Iconic San Francisco Foods and Where to Find Them
San Francisco is a city of cultural diversity and innovation, which has greatly impacted its food scene. From fresh seafood to inventive fusion cuisine, the city offers a wide range of flavors reflecting its history and creative culinary community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, no trip to San Francisco is complete without indulging in its most famous foods. Here’s a guide to the iconic San Francisco foods and the best restaurants where you can experience them.
Sourdough Bread
Where to Try: Boudin Bakery
San Francisco is synonymous with sourdough bread, and no place is more iconic for this tangy treat than Boudin Bakery. Established in 1849, Boudin is credited with creating the city’s first sourdough, and the bakery still uses the same mother dough from the Gold Rush era. You can visit their flagship location at Fisherman’s Wharf, where they bake fresh sourdough daily, and watch the process in their museum-like bakery. Pair the bread with clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl for a truly San Francisco experience.
- Address: 160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Website: boudinbakery.com
Mission Burrito
Where to Try: La Taqueria
The Mission Burrito is not just a meal—it’s a local institution. Known for its large size, tightly packed with ingredients like carne asada, rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, this burrito has gained a cult following. For the best Mission-style burrito, head to La Taqueria in the heart of the Mission District. It’s a no-frills spot, but their flavorful burritos, made with high-quality ingredients, have earned them numerous accolades, including being named the best burrito in America by several food critics.
- Address: 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Website: lataqueriasf.com
Dungeness Crab
Where to Try: Scoma’s Restaurant
San Francisco’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it a prime destination for fresh seafood, and Dungeness Crab is the star of the show. During the crab season (typically November to June), this sweet, meaty crab is served at many seafood joints. Scoma’s Restaurant, located on Fisherman’s Wharf, is one of the city’s most beloved places to enjoy fresh, locally caught Dungeness crab. Their signature dish, “Lazy Man’s Cioppino,” is a local favorite, featuring crab and other seafood in a rich tomato broth.
- Address: Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Website: scomas.com
Irish Coffee
Where to Try: Buena Vista Café
San Francisco may not be the birthplace of the Irish Coffee. Still, the Buena Vista Café certainly put it on the map in the United States. This cozy café in Fisherman’s Wharf claims to have introduced Irish Coffee to the U.S. in 1952, and they’ve been perfecting it ever since. Their signature drink is a mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and thick cream, which they serve in glass mugs. Enjoying an Irish Coffee while overlooking the Bay is a quintessential San Francisco experience.
- Address: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Website: thebuenavista.com
Dim Sum
Where to Try: Yank Sing
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the most vibrant in North America. Dim sum is a must-try while exploring this neighborhood, and Yank Sing is the go-to spot for this traditional Chinese fare. Known for their freshly made dumplings, potstickers, and buns, Yank Sing offers a refined dim sum experience with a wide range of offerings, from classics like har gow (shrimp dumplings) to innovative dishes like Peking duck by the slice.
- Address: 101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Website: yanksing.com
Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Where to Try: Fisherman’s Wharf Street Vendors
Another famous dish that combines two San Francisco staples is clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. The creamy, rich clam chowder is a perfect complement to the tartness of the sourdough. While many restaurants offer this comfort food, the outdoor vendors along Fisherman’s Wharf are the best places to try it. These street-side stands serve piping hot chowder right out of the bread bowl, making it an ideal meal to enjoy while strolling along the waterfront.
- Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Where to Try: Ghirardelli Square
For chocolate lovers, a visit to Ghirardelli Square is a must. Founded in 1852, Ghirardelli is one of the oldest chocolate companies in the U.S. and a true San Francisco original. The historic Ghirardelli Chocolate Company offers everything from their famous chocolate squares to decadent sundaes topped with house-made hot fudge. Be sure to try their classic “World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae” while enjoying the beautiful views of the Bay from their flagship location.
- Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Website: ghirardelli.com
Cioppino
Where to Try: Tadich Grill
Italian fishermen invented Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew in San Francisco in the late 1800s. This dish reflects the city’s rich maritime history and is made with a mix of seafood like crab, clams, shrimp, and fish in a tomato and wine broth. For an authentic Cioppino, visit Tadich Grill, one of San Francisco’s oldest restaurants, serving this local specialty for over 150 years.
- Address: 240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Website: tadichgrill.com
And that’s your rundown of famous San Francisco foods. The city’s food scene is as diverse as its population, with iconic dishes that reflect San Francisco’s rich cultural and historical background. Whether savoring the tangy sourdough, devouring a Mission burrito, or enjoying fresh seafood, each bite tells the story of the city’s unique culinary heritage. Be sure to visit these famous restaurants for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure during your stay in San Francisco. And if you’re looking to bang out a few of these all in one fell swoop, check out my audio tour of Pier 39 where you can get clam chowder in a Boudin sourdough bread bowl (one of my favorites), warm up with an Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Café, and wrap it all up with some Ghirardelli ice cream or chocolate.
If you’re looking to further your San Francisco foodie tour, you can read my post on 25 must-visit restaurants in San Francisco.
Enjoy your culinary journey in the City by the Bay!
