From Chinatown to the Mission, San Francisco is stacked with restaurants offering tasty foods of all kinds. That’s why it’s one of the best vacation spots in the world for foodies. Not where you expected, right?
Let us convince you otherwise. Here is a list of some of the best dining options the City by the Bay has to offer. In no particular order…
Avital Tours
Every foodie would die for a behind-the-scenes look into some of San Francisco’s best restaurants. With three tours encompassing three different Bay Area neighborhoods, Avital Tours offers just that. Locals from each neighborhood lead small groups of no more than 12 people on a walking tour of five neighborhood restaurants. Learn about the history of each place as you enjoy a progressive meal of delicious food. Because every neighborhood has a unique personality, it’s a good idea to research and decide which tour will best suit your tastes.
The Chairman Truck
Chef Hiroo Nagahara brings high-end food techniques to the street food scene with his Chairman Truck. Voted best food truck by San Francisco Magazine, it serves what Nagahara calls Asian street food. You’ll have to go looking for it, but it’s worth the effort. Some of the dishes served include yummy tender pork bellies and Coca-Cola braised pork. Be sure to try a side of zesty wonton chips with your gua bao, or bun sandwich!
The Irish Bank
It may be strange to imagine an authentic Irish pub in downtown San Francisco, but that’s just what you’ll find at the Irish Bank. Pull up a bar stool and enjoy some draft beer while you wait on your order of fish and chips. If you’re after something heartier, try the Irish beef stew or shepherd’s pie. Whatever your taste, the Irish Bank’s comfort foods are certain to take the coastal chill out of you. They offer vegetarian options, as well. Some of the best accommodations in the San Francisco area are close to the pub, too, so you can avoid having to worry about transportation after you’ve been out drinking.
House of Nanking
Chef Peter Fang opened The House of Nanking in 1988. Back then, it was a tiny hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant with a single-burner stove. In the last 25 years, Fang and his family have doubled the size of the restaurant and turned it into one of the best Chinese restaurants in San Francisco. It regularly has lines going out the front door and is popular among tourists and locals alike. When you go, let Fang, who now mans the front of the house, order for you. You’re guaranteed to love what you get.
TropiSueno
If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine during your trip, be sure to give TropiSueno a try. Styled after a Spanish hacienda, it’s a taqueria during the day when it serves burritos, tacos, or combination plates. At night, it transforms into a full-service restaurant, serving dishes from different regions of Mexico. Its house-made margaritas are sweetened with agave and are a must for margarita lovers.
Whether you’re a foodie or you have one in your life, a San Francisco vacation is a treat that you’ll never forget. If you have any suggestions of your own, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below!
