I’m taking my boyfriend to visit my aunt and uncle in SF (they live in Marin) in March for a week, he’s originally from Singapore and has never been to the west coast of America. What are some must trys in terms of cuisine and restaurants to show him the depth and breadth of the SF food scene?
We’re not trying to break the bank but probably have one fancy dinner in our budget. Cuisines I’m thinking of trying to hit:
Chinese/Cantonese
Mexican/SF mission burritos
South East Asian (Cambodian/Thai/Laotian)
California Farm to Table
Local seafood (raw bar/small plates)
Anything else I should try? What restaurants are a must?
Where does he live now (and you as well)? If he’s from Singapore, I suggest that you skip Cantonese and SE Asian altogether. You probably can find exemplary versions of those in Singapore more readily for cheaper.
I’d skip general Cantonese, although Mr. Jiu and Four Kings might be interesting. 3rd and 4th Gen Cantonese Americans putting a fine dining spin on Canto food.
Otherwise hard to recommend. Classic SF places might be boring. That said, I’d say NOPA and Californios. Definitely a Mission burrito. Dungeness crab if it’s still in season.
One possibility to do here is share a burrito at the El Farolito at 24th and Mission for a more typical Mission burrito, and also one at La Taqueria down the street for a very good atypical one (they don’t put rice in theirs so are a bit smaller). La Taqueria will usually have a line.
@harajuku_101 Since you are in Marin, maybe worth going straight to the source at Hog Island Oyster Farm or other oyster farms at Tomales Bay and shuck the oysters yourself straight out of water looking at the tranquil scenery. Its memorable.
I know you said they would be here for a week, but how many meals do you intend to have?
21? As in all meals for the 7 days?
Something else? That might help us narrow down the various choices that are possible given your parameters.
Also, I know you said you didn’t want to break any budges (except for one meal), but what is your budget?
Not breaking any budget is a wide swath of price points. And, unfortunately with all the various “mandatory” service charges that SF restaurants are nototorious for, even a restaurant that has options between $15-20 can easily result in a bill upwards of $150 for two people, all in with taxes, tips and, ahem, those mandatory service charges.
I agree, skip the Chinese/SE Asian. Better/cheaper in Singapore.
Ethiopian, perhaps?
For a splurge, how about the vegetarian cuisine at Greens?
For an ‘only in SF’ treat, there’s the main Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience store in Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco. It still features the massive iconic chocolate mixing vats that are visible to the public, offering a unique experience alongside their famous sundaes and chocolate selections. You can see the chocolate being made and even create your own custom chocolate gifts in the “Pick & Mix” area.
Visit Tartine Manufactory - dine or nosh affordably (by SF standards, LOL), enjoy the pastries, buy some bread to take back to Marin.
Tartine Manufactory
595 Alabama St., San Francisco, CA 94110
If you’re REALLY into chocolate, visit Dandelion Chocolates and maybe reserve one of the tours: https://www.dandelionchocolate.com/pages/experiences#tours
I am not a milk chocolate fan, prefer bittersweet; but Dandelion’s milk chocolate is superb - much less sweet than anybody else’s. Their product line-up offers some amazing flavors that are hard to find at most retailers, but are available at their stores.
Don’t forget a visit to the Ferry Plaza farmer’s market, which is VERY impressive for visitors! A relatively cheap way to nosh, as well.
Seafood: besides the places that others have mentioned, Sotto Mare in North Beach for cioppino, an “only in SF” dish. It’s local Dungeness crab season, so you can get your cioppino with crab. I also recommend Sam’s Grill in the FiDi for the seafood and the fact that they’re one of two places in the city (the other being Tadich Grill) where I know you can get Hangtown Fry: an omelet with bacon and fried oysters.
After reading the above, I’d suggest 5 Kings, Ernest, 7 Adams, Foreign Cinema (request outdoor table), The Morris, Prubechu (Guamanian - just because it’s not readily available everywhere), La Taqueria, Mijoté (Japanese/French), Hog Island Oyster Company in the Ferry Bldg., so you can kill one bird with two stones…
We dine out very often (no budget constraints, fortunately), and even “moderate” restaurants easily hit the $100/couple bar WITHOUT DRINKS OR TIP. Most restaurants in SF charge a health benefits fee of 2-4% plus close to 10% tax. Keep this in mind, especially if you are going to be using Uber/Lyft, in addition.
The SF Standard had this article recently, which you might find very useful (Warning: I don’t know if this link is free or not, since I have a subscription):
SF’s best cheap eats, according to a panel of restaurant pros
In a city better known for $300 tasting menus than meals under $15, we asked a dozen chefs and restaurant owners to share their favorite places for affordable eats. SF Cheap Eats from pros
BTW, if the weather is good - spectacular views and decent coffees at Round House Cafe, run by Equator Coffee:
Eater SF article: Round House Cafe opens
Wouldn’t bother with the food, but amazing views.
Also - a visit to one of the excellent SF pizzerias, like Doppio Zero; or a classic grill restaurant, like Hayes St. Grill or Tadich Grill (always best to go with the most popular dishes at ‘classic’ restaurants).
Haven’t tried this place in Hayes Valley, but their menu sounds interesting and isn’t expensive for SF:
Loquat
Menu: Loquat cafe menu
198 Gough Street, SF
open 8 - 5pm Wednesday - Monday, closed Tuesday
