco:
1. Farallon
415-956-6969
450 Post St
San Francisco, CA 94102Opened in 1997 by Chef Mark Franz and restaurateur and designer Pat Kuleto in one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the Union Square area. Built in 1924 for the Elk’s Club, it now houses the Farallon restaurant, Kensington Park Hotel and the Post Street Theater. This building was featured in a ten-page article in the inaugural issue of Architectural Digest. Kuleto has designed this restaurant resembling a beautiful underwater fantasy that has proven to be the ideal setting for the sophisticated “coastal cuisine” menu created by Chef Franz. This coastal cuisine may include Seared Atlantic Diver Scallops, Cast Iron Roasted Maryland Striped Bass, or Grilled Hawaiian Hebi; the menus are updated regularly as Farallon supports farms, ranches and fisheries guided by principles of sustainability.
2. The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton
415-296-7465
603 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94108“Iron Chef” Ron Siegel ‘s menu is steeped in the classic French technique born from his classical French training in the kitchens of Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Michael Mina. The unmistakable touches of Japanese sensibilities and specialty ingredients – the delicate infusions, sauces, emulsions, and oils that match and mingle with many specialty spices and salts – result in an everlasting and incomparable epicurean experience. Director of Wine Stephane Lacroix guides guests through his extensive and award-winning wine list to select the perfect wine to enhance Chef Ron Siegel’s daily creations and provide guests with an unforgettable food & wine experience.
3. Acquerello
415-567-5432
1722 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109Named for its original watercolors, it envelops guests in a warm and gracious atmosphere the moment they arrive. A recent renovation of the 17-year old restaurant, led by designer John Wheatman, highlights the former chapel, graced with arches and a rustic wood-beamed vaulted ceiling, with warm Mediterranean colors of gold and terracotta. The 50 seat dining room is softly illuminated with light from polished brass lamps which dances off an extensive collection of crystal decanters and a large floral bouquet greeting guests as they enter. Co-owners Giancarlo Paterlini and Suzette Gresham-Tognetti work together to provide an unparallel Italian dining experience. Acquerello has received countless awards, including a Michelin star in the first-ever 2007 Bay Area guide.
4. La Folie
415-776-5577
2316 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109A charming, family run restaurant with cotton-candy clouds painted on sky-blue walls, Chef Roland Passot serves generous portions of astoundingly good food. You simply can’t err when you order from Passot’s exuberant but disciplined menu. The owner’s roots surface in the decidedly Franco-California wine list. Choose from deep selection of excellent reds from Bordeaux or opt for one of the “discovery wines” from lesser-known wine regions of Australia and Chile. To accommodate the growing number of vegetarians, Passot has thoughtfully included a separate Vegetable Lover’s Menu. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
5. Gary Danko
415-749-2060
800 N Point St
San Francisco, CA 94109Gary Danko, the award-winning chef, has come to epitomize sophisticated contemporary cuisine. His 75-seat restaurant, located in the heart of one of San Francisco’s most prominent residential districts, is the culmination of his dream to create one of America’s great restaurants. Each evening the cheese carts at Restaurant Gary Danko offer between sixteen and twenty selections of cheese from around the world and their wine cellar contains over twelve hundred selections from fifteen different countries and vintages spanning three centuries.
6. Harris’ Restaurant
415-673-1888
2100 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109For nearly a century, the landmark address of 2100 Van Ness Avenue has hosted some of the finest meals on the West Coast. When Harris’ Restaurant opened in 1984, it continued the rich tradition of luxurious dining in a comfortable sophisticated environment. In fact, Harris’ was ranked as one of the nation’s Top 10 Steak houses by the Wine Spectator. Their butcher counter offers aged, Mid-western, corn-fed steak in a variety of cuts including Boneless New York Strip, Ribeye, Harris Steak (bone-in New York), Porterhouse, Filet Mignon and an entire Filet Strip. Large orders of Prime Rib can also be prepared upon request. They also serve Lamb, Chicken and North Atlanta Salmon.
7. Masa’s
415-989-7154
648 Bush St
San Francisco, CA 94108On Nob Hill in downtown San Francisco near Union Square, at the Executive Hotel Vintage Court, the internationally acclaimed Masa’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Masa’s Restaurant is one of San Francisco’s most beloved and highly esteemed fine dining restaurants. Masa’s provides renowned service and exquisite French cuisine. Executive Chef Gregory Short develops dishes that combine French techniques with a Californian flair for originality and seasonality. With the tremendous breadth and variety of fresh ingredients, Gregory Short insists on only the best.
8. Top of The Mark
415-616-6916
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
999 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108A place where many come from near and far to rendezvous, celebrate, and enjoy good times. Located on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, the world-renowned sky-bar affords a near 360 degree vista of San Francisco including views of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz. Famed for its 100 Martinis menu, the Top Of The Mark has been rated as one of the 26 “World’s Best Hotel Bars” by Forbes.com two years consecutively. The Top Of The Mark accepts dinner reservations on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm. A three-course prix-fixe dinner is offered and includes an amuse-bouche, choice of starter and entrée, and dessert. Option for wine-pairing is also available. The Top Of The Mark is open for cocktails and dancing throughout the evening, featuring the Black Market Jazz Orchestra from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am.
