The First Timer’s Guide To Eating In San Francisco

La Taqueria makes SF’s most famous burrito, as evidenced by the constant lines out front. But when you’re in search of the best, come here. El Farolito grills the most flavorful meats in the city. Carne asada or bust.

Mark Twain didn’t actually say “the coldest winter is a summer in SF,” but the idea holds up: the fog doesn't mess around, no matter the time of year. Warm up with the cioppino from Sotto Mare in North Beach, a deep, steaming bowl loaded with mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, and crab.

Dramatic, we know, but Arsicault’s almond croissant should be considered the eighth wonder of the world. The essential SF pastry is buttery and flaky as hell. For the classic experience, wait in line at the original Richmond outpost, but the Civic Center location has the same great pastries and no lines.

Garlic noodles were allegedly invented at this Vietnamese seafood spot in the Sunset, and their version of the legendary Bay Area dish is still the GOAT (Garlickiest Of All Time). A bowl of noodles pairs perfectly with one of their peppery whole roasted crabs. Throw on a plastic bib and get cracking.

The Summer of Love is over, despite what your Deadhead friend thinks. And yet, hippie art is very much alive. After admiring the street art (and googling “what is SF counterculture,”) pop into Sandy’s for a sublime muffuletta, loaded with perfect cold cuts, spicy olive spread, and melted cheese.

SF’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America, and walking through the Dragon Gate and historic alleys is mandatory. Afterwards, fuel up at Good Mong Kok. The cash-only Cantonese bakery serves super-sized dim sum—think BBQ pork bao as big as two fists, and siu mai stuffed to the brim with juicy pork.

You’ll end up near Union Square at some point if you’re shopping or going full tourist mode by hopping on the cable car. Bodega SF is a Northern Vietnamese extravaganza nearby, and an all-out party full of caviar-topped bánh khọt, lemongrass clams, and dimension-altering bò tái chanh. Keep the fun going and head downstairs to their red-lit speakeasy-ish bar, The Felix, for cocktails.

The East Bay is sunnier and warmer than the city. So cross the Bay Bridge and soak in some Vitamin D with a walk around Lake Merritt. Once you’ve sufficiently shaken off the fog, head to the real reason you’re here: Mama’s Boy. The New York-style slice shop does phenomenal pies (go for the pepperoni or burrata) on snappy crusts you’ll think about when you’re back in the city and freezing.

You’ve braved the crowds of tourists and breathed in the musk of sea lion—now hightail it to Abacá. The fancy Filipino spot is an airy, plant-filled escape from the chaos of mediocre restaurants and souvenir shops with names on keychains. Here, Filipino classics are zhuzhed up with style, like the sisig fried rice that looks like a bird’s nest and seafood chowder poured tableside.

Yes, people flock to see the Full House Painted Ladies, but Nopa down the street is a much more exciting SF attraction. Their incredible pork chop has been fulfilling the city’s delicious meat quota for almost two decades, and dinner in their chic cabin-like space is the personification of feel-good energy.

You got major cardio in by scaling the Filbert Steps to that firehose column on the hill. First, pat yourself on the back. Then, celebrate by polishing off a few focaccia-style slices at North Beach’s Golden Boy. This pizza joint is an institution known for their sturdy squares with a lot of cheese. Prepare to stand in line.