Our Favorite San Francisco Restaurants
“It’s simply a very romantic place. Just one look at any of those streets, and you couldn’t be anywhere else.”
— Julia Child
Neighborhood Gems
Restaurants within Walking Distance
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Blue Mermaid
Our own Blue Mermaid serves up award winning clam chowder — best on the Wharf! In the morning, try lemon ricotta pancakes or one of many Benedicts.
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Pescatore
Our sister property, the Hotel Zoe, offers this lovely sidewalk Italian cafe, with delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Save room for the Chocolate Torte!
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Craft Brews
The San Francisco Brewery is just up the hill from the Argonaut in the historical Ghiradelli Square. Outdoor beer garden, pool tables and amazing burgers.
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Buena Vista Cafe
This charming cafe was the first place to buy alcohol during the Gold Rush. Well known for their Irish coffees. Near the cable car turnaround.
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Barrio
A Mexican bistro with outdoor patio seating and extraordinary views of the Bay and Alcatraz. This tastes like vacation. Ghiradelli Square.
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Scoma's Seafood
Pacific seafood, caught on small boats, and brought to our pier by local fishermen. It’s the quintessential seafood - straight forward - without spice and fluff.
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Fior d'Italia
Fior d’Italia, which translates into “The Flower of Italy,” is America’s oldest Italian restaurant serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine in the North Beach area.
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Flying Ninja
Sushi, teriyaki, spam masubi and other Pacific delights from this fun spot in the Cannery, right across from the Argonaut. The food is good and the service is lovely.
Rooftop Bars & Happy Hours
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Top of the Mark
Spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, their sky lounge dazzles dignitaries, celebrities, and in-the-know visitors with creative cocktails, and signature martinis.
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Charmaine's
The rooftop lounge of San Francisco Proper Hotel, 120 feet above Market Street, features a stylish European terrace with laid-back California vibes. Food + drinks.
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Kaiyō
Immersive Nikkei experience and "tropical oasis in the sky." 12th floor of Hyatt Palace Hotel. Japanese culinary influence within Peruvian culture. Stunning!
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El Techo
Street food, rooftop views, and your favorite cocktails “del sol,” 364 days a year, rain or shine! Happy Hour 4-6pm weekdays.
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Happy Hour at Pescatore
Just take a stroll to the Hotel Zoe for Happy Hour at the Pescatore. Enjoy cocktails and nibbles in their upbeat, bistro setting. 3-5pm, Mondays - Thursdays.
Date Night!
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Waterbar
Elegant restaurant with views inside and out from its iconic waterfront location. Features an expansive oyster menu, and fresh, sustainable seafood.
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Miller & Lux
Tyler Florence’s new modern American Steakhouse at the Chase Center delivers a refined and comfortable restaurant experience through a sophisticated lens.
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The Tonga Room
Created by a Hollywood set designer, this tropical bar experience features an indoor "lagoon" with a floating live band. In the landmark Fairmont Hotel.
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Alexander's Steakhouse
A fine dining interpretation of the modern American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influences. Renowned for Wagyu steak. Near Oracle Park.
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Tadich Grill
The oldest continually run restaurant in California (est 1849), third oldest in United States. Seafood, steak, and more (75+ entrees). European bistro-style service!
Michelin Recommendations
Book well in advance of your stay;
some require a non-refundable deposit.
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Angler SF
Angler is a sea-life focused restaurant with views of the expansive wood burning hearth and the San Francisco Bay. Chef Joshua Skenes and Saison Hospitality. Embarcadero waterfront. 1 Michelin Star.
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Benu
Fixed menu featuring a variety of seafood and vegetables, a few meat courses, and some sweets. Please plan three hours for your dinner. $350 per person. Not suitable for young kids. 3 Michelin stars.
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Quince
Californian contemporary cuisine with Italian influences; nightly-changing tasting menus highlight the restaurant's unique partnership with Fresh Run Farm in Bolinas, CA. 3 Michelin stars. CLOSED JULY.
