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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

Thanks to both the ocean and an abundance of farms on its doorstep, San Francisco is big on farm-to-table and sustainable cuisine. Green-leanings aside, culinary talent runs rampant in SF – in fact, the Bay Area is one of the three areas in the US that the Michelin Guide series rates.

A long-standing immigrant community from the East translates to some of the best Asian food outside Asia.

What to try

Cioppino, a seafood stew made with Dungeness crab, that, rumour has it, traces its roots to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Creamy and white clam chowder is a local staple that came with settlers who’d moved West. For a real San Francisco experience, have it served in a carved-out bread bowl from one of the city’s iconic sourdough purveyors, like Boudin. Their flagship bakery is in Fisherman’s Wharf.

The bold and bursting-at-the-seams Mission-style burrito is a San Francisco invention, one loaded with beans, meat, cheese…the works! You’ll find it everywhere in the city’s Mission neighbourhood, where it originated.

Also look out for popular fortune cookies – apparently invented in Golden Gate Park. There’s a fortune cooking factory tucked away in the alleyways of Chinatown where you can watch them being made (and score a big bag to-go!).

The dining scene

With amazing restaurants filling all corners of SF, the question becomes where not to eat.

For delish Asian food, of course head to Chinatown. SF’s Outer Richmond neighbourhood is known for its dim sum eateries.

To try SF’s famous to-die-for ‘Mission’ burritos, look for hole-in-the-wall cafés in the Mission neighbourhood, which many Latin Americans call home.

Food trucks offer some of the city’s tastiest and most inventive dining options (think steamed bao buns and Ukrainian pyrizhky). Look for them in Golden Gate Park and the Presidio’s new Tunnel Tops experience.

Hot restaurants and cool bars populate buzzy districts like SOMA, while North Beach and the gay-beloved Castro are good bets for fun after dark.

Fancy, five-star eateries tuck behind Victorian facades in Nob Hill and Pacific Heights. However, scoring a reservation at a buzzy restaurant can be near impossible. To pull a seat up to a particularly hot table, try going during lunch.

Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Outdoor food amrket with stalls at the Ferry Buidling Marketplace

Three days a week, the Ferry Building hosts this, one of San Francisco’s best markets. Every morning to mid-afternoon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, more than 100 local purveyors set up shop offering top-quality, locally-grown produce.

Best for ages 13+

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Buena Vista Cafe

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Irish Coffee drinks being made on the bar counter at the famous Buena Vista cafe where it was invented, near the Powell Hyde cable car line

Hailed as the U.S. home of Irish coffee. Legend has it that in 1952, the cafe’s then-owner Jack Koeppler challenged a well-known travel writer to recreate a drink he’d had at Ireland’s Shannon Airport, and this local landmark has been serving them up (in an endless line along the bar) ever since.

Best for ages 18+

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Ferry Building Marketplace

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Ferry Building is a foodie hub, and the terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay and a shopping center

A historic transit centre turned food artisan marketplace that’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Best for ages 13+

Cooking & oysters at Cavallo Point

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Cooking & oysters at Cavallo Point

The Cavallo Point Lodge, 30 mins across the bay in Sausalito, operates one of the best ‘hotel cooking schools’ in the country. If you can, time your visit for one of their excellent classes, often featuring local recipes and the farm-to-table produce that the city is famous for, or one of the summer ‘Oyster experiences’, featuring local bay oysters. Book well ahead.

Adult price: £100

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 3 hours

When: Select dates

Frequency: Selected dates

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Cheese School of San Francisco

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Cheese School of San Francisco

Swing by the Cheese School of San Francisco for a 2-hour themed class (book ahead) in cheese pairing, gourmet souvenirs, or some simple fromage and wine tasting. It’s home to San Francisco’s only cheesemaking creamery.

Adult price: £100

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2 hours

When: Fridays

Frequency: Selected dates

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

When to do it

San Francisco is an early-to-bed city. Most restaurants open for dinner around 5ish and close up shop between 9 and 10pm.

