San Francisco is well known for many things like food. And, when you think of San Francisco restaurants many things can come to mind, and certainly one of these 12 restaurants will be on top of your list. Whether it is the rising cost of living, absurd rent, changing trends, and urban frustrations there are wildly famous restaurants that will always satisfy. So, we put together a list of 12 wildly famous restaurants in the 415 that are totally worth the hullabaloo.
- House of Prime Rib: 1906 Van Ness Avenue, 94108
Novy D/Yelp
Mae D/Yelp House of Prime Rib is a San Francisco Landmark that has been opened since 1949. The House of Prime Rib serves classic Prime Rib in the English tradition.
- The Cliff House: 1090 Point Lobos, 94121
Vinny M/Yelp
Corlina A. A/Yelp The Cliff House is a very popular and classic SF restaurant and attraction. Parking may be tough, but worth it for the views and old school ambiance. Go for the breakfast, brunch, desserts, and seafood here.
- Tadich Grill: 240 California Street, 94111
Norman Y/Yelp
Manda Bear B/Yelp Tadich Grill is believed to be the third oldest continuously run restaurant in America, and for good reason. Famous faces who’ve dined here include sports heroes Joe DiMaggio and Joe Montana and filmmakers George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. You too can throw on a bib and enjoy the fresh seafood just like these Bay Area icons.
- The Tonga Room: TheFairmont Hotel, 950 Mason Street, 94108
Joe M/Yelp
Joe M/Yelp What other restaurant in the city (let alone the USA) can you have a 75 foot swimming pool with mid century-modern Tiki decor? The Tonga Room delivers an eccentric allure along with food, drinks, and live music. This restaurant is wildly popular for many things beyond the food!
- The Stinking Rose: 325 Columbus Avenue, 94133
Isa C/Foursquare
Yun W/Yelp This garlic themed restaurant is a North Beach and SF institution. This world famous dining mecca with garlic driven dishes also offers colorful themed rooms and casual fun.
- Sears: 439 Powell Street, 94108
Dina Z/Yelp
Danielle S/Yelp Sears Fine Food opened in 1938, and some have claimed it feels like taking a step back in time. Sears is known for the ‘world famous 18 Swedish pancakes’ as well as great omelets. A classic SF restaurant with pizzazz and a very popular brunch!
- Tommy’s Joynt: 1101 Geary Blvd, 94109
Kevin Y/Yelp
Tracey A/Yelp Tommy’s is very popular and one of the last remaining old-school Hofbraus. This place is unforgettable from the moment you arrive, take some time to appreciate the giant vintage neon sign and the giant murals that cover the exterior walls at Tommy’s Joynt.
- Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood: 552 Green Street, 94133
Kaje Y/Yelp
Wilhelm Y/Yelp This charming, nautical-themed San Francisco institution is popular for good reason. Sotto serves up big portions of Italian-style seafood & pasta. Try the bacon chowder and go for the $1.50 oyster specials on Mondays and Saturdays. Worth the wait!
- Tartine Bakery & Cafe: 600 Guerrero Street, 94110
Viv R/Yelp
Cindy W/Yelp Lines are long here, and Tartine is not cheap. Outside of these factors Tartine is worth the hullaballoo! This Mission bakery is a “pastry paradise,” with quiche, tarts, and pastries to salivate for.
- Boulevard: 1 Mission Street, 94105
Tay T/Yelp
Elvis M/Yelp Boulevard is famous for French decor and scenic views of the Bay Bridge too. This is definitely a San Francisco favorite with incredible and rich food for special occasions. Noted chef Nancy Oakes serves an outstanding New American menu that includes spicy sesame ahi tuna tartare and fresh sea scallops.
- Nopa: 560 Divisadero Street, 94117
Andrew D/Yelp
Eric J/Yelp Elegant but without the stuffy vibe, Nopa in the neighborhood Nopa has been a favorite and wildly successful spot for those seeking simple, organic, rustic California comfort food. Yum!
