San Francisco has always been known for its food. One of the best ways to savour the charm, culture, and uniqueness of the city is to try the endless food options present on every corner. However, apart from the world-class food, restaurants and diners in San Francisco also stand out for the ambience and service. A unique dining experiences with your loved one in the Golden City is truly a memorable and delicious affair.
For Unique Menus
AL’s Place (1499 Valencia St.)
Not every restaurant can boast that its produce comes exclusively from a single supplier. That is just one thing that distinguishes AL’s Place from the rest of the pack. There is also the fact that they use “every part of everything”, offers family-style services for a flat fee, and makes some of the most unbelievable French fries you have ever tasted. Having been named Bon Appetit’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’ does not hurt, either.
Fore Cinema (2534 Mission St.)
Foreign Cinema has made the list of San Fransisco’s top 100 restaurants for a whopping 17 years in a row. Captained by chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clark, Foreign Cinema offers an exquisite menu, oysters on the half shell, and retro, glamorous decor. Do not miss the Hamachi sashimi, warm rice cake, yuzu ponzu, avocado, serrano chillies, watermelon radish, and togarashi.
In Situ (151 Third St.) – Temporarily Closed
Did you know there is a place in San Francisco where you can enjoy dishes prepared by different chefs from all over the world? Chef Cory Lee curates a menu inspired by his talented peers in the world of food at In Situ. It seems only appropriate that this guided culinary experience across many styles and techniques be housed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Kennedy’s Irish Pub & Indian Curry House Restaurant (1040 Columbus Ave.)
The gang at Kennedy’s is so good at what they do that it is regarded as one of the city’s best pubs as well as the place to go for some of the city’s best Indian food. There is nothing quite like enjoying chicken tikka masala while shooting pool or pairing your Guinness with lamb vindaloo.
Off the Grid (Various Locations)
Where do you go if you want BBQ, pizza, crab sandwiches, and hoppy microbrews all at once? You got to Off the Grid, wherever they may be. This collection of food trucks and pop-up vendors has standing engagements around San Francisco, depending on the season. In warmer, drier months, you can find them every Sunday on the Main Lawn of the Presidio for a truly gut-busting, choose-your-own-adventure brunch.
State Bird Provisions (1529 Fillmore St.)
Champions of the farm-to-table ethos, Bay Area native Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski were determined to showcase local flavours in their food at State Bird Provisions. The diversity of their menu which sometimes change nightly celebrates and mirrors the diversity of San Francisco. Where else will you find jerk octopus, cheddar pancakes, and passion fruit pudding cake under one roof?
Straw (203 Octavia Blvd.)
Straw is known for its bizarre (and delicious) carnival-inspired comfort food. Case in point? The Ringmaster Donut Burger slaps a thick, juicy burger patty between two glazed donuts. If that won’t satisfy your sweet and salty tooth, try the Fried Chicken and Waffle Monte Cristo or grab a plate of funnel cake!
Sushirrito (475 Sansome St.)
San Fransisco is one of the first places to serve up the sushi burrito, and you cannot afford to miss it on a food tour of the city. Featuring delicious, sushi-grade fish, pickled veggies, perfectly sticky rice, various sauces, and more, the Sushirrito is a weird, wonderful, delicious treat that is wrapped for walking.
Zante Pizza (3489 Mission St.)
What happens when Indian cuisine meets an Italian staple? Enter Zante Pizza. This bold eatery features one of the city’s cross-cultural culinary masterpieces: sweet, spicy pizza baked on fresh, house-made naan bread.
For Unique Surroundings
Berber (1516 Broadway)
Come for the North African cuisine; stay for the dancers and aerial performers! Berber, located in picturesque Russian Hill, will stimulate all your senses with its unpredictable slate of live entertainment.
Lazy Bear (3416 19th St.)
In a city where chefs are likened to rock stars, Lazy Bear sells tickets to their dinner, much like a concert. Meals are served communally, and guests do not know what they will be eating until they arrive. The chefs describe each dish to the customers. It is like a dinner party but with new friends and globally recognized talent in the kitchen.
San Francisco International Airport
SFO has some of the greatest airport dining experiences in the world, primarily because restaurant space has been awarded to the best Bay Area restauranteurs and not national chains. Whether it be 1300 on Fillmore or Mustards Grill, you can get a first (or last) taste of the Bay Area within minutes of stepping off (or on) your flight.
Tadich Grill (240 California St.)
The oldest restaurant in California is an only-in-San-Francisco experience. Dining experiences at Tadich Grill, you will hear the rumble of the cable car right outside, be served by some of the most experienced waitstaff in the whole city, and even feel like a local celebrity if you dine in one of their classic, private booths.
Urban Putt (1096 South Van Ness Ave.)
Indoor mini-golf is unique in itself; but an indoor mini-golf with its own restaurant? Upstairs from the 14-hole course, inspired by San Francisco’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods, you can dine on anything from a fried chicken sandwich to vegan crepes. You may also take one of their terrific cocktails on the course with you.
Also Read: Find Out Your Idea Of A Perfect Valentine’s Day Date!
For Unique Staff
Asia SF (201 Ninth St.)
AsiaSF is a popular destination for both dinner and dancing. A multi-level establishment, the upstairs level offers dining experiences and entertainment. Dancers, who are also servers perform on and off the bar between taking orders. Once you are done eating, you can head downstairs to the establishment’s nightclub, which features a house DJ and visiting acts.
Atelier Crenn (3127 Fillmore St.) – Pickup and Delivery Available
Sure, the creations from the kitchen area in a class by themselves, but what makes Atelier Crenn so special is the woman behind it, Chef Dominique. 6362
