The city known for its trams, sea lions and iconic red suspension bridge (the Golden Gate Bridge, just to be clear.) also holds its own when it comes to food. In fact, restaurants in San Francisco are — like the rest of this buzzing city on the coast of California – a joy to explore. You’ll be able to find pretty much any type of cuisine here, from pizza and ramen to French crêpes, often served in a casual, lively setting. Discover our pick of the best restaurants in San Francisco, guaranteed to both fill your belly and put a smile on your face.

San Francisco has a big Japanese community, which means there’s plenty of great Japanese food to be had around the city. Get your slurp on at Mensho Tokyo, the first branch of the acclaimed Japanese ramen bar to open outside of its home country. As you might expect, the ramen here is exquisite: huge bowls of noodles in steaming broth, topped with everything from wagyu beef or spiced lamb to clams or habanero chillies. The setting is cool and minimal, with long, communal-style benches from which to chow down your noodles. If you want to see more of San Francisco’s Japanese side, take a trip to the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden within Golden Gate Park and enjoy a matcha tea while you’re there.

Ask locals where to find the best pizza in town, and you'll often hear "Popolo." What began as an eye-catching food truck with a glass facade is now a permanent, posh pizzeria serving wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies (as locals call them). The menu is small but lovingly crafted, including a particularly noteworthy option with Yukon gold potatoes and red onion. (Who says potato doesn't belong on pizza?)

For anyone craving an unforgettable Korean barbecue experience, San Ho Won in San Francisco’s Mission District is a must-visit. This upscale yet welcoming spot offers a modern twist on traditional Korean dishes. From the perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth galbi to the vibrant seasonal banchan and soul-warming stews, the meat is crafted with care over a charcoal grill. Whether you're savoring the flaky blood sausage pancakes or indulging in the honey butter corn, San Ho Won delivers on flavor and atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for celebrations or simply treating yourself to the city's best Korean barbecue.

Don’t skimp on the dessert when you’re in San Francisco—you’re on holiday, remember? And the best way to ensure you don’t is to visit Craftsman and Wolves, an upscale patisserie with seriously enticing baked goods. We’re talking muffins; cookies; kouign-amann (a buttery Breton cake) with a chamomile macaron; and gateaux in flavors like whipped coffee, coconut, honey-banana, or chocolate-almond-caramel. And since you’re indulging already, consider accompanying your chosen treat with a glass of wine or a craft beer – yes, it’s a place to go wild.

If you've got the kids in tow on your San Francisco vacation, this colorful neighborhood joint is a surefire winner, priding itself on being a “family-style restaurant with big portions and an entirely welcoming atmosphere.” There’s a huge menu, headlined by a selection of mighty crêpes – sweet and savory – and you can even build your own. Add club sandwiches, burgers, pasta, Asian-inspired stir-fries and a quality kids menu, and you’ve got a restaurant that can please even the fussiest of diners.

Going meat- and dairy-free is easy in San Francisco, and although there are plenty of eateries around that cater well to vegans, Wildseed is one of the best, offering something for everyone. As such, even hardened carnivores are sure to love the creative dishes on offer at this bright and airy spot. From Mexican corn cakes and hearty “neatball” (tasty balls made from grains, lentil and mushroom) masala all the way to mouth-watering desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake (made with coconut or cashew cream), going plant-based has never tasted so good.

Run by the Azzolino family, this friendly, laid-back restaurant is one of the best places for shellfish in the whole of the city. Located in North Beach — San Francisco’s Little Italy — Sotto Mare serves up brimming plates of West Coast oysters, crab, prawns, clams and a long list of other locally caught seafood. Sotto Mare claims to serve the best crab cioppino in town, and you can't leave without ordering this rich, sweet fish stew made with tomatoes and wine and most often served with bread — another San Francisco staple.

Mandalay is a beloved gem in San Francisco's Richmond District, offering a taste of Myanmar that's as authentic as it is bold. Since opening its doors in 1984, this sunshine-yellow restaurant has become a favorite among locals, serving up homestyle dishes packed with flavor. From the velvety curries to the perfectly sautéed chile tofu, every bite is a celebration of Burmese cuisine. Whether you're gathering for a casual dinner or simply craving the best tea leaf salad in the city, Mandalay is the kind of place that feels like home, no matter how many times you visit.

Food, film and art collide at this much-loved venue, which has been gathering fans since it opened in 1999. Part of the appeal is – as the name suggests – the restaurant’s love for all things film-related, as demonstrated by the classic movies projected onto the wall in the patio area, which makes dining here feel like you’re at a drive-in movie. The food goes beyond a box of popcorn, however. The menu offers a selection of casual fine-dining options that change with the seasons and encompass influences from around the globe. The last thing to note is the cocktails, which are truly Oscar-worthy.

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