For late-night eats, head to the Mission neighbourhood, where taquerias and a few artisan bars cater to hungry stomachs at least through midnight.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour

San Francisco

Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour
There are two Chinatowns, one that you see from a van or bus, and the one that can only be experienced on foot in the back alleys, food markets, and local restaurants. One Chinatown, the one from the bus, is interesting. Our Chinatown will surprise you with new adventures around every corner. In our Chinatown, artisans form Fortune Cookies by hand. In our Chinatown, artisans practice their craft in small alleys using techniques handed down for thousands of years. And in our Chinatown, the authentic cuisine will enliven your senses with new flavors, smells, and aromas. We'll explore exotic and unique Asian produce, herbs, and teas from the very people who know them best. We'll uncover their hidden secrets only intrepid locals know. And you'll be astonished by the new finds in secret alcoves. We'll spend about three hours eating everything from Dim Sum, fortune cookies, teas, and more.

Price: $79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [342 ratings]

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North Beach Food & History Walking Tour - Small Group

San Francisco

North Beach Food & History Walking Tour - Small Group
Join the behind the scenes of the first historical and food tour of North Beach. Enjoy tasting high local foods, see how these culinary delights are made, and learn about all the inside outs of the history of this vibrant neighborhood.

Price: $82

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [14 ratings]

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San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

San Francisco

San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Discover the cuisine, history, and culture of San Francisco's historical Mission District through this 3-hour food tour. You'll get to try many different culinary delights as your guide takes you and your small-group (up to 12) to 6 different locations. The Mission embodies an ever changing melting pot of flavors and culture along with award winning recipes that tell a story of a revolutionary city that has been shaped by significant social movements.

Price: $86

Min age: 0

Rating 4.74 / 5 [382 ratings]

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San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

San Francisco

San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour
On this guided food tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown, you will taste five different mouthwatering delights. Three of the tastings (enough for lunch) will be done seated inside the restaurants and two tastings will be done on the street in front of the establishment. In between delectable food tastings, your guide will tell fun and interesting stories about the history and culture of the neighborhood. It's a food, and culture walking tour with 5 tastings in 3 hours. Come eat with us!

Price: $89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [88 ratings]

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Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco

Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour in San Francisco
Embark on a culinary expedition in Chinatown, where the origins of the fortune cookie come to life, a myriad of dim sum and tea await your palate, and the stories of Chinese immigrants unfold. This delectable 3-hour experience introduces you to the local community and immerses you in the energetic pulse of the nation's most historic Chinatown. HIGHLIGHTS: + Full meal provided + Intimate group settings + Explore the hidden alleyways of Chinatown + Immerse in tales from the Gold Rush era + Enjoy premium bubble tea + Savor a time-honored pastry from a local bakery + Step inside the fortune cookie factory + Relish a grand dim sum spread + Delve deep into the world of Chinese tea (30-min) + Sample authentic Cantonese-style duck + Welcoming kids 8+; please inquire about younger This journey offers a profound immersion into Chinatown's lively essence for both the well-traveled and the inquisitive locals. Book your experience today!

Price: $89

Min age: 10

Rating 4.88 / 5 [105 ratings]

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North Beach Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour

San Francisco

North Beach Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
On this three hour guided food tour of North Beach, we'll visit 5 uniquely different mom-and-pop shops, ethnic eateries and restaurants and experience the history, architecture and culture of North Beach and the Barbary Coast.

Price: $89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [40 ratings]

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Mission District Food Tour

San Francisco

Mission District Food Tour
On the three hour Mission District Food Walking Tour, you will taste delectable foods from 5 uniquely different restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, ethnic eateries and bakeries. In addition to all the delectable foods you will be savoring, your guide will discuss the history, culture and food scene of the neighborhood. Join us on an eating adventure of San Francisco's Mission District.

Price: $89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [48 ratings]

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San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

San Francisco

San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Awaken your senses and tickle your taste buds on this culinary journey through San Francisco's famous Ferry Building! Sample San Francisco's bounty of local, seasonally grown food products including meats, cheeses, breads and chocolates, on this 90 minute tour that will delight foodies of all ages. The shops of the Ferry Building and adjoining thrice-weekly Ferry Plaza Farmers Market are revered by locals for their seasonal, sustainable produce and a tempting array of sweet treats. Join your epicurean concierge to discover the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco's artisanal food community! Please note that the Farmer's Market is active on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tours on all other days will spend more time and visits inside the building.