9. HIME
415-931-7900
2353 Lombard St
San Francisco, CA 94123HIME was named after a Japanese word meaning “princess”. They offer their guests new Japanese experience through the combination of traditional and fusion cuisines from sushi, sashimi to tapas style dishes in a modern Japanese ambiance. Located near the Golden Gate Bridge HIME is one of the most beautiful Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area.
10. Maharani Restaurant
415-775-1988
1122 Post St
San Francisco, CA 94109Maharani is a poetic word for “Empress” and for millions of Indians; it signifies the loved one, the sweetheart, or someone close to the heart. The creation and success of this beautiful restaurant is a tribute to women all over the world, who have made our lives richer, more beautiful, wholesome and balanced. Now in our fifteenth year, Maharani continues to signify a tradition in fine dining. We are humbled by the many honors we have received to date, and our goal remains to push the boundaries of authentic Indian cuisine – without compromise. They are committed to bringing you the finest and freshest meals, in a beautiful surrounding, accompanied by personable service.
Best Sushi Bars in San Francisco
The City of San Francisco may offer both locals and tourists many attractions, however one of my favorite things to do when I’m in town is visit my favorite sushi restaurants. It doesn’t matter if you are in the mood for freshly caught salmon or an elegantly created roll, the sushi chefs in SF will treat you right. Below are the ten best sushi bars in San Francisco:
1. Kiss Seafood
415-474-2866
1700 Laguna St
San Francisco, CA 94115
2. Kyo-ya
415-546-5090
The Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94105
3. Koo
415-731-7077
408 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122
4. Umami
415-346-3431
2909 Webster St
San Francisco, CA 94123
5. Okoze Sushi
415-567-3397
1207 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94109
6. Zushi Puzzle
415-931-9319
1910 Lombard St
San Francisco, CA 94123
7. Hama-Ko Sushi
415-753-6808
108 Carl St Ste B
San Francisco, CA 94117
8. Kabuto Sushi
415-752-5652
5121 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
9. Ino Sushi
415-922-3121
22 Peace Plaza Ste 510
San Francisco, CA 94115
10. Toraya Sushi Bar & Grill
415-931-9455
1914 Filmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Best Bars in San Francisco
If you’re looking for a fun night out, then look no further than these San Francisco bars. From modern lounges to fast-paced nightclubs, this city has what you are seeking. And don’t let the outside fool you, some of the most stylish bars in the city appear to be nothing special from the street. Below are the ten best bars in San Francisco:
1. St. Regis
415-284-4000
125 3rd St
San Francisco, CA 94103
2. The Four Seasons
415-633-3000
757 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103
3. Bourbon & Branch
415-346-1735
501 Jones St
San Francisco, CA 94102
4. Maxfield’s Pied Piper Bar
415-512-1111
The Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94102
5. Swank
415-346-7431
488 Presidio Ave
San Francisco, CA 94115
6. Bar Drake
415-395-8555
Sir Francis Drake Hotel
450 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
7. The Occidental Cigar Club
415-834-0485
471 Pine St
San Francisco, CA 94104
8. Clock Bar
415-397-9222
335 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
9. Bar 888
415-616-6566
InterContinental – Lobby Level
888 Howard St
San Francisco, CA 94103
10. The Bubble Lounge
415-434-4204
714 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94111
Best Wine Bars in San Francisco
The city of San Francisco prides itself in its wine bars, and for very good reason. It seems that I cannot walk two city blocks without passing several of these high class destinations. Considering that the city is simply a short drive away from the beautiful rolling hills of Napa Valley, it should come as no surprise that SF is flowing with some of the best wine the world has to offer. Below are the ten best wine bars in San Francisco:
1. Terroir Natural Wine Merchant
415-558-9946
1116 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
2. Eos Restaurant & Wine Bar
415-566-3063
901 Cole St
San Francisco, CA 94117
3. Bar Tartine
415-487-1600
561 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
4. Bacar
415-904-4100
448 Brannan St
San Francisco, CA 94107
5. Press Club
415-744-5000
20 Yerba Buena Ln
San Francisco, CA 94103
6. Cav Wine Bar and Kitchen
415-437-1770
1666 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94102
7. Bar Bambino Cafe and Wine Bar
415-701-8466
2931 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94101
8. South Food + Wine Bar
415-974-5599
330 Townsend St Ste 101
San Francisco, CA 94107
9. Bar Norcini
415-397-3621
225 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94199
10. District
415-896-2120
216 Townsend St
San Francisco, CA 94107
Best Coffee Bars in San Francisco
Ahhh, there is nothing like taking a leisurely stroll down the streets of San Francisco and stopping in at a quaint coffee shop for your java fix. And SF has a great selection of establishments to fit your craving. Below are the ten best coffee bars in San Francisco:
1. Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company
415-986-2420
735 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
2. Spike’s Coffees & Teas
415-626-5573
4117 19th St
San Francisco, CA 94114
3. Ritual Gardens
415-694-6458
1634 Jerroid Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
4. Jackson Place Cafe
415-225-4891
633 Battery St
One Jackson Pl
San Francisco, CA 94111
5. Trouble Coffee Company
4033 Judah St
San Francisco, CA 94122
6. Bernie’s
415-642-1192
3966 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94114
7. Coffee Adventures
415-441-0301
1331 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
8. L’s Caffe
415-206-0274
2871 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
9. Cento
360 Ritch St
San Francisco, CA 94107
10. Cafe Venice
415-643-3385
3325 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
