The Most Iconic Food Experiences in San Francisco

All over
San Francisco’s rich history of Japanese culture and heritage, combined with a prime oceanside location, makes it a standout spot for a proper sushi binge. And you’ll find standout options at every price point and every vibe. Sample Michelin-starred delights at neighborhood restaurants like Wako in the Inner Richmond, or Ju-Ni in the Western Addition, or go big with glamorous omakase spreads at The Shota downtown, Omakase in SOMA, or at Robin in Hayes Valley, where you’ll find an exciting selection of local fish alongside classic cuts flown in from Japan. Find more affordable, but still delicious omakase at Chisai Sushi Club in Bernal; sample creative and delicious vegan options at Shizen; or check out local favorites with a spread at Ebisu, an Inner Sunset staple that’s been around for more than three decades; or Eiji, a cozy sushi spot in the Castro that has excellent nigiri alongside their unmissable homemade tofu. Looking for late-night sushi accompanied by beats from a DJ? Ryoko’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar in Union Square may not be known for its exceptional sushi, but the food is fresh and tasty, and the space is always lively and always fun.

Hayes Valley
If you could only have one meal in San Francisco ever, Zuni would be a strong candidate for capturing the city’s food scene at its best. Moreover, in an informal poll of essential San Francisco dishes, nearly everyone who responded, food writers and food lovers alike, cited The Chicken at Zuni. This is, of course, Zuni’s incomparable roast chicken for two, boasting a whole bird cooked to snappy-crisp-skinned, juicy perfection in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven, served atop a currant-studded bread salad plump with drippings and brightened with a bitter-fresh scattering of greens and vinaigrette. 
How to book: Make reservations via OpenTable, or call 415-552-2522.

All over
A category that deserves ample praise, San Francisco’s dumpling scene is strong, but how should you tackle it like a pro? Sample made-to-order dumplings at Yuanbao Jiaozi on Irving Street, followed by the juicy, lamb-filled Westlake dumplings at Old Mandarin Islamic on Vicente. Cruise out to Shanghai Dumpling King for pan-fried pork buns and stop by Bini’s Kitchen for outstanding lamb and turkey momos. Oh, and don’t forget Dumpling Time’s marvelous creations, including a Tom Yum-inspired soup dumpling.  

Nob Hill
Waiting in line for a seat at the counter of this pocket-sized seafood shop on Polk Street is basically a rite of passage in San Francisco. It’s also a rare breed of restaurant that is a constant draw for locals and tourists alike, but whatever gets you there, the wait is always worth it. Start with a dozen oysters then move on to the Crab Back, best sopped up with the ever-present wedges of sourdough bread—or consider a Louie Salad if you’re tempted by a classic. The one thing you can’t miss is the Sicilian Sashimi: an assortment of thin-sliced raw salmon, scallops and tuna, drizzled with olive oil and finished with salt and capers. It’s perfect, especially accompanied with a cold Anchor Steam.
How to book: All seating is first-come, first-served.

Mission
The Mission burrito is a legend unto itself, a hand-held meal created to test the biggest of appetites. The form is deceptively simple—flour tortilla, loaded with rice, beans, meat of choice, salsas, guac and sour cream, wrapped tightly and encased in a sheath of foil—but there is art in every step: from the light griddle of the tortilla, rendering it warm and pliant, to the texture and seasoning of the meat, to the flavor of the beans, the tenderness of the rice and the quality of the salsas. Everyone has a favorite spot for a Mission burrito, but standouts include La Taqueria (order it dorado for an extra crisp-up on the griddle post-roll), El Farolito, Taqueria Cancun, and El Metate.