Price: $90

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [87 ratings]

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Curated 4-Course North Beach Culinary Experience

San Francisco

Curated 4-Course North Beach Culinary Experience
Go behind the scenes of North Beach’s food scene on this insider food walking tour. Your expert guide will lead you on an easy afternoon walk to popular and hidden spots that only locals know about to enjoy hearty food tastings. Visit 4 restaurants for a four course progressive meal where you'll be seated inside of the restaurants (2 appetizers, 1 entree, 1 dessert) Tastings may include wood-fired pizza or pinsa or arancini or cioppino (a San Francisco invented seafood stew) Eggplant parmesan or California gelato or tiramisu. You'll hear the stories of restaurant owners, learn local tips, and hear stories about this neighborhood’s interesting history, from the Gold Rush to the Prohibition era to today. This small-group tour is limited to 12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Price: $115

Min age: 21

Rating 4.95 / 5 [157 ratings]

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Mission District Food Tour (Appetizers, Entree, Dessert)

San Francisco

Mission District Food Tour (Appetizers, Entree, Dessert)
Taste your way through San Francisco’s historic Latin neighborhood, the Mission District, a colorful, cultural, trendy area brimming with great local eats. Following your knowledgeable guide on this 5 Star rated 4-course progressive meal, you'll visit four restaurants with each course served at a different restaurant (2 appetizers, 1 entree, 1 dessert). Along the way, you'll hear the stories of chefs and restaurant owners as well as tales of the neighborhood. You have the option to purchase an alcohol pairing at the time of the tour to enjoy three beverage pairings at each savory stop. Be sure to bring your appetite!

Price: $115

Min age: 12

Rating 4.83 / 5 [181 ratings]

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San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz

San Francisco

San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz
The historic Ferry Building and Alcatraz are two of San Francisco's most prolific attractions. On this not-to-be missed combo tour, you get to see them both in one day. First, enjoy 90 minutes in the Ferry Building to nibble on some of the city’s finest fare during a guided tour.  Please note that the Farmer's Market is active on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tours on all other days will spend more time and visits inside the building. After the food tour, walk over to Pier 33 to pick up your tickets and board your ferry to Alcatraz. On Alcatraz Island, the Cellhouse audio tour will captivate you with live recordings from the former prisoners.

Price: $174

Min age: 0

Rating 4.49 / 5 [151 ratings]

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The 10 Tastings of San Francisco: Private Food Walking Tour

San Francisco

The 10 Tastings of San Francisco: Private Food Walking Tour
Fall in love with the flavorful cuisine on the most delicious food tour in tow! Enjoy a selection of 10 food and drink tastings hand-picked by your foodie local insider. From yummy must-tries to unique dishes typical of the city; you’re in for a treat, so bring your appetite! Your foodie expert is ready to take you on the best food tour in town. All Withlocals Tours are private and can be 100% personalised to match your interest, diet and allergies.

Price: €219

Min age: 1

Rating 4.47 / 5 [40 ratings]

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Sausalito Food and Wine Tour

San Francisco

Sausalito Food and Wine Tour
Delight in a small-group experience exploring Sausalito's best restaurants through delicious offerings of food and wine. Enjoy this beautiful bay-side village with a long-time local (and foodie) who guides you with colorful conversations of how Sausalito began and evolved. Understand how important Sausalito was to Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Robin Williams, Clint Eastwood and so many more. Learn about colorful madam-turned -Mayor, Sally Stanford and how prohibition effected the town. Breathe in gorgeous views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, Alcatraz, East Bay and more. Walk the dock of sailboats on your way to dessert, taking in even more California History. Expect to eat enough food to satisfy lunch with 4-distinct courses. Some will be family-style and plated at the table. You might even get a charming visit from a seal, we usually do!

Price: $235

Min age: 21

Rating 4.93 / 5 [49 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Early morning low fog at Golden Gate Bridge

A beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food. Home to the magnificent red-ochre Golden Gate Bridge and the world’s most infamous prison, Alcatraz.