In celebration of Super Bowl 50, being played at Levi’s Stadium in 2016, we’ve rounded up the top seven places to eat and drink in San Francisco taking you on a circuit around the globe through your tastebuds.
San Francisco is 49 square miles of heaven to your tastebuds.
This is one of the most innovative, forward-thinking culinary scenes in the U.S. Not only is the freshest food locally grown year-round within a short distance, but also we have diversity that you can only experience by traveling around the world.
1. 1601 Bar & Kitchen (1601 Howard St.)
Image Source: Serious Eats
This under-the-radar Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant is truly a hidden gem—you’ll encounter fascinating flavors in elegantly executed dishes (don’t miss the egg hopper and mulligatawny soup), and the room has a modern and urban look to it.
The experience over-delivers, and you’ll find quality wines (and beers) on the list. Don’t leave without eating the open-faced chicken curry sandwich. www.1601sf.com
2. Absinthe Brasserie (398 Hayes St.)
Image Source: Venue Book
Hayes Valley mainstay Absinthe has a classic, long bar and bistro-esque lounge, where many a walk-in diner can enjoy oysters and a burger. The cocktails are top-notch, the restaurant lively and they even have late night hours.
Don’t leave without eating the french onion soup gratinee and soft garlic pretzels. www.absinthe.com
3. Alioto’s #8 (8 Fisherman’s Wharf)
Image Source: TripAdvisor
The oldest restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf serves some of the freshest seafood and Sicilian specialties complemented by spectacular views. Still operated by the original Alioto family, there’s also Alioto’s Waterside Café for casual dining.
And this popular spot offers free parking. Don’t leave without eating the fried calamari. www.aliotos.com
4. Boudin Bakery (160 Jefferson St.)
Image Source: Visit Fishermans Wharf
The Boudin family came to San Francisco in 1849 and struck gold of the culinary kind. When they exposed yeast that was going to be made into French bread to the San Francisco air, sourdough bread as we know it was created.
As the original creator of sourdough bread, they have a permanent place on this list and in our hearts. Don’t leave without eating the sourdough bread. www.boudinbakery.com
Brenda’s French Soul Food (625 Polk St.)
5. Jardiniere (300 Grove St.)
Image Source: Rezku
This upscale French restaurant has a spacious bar and lounge area, which services the post-symphony/opera crowds—try to time your visit for after the shows have started and you can expect to slip in.
Don’t leave without eating and drinking the Monday night prix fixe with wine pairings. www.jardiniere.com
6. Cliff House (1090 Point Lobos Ave.)
Image Source: Redtri
If you are making a trip out to walk through Land’s End trail and Sutro Baths, replenish yourself at the Cliff House. Founded in 1863, the Cliff House was once a questionable meeting place for less savory citizens and has burnt down several times, with the current building dating from 1938.
The delectable selection of seafood paired with arguably one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean makes this a perfect place for any occasion. Don’t leave without eating popovers (breakfast/brunch) and grilled mahi mahi filet. www.cliffhouse.com
7. Coqueta (Pier 5)
Chef Michael Chiarello’s Spanish-inspired restaurant has a view of the water at a few of the tables, and the bar area (and outdoor patio) always draw a crowd enjoying gin and tonics, the extensive menu of hot and cold tapas, and larger plates (like paella).
Don’t leave without eating the grilled albondigas and octopus. www.coquetasf.com