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana: 1570 Stockton Street, 94133
Tom B/Yelp
Trina D/Yelp The famous Tony’s Pizza is well known and famous for having the best Margherita pizza. This place has a lot of accolades and support, so get to Tony’s early and eat up!
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Let us know what your experiences have been at any of these spots. If you’re curious about more restaurants in the city then check out These 10 Beachfront Restaurants Around San Francisco Are Out Of This World.
Novy D/Yelp
Mae D/Yelp
House of Prime Rib is a San Francisco Landmark that has been opened since 1949. The House of Prime Rib serves classic Prime Rib in the English tradition.
Vinny M/Yelp
Corlina A. A/Yelp
The Cliff House is a very popular and classic SF restaurant and attraction. Parking may be tough, but worth it for the views and old school ambiance. Go for the breakfast, brunch, desserts, and seafood here.
Norman Y/Yelp
Manda Bear B/Yelp
Tadich Grill is believed to be the third oldest continuously run restaurant in America, and for good reason. Famous faces who’ve dined here include sports heroes Joe DiMaggio and Joe Montana and filmmakers George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. You too can throw on a bib and enjoy the fresh seafood just like these Bay Area icons.
Joe M/Yelp
What other restaurant in the city (let alone the USA) can you have a 75 foot swimming pool with mid century-modern Tiki decor? The Tonga Room delivers an eccentric allure along with food, drinks, and live music. This restaurant is wildly popular for many things beyond the food!
Isa C/Foursquare
Yun W/Yelp
This garlic themed restaurant is a North Beach and SF institution. This world famous dining mecca with garlic driven dishes also offers colorful themed rooms and casual fun.
Dina Z/Yelp
Danielle S/Yelp
Sears Fine Food opened in 1938, and some have claimed it feels like taking a step back in time. Sears is known for the ‘world famous 18 Swedish pancakes’ as well as great omelets. A classic SF restaurant with pizzazz and a very popular brunch!
Kevin Y/Yelp
Tracey A/Yelp
Tommy’s is very popular and one of the last remaining old-school Hofbraus. This place is unforgettable from the moment you arrive, take some time to appreciate the giant vintage neon sign and the giant murals that cover the exterior walls at Tommy’s Joynt.
Kaje Y/Yelp
Wilhelm Y/Yelp
This charming, nautical-themed San Francisco institution is popular for good reason. Sotto serves up big portions of Italian-style seafood & pasta. Try the bacon chowder and go for the $1.50 oyster specials on Mondays and Saturdays. Worth the wait!
Viv R/Yelp
Cindy W/Yelp
Lines are long here, and Tartine is not cheap. Outside of these factors Tartine is worth the hullaballoo! This Mission bakery is a “pastry paradise,” with quiche, tarts, and pastries to salivate for.
Tay T/Yelp
Elvis M/Yelp
Boulevard is famous for French decor and scenic views of the Bay Bridge too. This is definitely a San Francisco favorite with incredible and rich food for special occasions. Noted chef Nancy Oakes serves an outstanding New American menu that includes spicy sesame ahi tuna tartare and fresh sea scallops.
Andrew D/Yelp
Eric J/Yelp
Elegant but without the stuffy vibe, Nopa in the neighborhood Nopa has been a favorite and wildly successful spot for those seeking simple, organic, rustic California comfort food. Yum!
Tom B/Yelp
Trina D/Yelp
The famous Tony’s Pizza is well known and famous for having the best Margherita pizza. This place has a lot of accolades and support, so get to Tony’s early and eat up!
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Address: 325 Columbus Avenue, 94133Address: 1906 Van Ness Avenue, 94108Address: 600 Guerrero Street, 94110Address: 240 California Street, 94111Address: 1090 Point Lobos, 94121Address: 552 Green Street, 94133Address: 950 Mason Street, 94108Address: 1101 Geary Blvd, 94109Address: 1570 Stockton Street, 94133Address: 439 Powell Street, 94108Address: 1 Mission Street, 94105Address: 560 Divisadero Street, 94117