San Francisco: Best Food 1 day

Our Local Expert Says:

Mondays offer a $50, 3-course alternative

Description:

In the foodie world, Alice Waters is a household name. The chef pioneered California cuisine at this Berkeley dining institution and in the process, helped popularize buying locally at farmer’s markets. Indeed, Chez Panisse uses ingredients at peak freshness, seamlessly melding soulful seasonality with French techniques. The warmly lit dining room oozes Craftsman style, with gorgeous woodwork, a large, open hearth and glowing copper-shaded lamps. Hushed diners range from Birkenstock-shod Berkeley intellectuals to black-clad city slickers. Service is gracious, though it can be slow. The Restaurant downstairs features a prix fixe menu, while the Café upstairs is à la carte and offers more choice to diners—at a lower price, to boot.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't miss this "new" San Francisco institution. Inside, you'll find fantastic foods and crafts local to the area, and outside on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Farmers Market brings together local growers to sell their tasty fruits and vegetables.

Description:

While ferries still run from this historic building, it’s also been transformed into a veritable shrine to food. The San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace is chockablock with eateries, specialty culinary stores, and gift shops. Dining highlights include the mouth-watering burgers at Taylor’s Refresher, the decadent sandwiches at Lulu Petite (the egg salad with truffle-artichoke pesto on brioche is truly the nectar of the gods), and the Vietnamese-inspired deliciousness of SF’s legendary Slanted Door. Shopping for some special culinary treats? Stock up on loads of rare mushrooms and truffle salt at Far West Fungi, the finest fromage at local fave Cowgirl Creamery’s Artisan Cheese Shop, and creative chocolate flavor combinations Rechiutti Confections. Want to sample local farmers’ bounty? The San Francisco Farmer’s Market convenes behind the Ferry Building every Tuesday and Saturday, and features stalls upon stalls of produce, meat, eggs, cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods (we love the tamales and crepes, but everything is tasty). Vendors are friendly and always willing to allow shoppers a sample taste or a detailed explanation of farming practices. After all that munching, take a brisk walk on the Embarcadero past piers and views of the Bay Bridge.

Our Local Expert Says:

Commonly held as *the* go-to place for special-occasion dining, this place lives up to the hype.

Description:

The recipient of the coveted James Beard cooking award, chef Gary Danko practices his genius at his eponymous, 65-seat restaurant. Luxurious appetizers, flavorful entrees, and decadent desserts are the true crowd pleasers. Try the Lobster Salad with Fennel, Citrus, Avocado and Mustard Tarragon Dressing or an entree of Seared Maine Scallops with Black Truffle, Leek and Potato Puree. Indulge in the special Flambeed Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts and Cocounut Sherbert, prepared tableside and with gusto. An outstanding wine list featuring hundreds of California and French bottles is available (prices vary).

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best dim sum spots in the city.

Description:

This huge Shanghai-style restaurant features clean linens, good service and an outstanding array of dishes. The menu runs several pages and there are always a good number of daily specials available, in addition to fabulous Dim Sum ordered from rolling carts. You could probably eat here every day for a month and always have something new. The Deep-fried Fishcakes are done to crispy perfection on the outside and seasoned with just the right mix of garlic, peppers and seaweed. The Chicken Soup is also noteworthy both as a light lunch in itself or a starter for one of the wonderful noodle entrees that come with a variety of toppings. For something a little more fancy, the Wine-Marinated Squab, served cold, makes for a piquant dining experience.

Description:

Many say the best restaurant in San Francisco is the Slanted Door. While the food is famous in its own right, the prime location – inside the historic Ferry Building and overlooking San Francisco Bay, perfect for a sunset cocktail and evening meal - contributes to the overwhelming popularity. The menu includes sure-fire palate-pleasers that utilize sustainably-farmed meat and seafood, as well as farm-fresh, seasonal produce. Reservations are booked for a month in advance, so plan ahead. If you can’t get a reservation, sit at the bar where both the California Vietnamese fusion cuisine and the service are just as good.

Our Local Expert Says:

Honestly, while the food is certainly great, dessert is the real reason to come here. You can even take it to go via the pastry counter.

Description:

This wildly popular bakery-cafe is sleek and contemporary with its pale wood and light-filled space. The baked goods, the true reason to come here, take the art of the pastry beyond the ordinary. Cookies, tarts, and the award-winning cakes are to die for. Have a soft spot for cupcakes? Flavors rotate daily, including chocolate-hazelnut, key lime, and Persian delight, a very special combination of rosewater-infused buttercream, pistachios, saffron cream, and candied violets. Yes, that's right! The dining menu is a tad overpriced, but offers light California fare--perfect for having enough room left for the true star here, dessert. The service is friendly and quick.

Description:

The food here can be summed up in six words: really big, really good, really cheap. That is why Pancho Villa is so popular. The place is huge, offering plenty of room to sit and savor your meal. Enjoy the local artwork displays as you eat your taco, quesedilla, burritto, nachos, or special platter. Chicken, beef, beans, tofu, pork, chile verde, chili colorado, tongue, seafood, cheese, vegetables are your options. Take your pick of fillings for your entrees. Toppings include sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and a variety of home made salsas. The service is friendly and quick.

Description:

This restaurant prepares some of the best seafood dishes on Fisherman's Wharf, which is no small feat considering the competition. The dining room is a bit old-fashioned, yet also contemporary and not very unusual. The menu focuses on fresh seafood that is either sauteed or broiled. Enjoy Dungeness Crab, prawns, scallops, calamari, abalone, swordfish, salmon, oysters and clams. House specialties include a Spicy Cioppino (seafood stew) and a Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail combo. The wine list is adequate, featuring domestic and imported wines.

Description:

A hip Japanese place nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Embarcadero District, it is famous for its succulent fish and the special Omakase Menu. Something scrumptious is always cooking up at the Charcoal Robata Grill such as fresh fish, lobster, chicken, lamb, duck and Kobe beef. The Sake lounge features a large variety of Sake and Japanese Beer. If you are bored of Sushi and Grilled Meats, go for the Omakase Special Menu that is made to order at least one day in advance.