If you haven’t experienced the culinary scene in San Francisco, 2023 is your year to do so. The city boasts everything from budget-friendly eateries to Michelin-star restaurants. Choosing which restaurants to visit in The Golden City can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you.
Here are our five favorite restaurants in San Francisco that you must visit on your next trip.
Related: 10 Black-Owned Restaurants In San Francisco You Should Try Soon
Sula
Located in the historic Cavallo Point Lodge at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sula is in a recently renovated space. The restaurant replaces the inn’s signature restaurant, Murray Circle. The menu is led by Executive Chef Michael Garcia and blends flavors from France, Spain, Greece, and Italy with local Northern California ingredients. Start off with the Charred Monterey Octopus, and for the main dish, try the Fort Bragg Petrel Sole (smoky tomato purée, PEI mussels, salmon roe, spinach, and potato mousse). End dinner with the Black Sesame and Chocolate Decadence Cake (ganache, crispy rice, sesame tuile).
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Nari
This woman-owned restaurant is the work of chef Tim Techamuanvivit and is led mostly by women. Here you’ll find exceptional Thai cuisine with a sophisticated flair. Some traditional Thai ingredients are swapped out for locally grown seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the Laab Jin as the first course with northern-style beef tartare seasoned with price laab, crispy alliums, and herbs. For the second course, try the Gaeng Massaman Gas (tender lamb shank in massaman curry with pomegranate and baby scallions).
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Sorella
Opened by the same team behind the two-star Michelin restaurant Acquerello, Sorella is a sleek Italian restaurant in the city. Meaning ‘sister’ in Italian, Sorella serves delicious antipasti, secondi, and homemade pasta. The Rise Up OG Sourdough bread is served with extra virgin olive oil or cultured Vermont butter and is to die for. Be sure to try the mouth-watering Liberty Farms Duck Breast (beet pesto, pickled persimmon, grilled beets, cherry duck jus).
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Californios
Craving Mexican food? Hit up this Michelin-starred spot which has amazing food and incredible design. Indulge in Chef Val Cantu’s tasting menu, which changes seasonally. Dishes you can expect on the tasting menu include lobster tacos, foie gras-garnished churros, and wagyu steak. Dishes are paired with wine, beer, or cider.
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Acquerello
This restaurant has not one but two Michelin stars! Acquerello has been a staple in San Francisco’s fine dining scene for over three decades. The restaurant has been praised for its cuisine, service, and great wine. Try the White Truffle Tasting Menu, which serves the best truffles of the season.
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