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Mister Jiu's
Mister Jiu’s is a contemporary Chinese American restaurant and bar located in a historic Chinatown building with a notable wine list and airy atmosphere. Booking reservations three weeks out! 1 Michelin star.
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Birdsong
The menu focuses on ingredients in the most whole form they can find them in. This typically means produce that is in season, at their best and most flavorful. Exquisite. Two Michelin Stars.
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Californios
At Californios, meals are prepared by Chef Val M. Cantu in a contemporary expression of Mexican cuisine using the bountiful ingredients of the Bay Area. Prepaid reservations required. Two Michelin stars.
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Atelier Crenn
French cuisine prepared by Chef Dominique Crenn, offered in various multi-course experiences in an inviting and luxurious dining room. Prepaid reservations only. Three Michelin Stars.
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Lazy Bear
Lazy Bear offers a unique dining experience, serving modern American cuisine in a cozy communal dining format. Food is prepared by Chef David Barzelay. Prepaid reservations only. Two Michelin Stars.
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Niku Steakhouse
Enjoy pristine cuts of top shelf Japanese beef and hearty American cuts. Try to get a seat at the handsome chef’s counter to watch Chef Falcon and company work their magic under the warm glow of the coals. 1 Michelin Star.
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Sons & Daughters
This small, mighty kitchen led by Chef Teague Moriarty turns out a seasonal, ingredient-focused menu that consistently pleases with stark, stylized dishes inspired by new Nordic & Japanese cooking. 1 Michelin Star.
Family Friendly & Fun
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Square Pie Guys
Detroit-style pan pizza just up the hill at Ghiradelli Square. Gluten-free and vegan options for dine-in or take-back to your cozy Argonaut room!
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Capurro's Fish House
Family-friendly seafood restaurant right across the street! Colorful and lively, this historic San Francisco restaurant gets their seafood right off the boat. Fresh!
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Wipe Out Bar & Grill
California Beach-Shack inspired restaurant with food that’s cool for the whole fam on Pier 39. Salads, burgers, tacos, burritos. Yum, dude!
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Hard Rock Cafe
Between the collections of Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and live music, you might get to enjoy a meal at a normal pace for a change! Here’s to entertained kids!
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Cioppino's
A family restaurant which has spent generations on the Wharf, named after their delicious cioppino dish, a distinctly San Franciscan lusty and flavorful seafood soup.
Late Night Bites
There are Night Owls in our Sleepy City
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Hard Rock Cafe
Between the collections of Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and live music its sure to entertain. Perfect place for a family with kids! Open till 10PM. Take a look at the Menu!
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Cioppino's
Located in Fishermans Wharf Cioppino’s is an Italian restaurant known for their name sake. A distinctly San Franciscan lusty and flavorful seafood soup. Open till 9:45PM. Take a look at the Menu!
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Sam 's Pizza & Burgers
Pizza, Italian subs & range of pasta dishes; this hole-in-the-wall was a favorite of Anthony Bourdain's. Open to 12am. Bonus: North Beach has fun night life. Take a look at the Menu!
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Grubstake Diner
Diner with a history as a gay activist hotspot. This former train car serves American food - plus Portuguese favorites. Open to 3am. Take a look at the Menu!
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Nopa
Specializing in organic wood-fired cuisine, Nopa serves simple food created with seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Open to 10PM. Take a look at the Menu!
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Mona Lisa Restaurant
Renaissance-inspired decor; homemade pastas, pizzas & other Italian specialties in iconic North Beach. Open until 11pm weeknights, 12am weekends. Take a look at the Menu!
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Bix
Supper club with a swanky 1930s ambiance, live jazz & a dining room serving American-French cuisine. Open until 10:30pm week nights, 11pm Friday & Saturday. Take a look at the Menu!
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MKT Restaurant and Bar
Bar at Four Seasons San Francisco features seafood and steak in a retro urban-chic atmosphere in the SoMa district; Open till 11pm. Take a look at the Menu!
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New Dehli Restaurant
If you can handle the Indian food spiciness late at night, New Dehli is delicious and open till 11pm. (And the local owner is supremely nice.) Take a look at the Menu!